If you’re getting sorted for your next WOF in Hamilton, it’s easy to forget about your airbags. You don’t really notice them in the day-to-day, but trust me, you’ll want them working if something messy happens. Between all the stop-start along Te Rapa Straight, the shocking bumps in Nawton, or even dealing with foggy mornings driving in from Te Kowhai or Tamahere, you want to know your airbags are sweet. Here’s my advice — these are the seven checks we run through with customers on the daily, no matter if you’re rolling in a Volvo XC70, a Toyota Estima, or something like a Peugeot 308 (had a few of those lately!).

1. Check That Airbag Light

When you first turn on the ignition, your airbag dash light should flick on, then disappear. Easy as. If it hangs around, flashes, or doesn’t come on at all, that’s a warning something’s not right. Whether you’ve got a Mazda Demio, Renault Koleos, or a Honda CR-Z, we see this all the time. It could just be a dodgy sensor or a wiring gremlin. Either way, you’ll cop a WOF fail if you don’t sort it. Get a proper diagnostics and repairs done by someone with the right gear.

2. Look for Any Tampering

Had a Subaru Levorg in from around Hillcrest, and the airbag cover was sitting weird after a previous fender-bender. Sometimes after a knock, folks try to patch up the dash or steering wheel, and it shows. If you spot cracked plastics, loose covers, or bits not lining up — whether it’s the wheel, passenger side, seat, or pillars — come see us fast. Any sign of tampering is red flag stuff.

3. Make Sure All the Airbags Are There

If you’ve just bought a used import (seen it with a Nissan Juke, or even a VW Passat from Raglan), flip through your manual and take a look. Sadly, some cars come in with missing airbags after an old smash, and you wouldn’t know unless you checked. No airbag, no WOF — simple. Let a mechanic who knows their way around the gear double-check before you book inspection.

4. Check for Airbag Recalls

It’s worth checking your rego or VIN for airbag recalls — seen all sorts, from Hyundai Tucsons to Isuzu Mu-Xs popping up on recall lists lately. Had a customer from Cambridge with a recall on their Kia but no idea about it. Jump online and have a quick look. If you find one, get it sorted — recall fixes are usually free, so no stress there.

5. Get a Pre-WOF System Scan

We always reckon a scan before each car service in Hamilton is the way to go, especially with newer stuff — Prius, Toyota CH-R, even the odd Haval H6 now. Faults can hide, but the scan tool sniffs them out. Might save you a nasty surprise come WOF day. Bring it to a trusted service centre. Want to know why pre-scanning matters? Here’s the lowdown.

6. Check the Airbag Covers

One of our techs had a Honda Odyssey in from Chartwell — vinyl on the steering wheel was splitting. If the covers on your dash or wheel look peeling, cracked, or just odd, that can cause issues when the airbag fires. No bulges, weird glue, or rough seams. Get anything strange looked at — here’s some more info on what to check.

7. Book Regular Airbag Maintenance

Just like your tyres or brakes, airbags need a check now and then — especially on older cars or any import that’s done a few laps around Glenview or Ngaruawahia. Sensors, wiring, or even software modules go dodgy with age. Regular car servicing should always include an airbag look-over. We’ll scan, check connections, and spot trouble early so you don’t get caught with a fail (or a big bill). Want to see what’s included? Here’s what we offer.

Why Get Your Airbags Checked with Us?

  • Seriously Experienced: Our techs have seen the lot — Mercs, Hyundais, SsangYongs, you name it. Sorting these systems is the norm here.

  • No Corners Cut: Full checks, done right. Not half-done or rushed.

  • Top Equipment: We use the latest scanners to grab every hidden problem. Nothing gets past us.

  • Simple Explanations: We’ll show you exactly what’s gone wrong and talk you through your options. No fluff.

  • Hamilton Locals: We care about the people driving out there on Victoria Street, Rototuna, or heading out of town. Your safety counts around here.

If you need a hand or just want peace of mind before the WOF, swing by Grimmer Motors. We’ll keep your airbags and everything else road-ready, so you can keep rolling safely through Hamilton and beyond.

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