What is the legal tread depth for an HGV tyre?

At least 1mm across three-quarters of the breadth and around the whole circumference for goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes — less than the 1.6mm required for cars and vans.

Do I need to check inner tyres?

Yes — inner tyres on twin-wheel axles are easy to miss but wear and deflate just like the outers, and are a common cause of unseen defects.

Should I record tyre pressure?

A visual check is the daily minimum, but recording pressures with a gauge gives stronger evidence and catches slow leaks early.

Walkaround check guide

How to check tyres on a daily walkaround

Tyres are the most common cause of roadside prohibitions, and the easiest defect to spot if you know what you're looking at. Here's the daily tyre check, done properly.

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In short

Tyres take the whole weight of the vehicle and its load, so a tyre defect is both a safety risk and an enforcement priority. The daily walkaround tyre check is a quick visual and tactile inspection of every tyre — including inner tyres on twin-wheel axles — before the vehicle is used.

What to check

Checking tyres, step by step

Tread depth across the tyre — at least 1mm for HGVs and PCVs, 1.6mm for vans up to 3.5 tonnes
Cuts, bulges, lumps or exposed cords in the sidewall or tread
Obvious under- or over-inflation (visual and, ideally, a gauge)
Objects trapped between twin tyres and stones in the tread
Wheel fixings and nuts secure — check any nut-position indicators
Valve caps present and valves undamaged

Common defects

Tread below the legal limit

Cuts and bulges in the sidewall

Under-inflation causing overheating

Loose or missing wheel nuts

When to fail it

Fail the item if tread is at or below the legal limit anywhere, if there's any cut deep enough to reach the cords, any bulge, or a loose wheel fixing. Take the vehicle off the road until the tyre is replaced.

Why it matters

Tyre and wheel defects are among the most common reasons for a roadside prohibition (PG9), and a blow-out from a worn or damaged tyre on a loaded HGV is a serious safety risk.

More guides

Other walkaround check items

Checking brakes Checking lights Checking mirrors & glass Checking steering Checking leaks & fluids Checking wipers & washers Checking load security Checking coupling Checking number plates

FAQ

Checking tyres, answered

Keep reading

Walkaround checksThe full DVSA daily walkaround check app for every vehicle.The complete guideWhat a DVSA walkaround check is and the duties behind it.Free check listThe full DVSA daily walkaround check list, free to download.

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