On March 8, 2020, millions of people turned their clocks forward, started their spring cleaning regimens, and changed out their smoke detector batteries in celebration of the season of growth and renewal. But, while you are decluttering the garage, getting your green thumb in gear, and keeping your house safe from fires, make sure that you don’t forget your car!
As part of our continuing commitment to road safety, the New Jersey and Philadelphia car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, P.C., are recommending another way for you to “spring forward” safely: check your vehicles for recalls!
What is an Auto Recall?
An auto recall happens when a car manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) concludes that a car model or models has a safety-related defect that can potentially endanger drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists on the road. Automakers will usually alert owners when there is a recall on their vehicle and recommend an immediate repair service that is almost always free.
The Steps to Car Recall Safety
When your car is recalled, the problem could be anything from an airbag or seat belt malfunction to a braking problem or an overheating engine. Regardless of the actual problem, when a vehicle is recalled, it is because car safety experts have deemed the defect pervasive and dangerous. Here are three actions you can take to protect you and your family as well as other drivers on the road:
- Check for Recall
The very first thing you can do to ensure your car is safe to drive is to check for any recalls. We advise you to visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls, type in your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and see if there are any active recalls. Your VIN is a 17-character sequence found on the lower left side of your car’s windshield and your vehicle registration card. You may also inquire directly with your nearest dealership.
- Get the Repair
If your car is recalled, you must get the vehicle back to the dealership as soon as possible. The longer you procrastinate on an active recall, the more you risk the safety of you and your family.
- Stay Informed
If your car has not been recalled, there is always a possibility that a recall could happen. The best thing is to be prepared. You can sign up for NHTSA recall alerts and receive notifications if your car is included in a safety recall.
Let’s welcome the spring by keeping friends, families, and other drivers safe on the road. Be sure to check for recalls, get them repaired immediately, and stay informed. If you have been involved in a car crash or sustained a car-related injury due to recall negligence or any other reason, call the Philadelphia and New Jersey car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Vincent J. Ciecka, P.C. for a consultation and legal counsel today!
