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Some Warrant of Fitness officials really don't know their stuff.

I recently got told I needed certification for my suspension. I then went to an alternative WoF authority where they were offering 'free suspension checks'.

Had the car checked out and was told everything was fine and was issued with a new WoF.

Ryan

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 10 December 2010

I'm not sure you are correct here to be honest.

Just because one inspector failed the car initially and the other facility passed it doesn’t make the first inspection wrong.

There are rules around suspension modifications and the need to have a Low Volume Vehicle certification.

The following is from the Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (inspectors bible);

Performance

The steering system and associated systems and components that directly or indirectly affect the directional control of the vehicle must provide the vehicle with safe, efficient, convenient and sensitive control.

Modifications

A modification that affects the steering system must be inspected and certified by an LVV Specialist Certifier, unless the vehicle:
- is excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 9-1-1), and
- has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Is it possible the second inspection was not as thorough as the first?

Motorists always have the right to challenge a WoF rejection. In these cases the New Zealand Transport Authority will carry out an appopriate investigation and rule accordingly.

This is one sure way to confirm whether any car is meeting the correct standards or not. It also provides an opportunity for the NZTA to ensure consistency throughout the country and to provide specific training to inspectors if required.