Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt(HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images were used to investigate size, morphology and dispersion of nano silica particles. Additionally, HMA self-healing mechanism was also examined by SEM. Furthermore, dynamic indirect tensile test(IDT) was used to evaluate HMA self-healing index. The SEM results indicated that bitumen mortar flowing into micro cracks may be one of the most important mechanisms of HMA self-healing. The experiment results also showed that modification of bitumen by nano silica promotes the ability of the HMA self-healing. Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt (HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were used to investigate size, morphology, and dispersion of nano silica particles. Additionally, HMA self-healing mechanism was also examined by SEM. Furthermore, dynamic indirect tensile test (IDT) was used to evaluate HMA self-healing index. The SEM results indicated that bitumen mortar flowing into micro cracks may be one of the most important mechanisms of HMA self-healing. The experiment results also showed that modification of bitumen by nano silica promotes the ability of the HMA self-healing.