Wheels and Water - May 2023

wheels & water

Car repairs not to try at home

With the complexity of new cars, professionals recommend heading to a local shop for repairs rather than DIY

Thinking of buying an electric vehicle?

BY MARY-ANNE OLMSTED-KOHLS

For Crow River Media

The federal and Minnesota state governments are being efficacious in constructing laws and regulations to encourage the public to switch to electric vehicles, or EVs. The push is to lower carbon emissions to zero by 2030 to help alleviate climate change and improve air quality. It is a commendable goal and communities such as Hutchinson and Litchfield are working diligently to help address all aspects to accomplish it.

Locally, the public infrastructure is ready. Hutchinson Utilities has two Level 3 fast-charging stations at Girl Scout Park that it installed in October 2020. These are 480-volt devices that charge a battery from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours as compared to a Level 2 (240 volts), which fully charges a battery in eight hours. This spring, the company is adding two more charging ports at the Aquatic Center in Hutchinson.

“There is a plan,” said Dave Hunstadt, manager of electric distribution/transmission at Hutchinson Utilities. “We are going to selectively put fast chargers in locations for people to use as we learn more where they will be needed.”

“Hutchinson Utilities purchases and provides the power distribution,” John Paulson, environmental specialist with the city of Hutchinson, explains the unique partnership the city and utilities have for these charging options. “They manage the power and the software that helps everything to continue to work. The city provides the public space for the people to use.”

“We feel we need to be intentional with the fast-charging options we provide,” Paulson continued. “We will look into what suits the community and what entices travelers. We hope to make Hutchin-

son more than a drive-thru city.”

To help the public better understand electric vehicles and local charging options, Hutchinson Utilities is developing a public outreach program, which will soon be available on the city’s website.

LITCHFIELD EV UPDATE

The city of Litchfield also has installed two Direct Current, or DC, fast chargers (50-plus kilowatt hours) — also known as Level 3 chargers — and two Level 2 charging ports in the downtown’s Central Park. It has no plans to add any more at this time. Like Hutchinson, the placement of the devices was deliberate.

“We wanted to place these somewhere along Highway 12,” said Dave Tziok, city administrator.

Litchfield Utilities entered into a partnership with Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency for the project. The agency provided initial capital for it.

A grant from the state of Minnesota also provided money for one fast-charging unit.

Both the Hutchinson and Litchfield charging stations are designed as “pay at the pump.” At the Hutchinson location, both a credit card or app may be used. At Litchfield, the customer needs to use the Zef energy app. Once the payment has been initiated, the person puts the connector in the car’s socket and waits for it to complete the charge.

For those outside Hutchinson, McLeod Cooperative Power in Glencoe, has two Level 2 ports that the public can use for free. They are available any time of the day.

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HOME CHARGING INSTALLATION

Grants have been made available to both Hutchinson and Litchfield as well as McLeod Cooperative Power and

Meeker Cooperative Light and Power Association to offer a $500 rebate program to individuals who wish to put in a Level 2 charging station at their residence. The power company provides the charger.

When a person buys an EV, the company provides them with a 110 volt plug-in device. They can plug it into their regular garage outlet, taking them a day and half to get their car battery fully charged. By installing the Level 2 charger —which is 240 volts — the battery can be fully charged in 8 hours. Plug it in at night and it’s ready to go in the morning.

This is exactly how the power companies would like you to use them — during the off hours. It is called the “uninterruptible vehicle charging strategy.” The period of the day this entails is between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Customers

While the mileage is impressive, there are pros and cons to owning an electric vehicle

Submitted photo

Meeker Cooperative is the owner of this Chevy Bolt, which is a 100% battery electric vehicle and gets more than 100 mpg equivalent. It is pictured at the charging station at Central Park in downtown Litchfield.

VEHICLES

can receive 5.7 cents to 6.5 cents for their power usage during those hours.

While there is the rebate program to help offset costs, customers will notice that they will be billed for the charging of the car. It is still cheaper to charge than to fuel. It costs around $0.05 a mile to charge an EV compared to $0.14 or more depending on the size of the gaspowered vehicle.

A concern would be the affect of the additional use of electricity on local power grids. Images of communities in Texas during a cold snap and California during a heat wave come to mind.

