Importance of vehicle servicing

Why Your Annual WoF Shouldn’t Be Your Only Vehicle Check

For many New Zealand motorists, the annual WoF has become the yearly reminder to get their vehicle checked.

But a WoF and a vehicle service are two very different things — and as changes to WoF requirements come into effect, regular vehicle servicing is becoming even more important.

A WoF is a safety inspection — not a service

A WoF is designed to check whether your vehicle meets the required safety standards at the time of inspection.

It isn't designed to provide a complete picture of your vehicle's mechanical condition or future reliability.

A vehicle can pass a WoF and still have components that are wearing, fluids that need replacing, or maintenance that is due.

That's where servicing comes in.

What does a vehicle service actually do?

A regular service is about maintaining your vehicle, rather than simply checking whether it currently meets the minimum safety requirements.

Depending on your vehicle and its service schedule, servicing can include checking and replacing items such as:

• Engine oil and filters

• Brake components

• Steering and suspension

• Tyres and tyre condition

• Coolant and other fluids

• Belts and hoses

• Battery and charging system

• Lights and electrical components

• Driveline and CV components

• Transmission and differential fluids

• Other manufacturer-recommended maintenance items

  
  

A good service also gives a technician the opportunity to spot early signs of wear or developing problems before they turn into a breakdown or a much bigger repair bill.

Why servicing your vehicle every year makes sense

Even if you don't drive many kilometres, time can have an effect on your vehicle.

Fluids deteriorate, rubber components age, batteries lose performance, seals can start to leak and components can wear simply through normal use.

For higher-mileage vehicles, regular servicing is even more important.

Think of it as preventative maintenance rather than waiting for something to go wrong.

Small problems are usually cheaper than big problems

One of the biggest advantages of regular servicing is being able to identify problems while they're still relatively minor. A worn component might be inexpensive to replace when caught early. Leave it until it fails, however, and it can sometimes cause damage to other components — turning a manageable repair into a much larger bill.

Regular servicing can therefore help you save money in the long run, as well as reduce the chance of an unexpected breakdown.

Your car doesn't know when its WoF is due!

Perhaps the easiest way to think about it is this:

A WoF is a snapshot. A service is ongoing care.

Your vehicle doesn't suddenly become due for maintenance because the WoF sticker is about to expire. It needs looking after throughout the year.

Making an annual service part of your routine means there is a regular opportunity for a qualified technician to look over your vehicle, identify developing issues and make sure important maintenance isn't being forgotten.

Don't wait until you hear a noise

Many vehicle problems start with small warning signs — a slight vibration, a noise you haven't noticed before, a change in braking, a fluid leak or something that simply doesn't feel quite right.

Sometimes these signs are easy to dismiss.

"She's always made that noise."

"It seems to be driving okay."

"I'll get it looked at next time."

Unfortunately, small problems don't always stay small.

Having your vehicle checked regularly gives you the opportunity to address these things before they become inconvenient — or expensive.

Staying safe on New Zealand roads

Ultimately, regular servicing isn't just about protecting your vehicle or your wallet.

It's about keeping your vehicle safe and reliable for you, your passengers and everyone else on the road.

Your vehicle is one of the most important pieces of equipment you use every day. A little preventative maintenance can go a long way.

Make an annual service part of your routine

With changes to the WoF system on the horizon, now is a good time to think beyond the WoF sticker and consider your vehicle's overall maintenance.

Instead of waiting for your next WoF to remind you about your car, make an annual service and vehicle check part of your routine.

At Bristols, we can service your vehicle and give it a thorough check-over to identify maintenance items and potential problems before they become bigger issues.

Whether it's your daily driver, family car, work vehicle or something a little more special, regular maintenance is one of the smartest things you can do to keep it safe, reliable and on the road.

Need a service?

Don't wait for a warning light or a strange noise.

Book your vehicle in with Bristols Automotive Specialists and let us help keep your vehicle running safely and reliably.