In recent months, there has been a wave of recalls plaguing the auto industry. Perhaps you're thinking that your car wouldn't be affected, but you can never tell in today's environment. But you can do any one of several things to ensure your vehicle's safety in the long run.
If your car is brand new and purchased from a well-known dealer, call them up to check if your car has been listed for recall. If your dealership is no longer in business, contact another dealer that sells the same car brand. You can also go online and check if there is additional information on recent recalls. They will, however, typically instruct you to contact your dealer.
Don't waste time in scheduling your car for repair if it ever ends up in the recall list. It's always better to schedule an appointment. If you schedule in advance, the dealership will be better prepared to order the parts, schedule the staff and have enough time to set up the repair. Remember this rule - walk-ins wait longer.
This is also the time to ask about the length of the repair, if you will require a loaner, and confirm that the repair will not cost you a dime. If they are recalling the car, it's due to a defect. Ergo, the repair should be on them. But, if your car needs to stay at the shop overnight, they may not cover the cost of a loaner. There are other options. A shuttle service would be one such alternative choice. It works like your average car pool, except it's all yours - they pick you up at home on the way to work, and then on the way back home. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for the inconvenience of not having a car to drive for some time.
Create a case or a file if it so happens that your car is on a recall list. Every piece of paper work needs to be present in your file. All correspondence with the manufacturer or with the dealer and all online information on various websites must be documented. Also keep receipts or other financial documents related to the recall. This is so important we must capitalize it - DOT THE LOWER CASE i's AND CROSS THE LOWER-CASE t's. You may need it if there is a payment or safety dispute down the road.
So far, everything mentioned in this article applies to new cars. Double-check if your car is covered by the recall if you are driving an older model car. Don't make your own assumptions because this is a very touchy matter. Also, different car models are recalled for different reasons. So before anything else, research is your best friend - do your homework and find out the how and the why of things first and foremost. You need to find out what the problem is, find out how your dealership or the manufacturer can fix it, and keep a file or a case relating to your vehicle's repair situation.
If your car is brand new and purchased from a well-known dealer, call them up to check if your car has been listed for recall. If your dealership is no longer in business, contact another dealer that sells the same car brand. You can also go online and check if there is additional information on recent recalls. They will, however, typically instruct you to contact your dealer.
Don't waste time in scheduling your car for repair if it ever ends up in the recall list. It's always better to schedule an appointment. If you schedule in advance, the dealership will be better prepared to order the parts, schedule the staff and have enough time to set up the repair. Remember this rule - walk-ins wait longer.
This is also the time to ask about the length of the repair, if you will require a loaner, and confirm that the repair will not cost you a dime. If they are recalling the car, it's due to a defect. Ergo, the repair should be on them. But, if your car needs to stay at the shop overnight, they may not cover the cost of a loaner. There are other options. A shuttle service would be one such alternative choice. It works like your average car pool, except it's all yours - they pick you up at home on the way to work, and then on the way back home. You need to be mentally and physically prepared for the inconvenience of not having a car to drive for some time.
Create a case or a file if it so happens that your car is on a recall list. Every piece of paper work needs to be present in your file. All correspondence with the manufacturer or with the dealer and all online information on various websites must be documented. Also keep receipts or other financial documents related to the recall. This is so important we must capitalize it - DOT THE LOWER CASE i's AND CROSS THE LOWER-CASE t's. You may need it if there is a payment or safety dispute down the road.
So far, everything mentioned in this article applies to new cars. Double-check if your car is covered by the recall if you are driving an older model car. Don't make your own assumptions because this is a very touchy matter. Also, different car models are recalled for different reasons. So before anything else, research is your best friend - do your homework and find out the how and the why of things first and foremost. You need to find out what the problem is, find out how your dealership or the manufacturer can fix it, and keep a file or a case relating to your vehicle's repair situation.
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