“Hutchinson has for the past 30 years, converted to underground electricity,” Hunstadt said. “It will afford us the growth we need. We will assess as we go to put us ahead for additional loads in the future. It will also help us improve the system to make upgrades.”

That is why it will be important — for new EV owners who wish to put in a Level 2 charger at their home — to inform power companies what they are doing. This will enable the companies to monitor usage and respond accordingly.

“We need the public’s input,” Hunstadt emphasized.

LOCAL CITIES ARE USING EVS

At this time, Hutchinson has one plug-in hybrid vehicle. Analysis will be required to determine what would be the most-cost effective vehicles moving forward and will require developing a plan for their replacements.

Meeker Cooperative has a company

Chevy Bolt that is totally electric. It was purchased in 2019.

“We use it for employees to attend meetings or to visit members,” said Steve Kosbab, manager of member and energy services for Meeker Cooperative.

“We have found cost savings with electric versus gasoline and maintenance on parts. There are far (less) wear on parts.”

Sales

McLeod Cooperative is on a list to get a Ford Lightning, which is an all-electric F-150 pick-up truck. “We were originally going to use it for employees,” said Justin Kohls, energy manager at McLeod Cooperative, “but decided to offer members an opportunity to test drive it.”

“We’ve been on the list for awhile,” he added, “so I don’t know when we’ll be able to make it available to do that.”

THE DEALERSHIPS ARE PREPARING

When talking to dealerships in the area, Jay Malone Motors of Hutchinson, a Ford dealer, had a Lightning pick up for awhile for people to test drive.

Valley Sales of Hutchinson, a Chevy dealer, doesn’t have any electric vehicles

Photo by Mary-Anne Olmsted-Kohls

This 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plug-in hybrid electrical vehicle, is being charged in anticipation of a test drive.

Vehicles to 5 ➤

Did you know?

Electric cars have been around for more than 100 years. The first production electric car was built in London by Thomas Parker in 1884. In 1897, the first commercial users of electric carriages were taxi drivers in New York City. The first Porsche in 1898 was electric. However, mass production of combustion vehicles pioneered by Henry Ford soon became cheaper and allowed the vehicles to go farther faster. The electric vehicle went by the wayside for most of the 20th century.

In the 1990s, car manufacturers began returning to EVs in response to environmental laws. In 1996, General Motors released the EV1 — the first mass-produced, purpose-built modern electric car. More than 1,000 cars were produced, but production ended in 2003. The advancement of the hybrid technology — the combination of electronic capabilities along with maintaining combustion-engine use changed the market. Another new technology — autonomy, pioneered by Tesla — revolutionized EV possibilities, interesting the public even more.

— Mary-Anne Olmsted-Kohls

Pros and cons of owning an EV

Pros of owning an EV:

 No fuel required, save money on gas

 Don’t emit carbon pollutants into the atmosphere when driving

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at this time and they are not sure when they will.

Davis Motors in Litchfield, a General Motors Company dealership, has a GMC Hummer pick-up truck on order. In the meantime, they’ve been adding the infrastructure necessary to sell EVs.

“I have been taking a lot of training to understand and sell these vehicles,” said Jason Kummet, sales representative at Davis Motors. “It’s hard because you attend the training and you have nothing to go back to work with. So, you have to go back for more training. I go every three months.”

“We are also installing charging stations and our mechanics are receiving training,” he continued. “We also had to buy a big forklift for the batteries. They weigh a ton.”

Other electric vehicles that Kummet is aware of, is the Chevy Blazer and the Corvette hybrid. He doesn’t know when they would be coming to his business. Buicks, which are popular around the area, don’t make any EVs — yet.

Kummet shared that GM is building three new battery factories for their new technology. It’s called the “Ultium” and is to be the next generation of battery. It will not have lithium, but will fuse nickle, cobalt, manganese and aluminum for a safer, more effective battery.

INSURING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Jeff Albers, agent with Farm Bureau Insurance in Glencoe, said the industry is studying EVs. The industry rates vehicles with what could happen to them. The area of concern that an EV brings to the table is the battery. It has been found that the lithium EV battery burns quicker and hotter when damaged than the battery in a gas-powered vehicle. People have to leave their vehicles quickly to escape injury. Another concern is what happens to the battery in a collision?

