Car checks warranted

More than a third of cars may not be up to warrant of fitness standard, according to industry figures that show the rate of failure at testing has been edging higher for years.

In 2019, 41 per cent of vehicles failed their WOF test on their first go, up from 35 per cent in 2013.

The trend should alarm people, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

‘‘Everyone should check the most common issues – lights, brakes, suspension and tyres – at least every six months,’’ MTA advocacy and strategy manager Greig Epps said earlier this year.

Workshops will perform a check for you or you can do a pre-WOF inspection at home, starting with the basics.

Tyres: Check the tread. The minimum legal depth is 1.5 millimetres but the more tread, the better the grip. Also check the air pressure in each tyre, following the PSI recommendation found on the sidewall of the tyre. Correct air pressure helps your tyres grip the road and makes the car more fuel efficient.

Wiper blades: These are usually among the top four faults causing a vehicle to fail its WOF, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). Check that water and dirt is being properly wiped away and that the washers are working correctly – they need to squirt enough water with the appropriate distribution so that the wipers can clean without missed patches and smearing.

Lights: Check your headlights, reversing lights, indicators and brake lights are working and aren’t dirty, cracked or hazy. Don’t forget the high beams. It can help to have a friend present or you can check by parking in front of a window and looking at the reflection.

Seatbelts: Check that all seatbelts retract well, have no rips, tears or frays in the edges or have considerable fading. Also check that all belt buckles fasten securely.

Regular servicing will increase the likelihood of gaining a WOF and should be performed every 10,000km or annually.

By timing your servicing midway between your WOF tests, your local workshop can help ensure your vehicle remains safe and reliable for longer.

A warrant of fitness tells you if your vehicle is safe at the time of inspection. Many vehicles need a check in the months between too.