Ask an expert

I took my car for a Warrant of Fitness check recently and was surprised at the two items that were rejected.

The first being the speedo which apparently was not working, and yet it was fine on the drive home.

The second rejection was for excessive exhaust noise. When I questioned this I was told a decibel meter was not used, the rejection was simply based on the inspectors opinion the noise was excessive.

My car had recently undergone a re-certification process 6 months ago as it was stolen and was de-registered when I retrieved it.

Can you let me know how to pursue the matter further?

Amy

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 22 January 2010

If the speedo is working OK now, then there is no problem apart from the inconvenience of taking the car back to have it re-checked.

The exhaust noise is not so simple. The inspector can judge the amount of exhaust noise based on their experience only (no decibel reader required). It is referred to as a 'noise quick check' test.

If you fail a WoF on a noisy exhaust you can do one of the following:

Replace, re-modify or repair the exhaust system to reduce the noise levels
Undergo an objective noise test if you wish to have an exhaust system that is noisier than the original exhaust.
The objective test is a stationary tail-pipe test procedure based on international standards and can only be carried out by an approved Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) certifier. There is a cost to have this test carried out.

If you disagree with the decision to fail your vehicle, you should try first to resolve the issue with the inspection centre concerned or a LVV certifier in your area.

If you are still not satisfied, you can challenge the rejection with the NZ Transport Agency (0800 699 000).

A list of approved LVV certifiers can be viewed on the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association's website.