A1 Autos Limited

16/08/2026

The Government has confirmed changes that will make getting your licence more affordable and straightforward.

The Government has confirmed changes that will make getting your licence more affordable and straightforward. Here are the quick facts you need to know:

✔️ No second practical test: You won't need to sit another driving test to move from your Restricted to your Full licence.

✔️ Timeline tweaks (Under 25s): Learner time increases to 12 months to gain experience but Restricted time drops down to 12 months.

✔️Key safety rule: A zero-alcohol limit will apply to all learner and restricted drivers, regardless of their age.

Want the full breakdown? Click the link to learn more 🚙💨
mta.org.nz/motorists/learner-driver-journey/2027-licence-changes

25/07/2026

See and be seen!

Winter in NZ brings more than just the cold, it brings heavy rain, thick fog and much longer nights. Staying safe out on the road is all about visibility.

💡 Manual Override: Don’t just rely on auto settings, flick your lights on manually in rain or fog to ensure you're visible to those behind you.

💡 Check the Bulbs: A quick walk-around to check your indicators and brake lights helps prevent dangerous surprises for other drivers.

💡 Fog Light Etiquette: Use them when visibility is low but remember to switch them off once the mist clears to keep the road friendly for everyone.

Stay warm and visible out there!

13/05/2026

We get asked this question a lot. Some great advice around the servicing of cars under factory warranties. There are still a few grey areas around the Mitsubishi Motors 10-year warranty. Most standard warranties we can adhere to by using quality OE parts and oil, while also following factory service schedules.

What you need to know about MTA dealer warranties.

13/05/2026

🔧 Your local team for reliable automotive repairs & servicing 🚗

At A1 Autos, we pride ourselves on quality workmanship, honest advice, and friendly service. From everyday servicing to diagnostics and repairs — we’ve got you covered.

✅ Mechanical Repairs
✅ Servicing
✅ Brakes & Suspension
✅ Diagnostics
✅ WOF Repairs

📍 Book in with the team today and keep your vehicle running at its best.

16/04/2026

WOF changes coming 1st November 2026 🚗

We’re making changes to the warrant of fitness system. On 1 November 2026, these things will change:

• people who buy a new car will need to get their next WoF when the car is 4 years old (it’s currently when the car is 3 years old)
• people with cars between 4–14 years old* will need a WoF every 2 years (it’s currently yearly)
• people with motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000 will need a WoF every year (it’s currently every 6 months).

For a long time we’ve had very frequent vehicle inspections compared to countries overseas. Modern vehicles are significantly safer and more reliable. It’s safer to have less frequent inspections, and this’ll save you time and money.

Cars over 14 years old, and motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000, will move to an annual WoF (up from every 6 months for some vehicles).

If your car has Automatic Emergency Braking or Lane Keep Assist, WoF inspections will now check for warning lights (or malfunction indicators) for these systems.

It’s still your responsibility to maintain your vehicle to the WoF standard between inspections. To reinforce this we’re increasing fines if your vehicle isn’t compliant. From 1 November:

• If you’re driving a vehicle with a WoF that’s expired by more than 2 months, you may be fined $350 (up from $200).
• If you’re driving a vehicle with a wheel or tyre that wouldn’t pass an inspection, you may be fined $350 (up from $150) and up to $1000 (the maximum court-ordered fine).

We’ve made these change following us consulting you for feedback about this towards the end of 2025. Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback with us – we received over 5000 formal submissions, and overall people supported these changes.

Our website has more information about the changes, including a summary and analysis of your feedback to us about these changes: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/changes-to-light-vehicle-inspections

* We’ll be introducing the change for cars between 4–14 years old in phases. From 1 November 2026, cars first registered on or after 1 November 2019 become eligible for WoFs every 2 years. From 1 November 2027, cars first registered from 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2019 become eligible.

10/04/2026

🚗🔧 Happy School Holidays from the Team! 🔧🚗

The kids are off school — which means more road trips, errands, and adventures! Make sure your vehicle is ready for it all 🚙✨

If you’re heading away or just running around town, pop in and see us for:
✔️ Quick safety checks
✔️ Oil & fluid top-ups
✔️ Tyre pressure & tread checks
✔️ Battery checks

We’ll keep you moving safely these holidays so you can focus on making memories 🙌

04/04/2026

🐣🔧 Happy Easter from the team! 🔧🐣

Wishing all our amazing customers a safe and relaxing Easter break. Whether you’re on the road, heading away, or just enjoying time with family — we’ve got your back.

Thanks for your continued support, we appreciate you!

Drive safe and enjoy the long weekend 🚗✨

11/03/2026

27/02/2026

Do you have an emergency kit?

Got an emergency kit in your car?

Whether you’re heading out for a quick trip or a long summer roadie, having a basic emergency kit can make all the difference if something goes wrong on the road.

A good kit might include:

• 📦 First aid kit

• 🔦 Torch + spare batteries

• 🧰 Jumper leads + a heavy-duty tow rope

• 🚗 Reflective triangles / high-vis vest

• 💧 Water & snacks

• 🔧 Basic tools

• 🧤 Gloves & blanket

Do you already keep one in your boot? What’s your must-have item?
Let us know below 👇

16/02/2026

🧧Wishing you joy, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Horse. Warm wishes for the Chinese New Year from A1 Auto.