MODEL 330 OPERATOR'S MANUAL - Peterbilt Motors Company

Preventive Maintenance
Tires and Wheels
Tire Inspection and Replacement
Visually inspect your tires frequently for any abnormal conditions
such as scrapes, bulges, and uneven wear. This must
be done immediately after known or suspected contact with
an object in the road, with a pothole, road irregularity or after
severe braking. Refer these conditions to an Authorized Tire
Service Center for repair or replacement. Never drive on a
tire if such conditions appear.
If the tire looks underinflated, stand off to the side and check
for damage to the wheel assembly. This can be done by visually
comparing the wheel in question to other wheels on the
vehicle. For dual wheel assemblies, check between the
wheels for damage. If any damage is found, or you suspect
damage, do not attempt further repair. Call for expert tire service.
Tire Inflation and Loading
Low pressure is a tire’s worst enemy. Underinflation allows
tires to flex improperly, causing high temperatures to build up.
Heat causes early tire damage such as flex break, radial
cracks, and ply separation. And low pressure may affect control
of your vehicle, especially at the front wheels.
Tire Inflation
WARNING! Do not operate vehicle with underinflated
tires. The extra heat caused by underinflation
can cause sudden tire failure such as a tire
fire or blow out. Low pressure may affect control
at the front wheels, which could result in an accident
and serious injury. Keep your tires inflated
to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure.
Most tire wear problems are caused by underinflation as the
result of slow leaks. So you will want to check tire pressure
regularly. Give the tires a visual test every day, and check
inflation with a gauge every week.
When checking tire pressure, inspect each tire for damage to
sidewalls, cuts, cracks, uneven wear, rocks between dual
wheels (tires), etc. If a tire appears underinflated, check for
Model 330 PB1318 3/01 – 173 –