Warrant of Fitness (WoF) Check in Onehunga
A warrant of fitness (WoF) is a regular check that your vehicle meets required safety standards at the time of inspection. It’s your job to keep your vehicle in warrantable condition at all times. For example, while tyres on your vehicle may pass on the day of your warrant inspection, you’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread gets to the minimum depth. If you wait until the next inspection before replacing them, you increase your risk of having a crash or receiving a fine.
Why Do I Need To Have A Current Warrant Of Fitness?
- It is a mandatory requirement to legally operate on public roads in New Zealand
- A current WOF certifies your vehicle’s roadworthiness at the time of inspection
- A WOF ensures that all your vehicle’s safety systems such as brakes, exhaust system, lights, steering, suspension and seat belts are in good working order
- A current WOF will help you avoid costly Traffic Infringement Notices (tickets) for driving a non-warranted vehicle
- To comply with your vehicle’s insurance policy. If your vehicle has no rego or WOF, your policy may be invalid
What Gets Checked During a WoF?
Here is what we inspect during a Warrant of Fitness. These checks help your car meet New Zealand safety standards and makes sure your vehicle is compliant.
- Tyres with correct tread depth
- Brakes and stopping performance
- Steering and suspension
- Windscreen, washers and wipers
- Proper door operation
- Seatbelts and seat mounts
- Working lights and indicators
- Airbags and safety functions
- Speedometer
- Chassis and structure free from rust
- Exhaust and fuel system
- Mirrors
- Visibility and glazing
- Dashboard warning lights
How to Prepare for Your WoF
A few quick checks before your visit can help your Warrant of Fitness (WoF) go smoothly and save you time. Here’s what to look over:
1. Check Your Lights
Make sure your headlights, indicators, brake lights, and park lights all work correctly. Ask a friend to help or park near a wall or window to see reflections. If you spot a blown bulb, we can replace it during your inspection at our Onehunga workshop.
2. Inspect your wipers and washers
Your windscreen should clear easily without streaks or missed spots. Top up washer fluid if it’s low and check that the jets spray evenly.
3. Check your tyre tread and pressure
Tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1.5mm across the entire surface. Properly inflated tyres also improve grip and fuel efficiency.
4. Top up essential fluids
Oil, brake, and coolant levels should be at their correct marks. If you’re unsure, we can check and top them up during your WoF visit. (Additional costs may apply).
5. Secure seats and seatbelts
Make sure all seatbelts are easy to reach, latch properly, and show no signs of fraying. Remove loose items that may block seatbelts or inspection areas.
6. Clear dashboard warning lights
If you see warning lights on your dashboard, have them checked before your appointment to avoid a failed inspection. If you’re not able to get your warning lights diagnosed prior to your appointment, we can do this for you, assist with repairs, and then carry out the WoF inspection.
7. Tidy your vehicle
Clear your boot so we can access your spare wheel and check all areas quickly.
What Are The Dangers Signs Of a Vehicle Without A Current WOF?
- Steering:
- Wandering across road
- Clunking sound from under the car
- Brakes:
- Squealing sound
- Juddering through steering wheel when applying brakes
- Soft brake pedal
- Car pulling to one side under braking
- Handbrake pulls up too high
- Exhaust:
- Smell of deadly fumes inside car
- Excess noise
- Tyres:
- Tread depth is below 1.5mm
- Car veers to side of road
- Tread pattern worn on edges or steel wires exposed
- THERE MAY BE NO WARNING SIGNS
Why Use Enhanced Motors?
Enhanced Motors are a New Zealand owned and operated business employing highly skilled technicians. They will ensure your vehicle is back on the road with the least hassle and with great value for money. All Enhanced Motors’s work is satisfaction guaranteed!
Warrant of Fitness FAQs
What If I Need Repairs From Having A WOF Checked?
Enhanced Motors offer on the spot repairs for many vehicle faults, with competitive prices and a written guarantee covering parts and workmanship. Of course, no work will be carried out without your prior approval.
How Often Should My Vehicle Be Inspected For A WOF And When Should My Vehicle's Other Services Be Checked?
- 6 months if vehicle registered before 1st January 2000
- 12 months if vehicle registered from 1st January 2000
- Braking Systems – Every 15,000 km
- Shock Absorbers – Every 25,000 km
- Exhaust Systems – Every 20,000 km
- Lubrication Systems – Every 10,000 km
These systems can be inspected by qualified Enhanced Motors personnel. Simply drive into any Enhanced Motors branch or book here!
What Happens if My Car Fails its WoF?
If your car doesn’t pass its WoF inspection, don’t worry – it happens often. You’ll receive a detailed list of items that need to be fixed before your vehicle can be approved.
Minor issues like worn wiper blades or faulty bulbs can often be replaced on the spot, so you can get back on the road quickly. If there’s a more serious safety problem, your car will need repairs before it can be driven again.
You have 28 days to complete the repairs and return for a free WoF recheck. Our qualified inspectors will explain every item clearly and can recommend trusted local repairers if you need one.
How Long Does a WoF Take?
A standard Warrant of Fitness inspection usually takes around 45 minutes. This can vary slightly depending on your vehicle type and how busy the workshop is. We’ll always keep you updated on wait times and can book you in for a specific slot to make the process faster.
How Much Does a WoF Cost?
The cost of a WoF depends on the type and size of your vehicle. We offer competitive pricing across cars, 4WDs, and small vans, with transparent rates and no hidden fees.
For the best value, you can also combine your WoF with a car service, saving you time and a second visit. Contact us for an exact quote before your appointment.
Can I Drive Without a WoF?
No, driving without a current Warrant of Fitness is illegal in New Zealand. You can be fined, and your insurance may not cover you if an accident occurs.
Your WoF label must always be displayed on your front windscreen. Keeping your vehicle’s WoF up to date helps protect your safety, your license, and your car’s reliability.
Do You Offer Repairs if My Car Fails WoF?
Yes, if your car doesn’t pass its WoF check, our qualified technicians can carry out all necessary repairs on-site.
We handle everything from tyres, brakes, and suspension to lights and exhaust systems. Once repairs are complete, we’ll recheck your WoF and issue your new certificate, saving you time and hassle.
Our goal is to keep your vehicle safe, compliant, and ready to drive without delay.
What Vehicles Need a WoF?
Most light vehicles in New Zealand require a current Warrant of Fitness to be legally driven on the road. This includes:
- Cars
- Station wagons
- 4WDs
- Small vans
- Trailers
If you’re unsure whether your vehicle needs a WoF or a Certificate of Fitness (CoF) instead, we can advise you.
Are You Open on the Weekends for WoF?
Yes, Enhanced Motors offers WoF inspections on both Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 2pm, so you can fit your inspection around your schedule. Book online or call ahead to confirm available times.
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