Recalls: Resources and Quick Tips to Stay Safe

Recalls: Resources and Quick Tips to Stay Safe

Source: Carfax.com

The team at BBack Car Care, we genuinely want our customers to stay safe and feel safe in their cars. We are equipped to help in virtually every regard, except in the case of recalls.

The word recall is almost always in the news for various consumer products and the auto industry is not immune. In fact, several high-profile recalls have been announced in the past couple years. Yet few people understand what a recall actually is and more importantly if it actually affects them.

What is a recall?

A recall is a formal action taken by a car manufacturer to correct a car that may have a safety defect or, for a number of reasons, may not comply with a federal safety standard. In almost every instance, it is specific to a particular component of the car, such as an airbag system or braking components. When a recall is issued, the manufacturer will make an attempt to contact the vehicle owners. The required repairs are carried out at an approved dealership and should not cost the car owner any money.

If I’m affected, how am I notified?

There is a requirement that all manufacturers send out letters to car owners. However, this is rather clunky and not all people buy cars through manufacturers and many owners may not be in customer databases.

What should I do if I ever get a recall letter?

First, you should read the letter carefully. The letter will typically explain the issue, what the risks may be and how the manufacturer plans to fix the issue. It will also explain how long you have to get the issue fixed.

Don’t come to us. In the case of recalls, fixes need to be handled by the dealerships who work directly with the manufacturers to ensure that hazards are fixed correctly and in accordance with the manufacturers. They are also able to make the repairs at no cost.

How can I protect myself?

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself.

First and foremost, don’t rely on the manufacturer to contact you about recalls.

Many consumers slip through the cracks and the letters are not always sent out immediately. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is one of several great online resources that lists all recalls (including recalls for child car seats and tires.) You can enter your make and model, or even your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and it will bring up any recalls affecting your vehicle. You can even sign up and get a notification any time there is a recall affecting your vehicle.

Take recalls seriously

Most of the time, recalls are issued over concerns for safety. While you may have some time depending on the nature of the recall to get the repair fixed, it should be done quickly and based on the instruction of the manufacturer. Get in touch with an authorized dealer ASAP and follow their instructions.

Recalls can affect buying and selling a car.

If you are buying a used car, you should look up the VIN or the year, make and model and see what recalls affected it at any point. If there were recalls, ask for the repair documentation to ensure that it was dealt with in the correct manner. If you ever get work done on your car as a result of a recall, save the repair documents. This can go a long way when it comes time to trade-in or sell your car.

Tell your mechanic?

It isn’t a bad idea to tell your mechanic about a repair made as a result of a recall. It may help with certain computer readouts or may affect a component that a mechanic regularly checks for wear and tear. This way, your mechanic can keep an eye on things and make sure there are no issues with the repair moving forward.

Other resources

Here is a list of resources you can use to protect yourself from recalls:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/repair/car-recalls/index.htm

https://www.carfax.com/recall

Notes

This content is a simple overview and for general informational purposes only. Recalls are serious occurrences and BBack Car Care is sharing this information for the purpose of general awareness. Always read and follow the instructions listed in a recall notice and consult an authorized dealer any time you are affected by a recall as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is not the responsibility of your local mechanic to notify you or to check for recalls affecting your vehicles. Check online resources frequently to ensure that you are not affected. If you are affected, ensure that you are following the correct procedures as outlined in the recall notice and/or by an authorized dealer.

BBack Car Care is not affiliated with any of the resources listed above.