A Few Things to Expect if You Got Hit With a Car Recall
Car recalls are news items that have left many people concerned, already adding onto the stress of car ownership. And if you’ve ever suspected there are more recalls than in the past, you’ve guessed right; they’re getting more frequent and larger. You may have wondered what would happen if your car was recalled, and hopefully it’s something you won’t have to experience. If you do face a recall at some point in the future, take comfort knowing there are steps to take.
What to Expect if Your Vehicle is Recalled
Let’s say you were sitting on your couch, and saw a news report detailing the recall of your vehicle make. Or if you were less fortunate, you might hear about it from a friend at work or in conversation. Right there and then, panic may ensue (which we’ll discuss more about later), and immediately feel lost at what to do next. However, if the manufacturer of your vehicle launches a recall for your vehicle, you will receive a letter to inform you of what’s taking place. It will include various details of the recall and what to expect.
Describes the Defects
You may already know what the cause of your recall is, but the letter still has to describe the defect in fuller detail. It may not be written in overly-technical language, but it should give you a clearer picture as to what’s wrong with your car.
Risks the Defect Poses
Another key element of a recall later is the identification of the potential risks. All cars may suffer some kind of a defect, many of which are harmless, but a recall may suggest a problem could lead to injury. The letter will label these risks so that you are more aware of them.
Warning Signs of the Defect
Many car defects aren’t obvious, and they may produce some subtle signs before anything significant happens. Many drivers may not be aware of this upfront. Therefore, the recall letter should inform you of the signs that may indicate the presence of the defect in your car.
The Manufacturer’s Plan to Fix the Defect
The manufacturer is also supposed to make it clear how they plan on fixing the defect. It is the company’s responsibility to fix the issue since the problem originated with them. They also do this to reinstate driver confidence (that’s you), so that you know the problem will be corrected (not to mentioned rebuild their brand value).
Instructions on What to Do
The final portion of the letter is to inform you of what to do in the event of a recall. This is very important since the way you react to this situation can keep you out of danger. It’s essential that a recall letter possess these instructions, and it’s also important for you to read them.
What to Do After a Recall
Generally speaking, the instructions written on a recall letter may vary depending on the nature of the defect. But there are some steps which all drivers will be encouraged to take, regardless of the problem. The outcome of a recall and your own personal case may differ from another, but it can be said that just about all drivers who follow these instructions end up having no problems.
Schedule an Appointment to Repair Your Vehicle
Once you receive notice of a recall, your first line of action should be to schedule an appointment for its repair. The sooner you do so, the better, especially if the problem is very serious. You can contact just about any dealership that sells your brand of car, and there’s no need to take it back to the one you bought it from. Remember too, that the dealership is under obligation to repair your vehicle at no cost since it is a manufacturer responsibility. With that said, you will have to pay for any additional repairs that are not associated with the defect.
Keep Up to Date with Developments
Another important thing you need to do, is follow up on any updates from your manufacturer. If you ever face a recall, you’ll hopefully never have to deal with multiple issues. But keeping track of what your manufacturer has to say can protect you from potential risks associated with the recall. The easiest way to stay on top of things is by checking their website. You’ll see regular updates about the recall, and they might even give you maintenance tips along the way. This info will guide you until they have corrected the defect.
Ultimately, Follow Manufacturer Instructions
The most important thing is for you to follow any instructions written on the recall letter or the manufacturer website. The two steps listed above are things that every driver should follow, but there may be other recommendations depending on the issue at hand. If you see additional instructions, don’t ignore them. Listening to such advice may save your life.
Keeping Calm
Whatever happens, it’s important for you to avoid panicking. Although there have been frightening incidents of recalled vehicles, such as the Toyota braking defects and GM ignition-switch issues, the vast majority of recalls involve minor malfunctions. Even the larger recalls involving more dangerous faults have had relatively few accidents associated with them. What’s important is that you follow advice given to you by the manufacturer. Generally, you’ll have 60 days to have your vehicle receive a complimentary repair.
Answering the Call
If your car ever get’s recalled, make sure to take action and follow the advice given to you by your vehicle’s manufacturer. You will most likely avoid serious complications. In the meantime, it’s also wise for you to avoid putting your car through undue stress. Take it easy, play it safe, and send your car in for repairs as soon as possible.
