Wheel loss is one of the most dangerous — and most preventable — failures in road transport. A single lost wheel at motorway speed can lead to devastating consequences for other road users and result in criminal charges, not just DVSA action.

The DVSA’s Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness is clear: operators must have effective systems in place to ensure wheel nuts are correctly torqued and regularly checked. You must be able to show:

• Wheel security is part of daily walkaround checks

• Wheels are correctly torqued after any removal

• A re-torque is completed within 30–60 minutes or 40–80km of use

• Torque values are recorded, and staff are trained to understand them

This isn't just workshop policy — it’s a legal duty.

Best practice includes:

• Using wheel nut indicators to visually detect movement

• Documenting every torque and re-torque in a simple log sheet

• Including wheel security in driver training and defect reporting

• Making sure wheels are fitted only by competent staff using calibrated equipment

• Setting reminders or tagging wheels after they’ve been refitted, to prompt re-torque checks

Hauliers Hub members can access downloadable torque record sheets, wheel security briefings, and training guidance to support internal checks and audits.

Don’t wait for a lost wheel to highlight a gap in your system — it’s one of the fastest ways to end up at a Public Inquiry.

✅ Want to upgrade your wheel security process or download our compliance toolkit?

Join Hauliers Hub today and get full access to our safety templates, driver briefings, and compliance checklists.