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How to maintain your car
If it’s the daily commute to work, a Sunday drive or a holiday road trip, you need to be able to rely on your car. Find out here how to look after your car.
How to maintain your car
If it’s the daily commute to work, a Sunday drive or a holiday road trip, you need to be able to rely on your car. Find out here how to look after your car.
Maintenance Check
Get your Maintenance Check done at VTNZ to ensure your car is safe and reliable. A Maintenance Check covers 14 features that aren’t included in a Warrant of Fitness inspection and will help to:
- Improve the life, efficiency and safety of your vehicle
- Minimise major and potentially avoidable repair work
- Keep you and your passengers safe
- Retain your vehicles value
Why VTNZ?
A VTNZ Maintenance Check covers the essential maintenance basics that you might not have the time for. At just $49, or $28 when added to your WoF, it’s great value and could save on repair bills down the track.
14 Features of a VTNZ Maintenance Check
*Additional costs may apply if fluids are required. We’ll be sure to ask you first.
Engine
Listen for unusual sounds
Drive Belts
Condition of drive belts tested (excludes cambelt)
Radiator
Inspect the radiator and radiator hoses for leaks and deterioration
Engine Coolant
Inspect levels and report on condition. Top up if required*
Battery
Test and assess condition. Please note, we are unable to assess electric/hybrid vehicle batteries
Brake Fluid
Inspect fluid level and report on condition. Top up if required*
Steering Fluid
Inspect fluid level and report on condition. Top up if required*
Clutch Fluid
Test fluid level and report on condition. Top up if required*
Oil
Test oil level and report on condition. Top up if required*
Tyres
Inflated to the correct pressures and top up if required*
Emergency Kit
Ensure the car jack, toolkit and spare wheel are present
Wiper Blades
Inspect condition. Replace if necessary (wiper blades at extra cost)
Windscreen
Inspect windscreen washer level and top up if needed
Front Windscreen
Inspect for any chips or cracks and give it a good clean
My car was really low on oil and at risk of seizing up. The VTNZ Automotive Technician topped it up for me.
VTNZ Lower Hutt Customer
Went at a peak time, but the line moved really fast. Being my first time there, the staff were really friendly guiding me through the process. Receptionist upsold me on the maintenance check, which led me to get a top up on oil. Well worth it whilst getting my WOF.
VTNZ Kingsland Customer
Maintenance check, all that for that much, that’s a good deal!
VTNZ Nelson - Pascoe St Customer
My car needed oil which I was unaware about until the maintenance check up. Was a good feeling to know those things were all checked for me.
VTNZ Nelson - Pascoe St Customer
Annual Maintenance
VTNZ recommends your car gets a full vehicle health check every 6 to 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever comes first) to keep your car running at its best.
You should have your car assessed by a professional if it:
- Keeps pulling or drifting to one side
- Leaks fluids after being parked up for several hours or overnight
- Makes funny noises like clicking, clunking or scraping; or squealing when you use your brakes; or popping coming from the exhaust
- The steering wheel starts slipping or is really hard to turn
When to see a Repairer
We recommend your car gets an engine oil and filter change every 12 months or 20,000 kms (whichever comes first). You’ll need to book in with a repairer to have this done.
If you don’t have a preferred repairer, try a VTNZ Certified Repairer in your area, or ask our staff for some other local options.
How to maintain your car
If it’s the daily commute to work, a Sunday drive or a holiday road trip, you need to be able to rely on your car. Find out here how to look after your car.
Regular Maintenance Checklist
Owning and maintaining a car is a big responsibility and it’s a good idea to give your car some regular care. We recommend you do a bit of car maintenance every month or two and especially before any significant road trips.
We’ve put together a list of basic maintenance tasks you can do each month when you visit the petrol station.
- Make sure your tyres are pumped up and have good tread depth (over 1.5mm). Don’t forget to check the spare!
- Check all your lights are working, including the indicators
- Check the engine oil level is above the minimum indicator on the dipstick
- Check the condition of the engine oil. It shouldn't appear dark, thick or sludgy
- Check and, if necessary, top up the window washer fluid level
- Clean the front windscreen and check there are no chips or cracks
You can do all your regular car maintenance at your local petrol station. Or, if you’d like someone else to take care of it, pop into your local VTNZ branch and we’ll be happy to help. One of our Automotive Technicians can do a Maintenance Check any time. We can even do this at the same time as your Warrant of Fitness inspection.
Add a Maintenance Check to your WoF for only $28
Watch a quick video on how to check the condition of your tyres.
Tip: Use less fuel and save money by checking your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. The pressure details can be found on a plate inside the driver’s door, the fuel flap or owner’s manual.