10 Affordable and Hassle-Free WOF Testing Stations and Mechanics Tauranga
Minimize the risk of a failed WOF, save money and time, and get repairs from trusted Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga
- 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 Tauranga.
- 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Tauranga. We have selected these mechanics based on their history of longstanding service within Tauranga, 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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Fulton AutomotiveFulton Automotive is an automotive repair and maintenance provider servicing Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. It is a family-owned business with all experienced and certified female-friendly mechanics to take care of all types of vehicle servicing. Fulton Automotive is MTA Assured and has a growing number of satisfied customers.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 07 575 9525 Website: Fulton Automotive |
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Elite Automotive Repairs LtdElite Automotive Repairs Ltd provides a general mechanical repair of cars, trailers and caravans in Tauranga area. They deal with almost all types of vehicles, including Japanese, European and classic types.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Gate Pa, Tauranga Contact: 07 541 0055 Website: Elite Automotive Repairs Ltd |
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AutomotivatedAutomotivated has been in the industry for over 20 years specialising in brake and clutch servicing. They are MTA Approved with years of experience in handling European vehicles, particularly Fiat and Peugeot.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Second Avenue, Tauranga Contact: 07 571 0548 Website: Automotivated |
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Avila mobile mechanicAvila mobile mechanic is a mobile automotive repair service provider catering to the whole Tauranga area. They are ready for emergency call outs, and they will come to you with the right tools to finish the repair on site.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 021 138 8471 Website: Avila mobile mechanic |
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Premier AutomotivePremier Automotive is a vehicle servicing and repair centre that has been serving the Tauranga area for more than 30 years. They make use of the latest equipment and technology to make sure that your vehicle runs smoothly according to the standards.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Eleventh Avenue, Tauranga Contact: 07 578 7319 Website: Premier Automotive |
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Davidson MotorsDavidson Motors is a locally owned and operated servicing specialist for Jaguar, European and classic cars. They have a team of mechanics with more than two decades of experience in the automotive industry.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Greerton, Tauranga Contact: 07 578 3998 Website: Davidson Motors |
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AutoSuper Shoppe JudeaAuto Super Shoppe Judea is a locally owned but nationally known vehicle service centre with 90+ branches within New Zealand. The business started in 2006 and has selected the top workshops all over the country to join their league.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Judea, Tauranga Contact: 07 578 6092 Website: Auto Super Shoppe Judea |
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Vehicle Service CentreVehicle Service Centre has been running under the current management since 1997 intending to promote affordable vehicle servicing to all. Being an MTA Assured member, Vehicle Service Centre provides a 12-month guarantee period to all the service works.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Google Rating: 4.8/5 Base: Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Contact: 07 575 8604 Website: Vehicle Service Centre |
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Highbrook AutomotiveBethlehem Motors provides a wide range of automotive services. Since 1952, they have been catering to people within the Tauranga area while complying to all manufacturer's specifications. Bethlehem Motors is an MTA Assured repair centre.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Bethlehem, Tauranga Contact: 07 576 4799 Website: Bethlehem Motors |
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Otumoetai AutomotiveOtumoetai Automotive has been in the automotive industry for over 20 years. Its owner and operator is a senior technician and a certified WOF inspector with vast knowledge in fixing and diagnosing all sorts of vehicles. Otumoetai Automotive is MTA Assured and uses modern technology for vehicle diagnostics.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Otumoetai, Tauranga Contact: 07 576 6975 Website: Otumoetai Automotive |
Our Pick for an Independent WOF Assessment in Tauranga
- 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 Tauranga.
- 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 Tauranga 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.
