10 Affordable and Hassle-Free WOF Testing Stations and Mechanics Christchurch
Minimize the risk of a failed WOF, save money and time, and get repairs from trusted Christchurch mechanics with our comprehensive guide
Updated 1 August 2020
Generally, the biggest surprise with getting a WOF isn’t the upfront fee (a WOF is generally cheap; $50 to $75 is standard). Instead, it’s the WOF ‘fails’ that can end up costing a lot of money. To ensure getting a WOF in Christchurch is a hassle-free process, our guide covers:
Know this first: Find the right WOF test centre for your vehicle's condition
A WOF promotion for $30 or $40 sounds good, but be careful. You face the risk of being strong-armed into spending $500+ with the mechanics if a fault is found. To make things simpler and put you in control, we suggest the following approach:
Is your car in excellent condition?
Is your car in moderate condition and likely to need only minor repairs?
Is your car likely to need major repairs?
Final Steps: Re-testing your vehicle after repairs
- Suggest DIY Pre-WOF Test
- WOF repairs - know the costs upfront to avoid surprises
- Top 10 Christchurch mechanics for WOF fails
Know this first: Find the right WOF test centre for your vehicle's condition
A WOF promotion for $30 or $40 sounds good, but be careful. You face the risk of being strong-armed into spending $500+ with the mechanics if a fault is found. To make things simpler and put you in control, we suggest the following approach:
Is your car in excellent condition?
- If your car is less than five years old and/or is kept in top condition, choosing a WOF testing centre based on price is likely to be the best option.
Is your car in moderate condition and likely to need only minor repairs?
- If you believe that your car will probably pass, a WOF testing station that doesn’t offer repairs is likely to be the best choice. A popular example is VTNZ. As they don’t carry out repairs, there's no vested interest in anything failing.
Is your car likely to need major repairs?
- If you’re confident your vehicle will need repairs to pass its WOF, then the best approach is to take it to an independent testing agent (like VTNZ) and research trusted local garages. Once you know the faults from a failed WOF, you can arrange a quote.
Final Steps: Re-testing your vehicle after repairs
- If your vehicle fails a WOF and you get the necessary repairs, it will need to be re-tested.
- If you fix all the items that require attention within 28 days of the initial inspection, the WOF testing station will re-inspect the vehicle at no additional cost.
- If you exceed the 28 days from the initial inspection, a new fee and inspection are required.
Our Pick for an Independent WOF Assessment in Christchurch
- While thousands of NZTA-approved garages and service centres offer a WOF, we believe Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) is a truly independent operation. There are numerous locations all over Christchurch.
- The one-off fee is $67, and if your vehicle fails, you can take it to any garage of your choice (VTNZ doesn't offer repairs).
- We have no business relationship with VTNZ and publish our view as a journalistic opinion.
- For repairs, our top 10 Christchurch mechanics for WOF fails has you covered.
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DIY Pre-WOF Test
Per 2019 government statistics, in 2019 a total of 1,886,104 vehicles failed a WOF on the first attempt. This means that 40% of vehicles are not at the desired level of roadworthiness.
We suggest saving yourself the hassle of having to fix common mistakes by undertaking a DIY pre-WOF check at home. Some simple pre-WOF fixes can lower the risk of a failure, although some fails can only be fixed by professional mechanics. Pre-empting the issues and fixing them beforehand saves you money, time and frustration.
Know this: Around 1 in 6 vehicles fail their WOF because of a dead light bulb. The table below outlines the most common reasons for failing a WOF and ways to prepare in advance.
We suggest saving yourself the hassle of having to fix common mistakes by undertaking a DIY pre-WOF check at home. Some simple pre-WOF fixes can lower the risk of a failure, although some fails can only be fixed by professional mechanics. Pre-empting the issues and fixing them beforehand saves you money, time and frustration.
Know this: Around 1 in 6 vehicles fail their WOF because of a dead light bulb. The table below outlines the most common reasons for failing a WOF and ways to prepare in advance.
Reason for Failure |
Checks to do before your WOF |
Lights |
Make sure all of your lights are working. Do a 360-degree walk-around of your car while every light is on, and check brakes, dip, hazard and indicators, as well as the number plate light. Solution: If a light is out, a new bulb costs a few dollars from stores such as Repco and Supercheap Auto. |
Suspension |
A comprehensive suspension check is impossible, but if you push down on each corner of your car and then release, the car should re-balance. If it doesn't, then shock absorber reconditioning may be required. Your WOF will reveal what's needed. |
Brakes |
If your brakes feel tense then it's likely you have an issue. You may also see a brake warning light which indicates your brake pads need replacing. If an issue comes up on your WOF, a mechanic is the best person to fix it. |
Tyres |
Tyre pressure Check your car's tyre pressure and fill them up to their recommended level at a petrol station. You can find the desired PSI in your vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler flap, or on the driver's door post. Tyre tread The minimum legal tread depth is 1.5mm within all principal grooves that contain these moulded tread depth indicators. If it is below, you'll need to buy a new tyre for every one that fails the WOF. |
Windscreen |
Per the NZTA, damage (apart from scratching and surface pitting that does not affect the driver’s vision, such as small stone marks) will fail a WOF. If you have windscreen damage that affects your vision of the road, you'll need to get this repaired. Some insurers cover glass repair without excess, so see if this applies to you. A windscreen with damage that prevents the wiper blades from working properly will also fail a WOF. |
Exhaust |
A leaking exhaust will fail a WOF. To test it, turn on your engine (in a well-ventilated location) to check for unusual noises or abnormal smoke. If you notice either or both, it indicates a leak which will fail a WOF. |
Steering |
There's no test you can do at home, but if you feel as if the steering could be more responsive or you see a warning light, a repair may be needed. |
Fluids |
Check the brake fluid, windscreen washer and oil reserves, as well as for leaks. |
Everything else |
Give your car a comprehensive once-over, making sure that your seatbelts are functioning, the horn works, the doors open and close from inside and outside, and make sure the wing-mirrors are clean and secure. Most importantly, check there are no warning lights on. |
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WOF repairs - know the costs upfront to avoid surprises
For repairs, get a quote first and ask the right questions:
Whatever the WOF issue with your car, when organising a quote, we suggest asking:
- Requesting a quote detailing the cost of a job will minimise the chances of any nasty billing surprises. Such a quote will formally set out the cost of a job so that you know what to expect.
