Vehicle Wheels and Tyre Systems — City & Guilds Limited End-Point Assessment Motor Vehicle & Transport Revision

    This element covers the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to safely maintain vehicle wheels and tyres, including understanding relevant legislatio

    Topic Synopsis

    This element covers the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to safely maintain vehicle wheels and tyres, including understanding relevant legislation and organisational procedures. Learners must demonstrate the ability to locate and interpret technical information, explain how wheel and tyre systems function, and competently perform removal, replacement, and inspection tasks using appropriate tools and equipment. The focus is on ensuring safety, compliance, and correct working practices in a real-world motor vehicle environment.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Vehicle Wheels and Tyre Systems

    CITY & GUILDS LIMITED
    vocational

    This element covers the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to safely maintain vehicle wheels and tyres, including understanding relevant legislation and organisational procedures. Learners must demonstrate the ability to locate and interpret technical information, explain how wheel and tyre systems function, and competently perform removal, replacement, and inspection tasks using appropriate tools and equipment. The focus is on ensuring safety, compliance, and correct working practices in a real-world motor vehicle environment.

    10
    Learning Outcomes
    22
    Assessment Guidance
    26
    Key Skills
    10
    Key Terms
    29
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    City & Guilds Entry Level Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance (Entry 3)
    City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
    City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
    City & Guilds Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance
    City & Guilds Entry Level Award in Vehicle Systems Maintenance (Entry 3)
    City & Guilds Entry Level Certificate in Vehicle Systems Maintenance (Entry 3)

    Topic Overview

    The City & Guilds Entry Level Diploma in Vehicle Systems Maintenance (Entry 3) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce you to the basic principles of maintaining and repairing vehicle systems. This diploma covers essential topics such as engine operation, braking systems, steering and suspension, electrical systems, and routine servicing procedures. It is ideal if you are starting your journey in the motor vehicle industry and want to gain practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

    This qualification matters because it provides a stepping stone into the automotive sector, which is vital to the UK economy. By understanding how key vehicle systems work and how to maintain them safely, you will develop the confidence to progress to higher-level qualifications, such as Level 1 or Level 2 diplomas. The course emphasises health and safety, correct tool use, and basic diagnostic techniques, preparing you for real-world workshop environments.

