Dealing with a vehicle safety recall may seem inconvenient, but it could save your life. That’s why the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is reminding all motorists to check for recalls during this year’s Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, which is March 3-9.

A recall occurs when a manufacturer finds that a particular model or piece of equipment is faulty or does not meet safety standards. In 2023 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), manufacturers issued 1,000 safety recalls covering more than 34 million vehicles and other automotive equipment in the United States.

Automakers are required to notify car owners of a recall by mail. These mailed notices are easy to miss, however, so it’s a good idea to check for recalls at least twice a year.

Fortunately, checking for recalls is now easier than ever. Simply visit nhtsa.gov/recalls and search by your 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN), which can be found on the bottom of the driver’s side of your car’s windshield or on your vehicle’s registration. Using a recently added feature, you can also search by entering your state and license plate number. You can search the same site for recalls related to child car seats, bike racks, tires, and other equipment.

If you find a recall that applies to your vehicle, you are entitled to a free repair. Carefully follow the instructions in the recall notice. A typical notice will direct you to contact the appropriate auto dealership for a service appointment, where their mechanics will fix the problem for free.

When you turn your clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time on March 9, remember to check for vehicle safety recalls – for your safety and that of your passengers.