WoF (Warrant of Fitness)
A warrant of fitness (WoF) is a routine examination to see if your car is up to current safety regulations.
Your responsibility is to maintain your car in warrantable condition at all times. For instance, even if your vehicle’s tyres pass the warrant inspection on that day, you’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread reaches the minimal depth. You run a higher risk of getting into an accident or obtaining a fine if you wait until the next inspection before replacing them.
Booked inspections preferred to avoid longer waiting times but we can also accommodate walk-ins.
Why do I need to have a current WoF?
- Your vehicle’s roadworthiness is attested to by a current WoF at the time of inspection.
- A WoF verifies the functionality of your vehicle’s safety systems, including the brakes, exhaust system, lights, steering, suspension and seat belts.
- To lawfully travel on New Zealand’s public highways, it is a necessity.
- You can avoid expensive Traffic Infringement Notices for operating an unwarranted vehicle if you have a current WoF.
- Your car’s insurance may not be valid if your car lacks a registration or WoF.
What are the danger signs of a vehicle without a current WoF?
- There may be no warning signs!
- Tyre tread depth is below 1.5mm.
- Vehicle veers to the side of the road.
- Tyre tread pattern is worn on the edges.
- There is excess noise of the exhaust.
- Smell of deadly fumes inside the car.
- Squealing sound of brakes.
- Juddering through the steering wheel when applying brakes.
- Car pulling to one side under braking.
- Soft brake pedal.
- Handbrake pulls up too high.
- Clunking sound from under the car.
- Whilst steering, the vehicle wandering across the road.
What if I need repairs after having a WoF?
Vehicle Inspection Services provide on-the-spot repairs for a variety of car issues at affordable pricing, with a written guarantee covering both parts and labour. Of course, no work will be done without getting your permission beforehand.
How often should I have a WoF and when should other systems be checked?
- 6 months if your vehicle is registered before 1 January 2000.
- 12 months if your vehicle is registered from 1 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.
CoF A (Certificate of Fitness)
COF A inspections on all light vehicles including PSV’s, shuttles, rental vehicles and Uber.
A certificate of fitness (CoF) is a regular check to ensure that your vehicle meets required safety standards.
It’s your job to keep your vehicle up to CoF condition at all times. For example, while the tyres on your vehicle may pass on the day of your certificate inspection, you’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread gets to the minimum depth(external link). If you wait until the next inspection you run the risk of receiving a fine.
What a CoF inspection covers:
Our testing station inspectors check:
- tyre condition (including tread depth
- brake condition and operation
- structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
- towing connection condition and certification
- road restraints such as load anchorages, log bolsters or curtain systems for condition and applicable certification
- certificate of loading (display and validity)
- transport service licence number (if required)
- lights (are all bulbs working? do lights comply
- glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
- windscreen washers and wipers
- doors (do they open and close safely?)
- safety belts (must not be faded or damaged, and buckles must work properly)
- airbags (if fitted)
- speedometer (must be working)
- steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
- exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
- fuel system (there must be no leaks).