Nearly every car brand has had to announce a recall due to safety concerns at some point. Sometimes for more than one of their vehicles. To be recalled, a car must not meet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines, or manufacturers or the NHTSA have discovered a safety concern. Common reasons for recalls include issues with the brakes, ignition switch, airbags, and seatbelts.
However, this does not mean that you always need a new vehicle. Many safety recalls can be easily fixed. If yours has been recalled, United Car Care reviews some steps you can take to make sure your vehicle is still safe to drive.
IMAGE: PEXELS
How To Find Out
Car manufacturers are required by the NHTSA to notify all owners of a recall. Therefore, most manufacturers will send out a letter to car owners notifying them of a recall. However, if you have not received one, the NHTSA has a website where you can search their database for vehicle recalls. Many large recalls also appear on the news to get the word out.
If you buy a used vehicle, it’s best to register your car with the manufacturer so that they do not miss you in the case that the vehicle has a recall.
Educate Yourself
The first thing you should do if your car is recalled is to research the reason for the recall. Read up on what the issue at hand is and then proceed to figure out your options.
If it is a significant issue, it may be best to avoid driving your car until you can bring it into a mechanic. The manufacturer will notify you if this is the case. On the other hand, if it is not a serious concern, you may be able to drive it around lightly until you have the time to bring it in.
It’s also essential to find out where to bring your car. Many brands require car owners to bring their car to a licensed dealer to be repaired and will offer reimbursements and a rental vehicle while your vehicle is being fixed.
Who You Should Contact
If your car has a recall, contact the manufacturer for more information. They will have listed the contact information on the letter you received or released it in their PR announcement. If you still cannot find the information, the NHTSA should have the contact information listed on their website.
Otherwise, call your local dealership for more information. They will be able to provide you with more information and services.
Will The Manufacturer Cover the Expenses?
They will most likely cover any expenses related to fixing the issue being recalled. If your car needs to be replaced, the manufacturer may also replace your vehicle at little to no cost for you. While you may not get a brand-new vehicle, you will probably receive one similar in style, condition, and year.
About United Car Care
United Car Care vehicle service contracts offer reliable protection at an affordable cost, which is exactly what consumers want when looking for mechanical protection for their vehicles. Our product is backed by an A-rated insurer, thus providing our contract holders with the utmost security.
United Car Care has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, which speaks to the way we do business—with integrity. We are proud of the fact that we have had over a million satisfied customers as well as many long-time relationships with our dealers and agents. These relationships are a true testimonial to United Car Care’s core values: quality, dependability, and customer service.
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