10 Affordable and Hassle-Free WOF Testing Stations and Mechanics Wellington
Minimize the risk of a failed WOF, save money and time, and get repairs from trusted Wellington mechanics with our comprehensive guide
Updated 7 August 2021
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 Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington
- 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 Wellington.
- 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 Wellington 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. |
​
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.
​
​10 Reliable Wellington 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 Wellington. We have selected these mechanics based on their history of longstanding service within Wellington, 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.
|
Auto Care KilbirnieAuto Care Kilbirnie has been providing auto mechanical service and repair to the Wellington region for over 35 years. They are MTA Assured and caters to all types of vehicles, including European brands, classic and racing cars.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Kilbirnie, Wellington Contact: 04 387 2105 Website: Auto Care Kilbirnie |
|
Motorworx ServiceMotorworx Service is an expert in automotive maintenance of European and Japanese cars. They’ve been operating in the Wellington area for over 20 years and has gained the trust of many car owners, being professional mechanics that can fix anything.
What customers like:
Base: Mount Cook, Wellington Contact: 04 385 0060 Website: Motorworx Service |
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Brendon Motors Torrens TerraceBrendon Motors Torrens Terrace is an automotive repair and servicing centre in Wellington. They have six locations scattered across the region that conveniently caters to all type of vehicles. With their team’s vast experience in the industry, they ensure to provide high-quality workmanship to all customers.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Mount Cook, Wellington Contact: 04 384 3168 Website: Brendon Motors Torrens Terrace |
|
Access Mobile MechanicsAccess Mobile Mechanics provides automotive service anywhere within the Greater Wellington. They provide 24-hour service for any mechanical issues in the radiator, starter motors, fan belts, spark plugs, filters and batteries.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Whitby, Porirua Contact: 021 876 879 Website: Access Mobile Mechanics |
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Ray Hartley MotorsRay Hartley Motors is an automotive repair centre that deals with everyday cars, commercial, exotic, classic and specialist vehicles. They have gained a positive reputation throughout Wellington since they first started operation in 1989. Ray Hartley Motors is MTA Approved and has a proven track record for making cars run smoothly.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Te Aro, Wellington Contact: 04 384 4459 Website: Ray Hartley Motors |
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North City Motors Tawa LtdNorth City Motors Tawa Ltd is an Auto Super Shoppe mechanical repairer in Tawa, Wellington. They are MTA assured and have a team of experienced mechanics that deals with all types of vehicles including Audi, Porsche and VW.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Tawa, Wellington Contact: 04 232 3235 Website: North City Motors Tawa Ltd |
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Broadway Motors LtdBroadway Motors Ltd is a mechanical and auto electrical specialists based in Strathmore, Wellington. They cater to both fleet companies and individuals who require vehicle servicing, maintenance and repairs.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Strathmore Park, Wellington Contact: 04 939 0416 Website: Broadway Motors Ltd |
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Wellington EuropeanWellington European is an MTA Approved automotive repair business based in Mount Cook, Wellington. Ever since they started operating independently, they have been specialising in European car servicing with the aid of their latest diagnostic equipment.
What customers like:
Base: Mount Cook, Wellington Contact: 04 384 8867 Website: Wellington European |
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Car Therapy CentreCar Therapy Centre has more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and has a team of expert mechanics to deal with all vehicle services and maintenance. Car Therapy Centre aims to provide all Wellington motorists with a high-quality service at a reasonable price.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Gilmer Terrace, Wellington Contact: 04 472 8279 Website: Car Therapy Centre |
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Prop Auto LtdProp Auto Ltd is a family-owned and operated diesel and petrol vehicle repair centre that is conveniently located in the heart of Wellington city. Their operation started in 2009 has since grown as one of the most preferred go-to repair shops in the region.
What customers like:
Services include, but are not limited to:
Base: Te Aro, Wellington Contact: 04 801 8083 Website: Prop Auto Lt |
Our Pick for an Independent WOF Assessment in Wellington
- 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 Wellington.
- 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 Wellington 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.
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