    Within the wider subject of Motor Vehicle & Transport, this diploma sits at the entry level, meaning it assumes no prior experience. It focuses on core systems common to most vehicles, giving you a broad understanding before specialising later. You will learn through a mix of classroom theory and hands-on practical sessions, ensuring you can apply what you learn directly to vehicles.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Health and Safety: Always follow workshop safety rules, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety glasses and overalls, and using tools correctly to prevent accidents.
    • →Engine Systems: Understand the four-stroke cycle (intake, compression, power, exhaust) and basic engine components such as pistons, cylinders, and spark plugs.
    • →Braking Systems: Know the difference between disc and drum brakes, and how hydraulic pressure is used to apply braking force.
    • →Electrical Systems: Learn about the battery, alternator, and starter motor, and how to check basic circuits using a multimeter.
    • →Routine Servicing: Be able to perform tasks like checking fluid levels, replacing oil and filters, and inspecting tyres for wear and pressure.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • Identify legislative requirements for tyre condition, including minimum tread depth and common defects.
    • Locate and interpret vehicle-specific jacking points and torque specifications using approved sources.
    • Demonstrate the correct procedure for safely jacking and supporting a vehicle using recommended equipment.
    • Inspect a tyre for wear patterns, damage, and tread depth, and accurately record findings.
    • Remove and refit a road wheel, applying the correct torque and tightening sequence using a calibrated torque wrench.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating correct identification and interpretation of legislative requirements such as minimum tyre tread depth (1.6mm) and awareness of tyre condition regulations.
    • Award credit for evidencing use of at least two relevant information sources (e.g., vehicle handbook, manufacturer workshop manual, online technical data) to obtain wheel and tyre specifications.
    • Award credit for explaining the function of key components (tyre, valve, wheel rim) and how they work together to maintain vehicle stability and control.
    • Award credit for appropriately selecting and preparing tools and equipment (e.g., torque wrench, jack, axle stands, tyre gauge) before starting the task.
    • Award credit for performing a systematic removal and refitting sequence, including loosening wheel nuts in the correct order, supporting the vehicle safely, and torquing to the manufacturer’s specification.
    • Award credit for conducting a thorough visual inspection of the tyre and wheel, identifying and reporting defects such as cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or corrosion.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying and following relevant health and safety and organisational procedures before starting any wheel and tyre activity.
    • Assessor must see evidence of selecting the correct wheel brace or impact wrench and applying the manufacturer's specified torque settings and tightening sequence when refitting wheels.
    • Credit is given for accurately measuring tyre tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre and reporting any faults in line with the Highway Code and organisational standards.
    • The learner must demonstrate the safe deflation and removal of a tyre using a tyre machine and correctly seating the new tyre on the rim without causing damage to the bead.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying and complying with relevant health and safety legislation (e.g., PUWER, COSHH) and organisational policies during wheel and tyre activities.
    • Award credit for accurately locating and using vehicle manufacturer specifications or workshop manual data to determine correct torque settings, tyre pressures, and fitment procedures.
    • Award credit for explaining the function of key wheel and tyre components (e.g., bead, tread, rim, valve) and demonstrating understanding of how they interact to provide safe vehicle operation.
    • Award credit for selecting the appropriate tools and equipment (e.g., torque wrench, tread depth gauge, tyre pressure gauge, jack, axle stands) and using them correctly throughout the activity.
    • Award credit for competently carrying out a wheel removal and refit, including a systematic inspection of the tyre for tread depth, cuts, bulges, or other damage, and correctly setting pressures.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying relevant legislation (e.g., COSHH, PUWER, Manual Handling) and explaining how it applies to wheel and tyre maintenance.
    • Expect evidence of locating and interpreting vehicle-specific data (e.g., from handbook, tyre placard) for pressures, sizes, and torque settings.
    • Assess understanding of how a tyre system operates, including the purpose of tread patterns, sidewall markings, and the function of the valve and seal.
    • Verify correct tool selection and use, particularly a calibrated torque wrench and appropriate socket, with practical demonstration of safe lifts and supports.
    • Check competence in performing a full wheel and tyre check, including tread depth measurement (legal limit 1.6mm across central 3/4), pressure adjustment, and inspection for damage or wear.
    • Award credit for correctly identifying legislative requirements such as those relating to tyre tread depth and condition (e.g., minimum 1.6mm across central three-quarters).
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to locate and interpret information from vehicle manufacturer specifications or workshop manuals regarding wheel nut torque settings.
    • Award credit for safely selecting and using a torque wrench and jack when removing and refitting a road wheel.
    • Award credit for performing a visual inspection of tyre condition, including checking for cuts, bulges, and uneven wear, and recording findings accurately.
    • Award credit for correctly stating the legal minimum tread depth (1.6 mm) and where it applies across the tyre.
    • Evidence must show selection and use of the correct jack and axle stands for the vehicle type.
    • Practical assessment: vehicle must be lifted only after ensuring it is on a flat, stable surface with the handbrake engaged.
    • During wheel refitting, credit is given for using a cross-pattern tightening sequence followed by final torquing with a torque wrench.
    • Observation or records should demonstrate that the tyre pressure was checked and adjusted after refitting.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always reference the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and current legislation in your answers to demonstrate applied knowledge.
    • 💡When describing processes, use correct technical terminology (e.g., ‘hub-centric’, ‘ply rating’, ‘bead seating’) to show a deeper understanding.
    • 💡For practical assessments, narrate your actions as you work, explaining why you are doing each step to prove your underpinning knowledge.
    • 💡Double-check your torque wrench calibration and ensure you know the difference between dry and lubricated thread torque values.
    • 💡During a practical observation, verbalise each step of the wheel removal process, including your safety checks, as this confirms your understanding even if you perform the task correctly.
    • 💡Refer to the vehicle’s handbook or workshop manual to find exact torque values and jacking points, and show the assessor that you can locate and interpret this information.
