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alexanderraven3

Skoda Fabia Tire Pressure ABS and Steering Issues

I have a 2016 Skoda Fabia with a gasoline engine and about 157378 kilometers on it. Recently, the low tire pressure warning light came on, along with the ABS lamp. The steering wheel vibrates/shakes noticeably, and it takes more effort to steer, suggesting the power steering may have failed or is impaired. I've visually inspected all four tires and inflated them to the recommended pressure, but the warning persists. Could a defective valve in one of the tires be causing a slow air leak and pressure loss?

4 comment(s)

helmutthunder1

That combination of symptoms is concerning. A low tire can trigger the ABS warning due to differences in wheel speed detected by the system. The vibrations and steering issues suggest a significant pressure loss in one of your tires. Have you thoroughly checked all your tires for punctures or damage, including the sidewalls? Even a slow air leak can cause these problems. Verify the pressure with a reliable tire gauge, not just the TPMS, after you inflated tires.

alexanderraven3 (Author)

I inflated tires to the recommended pressure listed on the door jamb sticker after checking with my tire gauge. The low tire pressure warning reappeared after only a short drive, though. If it's not a visible puncture and I'm still experiencing rapid pressure loss, what else could be the cause? Is it possible the tire pressure monitoring system itself is faulty, or could it be something more sinister like a suspension issue?

helmutthunder1

If the pressure drops quickly after inflating, even without a visible puncture, a defective valve stem is a prime suspect. It could also be a small leak where the tire bead seats against the rim. Given the ABS involvement and steering issues, I'd advise against driving it further. Get it to a workshop; they can perform a dunk test to pinpoint the air leak and properly diagnose any related damage to the power steering system caused by the increased strain from potentially driving with a significantly deflated tire.

alexanderraven3 (Author)

It was a faulty valve in one of the tires, as suspected. All four tires were properly inflated, but the pressure loss continued because of the defective valve. I got it replaced at the workshop; the total repair cost was 280€.

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