“The vehicle may be totaled quicker than a normal one,” Albers said. “Hybrids aren’t bad to insure. I have issued policies for those. As more EVs get on the road — the cost of their coverage will probably go up.”

Tom Lambert, owner of Wendorff Insurance in Hutchinson, agrees.

“Right now, the industry has no issues with an EV,” he said. “I know there is concern with the battery and how well it withstands impact upon collision. Also, an EVs weight difference from the regular car. Will it cause more damage to a vehicle it runs into because it’s heavier? These are things being looked at.”

“Insurance is all about risk management,” Lambert added.

The portable charger that comes with the car is covered by comprehensive

 Lower maintenance due to efficient electric motor

 Better performance

 It has fewer moving parts

 Never requires an oil change, new spark plugs or fuel filters

 Federal tax credits are available on EV models made by Ford, GM, Stellantis Chrysler and Tesla

 Rebate eligibility for purchase for home

Level 2 charger

 Savings with off-peak charging

 Quick acceleration

 Smooth handling

Cons with EVs:

 Anxiety with battery power life while driving

 Long charging times

 Charging options for a long trip, the government is trying to address this

 Not so environmentally friendly. Lithium for the batteries is mined. The factories that make them aren’t so carbon friendly and the disposal of a battery is a problem. According to Greening and Kummet, a battery is under warranty for 8 years. Both say car companies are looking into using different materials for batteries and reusing them.

 Expensive — $30,000 to $100,000-plus. Due to cost, it is difficult for the average

auto insurance. The Level 2 charger in the garage is covered by homeowner insurance.

Lambert also deals with homeowner insurance policies. Homeowners who wish to install Level 2 charging stations in their garage should check with their

income earner to own one and most people to own more than one

 Repairs require specific maintenance and service procedures as well as safety standards

 They’re heavy

 Cold temperature issues. There is loss of battery power, reduced range and even failure to operate when its cold outside

 Highway driving has up to 50% less range than when driven in the city

 Towing capacity is nonexistent with most EVs now. To do so, takes way too much battery power

 Threatening existing economy models. Since EVs use no fuel, it will affect oil companies, which will be passed on to the consumer. Less production of biofuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol will affect agriculture. Gas stations could have difficulties, especially if they don’t have the means to incorporate charging stations at their location. With no fuel use, there is no gas tax for roads and infrastructure. (The state of Minnesota is looking at developing a tab renewal tax based on the mileage recorded from the EV use.)

 Resale value

 Manufacturing isn’t keeping pace with demand. There are waiting lists for vehicles with most major car companies. Greening says there is an 8 to 10 week wait period for the Plug-in Jeep Grand Cherokee. According to Kummet, in 2022, there were 854 Hummers actually sold. There were 60,000 paid reservations sold that same year. The company is making 12 vehicles a day.

agent about policy coverage. So far, most insurers don’t look at electricity use when calculating prices to insure the home. However, when installing a Level 2 station, homeowners will need to check

Wikipedia

Electric cars have been around for more than 100 years. The fi rst production electric car was built in London by Thomas Parker in 1884. See sidebar for more information.

E-A-R-T-H D-A-Y spelled out to recreational boaters

baits when possible, dispose of properly.

 T: Take the time for clean, drain, dry to stop the spread of invasive species.

 H: Have a trash receptacle or a way to collect refuse aboard so nothing goes in the water.

After a long winter lay-up, boaters are beginning to return to water. The 53rd annual Earth Day celebration took place April 22, it’s time for boaters to think how they can prime themselves to be good waterway stewards all season long. The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water breaks down the eight letters of E-A-R-T-H DA-Y to help boat owners put a plan into action:

 E: Empty your holding tank at a pumpout station or a designated place ashore.

 A: Always attend your gas nozzle when fueling your boat and resist topping off.

 R: Recycle fishing line and plastic

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their electrical system — it may need to be upgraded to accommodate the new electrical power source. The upgrade could decrease the homeowner’s policy rate as long as it’s done by a licensed electrician. If the wiring isn’t upgraded and the person still has the Level 2 charger put in, the rates could go higher as fire risk becomes greater.

 D: Dispose of used oils, gas and chemicals properly; ask for help if needed.

