Your warrant is due and you’ve been watching the date on your windscreen sticker draw nearer.
But actually getting your warrant freaks you out just a bit. If you’re anything like me and know nothing about cars, the whole process is daunting. You’re worried it’ll cost hundreds, they’ll find major problems with your car, or talk to you in technical ‘car language’ that you just don’t understand.
Never fear, the teams at the VTNZ stations make getting your Warrant of Fitness such an easy and hassle free task, you’ll wonder why you ever worried about it in the first place!
At VTNZ, they’re not out to fail your car, so if they say there is something wrong with your car, then there actually is. They won’t try to scam you by using complicated words to convince you that you need to spend more than you really do. In fact, if your car does fail, VTNZ will recheck your car for free once you’ve had the repairs done, if you get back to any VTNZ station within 28 days.
It can be nerve-wracking waiting to find out if your car has passed or failed - especially when it’s an old bomb! However, most people who do not pass their inspection first time fail on basic maintenance issues which could be easily avoided. To put you in control, VTNZ and nzgirl have pulled together a list of helpful hints which could make the difference between passing and failing…
Tip #1 Ensure your windscreen wipers work Check your windscreen wipers. Does your windscreen washer deliver water onto the windscreen? Do your wipers sweep without leaving patches or smudging? If they don’t, try wiping down your blades and cleaning your windscreen with clean soapy water. There may be something sticking to your windscreen or wipers which is causing the problem.
Tip #2 Check your lights are working Check your lights are working by asking a family member or friend to check them with you. Be sure to get them to check your headlights, brake lights, reverse lights and indicator lights. Many vehicles fail their Warrant of Fitness simply because a bulb is blown. You should check your lights regularly to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
Tip #3 Make sure your tyres are safe Whenever you go to the petrol station to fill up your tank, check the pressure in your tyres to make sure it's correct. The pressure specific to your car can usually be found on a sticker in the interior of your car or in your vehicle’s handbook. You should also check the tread of your tyres. If your tyres appear to be bald (flat with no ridges) it is probably time for new tyres. If you really can't tell, when you take your car to VTNZ for its warrant, they'll let you know if the tyres are safe or need replacing. Tip #4 Regularly maintain your brakes Being aware of your brakes and how they feel when they are working properly is imperative. If you ever feel your brakes are sticking or are not working as quickly as usual, bring your car into your local VTNZ station and they will test your vehicle's braking efficiency for a small fee and let you know if there is a problem.
Tip #5 Make sure your vehicle is easy to inspect When you take your car in for its next Warrant of Fitness, make sure it is easy to inspect. Before you come in ensure that all the seat belts are accessible and that the boot is empty (it's a good time to spring clean the car). The boot needs to be empty so the spare wheel can be checked easily as well as checking the anchorage points for your rear seatbelts. And cute though dogs are, please don't bring your dog with you unless you're planning on taking him or her for a walk while the VTNZ inspectors go through the WoF process. Some dogs aren't keen on allowing someone to inspect everything around them even if the inspector is just trying to ensure you're driving a safe vehicle.
Tip #6 Keep your Warrant of Fitness up to date Driving a vehicle without a current Warrant of Fitness is an offence and could invalidate your insurance. Be sure to keep an eye on your expiry date. Get it renewed prior to it expiring. Your Warrant of Fitness inspection can be done up to 14 days before the expiry date, with no penalty or time deducted. To help you remember, VTNZ can send you a reminder about your next inspection. Give VTNZ your email address by clicking here and they'll not only email you a reminder but they'll also put you in the draw to win fabulous prizes!
Eve
With nearly 70 stations across New Zealand a VTNZ station should be located near you. To find your nearest station click here. With while-you-wait service, no need to book and impartial Warrant of Fitness inspections why not try VTNZ next time your Warrant of Fitness is due? While you are there you can also update your registration!
sticker draw nearer. 
At VTNZ, they’re not out to fail your car, so if they say there is something wrong with your car, then there actually is. They won’t try to scam you by using complicated words to convince you that you need to spend more than you really do. In fact, if your car does fail, VTNZ will recheck your car for free once you’ve had the repairs done, if you get back to any VTNZ station within 28 days. 
Tip #2 Check your lights are working
Driving a vehicle without a current Warrant of Fitness is an offence and could invalidate your insurance. Be sure to keep an eye on your expiry date. Get it renewed prior to it expiring. Your Warrant of Fitness inspection can be done up to 14 days before the expiry date, with no penalty or time deducted. To help you remember, VTNZ can send you a reminder about your next inspection. Give VTNZ your email address by clicking