Got that little sticker on the windscreen telling you your WOF’s nearly up? Happens to all of us. With how much we drive around Hamilton these days — between all the potholes on Rotokauri Road, or heading out to Morrinsville, Cambridge, or Whatawhata — your car takes a fair bit of a hiding. Plenty of stop-start, speed bumps, and dodgy parking spots around The Base or Centre Place mall. Makes sense to be on top of things, aye?
When’s Your WOF Due for Renewal?
If your car was registered before 2000, you’re on a six-month schedule for a WOF. Anything newer than that, it’s an annual job. So if you’re cruising around in an old Nissan Pulsar, Toyota Estima, or something like that, you’ll want to watch those dates. Newer Mazdas, Honda Fit Hybrids, VW Golfs, even the odd Peugeot 308, you’ve got a bit more time — just don’t leave it too close to expiry (no one likes that last-minute panic).
What Do We Actually Check at a WOF?
You’d be surprised how many things we see just doing a quick look over in the workshop. Whether you’ve got a Suzuki Swift, Subaru Outback, Mitsubishi Delica, or even a Ssangyong Korando (yep, seen a couple lately), the rules are the same. Our WOF Hamilton check-up covers the lot:
- Brakes — Can’t have dodgy brakes navigating Fifth Ave on a rainy morning!
- Exhaust — Especially with all those speed bumps and potholes, exhausts can get knocked loose.
- Fuel system — Make sure it’s not leaking or giving you grief.
- Tyre condition — Uneven wear from all the city roundabouts and stop-start driving.
- Structure — We’ll check for rust, especially underneath (rust loves Hamilton’s damp winter mornings).
- Vehicle lights — Gotta have all your lights working, day or night, fog or shine.
- Windows — No big cracks or dodgy tints.
- Wipers and washers — Need clear vision in those thick winter fogs.
- Doors — All opening fine. Seen the odd door jammed from a carpark knock in Chartwell.
- Seatbelts — For the family, of course.
- Airbags (if you’ve got them).
- Speedo — For keeping your speed in check on the Expressway.
- Steering and suspension — All those bumps on Te Rapa Straight, can’t have loose steering!
A mechanic performing a WOF inspection.
Failed Your WOF? No Stress
If your car doesn’t pass, don’t panic. By law, you can only drive it on public roads for repairs or straight home — that’s it. But usually, it’s nothing major; a blown indicator bulb on a Kia Sportage, or a worn tyre on an Audi Q3, or your wipers barely doing anything after all that fine dust in summer. Most WOF fixes can be sorted same day. One of our techs will run you through what’s up, what’s urgent, and what can probably wait, so you’ve got a clear plan. All easy, and no surprises at the till.
Book Your WOF Online — Hamilton & Surrounds
Time for your car’s next WOF? Save yourself the waiting room hassle and book online with Grimmer Motors. Doesn’t matter if you’re over in Glenview, coming in on Cobham Drive, or popping down from Tamahere — our team’s seen pretty much every make and model on Kiwi roads. From regular petrol runabouts to trickier hybrid repair jobs, we’ll sort you out, and you’ll drive away with a clear plan if anything needs fixing.
For a down-to-earth, honest car service Hamilton can rely on — you know where to find us.