Competency in Inspection, Repair and Replacement of High Performance Light Vehicle Tyre
This element focuses on developing the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to safely inspect, repair, and replace high-performance light vehicle tyres. Learners will demonstrate competence in using specialist equipment, interpreting manufacturer specifications, and applying correct procedures to ensure vehicle safety and performance. The outcome is the ability to carry out these tasks to industry standards, including accurate balancing and thorough final checks.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The IMI Level 2 Diploma in Specialist Tyre Fitting Competence is a vocational qualification designed for individuals working in the tyre fitting industry. It covers the skills and knowledge required to safely and efficiently fit, remove, repair, and balance tyres on a range of vehicles, including cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy goods vehicles. This qualification is recognised by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and is essential for those seeking to demonstrate competence in specialist tyre fitting roles.
The course is structured around practical tasks and theoretical understanding, ensuring that students can apply best practices in real-world settings. Key areas include health and safety regulations, tyre identification and selection, wheel and tyre assembly, tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and customer service. Mastery of these topics is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety, optimising tyre performance, and complying with legal standards.
This diploma fits into the wider Motor Vehicle & Transport sector by providing a specialist pathway for tyre fitters. It complements other IMI qualifications in vehicle maintenance and repair, and is often a stepping stone to advanced roles such as workshop supervisor or technical trainer. The qualification emphasises precision, safety, and efficiency, which are critical in a field where incorrect tyre fitting can lead to accidents or vehicle damage.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Health and Safety: Understanding COSHH, manual handling, and workplace safety procedures to prevent accidents when using tyre fitting equipment.
- →Tyre Identification: Reading sidewall markings (e.g., speed rating, load index, DOT code) to select the correct tyre for the vehicle and application.
- →Wheel and Tyre Assembly: Correctly mounting and demounting tyres using appropriate tools, ensuring proper bead seating and avoiding damage to the tyre or wheel.
- →Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Recognising different TPMS types (direct vs. indirect) and handling sensors during tyre fitting to avoid damage and ensure correct operation.
- →Balancing: Using dynamic or static balancing equipment to correct wheel imbalance, reducing vibration and extending tyre life.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to work safely when carrying out removal and replacement activities, Be able to inspect high performance light vehicle tyres, Be able to repair and replace high performance light vehicle tyres, Be able to balance wheels and tyres and carry out final checks on high performance light vehicles, Be able to record information and make suitable recommendations
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating a systematic visual inspection of tyre condition, including tread depth, sidewall damage, and wear patterns, with reference to legal and manufacturer limits.
- Award credit for correctly using a torque wrench and following the precise tightening sequence and torque specification during wheel refitting, as per vehicle manufacturer data.
- Award credit for performing dynamic wheel balancing to within 5 grams tolerance, with evidence of checking both lateral and radial run-out where applicable.
- Award credit for accurately completing a job card and providing clear, appropriate recommendations to the customer regarding tyre replacement or repair, including safety warnings.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Always structure your practical observation around a safe system of work: verify lift capacity, secure the vehicle on a level surface, and use appropriate PPE.
- 💡When repairing a high-performance tyre, demonstrate a thorough understanding of the speed and load rating compatibility with the vehicle; never downgrade.
- 💡Use the manufacturer’s workshop manual or digital data source during the assessment to show you can locate and apply the correct specification, rather than relying on memory.
- 💡Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for tyre pressures, torque settings, and wheel fitment. Examiners look for evidence that you consult technical data rather than relying on memory.
- 💡Demonstrate a systematic approach to health and safety checks before starting any task. For example, visually inspect the tyre and wheel for damage, and ensure the vehicle is securely jacked and supported.
- 💡When balancing, show that you understand the difference between static and dynamic imbalance, and explain how you interpret the balancing machine readings to place weights correctly.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Failing to isolate the vehicle’s tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) before removal, leading to sensor damage.
- Over-tightening wheel nuts/bolts without a calibrated torque wrench, risking stud stretch or brake disc distortion.
- Neglecting to clean the hub face and wheel mating surfaces, causing run-out and vibration issues after balancing.
- Assuming directional tyres are symmetrical, resulting in incorrect rotation direction and compromised wet grip.
- Misconception: Tyre pressure should be set to the maximum printed on the sidewall. Correction: The correct pressure is specified by the vehicle manufacturer, usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual. Sidewall pressure is the maximum safe limit, not the recommended operating pressure.
- Misconception: All tyres with the same size are interchangeable. Correction: Tyres must also match in speed rating, load index, and tread pattern. Mixing different types can affect handling, safety, and legal compliance.
- Misconception: Balancing weights can be placed anywhere on the wheel. Correction: Weights must be placed on designated areas (e.g., rim flange or adhesive on the inner barrel) to avoid interfering with brake components or wheel balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for THE INSTITUTE OF THE MOTOR INDUSTRY Competency in Inspection, Repair and Replacement of High Performance Light Vehicle Tyre
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of vehicle anatomy, including wheels, tyres, and suspension components.
- •Familiarity with hand tools and workshop equipment, such as jacks, impact wrenches, and tyre changers.
- •Knowledge of health and safety principles in an automotive workshop environment.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to work safely when carrying out removal and replacement activities, Be able to inspect high performance light vehicle tyres, Be able to repair and replace high performance light vehicle tyres, Be able to balance wheels and tyres and carry out final checks on high performance light vehicles, Be able to record information and make suitable recommendations
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