Driver Guide

Low Air Pressure in a Truck
What to Do First

Safe, general first steps. Truck down near Ocala or Wildwood? Call (352) 662-9996.

Safety First

Pull Over Safely

Get as far off the travel lanes as you safely can, or take the next exit if the truck can make it safely.
Turn on your hazard flashers right away.
Set out your three warning triangles as soon as you can, and within 10 minutes. On a divided road like I-75, federal rule 49 CFR 392.22 says one about 10 feet behind the truck on the traffic side, one about 100 feet back and one about 200 feet back.
Stay clear of traffic. If you are in danger, call 911. In Florida you can dial *FHP (*347) for the Highway Patrol.
Then call (352) 662-9996 with your exit or mile marker and what the truck is doing.

Sources: 49 CFR 392.22 (warning devices), Florida Highway Patrol, FL511 traffic. This is general safety info, not a repair manual. Follow your truck maker's manual and your company's rules.

Next Steps

If You Have a Low Air Warning

If the low-air warning comes on or the buzzer sounds, slow down and pull off in a safe spot while you still have control. Federal rule 49 CFR 393.51 says the warning must come on at 55 psi or below (or half the governor cutout pressure, whichever is less).
As air drops further, spring brakes can apply on their own. Don't wait for that to happen in a travel lane.
Once stopped, set the brakes, hazards and triangles. Listen for the leak: tractor or trailer, front or back.
Don't crawl under the truck on the shoulder. Let the mechanic do that.

Source: 49 CFR 393.51.

Call

Call for a Local Mechanic

Alligator Diesel is a 24/7 roadside diesel repair call line. We do not fix trucks ourselves. We connect you with a local partner shop or mobile mechanic, and the work depends on which shop is available.

☎ (352) 662-9996

Before You Call

What to Tell the Dispatcher

Where you are: road, mile marker, exit or truck stop
Truck and trailer type
What the truck is doing and any warning lights
If you are in a safe spot

Services

Related Services

Air & Brakes

Areas

Towns We Cover

Ocala, FL Wildwood, FL Belleview, FL The Villages, FL Leesburg, FL Bushnell, FL Reddick, FL Lake City, FL I-75 hub

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with an air leak to the next exit?

Only if the gauge holds and you can stop safely. If the warning stays on or pressure keeps dropping, stop in a safe spot and call.

What should I tell the mechanic about an air leak?

Where you hear it, whether it leaks with brakes on or off, and how fast the pressure drops.

What should I do first when my truck breaks down on the shoulder?

Turn on your hazard flashers and get as far off the travel lanes as you safely can. Federal rules (49 CFR 392.22) say to set out your warning triangles within 10 minutes. In Florida you can dial *FHP (*347) for help from the Highway Patrol. Then call us with your exit or mile marker.

Do you do the repairs yourselves?

No. Alligator Diesel connects your call with a local mobile diesel repair shop, and that shop does the work.

Low Air Pressure in a TruckWhat to Do First