Car maintenance in a multi-car household
One car is easy to keep on top of. Two or three — each with its own WOF, rego, service schedule, tyres and insurance — and something always slips. Usually you find out when a ticket arrives or the car won't start. Here's how to run maintenance for several vehicles without relying on anyone's memory.
The "If something happens to me" checklist
A printable checklist of everything your family would need: insurance, KiwiSaver, vehicles, pets, your will and who to call.
Start with one record per vehicle
Most of the confusion comes from not knowing which car is due for what.
Write down the basics for each car
- Plate, make, model and year
- WOF and rego expiry dates
- RUC licence end reading, if it's a diesel, EV or plug-in hybrid
- Last service date and odometer reading, and when the next one is due
- Insurer, policy number and roadside assistance membership
- Who mainly drives it
Decide who's responsible for each car
"Someone will sort it" is how dates get missed. Agree who books the service, WOF and rego for each vehicle — usually the main driver — and who's the backup when they're away.
Getting the schedule right
Every car has different timings, so don't assume they match.
Follow each car's service schedule
Service intervals are set by the manufacturer and vary by model — often every 12 months or a set number of kilometres, whichever comes first. Check each car's owner's manual or service book rather than assuming they're the same.
Bunch the bookings where you can
If two cars are due within a few weeks of each other, book them on the same day or back to back with the same garage. Fewer trips, and some garages will do a WOF at the same time as a service.
Spread big costs across the year
If every car's rego, insurance and service land in the same month, it's a big hit. Where you can, shift renewal dates apart — for example by relicensing one vehicle for a different period — so costs are spread out.
Between services
A few quick checks stop small problems becoming expensive ones.
Monthly walk-round
Once a month, check tyre pressures and tread, lights, wipers and fluid levels on every car. In New Zealand the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5 mm, but grip drops well before that — especially in the wet.
Keep a log of what's been done
Note services, repairs and new tyres with the date and odometer reading. It saves arguments about when something was last done, helps the garage, and adds value when you sell.
Watch the cars that sit around
A second or third car that isn't driven much still needs its WOF and rego, and its battery and tyres can go flat from sitting. Take it for a proper drive every week or two.
Every car's dates in one place
HomeTrack keeps a record for each vehicle in your household — plate, WOF and rego due dates, insurer and roadside assistance — and turns the due dates into reminders. Your weekly email shows what's coming up across every car, so nothing relies on someone remembering.
Start your 30-day free trial → No credit card required · Made in New ZealandCommon questions
How do I keep track of maintenance for several cars?
Keep one record per vehicle with its WOF, rego, service and insurance dates, agree who's responsible for each car, and use reminders rather than memory for every due date.
Should I service all my cars at the same time?
Follow each car's own service schedule, but if two are due close together it's often convenient and cheaper to book them on the same day with the same garage.
What is the minimum legal tyre tread in New Zealand?
The legal minimum tread depth for cars in New Zealand is 1.5 mm, though grip reduces well before that, especially in wet conditions.