HGV tyre checks during the daily walkaround

Use the complete DVSA check, then focus on tyres

DVSA’s HGV walkaround guidance covers the whole vehicle. Its tyre and wheel section includes security, correct inflation, tread, deep cuts, visible cords, wheel fixings and objects between twin wheels.

Carry out the check in a suitable place under your operator’s procedure. This article is a reminder, not a sign-off sheet for the entire vehicle. Do not improvise repairs, go under an unsupported vehicle or handle a suspect pressurised tyre assembly.

Observe the tyres without relying on one glance

Look at the accessible tyre surfaces and note cuts, bulges, abnormal wear or visible reinforcement. Report a section you cannot inspect rather than silently recording it as satisfactory. Inner tyres and hidden areas may need the operator’s arrangements for appropriate inspection.

Describe the position consistently: tractor or trailer, axle, side and inner or outer. A report that says “rear tyre bad” gives the maintenance team much less to act on than the exact position and visible symptom.

Tread depth is a different rule from car tyres

For HGVs over 3,500kg gross vehicle weight, the minimum is 1mm across a continuous band covering at least any three-quarters of the tread breadth, around the entire circumference. The original grooves must remain visible over the rest. DVSA sets out the HGV requirement.

A single favourable reading does not establish compliance everywhere. Wear, damage and vehicle use also matter. Follow the operator’s inspection procedure and escalation threshold rather than planning to run every tyre exactly to the legal limit.

Check pressure and wheel concerns through the right process

A tyre looking round is not a reliable pressure measurement. Use the approved pressure information and maintenance process for the vehicle and load; pressure checking and inflation of commercial assemblies must be handled by competent personnel with suitable equipment.

Look for missing or suspect fixings and movement of wheel-nut indicators where fitted. Indicators are an aid, not proof of correct torque. Report concerns for competent assessment. Do not tighten random nuts by feel and treat that as clearance to drive.

Report the result so action can be traced

Vehicle / trailer:
Date and check time:
Axle, side and inner / outer position:
Observed defect or area not inspected:
Person notified:
Instruction received / rectification reference:

Use your operator’s actual form or system. Record a nil-defect result under that process too. If a concern appears later in the journey, find a safe stopping place and report it; the morning check does not cover a newly developing fault.

After tyre work, close the maintenance loop

Keep the defect and rectification records connected. Ask for the tyre specification fitted and any wheel-fixing or pressure follow-up instruction, then pass it to the person responsible under the maintenance system.

The operator should also monitor tyre age and approved fitments. A driver walkaround cannot assess every aspect of internal tyre condition. Mobile replacement is one response to a tyre defect, while wheel damage or other problems may need different work. Fix My Tyre does not offer puncture repairs.

Common questions