Stay abreast of vehicle recall information

Driving a new vehicle off of the sales lot can be exciting. Brand-new vehicles are supposed to be reliable and free from maintenance concerns. However, sometimes manufacturers recall a vehicle, forcing drivers to visit the auto body shop sooner than they had hoped.

According to the Auto Insurance Organization, 390 million vehicles have been recalled since the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act became law in 1966. Vehicles are recalled for a variety of reasons, including poorly performing tires, faulty pieces of motor vehicle equipment and unsafe child safety seats. From 2009 to 2010, Toyota alone recalled 8.5 million cars, the single largest recall in history.

It can be disconcerting to learn that your vehicle is being recalled. The uneasiness of driving a potentially dangerous vehicle coupled with the prospect of being without a car can be daunting.

Vehicle manufacturers must notify consumers that a recall is in place. But sometimes a vehicle owner may not be aware that there is a recall. In the event of large recalls, like the recent ones involving Toyota and Bridgestone Tires, the story makes the national news. But there are other ways drivers can stay current on recall information to ensure their personal safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, is a source of information on vehicle recalls. Their database dates back to 1966. The NHTSA provides information on equipment recalls, entire vehicle recalls, child safety seat recalls, and tire recalls. There also is information on school bus recalls.

Individuals can visit www.Recalls.gov and select the categories they want to check. To check recalls on a particular motor vehicle, select that category, enter the make and model as well as the year, and the information about any recalls will appear.

Recall information can help save lives and prevent injuries. It is important to be aware of recalls to ensure the vehicle you're driving is as safe as possible.