Prepare for Your Warrant of Fitness (WOF)
There's nothing more frustrating than failing a WOF on a $10 lightbulb or a worn wiper blade—issues you could have easily fixed yourself beforehand. In New Zealand, a Warrant of Fitness is a comprehensive safety check, but many failures are due to simple, observable faults.
At Mobile Autoworks NZ, while we don't issue the WOF sticker itself, we specialize in WOF remedial repairs and pre-inspection checks. Here is our essential checklist to help you pass the first time.
1. Lights and Indicators This is the most common reason for failure. Walk around your car while a friend helps, or park in front of a reflective shop window. * **Check:** Headlights (dip and high beam), brake lights, indicators, reversing lights, and parking lights. * **Tip:** Don't forget the number plate light!
2. Tyres Your only contact with the road. WOF standards are strict for a reason. * **Tread Depth:** Must be at least **1.5mm** across 3/4 of the tread width. * **Damage:** Look for cracks, bubbles, or exposed cords on the sidewalls. * **Pressure:** While not a failure point itself, incorrect pressure causes uneven wear which *will* fail.
3. Windscreen and Wipers * **Wipers:** If they streak, smear, or chatter, replace them. It's a cheap fix. * **Windscreen:** Chips or cracks in your direct line of sight (the "C-zone") can be a fail. Any damage larger than 25mm elsewhere is also an issue. * **Washers:** Make sure your washer bottle is full and the jets work.
4. Interior & Safety Belts * **Belts:** Pull them all the way out. Fraying or cuts? Immediate fail. Make sure they click into the buckle securely. * **Seats:** Must be secure. If your driver's seat rocks back and forth, it needs tightening. * **Warning Lights:** An airbag light (SRS) staying on is a fail.
5. Fluids and Leaks * **Oil/Coolant:** A few drops are usually okay, but a dripping leak onto the exhaust or ground is a fail. * **Exhaust:** Listen for loud noises or look for excessive smoke. A hole in the exhaust system is a guaranteed fail.
What if You Fail? Don't panic. You have **28 days** to fix the issues and get a re-check (usually free). * **We can help:** Mobile Autoworks NZ can come to you to fix suspension bushes, brakes, light bulbs, and other common failure items. We save you the hassle of driving a "failed" car back and forth to workshops.
*Disclaimer: This guide covers common checks but is not exhaustive. The WOF inspector has the final say.*