Whatever the WOF issue with your car, when organising a quote, we suggest asking:
- What is the estimate of the total cost to fix the problem(s)?
- Is GST included? 15% adds up, so make sure the final price you hear and agree to is GST-inclusive. For example, $300 becomes $345 with GST included.
- What is the guarantee period? You want a solution, not a short-term fix, so ask to make sure that the proposed solution offered is final and will meet the needs of the WOF assessment.
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​10 Reliable Christchurch Mechanics that will Test and Resolve WOF Fails
Our list below, which is no particular order, covers mechanics who test and resolve WOF fails, located in Christchurch. We have selected these mechanics based on their history of longstanding service within Christchurch, location and data extracted from internet reviews on Google Business, Facebook, TradeMe Services and others.
No mechanic has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any company appearing below.
No mechanic has paid to appear on this list, and MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship with any company appearing below.
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Mechanics on GraftonMechanics on Grafton provides servicing and maintenance for cars, vans and 4WD. They have experienced car mechanics and the latest diagnostic equipment to help repair your vehicle to the highest standard possible. They are available for after-hours service and offers night drop service as well.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Waltham, Christchurch Contact: 03 365 6386 Website: Mechanics on Grafton |
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New Brighton Automotive LtdNew Brighton Automotive Ltd is a locally owned and operated automotive service provider. They provide mechanical repairs and regular servicing for all make and model of cars.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Brighton, Christchurch Contact: 03 388 3630 Website: New Brighton Automotive Ltd |
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McGirr MotorsMcGirr Motors started operating in Central City in 1999. They have since gained a good reputation through word of mouth by their satisfied clients all around the Christchurch area. McGirr Motors is an MTA Approved automotive service centre.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Central City, Christchurch Contact: 03 379 6698 Website: McGirr Motors |
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Fitzgerald MotorsFitzgerald Motors is an automotive repairer and expert mechanic for 4WDs, cars, caravans, trailers, motorbikes and light commercial vehicles. They are a representative of Auto Super Shoppe national brand with highly experienced and knowledgeable mechanics who can provide high-quality service. Fitzgerald Motors is an authorised repairer for Leaseplan, Fleet Partners, Custom Fleet & Yoogo vehicles.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Hornby, Christchurch Contact: 03 349 7813 Website: Fitzgerald Motors |
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Supreme Auto Christchurch LtdSupreme Auto Christchurch Ltd is an automotive repair shop that has been servicing the Christchurch area since 1992. They have a fully qualified technician with authority to conduct Warrant of Fitness inspection and repair.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Waltham, Christchurch Contact: 03 366 7022 Website: Supreme Auto Christchurch Ltd |
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Steve Welford Automotive LtdSteve Welford Automotive Ltd is a one-stop auto service shop that works with Japanese imported cars, European brands, 4WDs, vintage and classic cars from 1928 and beyond. They are a long-running automotive repair centre in Christchurch and has received a long list of positive feedback from all their clients.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Contact: 03 379 2062 Website: Steve Welford Automotive Ltd |
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Mister MechanicalMister Mechanical has over 25 years of experience in serving the Christchurch area. They service all makes and models of vehicles, from simple wiper issue to engine overhauls. Their high-quality service involves the use of updated tools and premium parts to ensure the high standard performance of the vehicle.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Hornby, Christchurch Contact: 03 349 5982 Website: Mister Mechanica |
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Locost Automotive 2001Locost Automotive 2001 is based in Linwood and has been servicing the Christchurch area for more than 17 years. They provide quality yet low-cost service as their name implies. Their expertise includes mechanical repair, WOF repairs, oil changes and tune-ups.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Linwood, Christchurch Contact: 021 142 8657 Website: Locost Automotive 2001 |
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Elite Service Centre (2007) LtdElite Service Centre (2007) Ltd is an automotive repair and maintenance centre located in Sydenham, Christchurch. They have been in the industry for more than a decade, providing transparent and professional vehicle servicing. At Elite Service Centre (2007) Ltd, they have the proper equipment and skilled personnel to take care of all your car requirements.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Contact: 03 365 7331 Website: Elite Service Centre (2007) Ltd |
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Clinch Automotive LtdClinch Automotive Ltd is a car specialist for Jaguar, Land Rover, BMW, Audi and VW. They have a wide range of car repairs and services including mechanical, electrical and complete overhauls.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Sydenham, Christchurch Contact: 03 377 9520 Website: Clinch Automotive Ltd |
Our Pick for an Independent WOF Assessment in Christchurch
- While thousands of NZTA-approved garages and service centres offer a WOF, we believe Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) is a truly independent operation. There are numerous locations all over Christchurch.
- The one-off fee is $67, and if your vehicle fails, you can take it to any garage of your choice (VTNZ doesn't offer repairs).
- We have no business relationship with VTNZ and publish our view as a journalistic opinion.
- For repairs, our top 10 Christchurch mechanics for WOF fails has you covered.
Disclaimer: MoneyHub.co.nz has no relationship, financial or otherwise, with any of the mechanics listed on this page. Quotes and final bills for individual vehicle repairs vary, and our pricing guide is for guidance purposes only.
