A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection is extremely crucial for every vehicle running on the roads of New Zealand. This inspection certifies that your car meets all the legal safety standards and compliances to be roadworthy. However, do you know that almost 40% of vehicles suffer from Failed WoF tests on the first attempt?
Whether you are driving around Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, failing a WoF inspection can be frustrating, time-consuming, and very costly. In this blog, we will answer the question What is WoF and explore the most common reasons vehicles fail in their WoF inspection and how you can avoid them.
What Is a WoF?
A Warrant of Fitness (WoF) is a compulsory safety inspection for vehicles in New Zealand, which determines whether a vehicle is legally safe to be driven on roads.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) mandates that vehicles must undergo WoF inspections every 6 or 12 months depending on their age.
A WoF inspection checks essential safety items including:
- Tyres and tread depth
- Brakes
- Lights and indicators
- Steering and suspension
- Wipers and windscreen
- Seatbelts and airbags
- Rust or structural issues
Top 10 Reasons for WoF Failure — And How to Prevent Them
1. Worn Tyres or Low Tread Depth
Problem: Tyres must have at least 1.5mm of tread depth across the entire surface. Cracked or unevenly worn tyres will fail the WoF.
How to Avoid:
- Inspect tread depth with a 20c coin or tread gauge
- Rotate your tyres regularly
- Inflate tyres to the correct PSI
2. Faulty Lights & Indicators
Problem: Broken or dim brake lights, headlights, indicators and reverse lights are among the top reasons for WoF failures.
How to Avoid:
- Test all external lights before the test
- Replace faulty bulbs immediately
- Clean lenses to remove fog or dirt
3. Wiper Blades & Washer Jets
Problem: Ineffective wipers and blocked washer jets cause WoF failure.
How to Avoid:
- Replace streaking or squeaky wipers
- Top up washer bottle
- Test spray jets for blockages
4. Brakes
Problem: Issues like squeaky pads, worn rotors, or low brake fluid lead to instant WoF failure.
How to Avoid:
- Get brakes checked during every service
- Replace pads before they wear out
- Monitor brake fluid levels
5. Seatbelts
Problem: Frayed, twisted, or faulty seatbelts are a major WoF failure reason.
How to Avoid:
- Check for frays
- Ensure buckles click securely
- Replace faulty retractors
6. Cracked Windscreen / Obstructed View
Problem: Cracks larger than 25mm in driver’s view or obstructing stickers cause WoF failure.
How to Avoid:
- Remove stickers blocking vision
- Repair/replace cracked glass
- Keep windscreen clean
7. Suspension & Steering Wear
Problem: Worn shocks, bushings, or steering issues compromise safety.
How to Avoid:
- Check suspension if car bounces or pulls
- Listen for clunks or squeaks
- Include steering checks in full service
8. Rust or Body Damage
Problem: Rust near suspension or seatbelt anchors is a serious issue.
How to Avoid:
- Inspect underbody regularly
- Treat surface rust early
- Check panels after accidents
9. Battery & Electrical Faults
Problem: Weak batteries or faulty dashboard warning lights cause failures.
How to Avoid:
- Ensure all dashboard lights work
- Get battery voltage checked
- Clean and tighten terminals
10. Outdated or Missing Registration/WoF Sticker
Problem: Even a missing or outdated WoF sticker causes failure.
How to Avoid:
- Keep WoF & rego stickers up to date
- Set reminders for renewal
How Often Should You Get a WoF?
- Vehicles registered after 1 Jan 2000: WoF every 12 months
- Vehicles registered before 1 Jan 2000: WoF every 6 months
- New vehicles: First WoF valid for 3 years
What Happens If You Fail Your WoF?
- You will receive a recheck notice
- You have 28 days to fix issues for a free recheck
- Driving with expired WoF is illegal & may void insurance
These tips will help you get the WoF certification easily.
- Combine WoF + Service
Numerous workshops in New Zealand provide a combination of WoF checks and regular car servicing. You should opt for this combination since a full service can fix all the issues before the inspection and save you from Failed WoF.
- Look for trusted providers like:
You should also get your WoF inspections done from trusted garages such as AA Auto Centres, VTNZ and MTA-approved garages
Conclusion
Thus, obtaining WoF certification is crucial for vehicles running in New Zealand and avoiding a WoF failure is extremely easy if you stay proactive. With regular servicing, proper maintenance and a quick DIY check before inspection, you can save time, money, and frustration caused by WoF failure.