WOF Due Soon?
Things to Check Before Your Inspection
A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is an important part of keeping your vehicle safe and legal on New Zealand roads. If your WOF is coming up, a few simple checks beforehand can help identify potential problems and reduce the chance of unexpected issues during your inspection.
At St Kilda Automotive, we see a range of common problems that can affect a vehicle’s WOF. Here’s what Dunedin drivers should check before booking their next inspection.
Check Your Tyres
Your tyres are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle.
Check for:
- Low or uneven tread
- Uneven tyre wear
- Visible cracks or damage
- Incorrect tyre pressure
- Damaged sidewallsEngine & Transmissio
If your tyres are worn or damaged, they may need replacing before your vehicle can pass its WOF.
Need your tyres checked? Our team can inspect your tyres and wheel alignment.
Check Your Brakes
Brakes need to be working correctly and effectively for your vehicle to pass its WOF.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Squeaking or grinding noises
- Vehicle pulling when braking
- Brake pedal feeling soft
- Excessive vibration
- Brake warning lights
Don’t wait until your brakes become a serious problem. Getting them checked early can help prevent more expensive repairs.
Check Your Lights
A simple light check can help identify problems before your WOF inspection.
Check that your:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Tail lights
- Number plate lights
- Hazard lights
are working correctly.
A blown bulb may be a simple fix, but other electrical problems can require further investigation.
Check Your Windscreen and Wipers
Your windscreen needs to provide the driver with a clear view of the road.
Look for:
- Cracks or chips
- Damage affecting visibility
- Worn windscreen wipers
- Washer fluid problems
Worn wipers can reduce visibility, particularly when driving in wet Dunedin weather.
Check Your Seatbelts
Make sure all seatbelts:
- Buckle correctly
- Lock and release properly
- Retract correctly
- Are free from significant damage
Seatbelts are a critical safety feature and are checked as part of the WOF process.
Check Your Suspension and Steering
Problems with suspension and steering can affect both your vehicle’s handling and safety.
Look out for:
- Excessive bouncing
- Clunking noises
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering vibration
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Loose or unusual steering
If something doesn’t feel right when you’re driving, it’s worth getting it inspected.
Check Your Mirrors
Your mirrors should be secure and provide the required visibility.
Check your:
- Rear-view mirror
- Side mirrors
- Mirror condition and mounting
Damage or loose mirrors can potentially cause issues during a WOF inspection.
Check for Warning Lights
Before your WOF, take note of any warning lights appearing on your dashboard.
These could include:
- Engine warning light
- ABS warning light
- Airbag warning light
- Brake warning light
- Battery warning light
Don’t ignore dashboard warning lights. A diagnostic check can help identify the cause before it becomes a bigger problem.
Check Your Horn
It might seem obvious, but your horn is also an important safety feature.
Give it a quick test to make sure it operates correctly.
If it isn’t working, it could be an electrical issue, a faulty horn or another component requiring attention.
Don't Leave It Until the Last Minute
One of the best things you can do before your WOF is simply plan ahead.
If your vehicle needs repairs, tyres, brakes, suspension work or other maintenance, giving yourself some time to address these issues can make the process much easier.
A WOF isn’t the same as a full vehicle service. Your car can have maintenance issues that aren’t necessarily part of the WOF inspection, so regular servicing is still important for keeping your vehicle reliable.
WOF Due? Get Your Vehicle Checked
Not sure whether your vehicle is ready for its next WOF?
The team at St Kilda Automotive can help identify potential issues and carry out the necessary repairs to keep your vehicle safe and road-ready.
68 Prince Albert Road, St Kilda 03 455 1031 stkildaauto.co.nz
WOF due soon? Don’t wait until inspection day to find a problem. Get your vehicle checked and drive with confidence
