Steps On How You Should Proceed When You Receive A Recall Notice In The Mail

When you own a vehicle, you're responsible for its upkeep. However, you may occasionally learn about a manufacturer's recall on a particular part of your vehicle, which means that you'll need to arrange to have the issue addressed at a local auto repair shop. If you haven't previously dealt with a recall notice on any of your vehicles, you might feel a little frazzled about this event and perhaps even ignore the notice. However, it's advantageous to deal with it promptly for the good of your vehicle and even for the safety of you and your passengers. Here are some steps that you should take.

Learn More About The Recall

When you receive a recall notice in the mail, it will provide the bare bones about the recall. However, you can go on the internet to learn more. Simply type in the name of the recall and the make and model of your vehicle, and you'll likely find some detailed press releases from the vehicle manufacturer. In extreme cases, you may even find the recall being covered by the media. Read about the recall to help assess how quickly you need to act. While it's always a good idea to respond to the recall promptly, some issues are more time sensitive than others. For example, a recall related to an airbag that may not deploy is more critical than a dome light that may have a faulty part.

Decide On A Repair Shop

When you need to get your vehicle repaired due to a manufacturer's recall, you'll need to choose a shop, like Wolfe's Foreign Auto, at which to do the work. Check the recall notice to see if there's any advice regarding this topic. Many shops may be able to do the work, but it's generally a good idea to take your vehicle to a dealership/shop that specializes in your make of vehicle. For example, if you have a recall notice on a Ford, you should go to a Ford shop. The technicians at this location are likely handling the same recall on many local vehicles, which means you can be confident that the work will be done right.

Arrange The Appointment

Call the shop to ask about making an appointment for the recall work. During this phone call, you can find out how long the work will take. For smaller jobs, you may wish to sit and wait. For larger jobs, you'll need a family member to pick you up. In the case of bigger issues that require more extensive work, you'll need to arrange a rental car for while your vehicle is in the shop.