As any car enthusiast may know, few things are more exciting than buying a car. Apart from detailed questions about car specifications, it’s essential to ask about safety. To prove how vital vehicle safety is, ask any of the Volkswagen dealerships in Albuquerque, NM, about safety recalls, and they would immediately give their best explanation.
What does vehicle recall mean?
Safety recalls are notices put out by manufacturers when the safety standards in a particular part of a vehicle aren’t in line with the industry requirements. Safety recalls could happen because of problems with tires, seats, equipment, or the car itself. Regulatory bodies, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), are the ones mandating them.
How to check if your car has been recalled
Car dealerships are supposed to be upfront about any existing recalls since failing to do so may cost them their license. However, it wouldn’t hurt to double-check to be sure. Sellers may either be unaware or intentionally concealing a vehicle recall for the make and model they’re trying to sell.
Start by looking for its vehicle identification number (VIN) number. It is a 17-digit number that serves as your car’s ID. You can find it on the lower left-hand of your windshield or your insurance card. Then, visit safercar.gov to key in the number and check the recall status of your car.
Guarantee that the manufacturer will notify you if your car gets recalled
Manufacturers are responsible for getting in touch with you if your car gets recalled. However, you can take steps, such as ensuring your vehicle registration and mailing address are current and signing up for notifications from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These steps guarantee that things don’t fall between the cracks.
Ensure your vehicle registration and mailing address is up-to-date
The vehicle registration number (VRN) is not the same as the VIN. VIN is permanent. The VRN, however, is subject to change, especially if you move states. The simplest way to find your VRN is to look at your license plate. If you’ve moved states recently, you must update your VRN and mailing address with your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Sign up to receive email notifications from NHTSA about your car’s make and model
NHTSA is one of the first bodies to be notified about any vehicular safety recalls. Though it is the brand’s responsibility to update all it’s consumers, details such as those mentioned above may not be updated in their records.
To sign up for email notifications, visit this link and follow the steps. Remember to have your car’s make and model handy before you begin.
What to do if your car gets recalled
Fortunately, car owners have up to ten years to get a recall fixed for free. When a notification is received, it’s essential to go to your dealership at once and get the issue resolved. Manufacturers work with dealerships to supply the necessary parts, so recalls should be mostly stress-free for you.
Buy from reliable dealerships
Protect yourself from recall problems, current or upcoming, by working closely with honest dealerships like a properly licensed Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, NM. Check out the Fiesta Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, NM! Working with such respected dealerships means that you can feel safe knowing that your car is up to safety standards and that no costly car expenses will be burning a hole through your pocket.