 A: Adopt a beach or a special place on your waterway to clean up periodically.

 Y: You make all the difference when it comes to smart, safe and clean boating!

Want to learn more about clean boating? The BoatUS Foundation offers Clean Boating, a free online course, at BoatUS.org/Clean-Course.

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 800,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States, or BoatUS,

“So far, there haven’t been any restrictions with installing or having the Level 2 chargers, “ Lambert said. “It usually takes insurance companies a little while to determine issues. No one wants to be the tough guy.”

This area is fortunate that Hutchinson and Litchfield, McLeod and Meeker counties, and the car dealerships in both cities are being proactive to accommodate electric vehicles. They all agree — it’s important to be ready.

Inspections and cleaning, often done at launch ramps, can prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species from one waterway to another.

the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America’s waterways

and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses — including the nation’s largest free online boating safety course — can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.

Who to call for more information?

For more information, contact the following:

 Hutchinson Utilities: 225 Michigan St S.E.; 320-587-4746; www.hutchinsonutilities. com.

 Litchfield Utilities, 126 N. Marshall Ave.; 320-693-7201; www.ci.litchfield.mn.us

 McLeod Cooperative Power, 3515 11th St. E., Glencoe; 320-864-3148; www. mcleodcoop.com

 Meeker Cooperative, 1725 U.S. Highway 12, Litchfield; 320-693-3231; www.meeker. coop

 Evmatch.com: For maps of where to find charging stations

 MNEVOwners.org: Information about owning an electric vehicle

 Shift2Electric.com: A consulting and training company that helps people with their electric vehicle

As boating season starts up, let’s make sure we’re being good waterway stewards

Minnesota DNR

Taking an EV for a test drive

Crow River Media reporter Mary-Anne Omsted-Kohls shares what it’s like to drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid

BY MARY-ANNE OLMSTED-KOHLS For Crow River Media

Litchfield Chrysler had a Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid on site, so salesman Ken Greening invited this reporter to test drive it.

When I drove up to Litchfield Chrysler, the Jeep Grand Cherokee was plugged-in, ready to go. Greening welcomed me and showed me the infrastructure the dealership had for its charging capabilities as well as highlighting the inside and outside of the vehicle.

We left the lot and headed east along U.S. Highway 12 to Dassel. We had the vehicle in “e-save” mode. When Greening felt I was comfortable, he had me put the car in electric mode. When I pushed that button, he started pushing buttons on the steering wheel, first putting the car in cruise control, then demonstrating the other buttons to slow the car down or speed it up without using the brake.

“One of the things we are doing with these test drives,” Kenning explained, “is showing the driver the new way of managing these vehicles. It is a lot of controlling through the steering wheel and less with the brake. Drivers will use their fingers more (to control the EV).”

It was hard for this reporter not to want to put the foot on the brake to slow down.

We then turned south on State Highway 15 outside of Dassel and drove a mile to a curvy road. This is when Greening asked me to maintain the speed when taking the curves, not slowing down.

“You’ll be like a race car driver,” he said.

The first time was terrifying because the curve was sharp. I have to admit I did tap the brake. Another curve came

and he wanted me to do the same thing —maintain the same speed while entering into the curve. I did a better job of not going for the brake.

Greening asked me how it felt. When I told him that it felt stable, he explained “It’s the battery,” he said. “It is taking up much of the area underneath the vehicle. That weight makes a hybrid more stable than the normal vehicle.”

When we came to a stop sign. He told me to “push the pedal” to quickly accelerate. I did. The vehicle responded, going from 0 to 60 mph in seconds.

We continued to drive until the battery was down to zero. He wanted me to see that as a hybrid —which also has

a combustion engine— the Jeep would automatically change to this other mode smoothly. I had to visually watch the screen on the panel to see the switch. It’s so smooth, I never would have felt the changeover, otherwise.

Greening smiled and said “Relax now. We have a full tank of gas and you can go anywhere you like.” I took us back to the dealership.

Greening explained that the battery aspect of a hybrid is good for driving around town. The typical full battery range on an EV is 25 miles — varying to more range depending on the brand and model. For long distance trips, the hybrid vehicle offers the ability to run on its battery, switch

over to the combustion engine when the battery life is used, then the engine runs on the fuel and the battery gets charged while driving. There is no concern for running low on battery nor where to charge up. Just stop at a charging station later to fully charge it or a gas station to refuel and continue on your way.

