Quick Guide To Looking After Your Car In NZ

Kiwi cars are getting older and older cars need more attention. Whether you've just financed a new set of wheels or you're making the most of what you've got, a few simple habits can save you thousands in unexpected repair bills. Check your tyres, lights, wipers, and fluids monthly (use the TWIRL checklist), get your car serviced regularly, and don't ignore warning signs like squeaky brakes or low oil. Protecting your car means protecting your investment!

Your car gets you to work, the school run, weekend adventures, and everything in between, so don’t you think it deserves a bit of love in return? The good news? Looking after your vehicle doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or something to dread. A few simple habits done regularly can save you thousands of dollars and a whole lot of stress down the road.

At CarMoney, we help Kiwis get into the right vehicle with straightforward finance options. We also want to make sure you can keep that vehicle running well for years to come. So here’s your friendly, no-jargon guide to basic car care in New Zealand.

Why Car Maintenance Matters More Here Than You Might Think

New Zealand has one of the oldest vehicle fleets in the developed world. According to the Automobile Association (AA), the average age of a car on our roads is around 12 years, and that number has been creeping upsteadily. Data from the Ministry of Transport, analysed by Environmental Health Indicators NZ, shows that in 2022, 43%of light vehicles in New Zealand were at least 15 years old, and nearly one in five was over 20 years old.

What does that mean for car buyers and owners? Older vehicles need more attention. They’re more likely to require repairs, more likely to fail a Warrant of Fitness (WoF), and more likely to cost you money unexpectedly if small issues are left unchecked. But here’s the silver lining - a well-maintained older car can be perfectly reliable and economical, and keeping on top of the basics is far less painful than dealing with a surprise repair bill!

The Real Cost Of Ignoring Vehicle Maintenance

Let’s talk numbers briefly, because they do tell a compelling story. According to a local cost-of-ownership guide carried out in2024, the total annual cost of owning a car in New Zealand can easily exceed $10,000 when you factor in fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres, WoF, registration, and unexpected repairs. That’s already a significant chunk of most house hold budgets.

The sting usually comes from unplanned repairs, a basic service will cost you around $250–$350 and a full service between $300–$500+, which is manageable. But when something major goes wrong, like a transmission issue, for example, costs can run into the thousands.

The takeaway here isn’t to alarm you in fact, it is the opposite! If you can’t quite stretch the budget to purchase a newer vehicle, regular, low-cost maintenance is your best defence against hefty vehicle repair costs. A$150 service can find a small issue before it turns into a $3,000 one.

The WoF - Your Car’s Health Check

If you own a vehicle in New Zealand, the Warrant of Fitness is part of life. You could think of it as your car’s regular health check, and it’s worth taking seriously.

A helpful breakdown of what inspectors regularly check includes tyres, brakes, steering, exhaust, seat belts, indicators, and headlights, among other things. How often you need one depends on your vehicle’s age. Cars first registered on or after 1 January 2000 need an annual WoF, while older vehicles require one every six months.

Here’s a surprising stat though - according to AA sourced datanearly40% of vehicles in New Zealand fail their WoF on the first attempt. That’s a lot of Kiwis sitting in waiting rooms only to drive away with a repair list. The good news? Many of the most common failure reasons are entirely preventablewith a bit of regular attention.

Tyres are thebiggest culprit. Most vehicles tend to fail their WoF due totyre-related issues. The most common reasons include insufficient tread depth, tyre damage, and uneven wear. The legal minimum tread depth in New Zealand is1.5mm - but the AA recommends aiming for more, as grip and stopping distancesare seriously compromised below that level, especially in wet conditions.

Windscreen wipers are another common fail point, especially due to glazing and wiper-related problems. Given New Zealand’s rainy climate, this is not something to leave until the last minute.

