What is Warrant of Fitness?

A Warrant of Fitness or a WOF is a regular check to make sure your car is safe to drive on the road. It’s compulsory for light vehicles, trailers and motorcycles. A WOF in NZ inspection will usually take between 25-35 minutes. If your vehicle fails the inspection it becomes illegal to drive your vehicle. It’s also illegal to drive a vehicle that doesn’t display a valid WOF label.

A good habit to pick up is to pre-check your vehicle before you get your WOF done. Check your lights, indicators, make sure all bulbs are working at both high and low beam. Check your window wipers, tyres for pressure and tread and be sure to pump your tyres and use a tread checker to check your tyre’s depth. Check your oil, check your seatbelts for tears and don’t forget to remove any left behind items from your boot.

How Often should I Get a WOF in Auckland Done?

A WOF inspection is different for every vehicle. For example, if your vehicle was first registered in 1999 or earlier inspections will be required every 6 months. If a vehicle was first registered in 2000 or later inspections are required yearly. Vehicles that are less than 3 years old don’t require another WOF until 12 months after their current WOF expiry date. For new vehicles, they don’t require another WOF until the third anniversary of registration.

What’s Involved in a WOF Inspection?

Lights, brake operation, windscreen washers and wipers, seat belts, speedometer check, exhaust, fuel system, steering and suspension, airbags, doors, glazing and windscreen safety check, rust and structural condition check, tyre check.

Which Auto Shops are the Cheapest to Get a WOF in Auckland Done?

Auto Connection offers a Warrant of Fitness and a service for $69 and for just $99 they’ll throw in a full body car wash and a vacuum. There are also a couple deals on GrabOne, with Automax offering a Warrant of Fitness for $12 and Cartronics Onehunga offering a Warrant of Fitness and a service for $49. It’s always a good idea to combine a Warrant of Fitness and a service as some auto shops don’t always inspect absolutely everything so getting a service done at the same time will save you time and money and your car will have a full look at.

What does My Car Need to Pass My WOF Inspection?

Your car’s features need to be on point during an inspection. Make sure your vehicle has these:

1. A number plate light at the back
2. Two red reflectors at the back
3. Two red position lights at the back
4. One or two red high-mounted stop lights at the back
5. A working horn
6. A rear-view mirror that gives a clear view behind
7. A good sun visor
8. A windscreen that meets safety standards and is clean
9. One or more working windscreen wipers
10. A working speedometer
11. Two good headlights that can be dipped when another vehicle comes towards you
12. Two or four stop lights at the back
13. Flashing direction indicator lights at the back
14. Flashing direction indicator lights at the front
15. Two white or amber position lights at the front.
16. A good silencer and exhaust system
17. Mudguards
18. Safe tyres—the tread depth must be at least 1.5mm around the tyre
19. Working seatbelts
20. Good footbrake and handbrake
21. Doors that open and close safely
22. Safe steering