All too often vehicles can experience a breakdown, or their owners have had an issue pointed out to them and they are left thinking ‘wait a minute, I just had the vehicle checked’ without fully understanding what they asked for and what they received in return.

Here’s a few of the most common reasons a vehicle gets checked and what exactly is involved.

Warrant of Fitness

When your vehicle has a WoF inspection, it’s important to know that the critical safety features that enable your car safe to be operated on the road will be inspected and cleared. You may receive some notes on items that may need further investigation or replacement within the next 6-12 months before your next WoF inspection. Remember it is still your responsibility to make sure your vehicle remains in a safe operating condition between WoF inspections.

Appointments are not required at drive-through AA Vehicle Testing Stations and most AA Vehicle Inspection sites. Customers need to book their WoF inspection in advance at most AA Auto Centre sites. For more information or to book a WoF inspection click here.

It is important to understand that a WoF is not a vehicle service or a pre purchase inspection and the operational condition of the vehicle may not necessarily be checked or commented on at the time.

Routine Service

A routine vehicle service will maximise the lifespan and value of your vehicle. When you get a routine service, the automotive technician will always look out for any issues that could affect the safety of your vehicle or the ability to pass its next WoF as well as taking care of the regular maintenance items. You can also pass on your last WoF inspection notes to see if any items mentioned are worse and requires your attention straight away.

A routine service is generally carried out once a year and so is a good way to coordinate with your scheduled WoF inspection. AA Auto Centre have three levels of service options available that are designed to meet the needs of cars no matter their age, condition or history, and all work is protected by a quality guarantee for your peace of mind. You can find out what service is recommended for your vehicle here.

Auxiliary vehicle inspections

This type of inspection can be referred to as a service check or in our case an AA 10-point check. The AA 10-Point Check is a basic vehicle check by an automotive technician. AA Members are entitled to two free 10-point vehicle checks each year.

This type of vehicle check is ideally suited as an interim check for a vehicle that is not due a service or a WoF. When a vehicle has been parked up for a while or you’re about to head out on long road trip it is sensible to book one of these types of vehicle checks to give you that added peace of mind. Items checked can vary, but some important ones are engine oil level, the windscreen wipers and wash system, 12v battery check, light operation, and tyre condition.

Click here for more information on the AA 10-Point check.

Pre Purchase Inspection.

If you are buying or selling a vehicle, a Pre Purchase Inspection is a very good tool to have, as it gives the buyer an insight into the overall condition of a vehicle in order for them to agree on a fair price or negotiate repairs. For a seller who wants to make sure the vehicle is in a presentable condition or wants more transparency when they advertise in order to have a smooth and quick vehicle sale, they may choose to have the vehicle inspected and share the inspection details with prospective buyers.

A Pre Purchase inspection can also be carried out after a vehicle has been purchased if you are not confident with your purchase. These inspections are not designed as a fault finding mission and nor will they delve into the specific nature of any issues that may come to light.

The Pre Purchase inspection will however, point you in the right direction so you know what areas to focus on when you visit a workshop for a diagnosis and repair quote.
The AA Pre Purchase inspection is an independent vehicle inspection carried out by an experienced team which will help resolve any concerns so customers can buy their car with confidence.

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a car

• AA Auto Centre - aa.co.nz/autocentre 
• AA Pre Purchase Inspections - aa.co.nz/inspections
• AA Motoring Vehicle Inspection - aa.co.nz/wof
• AA 10-Point Check - aa.co.nz/10-point-check
• AA Batteries - aa.co.nz/batteries
• AA Memebership - aa.co.nz/membership
• AA Roadservice - aa.co.nz/roadservice
  
• AA Ask an Expert - aa.co.nz/cars/ask-an-expert
  

Vehicle experts you can trust