Michigan CDL - Air Brakes Practice Exam

What should be done if the low air pressure warning signal activates while driving a vehicle with air brakes?

1. Speed up to reach a service station

2. Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and have it repaired

3. Ignore it if brakes feel normal

4. Switch off the warning system

The correct answer is: Bring the vehicle to a complete stop and have it repaired

When the low air pressure warning signal activates while driving a vehicle equipped with air brakes, the appropriate response is to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and have it repaired. This is essential because low air pressure indicates a potential failure in the air brake system, which could lead to a complete loss of braking ability. Air brakes rely on sufficient pressure to function effectively, and if that pressure drops too low, the brakes may not engage or may fail to hold the vehicle securely, posing a serious safety hazard. Addressing the signal promptly and ensuring the vehicle is safe for operation helps prevent accidents and ensures compliance with safety regulations. While it may be tempting to speed up to reach a service station or to ignore the signal if the brakes feel normal, those actions can significantly compromise safety. It’s critical to treat any warning about air pressure seriously and to operate under the understanding that air brake systems require careful attention and maintenance. Ignoring the warning or disabling it could put both the driver and others on the road at risk.