Before winter driving, check your car for unrepaired safety recalls

Before the winter driving season, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends a quick check, and it suggests repeating it twice a year.

How the lookup works

NHTSA's recall page accepts either a 17-character vehicle identification number or a license plate. If nothing is outstanding, the result reads zero unrepaired recalls for that VIN.

To find your VIN, look through the windshield at the lower driver's side corner, or check your registration card. It may also be printed on your insurance card.

What the search does not show

The tool has limits worth knowing:

• It covers safety recalls up to 15 years old, unless a manufacturer offers longer coverage.
• Recalls that were just announced may not list VINs yet.
• Some small, specialty and ultra-luxury makers are not included.
• Non-safety service campaigns and international-market vehicles are excluded.
• Repairs already completed do not appear.

Because VINs are added continuously, a clean result today does not rule out a recall next month. NHTSA offers a free SaferCar app and email alerts that flag new recalls for vehicles or equipment you register.

Getting it fixed

Under federal rules, manufacturers must remedy a recalled defect by repairing or replacing the part or offering a refund, and in rare cases buying the vehicle back. Owners get a notice by mail and can contact a local dealer to schedule the repair at no charge.

The same NHTSA page also lets you search by brand for recalls on tires and child car seats, two items worth checking before holiday road trips.