10 Affordable and Hassle-Free WOF Testing Stations and Mechanics Dunedin
Minimize the risk of a failed WOF, save money and time, and get repairs from trusted Dunedin mechanics with our comprehensive guide
Updated 8 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin
- 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 Dunedin.
- 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin. We have selected these mechanics based on their history of longstanding service within Dunedin, 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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Complete Auto RepairsComplete Auto Repairs is a locally owned automotive repair centre located at the Hillside Road in Dunedin. They are known to have a good reputation when it comes to the quality of their mechanical services. Their extensive range of services applies to all models of cars, camper vans, SUV’s light trucks, utilities and trailers.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Caversham, Dunedin Contact: 03 455 3258 Website: Complete Auto Repairs |
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Automotive Solutions Maori HillAutomotive Solutions Maori Hill is a member of the Automotive Solutions Network with all MTA Approved repair centres. They have well-equipped workshops and highly experienced mechanics to conduct quality automotive works.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Maori Hill, Dunedin Contact: 03 464 0694 Website: Automotive Solutions Maori Hill |
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City Mechanical RepairsCity Mechanical Repairs is considered as one of the largest automotive workshops in Dunedin. They are MTA Approved mechanics utilising high industry-standard equipment for more accurate vehicle diagnosis. City Mechanical Repairs is your go-to shop for same-day WOF inspection with transparent pricing.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: South Dunedin Contact: 03 455 9444 Website: City Mechanical Repairs |
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Car Connection LtdCar Connection Ltd is a one-stop-shop for all mechanical repairs and servicing. They are a member of the Motor Trade Association and has a skilled team of mechanics to perform high-standard vehicle services.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Glenross, Dunedin Contact: 03 476 4441 Website: Car Connection Ltd |
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Forbury Service CentreForbury Service Centre is a locally owned and operated automotive service provider based in Caversham. It has been 32 years since the business was established and people from have become their regular customers. They offer professional vehicle inspections, servicing and repairs to Dunedin area and nearby suburbs.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Caversham, Dunedin Contact: 03 455 4116 Website: Forbury Service Centre |
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Sims Brothers GarageSims Brothers Garage is a locally owned and operated family business. It has been 36 years since they started in the automotive industry with its team of qualified mechanics. They are MTA Approved and offers a full range of automotive services including WOF inspections, general repairs and safety check.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Ward Street, Dunedin Contact: 03 477 1110 Website: Sims Brothers |
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All Car ServicesAll Car Services is established in 2004 and continuously providing the Dunedin area with expert mechanical and electrical services for all vehicles. They are an MTA Approved automotive business with values leaning towards good customer service. Their best practices include free customer pick-up and drop-off, courtesy vehicles by prior arrangement, pre-pay facility, reward systems and financing options.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: South Dunedin Contact: 03 455 9094 Website: All Car Services |
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APETAPET is a Dunedin based tuning and performance enhancement workshop. They are expert in performance modifications and tuning of simple air filters to professional race vehicles.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Vogel Street, Dunedin Contact: 03 974 8291 Website: APET |
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Precision Mechanical LtdPrecision Mechanical Ltd is an Auto Super Shoppes representative in the Dunedin area. They are a professional automotive repairer of cars, light trucks and 4WDs. Their technicians are well experienced and trained in the art of automotive repairs, maintenance and diagnostics.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Maclaggan Street, Dunedin Contact: 03 477 1972 Website: Precision Mechanical Ltd |
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Centre City Auto RepairsCentre City Auto Repairs is a mechanical and automotive expert based in Central City. They offer full-service repairs and maintenance for any make and model of vehicles. Centre City Auto Repairs have worked with many satisfied clients for over 30 years.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Saint Andrew Street, Dunedin Contact: 03 474 5900 Website: Centre City Auto Repairs |
Our Pick for an Independent WOF Assessment in Dunedin
- 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 Dunedin.
- 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 Dunedin 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.
