Maintaining a vehicle involves more than getting a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) each year. The inspection is a general safety check that misses many areas of a vehicle’s condition.  Two of the most critical components a WOF overlooks are coolant and brake fluid. Both fluids play crucial roles in your vehicle’s performance and safety. Therefore, they require regular assessment and replacement to ensure optimal functionality. Here’s why. Cool Under Pressure: Why Coolant Matters Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is essential to your car’s operation. It regulates your engine’s tem ..read more

    Discover the new standard in electric vehicles for Kiwi families with the launch of Kia’s latest innovation, the Kia EV5. Described by Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, as “the perfect midsize electric SUV,” the EV5 is a game-changer in both technology and affordability. A Revolutionary Midsize SUV The Kia EV5 promises and delivers. With a starting price of $67,990 and a remarkable driving range exceeding 500km WLTP, it is an attractive option for families looking to transition to electric vehicles without compromising performance or budget. The Midsize Siblin ..read more

    At a time when there are more cars on New Zealand roads than ever before, one brand stands out for its exceptional commitment to keeping drivers and passengers safe: Great Wall Motor. GWM is not just about innovation and affordability. It’s about delivering some of the safest vehicles on the road today.   A Legacy of Safety   GWM’s dedication to safety is evident in every vehicle that rolls off its production line. With a clear focus on developing technologies that protect lives, GWM designs its cars to exceed global safety standards. And the rigorous testing and integ ..read more

    In New Zealand’s current economy, finding simple ways to manage expenses is more critical than ever. That’s where Nicholson Autos’ Pre-Paid Service Plan comes in.   A Worry-Free Road Ahead   Our Pre-Paid Service Plan is all about convenience and peace of mind.    With a simple one-off payment at the time of your vehicle purchase, you can cover all your scheduled service costs upfront through our 3 or 5 service plans. For added flexibility, you can also include the cost of your Pre-Paid Service Plan in your vehicle finance contract, spreading it over the contr ..read more

    As New Zealand’s automotive car market continues to evolve, a recent entrant is gaining attention for all the right reasons.   Meet Great Wall Motor (GWM) — a brand making waves overseas and now set to make its mark in New Zealand. While GWM may be relatively new to some in NZ, it’s far from a newcomer in the global automotive scene. Here’s what you need to know about the manufacturer:   An Established Brand with a Global Footprint With an unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability, GWM was one of the first Chinese manufacturers to go abroad. Today ..read more

  As a vehicle owner, understanding the significance of regular car servicing is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your vehicle. Car manufacturers typically recommend servicing your vehicle every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months, whichever comes first. But why? Here’s everything you need to know:   Oil & Fluid Degradation Even if you have yet to travel 15,000 kilometres in your car over a year, your vehicle’s oil and other fluids degrade. Oil loses its viscosity (or thickness), which makes it lose its effectiveness as a lubricant and increases the risk of engine wea ..read more

    As New Zealand embraces a beautiful change of season, Mazda introduces two groundbreaking models that redefine the driving experience: the all-new Mazda CX-60 and CX-90. These vehicles aren’t just cars. They’re your partners in every journey, combining luxury, efficiency, and technology in one sleek package. Let’s explore what makes these models exceptional.   Mazda CX-60: A New Car for a New Age   The Mazda CX-60 offers a choice between a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and a 3.3L Hybrid model, each designed to cater to your specific driving needs. The CX-60 lineup, starting at ..read more

Summer is just around the corner in New Zealand, and with the longer days comes the proud Kiwi tradition of road trips. Whether cruising along Aotearoa’s coastlines, exploring the heartlands, or visiting family and friends, the open road calls to us all. But before you embark on your next journey, there’s a crucial task you need to add to your to-do list: a thorough vehicle safety check. Let’s dive into why this is a non-negotiable part of your summer adventure preparations.   1. Varied Terrain From winding coastal roads to mountainous tracks, the diversity of New Zealand’s landscapes pl ..read more

A proper luxury offroader used to cost somewhere between $80,000 and $150,000. Until now. Great Wall Motors are bringing the Tank 300 to New Zealand shores with all the capability of the big name 4WDs at a much, much better price. Starting at just $56,990 this may be the best value SUV on sale in New Zealand. With a retro design that’s a little bit Suzuki Jimny and a little bit Jeep Wrangler, we also reckon it’s one of the coolest. Impressive off-road credentials The NZ version of the Tank 300 comes with a hybrid drivetrain that pairs a 78 kW electric motor with a 180 kW petrol engine for a c ..read more

We’re all guilty of procrastinating, but putting off a household chore isn’t the same as postponing regular servicing for your car. Sure, we know we’re supposed to book that service every 10,000 kilometres (for most vehicles) but what’s another 500 kilometres or so? The longer you postpone your regular car service, the more wear and tear you’ll accumulate on vital parts like your engine and tyres. So while you think you might be saving time and money by not booking your car in for a service, you’re actually increasing the risk of spending even more if something goes wrong. Still not convinced ..read more