Recalls: What you should know when they happen to you

Has your car ever been subjected to a recall? It can be a little scary - after all, recalls are issued because of a problem with something in your vehicle. However, recalls are nothing to be alarmed about. Almost all automotive manufacturers issue them at one point or another, and they're issued so that the problem can be fixed before it impacts you and your passengers' safety or the other parts of your N Charlotte Toyota.

Why are vehicle recalls issued? 

Your vehicle and the standards it has to meet are regulated on a federal level, and when something falls below the standards that are set, the automotive manufacturer has to recall the vehicle to fix the issue, replace the part, etc. These recalls are done for a reason and you should never ignore them. A lot of car owners do, believe it or not, but this isn't the wisest course of action. Read on to find out how to handle car recalls with as little stress as possible with tips from our Charlotte auto service center.

First things first - if your N Charlotte Toyota is subject to a recall, then Toyota will send you a letter letting you know. The letter will include vital information like:

• A thorough description of the defect or issue in your vehicle
• Make and model information so you can confirm that you vehicle is affected 
• Why the defect is dangerous to you and hazardous to your car's performance 
• Warning signs to look out for regarding the defect 
• Specific plans from the manufacturer on how they will remedy the defect 
• Instructions on how to get your vehicle fixed and where to do it 

However, if you think your N Charlotte Toyota is subject to a recall and you haven't received a letter yet, you can always check yourself. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration keeps a record of all automotive recalls on their website, and you can enter your VIN number to see if you're going to need to schedule repairs. Additionally, this website has handy information regarding car seats, seatbelts, and other automotive safety equipment and issues.

How Toyota of N Charlotte can help with the process

So, what should you do if your car DOES have a recall? First, don't ignore it. Not only can it be dangerous to you and your passengers, but it can also break other components of your car if you don't fix the issue. Plus, recalls are free to fix - the automotive manufacturer that issues them will pay for labor and parts. However, you only have a specified amount of time to fix the defect and after that time period has elapsed, the manufacturer will no longer pay for it.

That's why you should schedule repairs right away. And Toyota of N Charlotte can help! If you have a recall on your car, call us. Our Charlotte Toyota service center can get you in for repairs and get you back on the road in no time. You can reach us seven days a week at (704) 659-2025!