Your Simple Monthly Car Care Routine

The good news is you don’t need to be mechanically minded to keep your car in good shape. The government’s Drive.govt.nz resource recommends using the word TWIRL as a monthly reminder of what to check:

• T – Tyres: Check tread depth and look for any cracks, bulges, or unusual wear.
• W – Windscreen: Look for chips or cracks that could spread, and check that your wipers clear the screen properly.
• I – Indicators: Walk around the car and check all indicators are working.
• R – Rust: Look underneath the doors, wheel arches, and anywhere else water collects for early signs of rust.
• L – Lights: Test headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and reversing lights.

These checks take about five minutes and cost nothing. They’ll help you catch small things before they become WoF failures, or worse, safety hazards!

Beyond The Basics  - Important Vehicle Maintenance Tasks

Beyond your basic TWIRL checks, there are some slightly more complex things you need to keep an eye on when keeping up with vehicle maintenance.

1. Oil: Check your oil level at least once a month using the dipstick. It’s simple: with the engine off and on level ground, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and check where the oil sits between the minimum and maximum markers. As for oil changes, most mechanics recommend one every 10,000km or six months for standard petrol vehicles, though this can vary by car and oil type. Your owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation. Following it is one of the best things you can do for your engine’s long-term health.

2. Tyres: Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touches the road. They affect how quickly you can stop, how your car handles in the wet, and ultimately, your safety. Yet they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong. Aside from tread depth mentioned above, tyre pressure is something every driver should be checking regularly. You’ll find the correct pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s door frame or in your owner’s manual. Under-inflated tyres reduce fuel efficiency, wear unevenly, and handle poorly. Over-inflated tyres reduce grip and can be more vulnerable to damage. Tyres typically need replacing every 40,000 to 50,000km, though this varies with driving style and road conditions.

3. Brakes: Your brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your car, and brake pads are the part that wears out first. The good news is, your car usually gives you plenty of warning signs before things become dangerous or expensive, such as squeaking or squealing, a grinding sound, vibration when braking, longer stopping distances and of course, the good old brake warning light. As a general rule, more than5mm = good, 3–4mm = getting a bit low and under 3mm = replace soon! If you’re unsure, get a mechanic to check them quickly during a WOF or service.

• Don’t Forget The Fluids! Oil gets most of the attention, but there are several other fluids your car depends on including:
• Coolant: Which keeps your engine from overheating and protects it during cold snaps. Check the level in the reservoirwhen the engine is cold, and top up with the correct coolant mix if needed.
• Brake Fluid: Brake fluids are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb moisture over time, which can reduce brakingperformance. Brake fluid is typically replaced during a full service, but ifyour brake pedal feels soft or spongy, get it checked sooner.
• Power Steering Fluid: (if your car hasit) This needs to be checked periodically. Low levels can cause steering to feel stiff or make unusual noises when turning.
• Windscreen Washer Fluid: In New Zealand wheredust and high pollen levels are a reality, running out of windscreen washer fluid at the wrong moment can be a genuine visibility hazard. It costs almost nothing to keep topped up.

Why Regular Servicing Matters

While DIY checks are useful, getting your car serviced regularly is the single most effective way to protect your investment and avoid nasty surprises. A service involves a qualified mechanic going through your vehicle systematically and checking fluid levels, filters, brakes, belts, lights, and dozens of other components.

The usual service checklist includes inspecting the gearbox and differential fluid, checking tyre condition and pressure, testing all lights, and topping up the windscreen washer fluid, among many other items. It’s far more comprehensive than the checks you can do yourself at home.

If you’ve recently purchased a used vehicle, it’s worth understanding your car’s service history. A vehicle with a documented service history and consistent maintenance is not only more reliable but also holds its value better and is less likely to spring nasty surprises. Once you own the car, keep a service log and record every oil change, tyre rotation, and service visit. This helps you keep track of what’s been done, flag when things are due,a nd adds value if you sell.

Looking after your car is really about looking after yourself, your budget, your time, and most importantly, your safety on the road. At CarMoney, we believe that good vehicle finance is just the start of a good ownership experience. Whether you’re financing a first car, upgrading to something newer, or replacing a vehicle that’s finally reached the end of its road, we’re here to help you make a confident decision. Ready to explore your vehicle finance options? Visit CarMoney to find out how we can help you get into the right car and keep it running well!

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