Mon–Fri 8am–8pm(03) 335 0930Book a service

Inspections

WOF inspections – including after hours

No time for a WOF? No worries. Get your Warrant of Fitness inspection after working hours in Christchurch. Stay compliant, stay safe and avoid fines. Our inspectors follow NZTA guidelines and, if anything fails, we can fix it on site.

After-hours available

What we check

TyresTread depth, pressure and condition.
BrakesPads, rotors and overall brake performance.
Lights & indicatorsHeadlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators.
Steering & suspensionAlignment, shock absorbers and suspension integrity.
Windscreen & wipersVisibility, cracks and wiper effectiveness.
SeatbeltsWear, damage and correct operation.
Exhaust systemNo leaks, rust or excessive emissions.
Chassis & frameRust, cracks or structural damage.
Doors & mirrorsSafe operation and a clear view.
Technician inspecting the underbody of a car with a lamp
Technician inspecting the underbody of a car with a lamp

How a WOF works at AutoTop

  1. Visual inspectionExterior, interior and underbody.
  2. Functional testsLights, wipers, horn, brakes, steering, seatbelts and more.
  3. Road testA short drive to check brakes, steering and overall performance.
  4. ReportA clear results sheet.
  5. WOF issuedYour certificate and label once the vehicle passes.

How often you need a WOF

How long a WOF is issued for depends on when the vehicle was first registered:

Never registered (new)Issued for 3 years
First registered less than 2 years agoIssued to the vehicle’s third anniversary of first registration
First registered 2–3 years agoIssued for 12 months
First registered on or after 1 Jan 2000Issued for 12 months
First registered before 1 Jan 2000Issued for 6 months

Common reasons vehicles fail

BrakesWorn pads or discs, or fluid problems.
TyresTread below 1.5mm, damage or wrong inflation.
LightsBlown bulbs, poor alignment or hazy lenses.
SuspensionWorn shocks, springs or bushes.
SteeringExcessive play or worn components.
Wipers & washersBlades or washers that don’t clear the screen.
ExhaustLeaks, excess noise or smoke.
RustCorrosion in structural areas.
SeatbeltsDamaged, faded or faulty belts and buckles.
MirrorsBroken or missing mirrors.

If your vehicle fails

You’ll get a report listing the issues. You can only drive the vehicle to get it repaired or re-inspected, and only if it’s safe. AutoTop can carry out the repairs on site to save you time. Remember a WOF is a general safety check, not a pre-purchase inspection: it doesn’t assess engine, clutch, gearbox or differential condition, lubricant levels, or paintwork.

Frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to drive without a WOF?

Yes. It’s illegal to drive a vehicle that doesn’t meet WOF requirements or doesn’t display a valid WOF label, except when taking it to be repaired or re-inspected, provided it’s safe.

What tyre tread depth do I need?

At least 1.5mm right around the tyre. Winter tyres must be fitted to all four wheels with at least 4mm tread.

Book with AutoTop

Ready to book your car in?

Call us or request a time online. We’ll confirm by phone and give you a clear estimate before any work starts.

Book online Call (03) 335 0930
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