WOF Guide · Updated June 2026 · By the Brad Ward Motors workshop team
A New Zealand Warrant of Fitness checks the safety-critical parts of your vehicle: tyres, brakes, all the lights, steering and suspension, seatbelts, glass and wipers, the structure and rust, plus the exhaust, fuel system and a few warning lights. It is a visual and operational safety inspection, not a full mechanical health check, and at Brad Ward Motors in Henderson a standard WOF is $78. Our whole floor team is NZTA-authorised, so we run every car against the official inspection criteria, the same way at every visit. Knowing what gets looked at makes it far easier to walk in confident and walk out with a pass.
- Tyres need at least 1.5mm tread across the contact area
- Brakes, handbrake hold, pads, discs and lines all checked
- All exterior lights plus headlight aim and colour
- Windscreen cracks in the driver's view, wipers and washers
- Steering, suspension play, seatbelts and SRS warning lights
- Structural rust, exhaust leaks and fuel system condition
Tyres, wheels and brakes
Tyres are one of the most common things we look at closely. Every tyre needs at least 1.5mm of tread right across the contact area, with no cord showing, no big cuts or bulges, and the same type of tyre across an axle. We also check the wheels and that nothing is fouling or rubbing as you steer.
Brakes get a thorough look too. We check the pads and discs for wear, look for leaks in the lines and hoses, and make sure the foot brake and handbrake both hold properly. Spongy pedals, badly worn pads or a handbrake that will not hold are common fail items, and they are exactly the sort of thing worth sorting before a long West Auckland motorway trip.
Lights, glass and wipers
Every exterior light is checked: headlights on both dip and high beam, indicators, brake lights, tail lights, the number plate light and reflectors. Headlight aim and colour matter as well, so an aftermarket bulb that is the wrong colour can cause a fail.
The windscreen is inspected for cracks and chips, especially in the driver's line of sight. Wipers need to clear the glass properly and the washers must work. A small stone chip can often be repaired before it spreads into a crack that needs a whole new windscreen.
Steering, suspension and seatbelts
We check the steering and suspension for worn ball joints, tie rod ends, bushes and shock absorbers, anything with play or knocking that affects how the car handles. Wheel bearings and CV boots get a look too.
Seatbelts are checked for fraying, fading and damage, and the buckles must latch and release cleanly. Airbag and SRS warning lights are checked where fitted, so a light that stays on can cause a fail. None of this is guesswork on our part, it follows the NZTA criteria item by item.
Structure, rust, exhaust and fuel system
Structural rust in key safety areas, around the chassis, mounting points, sills and seatbelt anchorages, is taken seriously because it affects how the car protects you in a crash. Surface rust is usually fine, but rust that has eaten into structural metal often needs repair.
The exhaust is checked for leaks, excessive noise and smoke, and the fuel system for leaks and a sound, sealed cap. Doors, latches, hinges, mirrors and the speedometer round out the inspection. If anything fails, we explain it in plain English, give you a quote, and in most cases fix it here at Moselle Ave so you do not need a second trip.
Talk to a real Henderson mechanic
Quotes, no surprises, all makes and models. MTA approved, 35+ years on Moselle Ave.