Alright, if you’re getting ready for your Warrant of Fitness (WOF) around Hamilton, let’s talk about something folks often miss — your windscreen. With all the stop-start on Te Rapa Road, those potholes on Rototuna backstreets, and the classic Waikato weather swings — your windscreen really cops a hiding. At Grimmer Motors, we check heaps of windscreens every week for all sorts of cars — from a Suzuki Swift out in Matangi to a Toyota HiAce that does the Cambridge run daily. Here are five practical windscreen repair tips to help you ace your next WOF.
1. Give Your Windscreen a Regular Once-Over
Spot Trouble Before It’s a Real Pain
Honestly, just keeping an eye out makes a massive difference. A customer with a Peugeot 307 came in last week — small chip, didn’t think much of it, but it’d grown thanks to that gnarly bump outside the Chartwell Shops. Whether you’re in Dinsdale or Raglan, have a quick look for chips, cracks or any dodgy scratches. Got doubts? Swing by and one of our techs can give it a proper look — saving you the embarrassment of a WOF fail down the line. For more handy tips on what you should keep in your car, check this out: 8 Items to Always Have in Your Car.
2. Don’t Ignore Chips — Fix Them Fast
Hamilton Weather Means Chips Crack Quicker
Seen a chip? Get onto it straight away. We had a mum from Morrinsville bring in her Nissan Qashqai after a chip went wild over a chilly morning. The hot-and-cold Hamilton weather loves turning wee chips into big cracks, especially after parking in the sun on Bryce Street for the morning. Don’t let it get worse — get those chips sorted quick. At Grimmer Motors, we knock these out fast so you don’t end up buying a whole new windscreen.
3. Go for Quality Repairs, Not Quick Fixes
Do It Once, Do It Right
We’ve seen some rough DIY jobs on everything from Honda Fits to a few fancy Audis from Tamahere — and most end up costing more in the long run. Get your glass sorted by a pro using proper gear and top materials. That way you know it’s solid, safe, and sweet for your WOF — no last-minute stress about dodgy cracks holding you up. Our crew at Grimmer Motors does every job right — helping you pass your WOF and keeping you safe on the roads.
4. Know What WOF Inspectors Actually Look For
Don’t Get Caught Out by Small Cracks in the Wrong Spot
When you bring your Mazda Demio or Kia Cerato in, our inspectors are looking out for damage smack in the driver’s line of sight, or cracks and chips bigger than a $2 coin. Anything that messes with visibility is a no-go. And forget about that clear tape fix — it doesn’t cut it. If you’re not sure what passes, check the WOF details here or just ask us at the workshop.
5. Check Your Wiper Blades and Keep That Window Clear
More Than Just Glass: Wipers Matter Too
It’s not all about chips and cracks — worn-out wipers can stuff up your vision, especially cruising over the Narrows Bridge on a foggy Tamahere morning. If your wipers slap and streak, swap them out before your WOF. We had an Isuzu Mu-X come in from Glenview last week — great vehicle, but couldn’t see a thing in the rain! New blades fixed it up. We’ll get you sorted here, no worries.
So, just keeping an eye on your windscreen, sorting out chips fast and letting the good folks at Grimmer Motors handle the repairs sets you up for an easy WOF. Locals come to us for:
-
Getting the job done right first time, every time
-
Friendly, down-to-earth advice on all makes — Nissan, Subaru, Mercedes, you name it
-
Repairs and parts that last (no cheap shortcuts)
-
Real understanding of WOF Hamilton rules
-
Fast, convenient service that gets you back on the road
If you want your windscreen sorted by Hamilton’s local car service crew who know the roads (and your WOF!) inside and out, pop over to Grimmer Motors. We’ll look after you.