Do You Need Towing After An Automobile Recall?
When your safety is in jeopardy, towing after an auto recall is a smart move. Recalls are common in the United States, but most involve minor problems. In 2013, automakers recalled 22 million vehicles, but only sold 15 million all year. The most urgent recalls involve issues affecting passenger well-being, but when do you know for sure if you should stop driving the car and get professional towing to the closest dealer for repair?
The Auto Recall Process
Vehicle parts are most often recalled when they do not satisfy the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or when the vehicle or piece of equipment has an inherent safety defect.
As soon as the manufacturer identifies the need for a recall and notifies the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the maker must also contact each car owner within 60 days. The car maker normally sends a letter to the owner as notification, and a local dealership may reach out to the car owner to schedule a repair when the replacement part is in stock. Auto recall repairs are conducted at no cost to the car owner. The NHTSA supervises the recall from start to finish to make sure the manufacturer follows through.
When Towing after an Auto Recall Makes Sense
While a malfunctioning windshield wiper is inconvenient and may affect passenger safety during inclement weather, a defective part that sabotages the driver’s control of the car can have fatal consequences. For example, General Motors recalled millions of compact cars in 2013 for ignition switches that made cars turn off during operation. Toyota’s 2009 and 2010 series of recalls saw over 10 million cars affected by dangerous faults in the acceleration system.
If the recalled part poses an active safety threat, it is not advisable to continue driving the vehicle. If the fuel system, steering or wheels are affected, look for a professional tow company that can transport the vehicle to the nearest manufacturer.
In some cases, an auto recall affects an excess of vehicles, so much so that dealerships cannot handle the workload all at once, or they may run out of parts. If the defect endangers car owners, the dealer may offer a loaner vehicle for the interim. The dealership should notify you of any imminent risk involved with continued operation of the vehicle.
Is There a Recall Out on Your Vehicle?
You can look up the VIN number of your vehicle to check outstanding recalls at safercar.gov. Most recalls are identified by the manufacturers after rigorous testing, but drivers have a responsibility to report what they suspect are safety defects on their vehicle as well. If you suspect a problem, contact the NHTSA with specific information on your vehicle’s make, model and year, along with a detailed account of the trouble.
Call Stauffer’s Towing for fast, safe and affordable towing after an auto recall or any time you need it, for either local or long-distance destinations.
