HGV Walk Around Check

These should not be missing, broken, obscured or of the incorrect colour

You must ensure that:

• All lights and indicators are working correctly.
• All dashboard warning lamps are fully functional, such as the parking brake warning lamp, ABS warning lamp, full headlamp warning lamp, etc.
• When the service brake is applied, the stop lamps come on. You must also check that when the service brake is released, the stop lamps go out.
• Marker lights are present and in full working order.

It’s important that:

• Your windscreen is properly aligned and secured.
• You have a full view of the road, ensuring that it isn’t obstructed by discoloured or damaged glass, windscreen cracks or other obstructions such as stickers or objects hanging from your rear-view mirror.
• Your wipers move continuously when turned to the on position.
• Windscreen wipers aren’t damaged or worn, this ensures they can effectively clear the windscreen of water, leaves and other elements which may obstruct your view.
• The windscreen washers are pointing directly at the screen and are fully operational.
• Washer fluid is kept topped up, especially before long journeys.

If you identify a crack or chip on your windscreen, contact a member of our friendly and qualified team. We’ll be able to promptly and reliably replace it for you, ensuring you can safely continue your journey. For complete peace of mind and to ensure the safety of both yourself and other road users, we will always recommend that cracked or damaged windscreens are replaced. To learn more, get in touch with us today.

Each wheel and tyre must be meticulously inspected before and after each journey. You must make sure that:

• All tyres have a minimum tread depth of 1mm.
• Each tyre is sufficiently inflated.
• The sidewall is free from deep cuts.
• There aren’t any visible cords on any of the tyres.
• All wheel nuts are present and secure.

You must ensure that the load you’re transporting has been adequately secured and that the container has been fitted with an adequate and effective secondary locking device.

You must check that:

• The service brake effectively operates both the tractor and trailer brakes (where applicable).
• The tractor’s parking brake is fully operational.

Either of these checks can be done with the help of a colleague, asking them to watch the trailer brakes in operation as you press down on the pedal. Other brake checks include:

• Ensuring that the service brake pedal doesn’t have missing, loose or incomplete anti-slip prevention or excessive side play.
• Making sure the trailer parking brake is fully functional by having a colleague operate it as you conduct the walkaround checks.

It’s important that:

• The steering is checked for excessive play.
• You check for leaks underneath the vehicle.
• All major steering components are present and in good condition.
• You have full access to the horn at all times, from the driver’s seat.
• The horn works when pressed.

You must ensure that:

• The battery is securely and safely held in place. It must not be secured using its own cables.
• The battery isn’t leaking. If this is the case, the battery must be immediately replaced.
• All visible wiring is fully insulated.
• Insulated wiring isn’t in a position where it’s in danger of being chafed.
• All electrical switch components operate correctly.

While the engine is on, check that:

• There aren’t any leaks underneath the vehicle, whether it be fuel or oil.
• The fuel filler cap can be easily located and operated.
• If leaks are detected that don’t appear to be fuel or oil, check for other causes. It could be power steering fluid, water or other liquids.