WOF inspections in Addington, Christchurch
DAS AUTO carries out WOF inspections at 156 Antigua Street in Addington. If your car needs work to pass, we explain what is needed and can do the repairs in the same workshop, so you are not driving between garages.
What a WOF actually is
A warrant of fitness is a general safety check on a vehicle that is used on the road. If your car passes, the inspector fixes a label inside the front windscreen on the driver’s side. That label shows when the next WOF is due.
It is worth knowing what a WOF is not. It is not a pre-purchase inspection and it is not a health check of the engine. NZTA publishes the full detail on its warrant of fitness page (opens in a new tab), and we work from the same list.
The areas a WOF inspection covers
- Tyre condition
- Brake operation
- Structural condition
- Lights
- Glazing
- Windscreen washers and wipers
- Doors
- Seatbelts
- Airbags
- Speedometer
- Steering and suspension
- Exhaust
- Fuel system
- Warning or malfunction indicators for driver assistance systems
What a WOF does not cover
NZTA is clear that a WOF does not look at the condition of the engine, clutch, gearbox or differential. It does not check lubricant levels or condition. Brake pad thickness is only a concern if the pads are visibly below safe limits, and paintwork and some rust in non-structural areas are outside the check.
That is why a WOF and a service are different jobs. A car can pass its WOF and still be overdue for an oil change. Car servicing covers what a WOF leaves out and diagnostics covers warning lights.
What usually trips cars up
Tyres
Tread worn to the legal minimum or damage to the sidewall are common fail items. Our tyres page explains how to check yours.
Lights and wipers
A blown bulb, a cracked lens or tired wiper blades are quick to fix but they all count.
Brakes, steering and suspension
Worn parts here are safety items. Squeals, pulling to one side or a loose feel at the wheel are early warnings.
Exhaust and warning lights
An exhaust leak or visible smoke can fail a car. So can a warning light for airbags or driver assistance systems that stays on.
What happens if your car does not pass
NZTA gives you 28 days to get a failed vehicle fixed. During that time you can only drive it on the road to take it for repair or for a new WOF, and only if it is safe to do so.
If DAS AUTO did the inspection we will tell you what failed and why in plain language. If you want us to do the work we can arrange it in the same workshop, with mechanical repairs for most items and auto electrical for lights and wiring. Ask us about rechecking when you call.
Hybrid vehicles get a WOF too
A hybrid is inspected in the same way as any other car. DAS AUTO can inspect hybrids and repair them if work is needed. See hybrid servicing and repairs.
How to arrange yours
Call us on 020 4183 6560 or send an enquiry. Include your registration number and tell us about anything you already know needs attention. We will confirm a time by phone or text.
WOF questions
How often does my car need a WOF?
It depends on the age of the vehicle and when it was first registered, and NZTA has recently changed the rules for some vehicles. Check the date on your current label or read NZTA’s WOF page (opens in a new tab). You can also call us and we will point you in the right direction.
Is a WOF the same as a service?
No. A WOF is a safety inspection. A service looks after the mechanical condition of the car. Many owners do both around the same time.
Does a WOF check the engine?
No. NZTA is clear that engine, clutch and gearbox condition are outside a WOF. A service looks at those.
Talk to DAS AUTO in Addington
Call during opening hours or send an enquiry and we will get back to you by phone or text.