It can be a bit shocking to find out that your vehicle has been recalled – and it happens more than most people realize. There were 159 VOLUNTARY recalls in 2018, which affected over 14.5  million vehicles last year alone.
With so many new cars on the market, the chance of yours being recalled during its lifespan is pretty good.

                      This post is sponsored by Bud’s Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep,Inc.
          

What is a Recall?

A recall results from a number of events – car manufacturers will put their products through multiple tests, and may issue a recall based on those findings. If your vehicle is subject to recall, don’t freak out! It doesn’t mean there is a defect per sey, but sometimes it is just to check for potential ones.

Recalls are issued because it could make your vehicle unsafe in some way – you don’t have to wait to be contacted by mail, which happens two to three months after the recall is announced. You are transporting your family and friends in this vehicle – you can get it in right away! 

What Should I Do if My Car is Recalled?

The recall letter will have instructions on how to proceed – usually they will have you take your vehicle to an authorized dealership to  check for defects, update software, or replace parts. Just be sure to call and set up an appointment before hand.

Does a Recall Cost Me Anything?

For any recall, defective parts are replaced at no cost. Other things – it would depend. Most manufacturers will provide free rentals, taxi reimbursements and even free pick up/drop off of the vehicle.

Don’t Ignore It

When you do get a recall notice for your vehicle – don’t ignore it. It’s not safe for you – or anyone else on the road – to continue driving a recalled vehicle without getting repairs or updates made. Even if it seems like a minor issue, it could still have disastrous consequences. 

Getting in your car, it starting right up and taking off to your destination sometimes is taken for granted – until it doesn’t. A dead battery can be a very big inconvenience and can cause you to be left somewhere stranded, so that is why it’s very important to know when you should replace your car battery.

There are warning signs you can look for before your battery is no longer strong enough to start your engine – sometimes it can be a human error, (like leaving your lights on , or not closing your door all the way – I’m guilty! ) and usually that can be fixed by jump starting your car – however, there are other problems that can let you know that your battery is reaching the end of its life and it’s time for a replacement.

This post is sponsored by Alfa Romeo Dealer of Larchmont

Age of the Battery
One of the most common reasons to replace your battery is age – usually a car battery will last you approximately 5 to 7 years. If you are reaching those age markers, keep a close eye on it. Y

How Often You Drive
Some batteries last the 7 years or longer – some don’t make it 4. A lot of it has to do with how often you drive. Driving your car = charging your battery. If you take your car out and drive daily, the battery is probably going to last longer than a battery in a car that sits for a long period of time.

Time it Takes for the Engine to Start
If your car engine isn’t starting as quick as it once was, it could be that your battery is failing. If lights on your dashboard flicker, or you have to try and start it more than once, it could indicate your battery is getting weak and it needs replaced

A few other factors that might contribute to needing to replace your car battery:

Headlights dim when the car is idling, and brighten up when you rev the engine
You see signs of corrosion at the battery terminal or on the cables
Things like the power windows and locks run slowly
If you notice these types of things happening, your best bet would be to get a new battery – just take your car to the dealership body shop. They will test the battery for you, and let you know how much battery power is left and they will let you know if you should replace it or not.