In New Zealand, a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is a compulsory safety check to ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. For most vehicles under 3,500kg, a WoF is required every 6 or 12 months, depending on the age of the vehicle. While the test isn’t designed to check mechanical condition in detail, it focuses on crucial components that keep your vehicle safe and everyone else on the road.
According to NZTA and MTA data, around 35% of vehicles in NZ fail their WoF on the first try. Most of these failures could have been avoided with basic checks and routine maintenance.
The good news? You don’t have to be a mechanic to catch most common issues. Here are 10 of the most frequent and easily preventable reasons your vehicle could fail a WoF inspection in NZ—and what you can do to avoid that headache.
1. Worn or Bald Tyres
Why It Fails: Tyres with less than 1.5mm tread depth are considered unsafe and illegal in NZ. They reduce grip, especially in wet conditions, leading to longer stopping distances.
How to Spot It: Insert a 20c coin into the tread. If the bottom of the “20” is visible, your tyres are too worn.
What You Can Do: Replace tyres before they reach the minimum tread depth. Rotate and balance tyres regularly and check pressure monthly.
2. Faulty Headlights, Indicators, Brake Lights, or Park Lamps
Why It Fails: Lights are crucial for visibility and communication on the road. Burnt-out bulbs, misaligned headlights, or non-working park lamps reduce your vehicle’s safety profile and can cause immediate failure.
How to Spot It: Ask someone to help check all exterior lights—headlights (high and low beam), brake lights, reverse lights, indicators, and park lamps. Make sure lights illuminate evenly and aren’t dim or flickering.
What You Can Do: Replace any faulty bulbs before your WoF. Test your lights regularly, especially before night-time driving or long trips. Keep spare bulbs in your glove box for quick replacements. Replace any non-functioning bulbs before your test. Keep spare bulbs handy for replacements.
3. Brakes That Are Worn or Unbalanced
Why It Fails: Brakes are your first line of defence in emergencies. Uneven brake pressure or worn pads can lead to dangerous stopping distances.
How to Spot It: Squealing noises, soft brake pedal feel, or pulling to one side when braking are red flags.
What You Can Do: Get a brake inspection every 6 months or sooner if you notice issues. Replace pads before they wear out.
4. Cracked or Chipped Windscreen in Driver’s Line of Sight
Why It Fails: Cracks or chips obstruct visibility and compromise the structural integrity of your windscreen.
How to Spot It: Inspect your windscreen closely, especially on the driver’s side.
What You Can Do: Small chips can be repaired. Larger cracks usually require a full windscreen replacement.
5. Broken or Non-Functional Wipers and Washers
Why It Fails: Windscreen wipers and washer systems are essential for visibility in rain and road spray.
How to Spot It: If your wipers leave streaks or your washers aren’t spraying fluid, they’ll likely cause a failed WoF.
What You Can Do: Replace worn wiper blades and refill washer fluid. Make sure the jets are aimed correctly.
6. Seatbelts That Are Damaged or Don’t Retract
Why It Fails: Damaged, frayed, or non-functioning seatbelts can’t protect you in an accident.
How to Spot It: Check for frays, cuts, or loss of retraction. Buckle all belts and tug firmly.
What You Can Do: Replace any seatbelt that doesn’t work properly. This includes pre-tensioners in modern cars.
7. Rust in Structural Areas (e.g., sills, underbody)
Why It Fails: Rust in structural zones can weaken your vehicle’s safety structure and affect crash performance.
How to Spot It: Look under the car, inside wheel arches, and along door sills. Tap gently to test metal integrity.
What You Can Do: Surface rust can be sanded and treated. Structural rust should be professionally assessed and repaired.
8. Leaking Fluids (Oil, Brake Fluid, Power Steering)
Why It Fails: Leaks pose fire risks, degrade parts, and indicate underlying mechanical issues.
How to Spot It: Look for wet patches under your car. Check dipsticks and reservoir levels.
What You Can Do: Address fluid leaks early. Replace gaskets or hoses as needed and clean engine bay areas before inspection.
9. Steering or Suspension Issues (Looseness, Noises, Leaks)
Why It Fails: These components affect handling and safety. Any play in the steering or worn-out suspension can cause a WoF failure.
How to Spot It: Feel for looseness in the wheel, knocking sounds, or excessive bouncing over bumps.
What You Can Do: Have your suspension and steering system inspected regularly. Replace worn bushings or shocks promptly.
10. Exhaust Leaks or Excessive Smoke
Why It Fails: Exhaust leaks can cause dangerous fumes in the cabin. Excess smoke signals engine or fuel issues.
How to Spot It: Listen for unusual exhaust noise and look for blue, black, or white smoke while the engine runs.
What You Can Do: Check for loose connections or holes in the exhaust system. Address engine performance problems early.
Quick Pre-WoF Checklist (Before You Book)
- Headlights, brake lights, and indicators all working
- Windscreen free of cracks in the driver’s view
- Wipers are clean, and washers are full
- Tyres have visible tread (1.5mm minimum)
- Brakes feel firm and responsive
- No fluid leaks under the car
- Seatbelts buckle and retract properly
- Steering feels tight, not wobbly
- No loud exhaust or visible smoke
FAQs
What are the most common reasons for failing a WoF in NZ?
The common reasons include worn tyres, faulty lights, brake issues, windscreen cracks, and fluid leaks.
How can I prepare my car for a WoF?
Check your lights, tyres, wipers, fluids, brakes, and seatbelts. Look for leaks and unusual noises.
What happens if I fail my WoF?
You’ll be given a list of defects and have 28 days to fix them and return for a free recheck.
Can I still drive my car after a failed WoF?
Only if your previous WoF is still valid. Once expired, it’s illegal to drive except directly to a repairer or inspection site.
Failing a WoF test is frustrating—but often totally avoidable. The most common issues are worn tyres or a broken light. Regular maintenance and basic checks can help ensure your car passes with flying colours.
At Tony Allen Auto Service, we make WoFs quick, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you need help spotting a potential issue before your inspection or want to bundle your repairs for better value, our expert team is here to help.
Book your WoF with TAAS today—and hit the road safely, with no surprises.
