It is important you carry out a HGV walkaround check before your journey to make sure it’s safe.
You need to ensure the HGV is fit for the journey and safe for yourself and other road users. We have listed all of the checks below which need to be looked over daily before you start your journey.
If you spot any defects, you can contact Serviceco immediately and we can arrange for any maintenance and repairs.
Check inside the vehicle
Mirrors and glass
Check that the windscreen/side mirrors are not:
- cracked
- scratched
- discoloured
- excessively tinted
- damaged or missing glass
If a camera system is used instead of a mirror, check that it works and the view is correct.
Windscreen wipers and washers
Make sure the windscreen wipers work. Check that they are not:
- missing
- damaged or worn
Make sure the windscreen washer is working.
Front view
Check that no objects get in the way of your front view. Some official stickers and road safety items are allowed, as long as they do not seriously block your view of the road.
Dashboard warning lights and gauges
Check that all of these are working correctly:
- instruments
- gauges
- warning lights – including the engine warning, emissions system, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic braking system (EBS)
Steering
Check that the steering wheel:
- moves properly and that the power-assisted steering works correctly
- has no excessive play
- does not jam
Horn
Check that the horn works and is easily accessible from the driver’s seat.
Brakes and air build-up
Check that:
- the air builds up correctly and warning system works
- there are no air leaks
- the footwell is clear
- the service brake operates both the tractor and trailer brakes
- the parking brake works
- the service brake pedal does not have excessive side play or missing, loose or incomplete anti-slip tread
Height marker
Check the correct vehicle height is displayed on the vehicle height marker in the cab.
Seatbelts
Check that seatbelts:
- do not have any cuts, damage or fraying that may stop them from working
- stay secure when you plug them in
- retract against you when fitted, and fully retract when you take them off
Check outside the vehicle
Lights and indicators
Check that:
- all lights and indicators work correctly
- all lenses are fitted, clean and the right colour
- stop lamps come on when you apply the service brake and go out when you release it
- marker lights are fitted and work
Fuel and oil leaks
Check that the fuel filler cap is fitted correctly. Turn on the engine and check underneath the vehicle for any fuel or oil leaks.
Battery security and conditions
Check that your battery is:
- secure
- in good condition
- not leaking
Diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue)
Check that your diesel vehicle has enough AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid and top up if necessary.
Excessive engine exhaust smoke
Check that the exhaust does not emit an excessive amount of smoke.
Security of body and wings
Check that:
- all fastening devices work
- cab doors and trailer doors are secure when closed
- body panels on tractor or trailer are secure and not likely to fall off
- landing legs (if fitted) are secure and not likely to fall off while driving
- sideguards and rear under-run guards are fitted if required, and that they’re not insecure or damaged
Spray suppression
If spray suppression flaps are required, check that they are:
- fitted
- secure
- not damaged
- not clogged with mud or debris
Tyres and wheel fixing
Check that:
- the tyres and wheels are secure
- the tyres have a tread depth of at least 1mm
- the tyres are inflated correctly
- there are no deep cuts in the tyre’s sidewall
- there is no cord visible anywhere on the tyre
- all wheel nuts are tight enough – you can check if wheel nut indicators (if fitted) have moved to do this
- there are no objects or debris trapped between the twin wheels
Brake lines and trailer parking brake
Check that:
- couplings are free from debris and are in the right place
- there are no leaks
- there is no damage or wear to the brake lines
- the parking brake for the trailer works
Electrical connections
Check each connection and make sure that all:
- visible wiring is insulated
- visible wiring is not likely to get caught or damaged
- all electrical trailer couplings are connected securely
- all electrical switches work correctly
Coupling security
Check that your vehicle is securely attached to your trailer and that the:
- trailer is located correctly in the fifth wheel or coupling
- secondary locking devices are in the correct position
Security of load
Check that the load does not move and is not likely to move. Make sure you use the right type of load securing system for the load.
Number plate
Check that the number plate is not:
- broken or incomplete
- incorrect or spaced incorrectly
- dirty
- faded
- covered over by anything
Reflectors
Check that the reflectors (including side reflectors) are not:
- missing
- broken
- insecure
- fitted incorrectly
- the wrong colour
- obscured by dirt or other objects
Markings and warning plates
Check that the vehicle’s markings (including conspicuity markings) are:
- the right colour
- visible
- securely fastened
- not obscured by dirt or other objects
If the vehicle is carrying dangerous goods, check that the hazard information panels are:
- show the correct information for the load
- visible
- securely fastened
- not obscured by dirt or other objects
Other check items
You might need to check other items specific to the vehicle, for example, loading or specialised equipment.
If you require further advice or need to contact us in regards to maintaining a vehicle, call us on 0330 124 5653 or email info@serviceco.co.uk.
Credit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carry-out-daily-heavy-goods-vehicle-hgv-walkaround-checks