[/align][align=center]How Recalls Work
By PAUL ANDERSON[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]
Cars aren't perfect -- any guy who has spent a grueling winter dealing with various breakdowns can attest to that. Though there are usually seasonal problems to attend to, owning a car becomes a real pain when a manufacturer's defect affects performance or safety. Poor engineering or a simple oversight on the production line can make a car a real danger.

To compound the problem, owners are often unaware of how to deal with the malfunction, thinking that the work is in the hands of a local mechanic. With 1,450 recalls and alerts released in the U.S. in 2002, cases of dangerous malfunctions have become far too common. Keeping that in mind, I have outlined the details of a car recall in an easy to comprehend, question and answer session. Now, you'll know how to deal with this sticky situation.

[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]What exactly is a car recall? A variety of engineering errors can cause a defect in a car. Usually, the problem is concentrated on models that were produced during a certain time period at one specific plant. Therefore, not all Toyota Camry drivers, for example, would be forced to pull off the road when a defect for that model is announced to the public.

Consumers who encounter such problems can report them to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) by calling their safety hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT. Complaints can also be waged online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/ (the NHTSA's website) or by filing a petition.

When enough reports are compiled, the NHTSA will begin to investigate the issue, and determine the root of the problem. Then, the findings are made public. If a manufacturer does not force a recall, the government, through the NHTSA, will initiate one instead.

Check for Recalls[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Does your car have a recall? Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to find out: [/align][align=center][:-]Click on below link [:-][/align][*][align=center]NHTSA Recall Database[/align][ul][align=center]What are the most common types of defects in these recalls? The NHTSA lists the following as typical safety-threatening defects:

ยท wiring or leaks that cause fire
ยท accelerators that break or freeze suddenly
ยท steering parts that break, causing a loss of control
ยท air bags that deploy late or for no reason

Any widespread vehicular problem that results in a risk for those in the car will be closely scrutinized by the NHTSA. Therefore, the safety hotline will not help you out if your air conditioner doesn't work or there's routine wear and tear on your car.
[/align][/ul][align=center][b]How are owners informed if their car is at risk?
Aside from obvious signs like fire or random malfunctions, you'll be alerted to the defect on your car via the mail. When the manufacturer or the government concedes that there is a defect, an Official Safety Recall Notice, which provides details about the problem as well as instructions on the best way to handle it, is sent to owners who are at risk. In most cases, drivers are advised to bring the car to their dealer.

How is the car fixed?
Vehicles are usually sent for repair. The Official Safety Recall Notice outlines what repairs need to be done and lists the specific dealers who will do the work. Though not standard procedure, some victims of car recalls have been known to receive courtesy cars while their car was in the shop.

[color=#0000ff][size=4]Does the owner of the car have to pay to have the