FAQs

Harman Motors is a family business established in 1947 by Lawrie Harman. Since then it has developed into the South Island’s original and leading vehicle performance centre, specialising in Ford and Holden V8s, and premium European cars. We also carry out work on everyday passenger cars including WOFs and regular servicing, and restoration work on classic cars.

Harman Motors is located at 345 Colombo Street, on the corner of Stanley and Colombo.

Harman was founded in 1947 by Lawrie Harmon and it’s been operating on its current site since 1960.

Harman Motors provides the full range of automotive services from WOF's and servicing all the way through to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, and precision dyno tuning on performance vehicles - especially Australian and American V8s. We also do pre-purchase checks and restore classic vehicles.

Over 75 years in business we’ve built a reputation for high-quality car mechanical workmanship and exceptional customer service. We’re also the ‘go to’ workshop in the South Island for performance tuning to Ford, Holden, Volkswagen, Audi,  Porsche, and other European brands.

Yes, we service every day vehicles and performance cars.

Our technicians are qualified Level 3 and 4 Light Vehicle Engineers, and also WOF qualified.

Harman Motors is the choice for WOF, servicing, and performance work for Christchurch drivers because of our reputation for high quality and exceptional customer service.

Yes, we work on petrol, diesel, European, Japanese, Australian and American vehicles.

Yes, Harman Motors provides WOF inspections in Christchurch.

To book your Warrant of Fitness inspection at Harman Motors either call us on 03 366 2375 between 8am & 5pm, Mon-Fri or use the contact form on this website.

A WOF inspection usually takes around 30 minutes.

A WOF inspection includes the following mandatory checks. Checking tyre tread depth and overall condition. Testing brake functionality, stopping ability, and even wear. Inspecting for rust in structural areas and ensuring doors open/close safely. Checking for windscreen cracks, wipers, and washer fluid. Verifying headlights, brake lights, and indicators are operational and aligned. Inspecting the seatbelt condition and checking that the airbags function. Assessing steering and suspension. Check for leaks in the exhaust and fuel systems.

You have 30 days to rectify the faults that caused your car to fail its WOF inspection.

Yes, Harman Motors can repair any issues discovered during the WOF inspection.

Yes, when possible we can make same-day repairs to your vehicle if it failed its WOF inspection.

The WOF period depends on the age of your vehicle. Pre 2000 vehicles require a 6-monthly WOF inspection. Vehicles registered after 2000 currently require an annual inspection.

Yes, you can. Please let us know when you book your vehicle by either calling us or using the booking form on this website.

The most common reasons cars fail their WOF are worn brakes and brake pads, dull headlights, or worn tyres.

Yes, we offer vehicle servicing in Christchurch. We specialise in Ford, Holden, and the premium European car brands.

A standard car service covers all the critical components and systems of your car.

Draining the old engine oil, replacing it with fresh oil, and installing a new oil filter. Checking and topping up vital fluids like brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Inspect the engine air filter and interior cabin pollen filter, replacing them if they are clogged. Checking engine drive belts and cooling system hoses for signs of cracking, wear, or leaks. A visual inspection of brake pads, discs, lines, and fluid condition. Checking tyre tread depth, looking for uneven wear or damage, and adjusting air pressure to manufacturer specifications. Inspecting shock absorbers, struts, steering racks, and rubber bushings for leaks, wear, or damage. Assessing the battery's health and checking that terminals are clean and tightly secured. Testing headlights, indicators, brake lights, and inspecting wiper blades for streaking or damage. Checking the exhaust system, transmission, and drivetrain for leaks or rust. Clear any minor fault codes and reset the dashboard service reminder light.

You should service your vehicle at least every 10,000km.

Yes, Harmon Motors offers oil change services.

Yes, we can repair brakes, clutches and tyres.

Yes, we can replace cambelts.

Yes, we can repair cooling system issues.

Yes, we do pre-purchase vehicle inspections.

Yes, we do service older cars as well as modern vehicles.

Yes, we do provide fault scanning and vehicle diagnostics using the latest electronic tools.

Yes, we can diagnose warning lights on my dashboard using plugin scanning tools.

Yes, we can diagnose electrical issues with dash cams, reversing cameras or vehicle accessories

Yes, we do repair engine and transmission problems, specialising in Ford, Holden and the premium European brands which require expert knowledge.

Yes, we do rebuild engines and transmissions in modern and classic vehicles.

The most obvious signs of transmission problems are shuddering under acceleration, clunky shifts, and holding gears for too long.

Yes, Harman Motors is the most experienced dyno tuner in Christchurch.

Dyno tuning allows us to optimise the power and fuel economy of your vehicle.

We can tune all types of vehicles in particular, European vehicles which require specialised tools and equipment. In particular, we offer APR tuning for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen.

Yes, we were the South Island’s original high-performance tuning workshop for Holden and Ford V8s.

Yes, diesel performance tuning is a key service at Harman Motors, and we can code out certain diesel system components.

Yes, we’re the South Island’s leading tuner of European performance and premium vehicles including Porsche, Audi, Volkswagen, Lamborghini, Ferrari, BMW, Skoda, Mercedes, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Yes, we do tune Japanese performance cars and JDM vehicles.

Yes, performance tuning can improve the power, throttle response and fuel economy of your car.

Yes, we do offer transmission tuning which will enable the transmission to handle higher power outputs, faster shifting, and quicker kickdown.

Yes, talk to us at Harman Motors to see what performance upgrades will achieve what you’re aiming for, and what’s best suited to your car. We’ll make sure you give you exactly what you want!

Yes, you can choose the staged performance package that best meets your goals and your budget.

Yes, we usually have at least one classic car restoration on the go. We specialise in Fiat Bambina and frequently work on restorations of classic Holdens and Fords.

We are New Zealand’s leading Fiat Bambina restoration specialists and carry a range of spare parts in stock.

Yes, we carry a range of the most popular Fiat Bambina parts in stock. Please let us know what you need.

Yes, we can repair classic car brakes, suspension, engines and driveline systems.

Yes, we can pump up the Hydrolastic suspension on your BMC, Morris, Austin or MG car.

Booking your WOF, service or repair with Harman Motors is easy just call us or use the booking form on this website.

Yes, of course, as part of our service we welcome calls to discuss what you’re looking for from your performance upgrades.

Yes, all work is quoted and agreed upon before we start

Yes, we’d love to see you. You can visit Harman Motors in person between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday.

Ideally, we need to see a vehicle before we can provide an accurate quote for any work you would like done.

We would like to see the vehicle’s registration number, what you’re looking to achieve from tuning or upgrading your car, and your budget.

Yes, we keep all our customers fully informed about their options before beginning work on their car.