    • 💡For written tasks, structure your answers to include the ‘Plan, Do, Check’ cycle: how you prepared, what you did, and how you verified the work—this demonstrates a professional approach.
    • 💡Always reference the vehicle manufacturer’s data sheet or workshop manual as your primary source of information, and clearly state this in your evidence portfolio.
    • 💡Demonstrate a systematic step-by-step approach: preliminary checks (e.g., anchoring vehicle, loosening nuts), safe lifting, removal, inspection, refit, torque sequence, pressure check, and final safety verification.
    • 💡Include clear, annotated photographs or video evidence of each stage, especially highlighting compliance with safety requirements such as chocking wheels and using axle stands.
    • 💡Practice the correct torque sequence (e.g., criss-cross pattern) and use a calibrated torque wrench; in assessments, explain why this sequence is essential for even load distribution and safety.
    • 💡Always reference the vehicle handbook, workshop manual, or online database (e.g., Autodata) to obtain correct specifications before beginning any task.
    • 💡Verbally explain your actions and safety checks to the assessor, demonstrating underpinning knowledge even during practical tasks.
    • 💡Double-check torque wrench settings before and after use, and adopt a star or criss-cross pattern when tightening wheel nuts to avoid distortion.
    • 💡Include a visual inspection of the tyre for cuts, bulges, uneven wear, or embedded objects—common faults that assessors look for during checks.
    • 💡When completing a practical task, narrate your actions to the assessor, justifying your choice of tools and reference to legislative limits.
    • 💡Always refer to the vehicle's handbook or manufacturer's data for torque values, even if you think you know them, to demonstrate thoroughness.
    • 💡In written or oral questioning, be prepared to explain the function of key tyre features like the tread, sidewall, and bead, and how they contribute to safety.
    • 💡Always read the vehicle handbook or workshop data before starting any jacking or torque-related task.
    • 💡Form the habit of a final walk-around check to ensure all tools are removed and the wheel is secure.
    • 💡Use the acronym FLOWER (Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber) to remember basic checks including tyres.
    • 💡When explaining tyre inspection, mention checking for bulges, cuts, and foreign objects as well as tread wear.
    • 💡Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications when answering questions about fluid types, torque settings, or service intervals. Examiners look for evidence that you can use technical data.
    • 💡In practical assessments, demonstrate safe working practices at all times. For example, when jacking up a vehicle, always use axle stands and never work under a car supported only by a jack.
    • 💡When explaining a system, use correct terminology (e.g., 'master cylinder' not 'brake pump'). This shows you understand the components and their functions.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners often confuse the minimum legal tread depth requirement or measure only the centre of the tread rather than the entire circumference.
    • Many forget to check and adjust the valve core tightness and dust cap presence, leading to slow pressure loss.
    • A common error is jacking the vehicle on an unstable surface or without axle stands, compromising safety.
    • Students may tighten wheel nuts in a circular pattern instead of the correct diagonal sequence, causing uneven seating and potential warp.
    • Misinterpret torque settings from vehicle data (e.g., using Nm when lb-ft is specified) can result in under- or over-tightening.
    • Failing to chock the road wheels and release the parking brake slightly before loosening wheel nuts, leading to vehicle movement.
    • Using a torque wrench to undo tight wheel nuts instead of a breaker bar, which can damage the torque wrench calibration.
    • Measuring tyre tread depth only on one edge rather than across the central three-quarters and around the full circumference, missing uneven wear.
    • Forgetting to reset the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) or check the valve core for leaks after replacing a tyre.
    • Loosening wheel nuts after raising the vehicle, causing instability and potential damage; nuts should be initially loosened while the wheel is still on the ground.
    • Omitting the use of axle stands after jacking, relying solely on the jack, which poses a severe safety risk if the jack fails.
    • Applying incorrect torque to wheel nuts, either by over-tightening with an impact gun (causing thread or disc distortion) or under-tightening (risk of wheel detachment).
    • Misinterpreting tyre sidewall markings such as load index or speed rating, leading to fitment of incorrect or unsafe tyres for the vehicle application.
    • Forgetting to re-check wheel nut torque after a short period of driving (e.g., 50 miles) as specified by manufacturers, which is critical for safety.
    • Failing to consult vehicle specific data for torque settings, often guessing or using the same setting for all vehicles.
    • Incorrectly measuring tread depth, e.g., not checking the central three-quarters across the tyre or ignoring secondary and outer edges.
    • Neglecting to check tyre pressures when the tyre is cold, leading to incorrect adjustments due to heat expansion after driving.
    • Forgetting to use axle stands or ramps after lifting the vehicle with a jack, posing a serious safety risk.
    • Failing to check the vehicle is securely supported on axle stands before working on wheels.
    • Confusing the terms 'radial' and 'cross-ply' tyres or misidentifying tyre size markings.
    • Omitting to tighten wheel nuts in the correct diagonal sequence, which can lead to uneven seating of the wheel.
    • Confusing directional and asymmetric tyre fitment, leading to incorrect rotation or replacement.
    • Forgetting to loosen wheel nuts slightly before jacking up the vehicle.
    • Applying full torque while the vehicle is still raised, risking instability.
    • Omitting to recheck wheel nut torque after a short period of driving.
    • Misreading tread depth indicators and incorrectly judging legal compliance.
    • Misconception: 'All brake fluid is the same.' Correction: Brake fluid comes in different types (DOT 3, DOT 4, etc.) with different boiling points. Using the wrong type can cause brake failure.
    • Misconception: 'You can jump-start any car the same way.' Correction: Modern cars with sensitive electronics may require specific jump-start procedures. Always check the owner's manual first.
    • Misconception: 'Tyre pressure doesn't matter much.' Correction: Incorrect tyre pressure affects handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear. Always check pressure when tyres are cold.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Entry Level qualification, but basic literacy and numeracy skills are helpful for following instructions and measuring quantities.
    • •An interest in how vehicles work and a willingness to learn practical skills will greatly benefit your progress.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • know legislative and organisational requirements, know how to locate and use relevant sources of information, understand how the vehicle wheels and tyre system operates, know how to select and use the appropriate tools and equipment to carry out the activity, know how to carry out the relevant removal and replacement activities and checks on vehicle wheels and tyre systems
    • Legal tyre requirements
    • Wheel and tyre identification
    • Safe lifting and support
    • Tyre inspection and condition
    • Wheel nut torque and sequence

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