Greening also shared that Stellantis Chrysler is developing a hybrid pick-up truck. One of the requirements of the pick up is towing capacity. To tow with an electric vehicle, a lot of electrical power is needed. The battery life would be extinguished quickly.

Staff photo by Brent Schacherer

Mary-Anne Olmsted-Kohls is ready to put the pedal to the metal and see what this Grand Cherokee Jeep can do on the open road.

TEST DRIVE

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“In Minnesota, people like to get hitches to pull their boats and campers,” Greening said. “That’s hard to get with an electric vehicle. (Stellantis) Chrysler is working on technology to convert hydrogen for the EVs. In 10 to 15 years there will be a fusion of hydrogen, internal combustion and electricity.”

“This is why the electric vehicle is slower to get to a state like Minnesota,” he continued. “Our winters cause the battery life to be less and we want to use the vehicle with towing capacity. We demand more from them.”

Litchfield Chrysler is training their mechanics to service EVs, also. They have purchased a Level 3 fast charger that should be on location in a year. Right now, they have a Level 2. They are modifying their building for electrical capacity to allow for the charging options. They have several transformers in place already.

Looking back on the experience, I found driving the Jeep Grand Cherokee

PHEV easy to drive. I liked the stability it had on the road with the curves. I also like the hybrid aspect of it— having more economy driving around town on the battery, but not having to worry about its life while out on the open road. I have family dispersed in Minnesota and out of the state. I need a vehicle that I can do a lot of long distance travel without being concerned about the battery and charging options. I would be very comfortable doing that with a Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV. I feel its the type of electric vehicle that makes sense for Minnesota.

Take your adventure off-road with an I Can Mountain Bike! course where you’ll learn shifting, braking, body position, basic safety and trail etiquette on a closed skills course, and then hit the trails for a group ride.

Learn outdoor skills with DNR’s I Can programs

Love the outdoors, but lack the skills to enjoy it? Sign up for I Can! It’s an award-winning series of outdoor programs that helps beginners of all ages and backgrounds learn new outdoor skills in a beautiful Minnesota state park or recreation area setting. Since 2010, more than 100,000 people have participated in I Can! programs, which begin the first weekend in June and continue through the end of August. They include:

 I Can Camp!: These programs provide hands-on instruction on setting up camp, starting a campfire, camp cooking and fun outdoor activities. All gear is provided, including the tent, air mattresses, cooking gear and other basic camping equipment. One-night, two-night and backpacking sessions are offered.

 I Can Paddle!: These programs teach the basics of canoeing or kayaking, including launching, paddling efficiently and planning a safe outing. These programs are designed for first-time paddlers and equipment is provided. Two-hour canoe or kayak

programs, river day trips, sea kayaking and overnight canoe camping programs are available.

 I Can Mountain Bike!: This program teaches mountain bike riding techniques at Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Minnesota’s world class mountain bike park.

 I Can Fish!: These hands-on programs teach all of the basics, from fish identification to casting.

“We provide all the gear along with friendly and knowledgeable instructors,” said Ann Pierce, director of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resource’s Parks and Trails Division.

“Not everyone grows up learning outdoor skills, and for some, lack of experience, equipment or skills can be a barrier to trying new outdoor activities. Our goal is to remove that barrier and make it easy for all Minnesotans to connect to the outdoors, feeling prepared and safe.”

To register for I Can! programs, visit the DNR’s reservation page or register by phone at 866-857-2757, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, except holidays.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

“One of the things we are doing with these test drives is showing the driver the new way of managing these vehicles. It is a lot of controlling through the steering wheel and less with the brake.”

Ken Greening

Litchfield Chrysler

Car repairs not to try at home

BY KEVIN LEGER North American Precis Network

When it comes to taking care of cars, all those countless “do it yourself” videos make it all seem so straightforward and easy. So, too many people take matters into their own hands, only to realize after they’ve taken everything apart, only a trusted mechanic can fix the problem.

As cars are becoming more advanced, it’s important to visit your automotive repair shop for professional car care. Here’s a list of seemingly simple but actually complex repairs you shouldn’t try at home.

SIMPLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

 Brake Fluid Flush: Without proper equipment, home mechanics will not be able to get all the old brake fluid out of the system. Car owners might accidentally put power steering fluid in the brake fluid reservoir, potentially causing a complete failure of the entire braking system, requiring thousands of dollars to repair.

 Coolant Flush: Similarly, without proper chemicals and equipment, car owners can’t remove built-up residue and deposits, leaving behind old coolant. Additionally, home mechanics might not know the correct mix of antifreeze and water, causing the system to be at the incorrect freezing or boiling point. Car owners might also put ordinary tap water in the system, causing excessive corrosion.

 Fuel Injector Cleaning: Most products sold in auto parts stores are meant to be added to the gas tank and do not provide proper cleaning. A professional

auto repair team will clean the carbon deposits from the throttle body and intake/exhaust valves, improving engine performance and fuel economy.

MODERATELY COMPLEX REPAIRS

 Brakes: Few things are more alarming than brake failure. In fact, brake maintenance may be the most important service in terms of safety. A good brake job doesn’t just require resurfacing rotors and drums but also properly oiling key components to avoid excessive wear and noise. And failure to tighten all bolts can result in unexpected brake failure if they loosen. With the complexity of the modern car, it’s better to visit a shop

that is equipped with the special tools and diagnostic equipment needed for maintaining your brakes.

 Suspension Work: Vehicle suspension systems are complex and many components have significant spring tension. A professional will make sure spring tension is properly secured, limiting the possibility of serious damage to your vehicle.

 Battery Replacement in Hybrid or Electric Vehicles: Not only could an incorrect replacement cause engine or drive train damage that could cost thousands to repair, disposal of the old batteries may also be an environmental hazard.

 Air Conditioning Systems: Attempting to recharge a system using cans

of refrigerant available at auto parts stores could overcharge it, leading to catastrophic failure and costing thousands to fix. Additionally, refrigerant could leak into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental issues.

WHERE TO GET HELP

Whether a vehicle needs seemingly simple maintenance or moderately complex repairs, car owners should visit an automotive repair shop for professional car care. And with the recent chip crisis affecting the supply of new cars at dealerships, technicians at car care centers can help prevent further damage and extend the life of your car.

— Kevin Leger owns a Meineke Car Care Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

With the complexity of new cars, professionals recommend heading to a local shop for repairs rather than DIY

Submitted photo

Vehicles today are too complex for most drivers to do their own repairs. Fortunately, there are plenty of professionals who can help.

Getting road trip ready

Summer is fast approaching. Is your vehicle ready for a vacation?

Here’s something you should know the next time you’re getting your vehicle ready for a road trip. While you may take steps to prepare for a trip — checking tire pressure and oil levels and filling the tank — there is one step that’s often overlooked: checking your vehicle for open safety recalls.

There are millions of unrepaired recalls on U.S. roads today. For example, tens of millions of vehicles in the United States — across all makes and models — have unrepaired, recalled airbags. Even in a minor crash, recalled airbags that deploy can rupture and spray shrapnel into the vehicle — transforming lifesaving devices into life-threatening ones. The risk associated with defective airbags is even greater in hot and humid conditions.

That’s why it’s critical that you check your vehicle for recalled airbags and get them repaired at an authorized dealer. You can find out if your vehicle has an open recall by visiting CheckToProtect. org and entering your license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN number. The 17-character

For more peace of mind on your next trip, check whether your vehicle’s airbags have been recalled at www. nhtsa.gov/recalls.

VIN can be found on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield and can be found on insurance and registration documents.

Repairs are paid by your vehicle manufacturer, regardless of where or from whom you bought the vehicle, whether you own the vehicle, are the regular driver of the vehicle, or are just

borrowing it for the day. Airbag repairs can take as little as one hour and dealers make the process as easy as possible for drivers.

More importantly, getting a recalled airbag repaired could save your life. If a recalled airbag deploys in a crash, vehicle occupants are at risk of serious injury and even death.

Before you hit the road, protect yourself and your passengers by checking your vehicle for open airbag recalls and getting them repaired for free. Be prepared.

To learn more, visit checktoprotect. org.

Source: North American Precis Syndicate

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