What to Do If Your Car is Recalled

Recently GM recalled about 1.5 million vehicles produced between 1997 and 2003. CNN reported that the vehicles included in the recall were 1997-2003 Buick Regals and Pontiac Grand Prix, 1998-2003 Chevy Luminas, Mote Carlos, and Impalas, and 1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigues. The problem is an oil leak that can cause a fire because oil hits the exhaust manifold, which can get very hot. While this is a huge scale recall it is not the first. Some people will remember that in 2005, Toyota had a recall on their trucks, most especially the Tundra. When I owned a Ford Focus, I had to bring my car in for repairs to a door latch. Recalls are for safety, and they do happen. With this news coming out, here are a few tips if your car ever has a recall.

Don't Panic - Take this tip from the infamous Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. This happens, you're just fine.

Call your local dealership - Even if you didn't buy the car there, the maker of your car covers these sort of repairs. Give them a call, and they'll make an appointment for you at no cost to you. When you call, be sure to have the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) at hand. In some states, that's on your car's registration, or on your insurance paperwork. If you still don't see it, then you can find it in the bottom right hand corner of your windshield.

Go to the appointment - Get directions, bring a good book (or a ride elsewhere) and bring your car in for the repairs. The shop will let you wait, but sometimes this sort of thing can take hours, so if you have a friend who can go out to lunch with you or something like that, then take advantage of it.

If you think your car is affected by this, you can go to your car's manufacturer's website and check. If you can't find where to check, give them a call (the number will be on their website) and they can let you know if your car is on the list - or another list. Keep that VIN handy, though, since that's how they'll check.

If you would like to check on recalls for your car, you can check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website here. If you see something for your car, keep in mind that it might have been repaired by a previous owner, and get in touch with the manufacturer. They can tell you if there are any recalls that haven't been corrected yet.