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‘Gave Me a Heart Attack:’ Man’s Honda Civic Alerts Him. Then He Realizes It’s Because of a Little-Known Change to New Hondas

'Mazda also does this without sensors. Weirdest system ever.'

Honda Tire Alert

Photo by: Unsplash.com

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Jul 1, 2025 at 1:00pm ET

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TikToker Tristen (@tristonschaos) posted a photo sharing his annoyance with Honda and how it made a minor change that caused a moment of panic.

The post has generated nearly 7,000 views as of this writing.

It prompted a discussion about indirect vs direct tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) among viewers. Many shared their preference while the room was split on which one was better.

How Does TPMS Work?

According to Discount Tire, the TPMS symbol is a yellow exclamation mark inside a tire cross-section. This indicator will light up on your vehicle's dashboard when the recommended level of tire air pressure drops by 25% or more.

Having a TPMS sensor helps prevent underinflated tires from turning into a bigger problem down the road. These sensors also monitor changes in outside temperatures that cause fluctuations in tire pressure. Being on top of air tire pressure measuring will support better fuel efficiency, extend tire life, and overall vehicle stability and safety.

TPMS sensors became mandatory in 2007, TireReview reports. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to tires with proper inflation, Consumer Reports shared. The study also mentions that tires underinflated up to 25% run the risk of overheating, leading to failure, and affecting handling and tread life.

What is the Difference Between Indirect and Direct TPMS?

In his post, Tristen reveals his frustration over how the Honda Civic alert has switched from direct TPMS to indirect TPMS.

“My tire light went off from my PSI going up from the hot weather. This gave me a heart attack for no reason,” Tristen posts.

TPMS sensors are either direct or indirect, J.D. Power reports. Direct TPMS sensors are installed directly within the tires to measure air pressure. Indirect TPMS sensors monitor wheel speed and estimate tire pressure based on the wheels’ rotation.

Tech Tire Repairs listed out the difference between indirect and direct.

Direct TPMS:

Actual tire pressure reading. Sensor inside the tires.
More accurate than indirect.
The battery lasts about 10 years.
No need to reset the indicator sign after inflation or tire rotation.

Indirect TPMS:

Tire resolution reading. The sensor measures wheel speed
Less accurate than direct.
Less expensive than direct.
Must reset the indicator sign after every inflation or tire rotation.

Direct TPMS, being inside the wheel with a longer-lasting battery, will give a more accurate reading. Indirect TPMS doesn’t measure tire pressure directly, Bridgestone Tire reports. An indirect TPMS typically relies on wheel speed sensors that the anti-lock brake system uses to notify the driver if the pressure appears to be off.

This content creator got scared when he saw his TPMS warning sign go off due to his tires' PSI increasing from the hot weather. However, because his Honda Civic has indirect TPMS, he didn’t know what the PSI was measured at, leading to panic.

Tristen responded to viewers' comments, writing, “Everyone is talking about how indirect is cheaper, but I don’t care. I want to know my PSI at all times.”

When Did Honda Switch From Direct to Indirect TPMS Sensors?

According to Tomorrow’s Technician, Honda made the switch from direct to indirect TPMS sensors in 2013.

Viewers speculated this move was made due to easier maintenance and the reduction of costs.

“Lots of companies do that now, I’d assume it's cheaper for them,” one commenter shared.

“They used indirect because it's way easier and way cheaper to maintain. Oh no, you have to hold the button to reset it sometimes, the horror,” a second commenter trolled.

While some understood the move, others agreed with Tristen on missing direct TPMS.

“Direct actually knows the pressure, indirect doesn't,” one added.

“Direct is fire cause with my Nissan when I fill it up it can honk when it’s the right pressure,” a second shared.

What do you think?

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While the two sensors operate differently, they both serve the same purpose and activate the same indicator light. For measuring tire pressure, it’s always handy to keep a tire gauge in the car in addition to having a direct or indirect TPMS. According to Bridgestone Tire, going straight to the source with a tire gauge is always the best option for an accurate reading.

Motor1 has contacted Tristen via TikTok direct message. This story will be updated should he respond.

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