Vehicle Safety Recalls Week coincides with the week leading up to daylight saving time.

Traditionally, this day has been a cue to check smoke detector batteries as you change your clocks. You should also make it a habit to check for vehicle safety recalls when daylight saving time begins and ends.

3 Steps to Checking for Vehicle Recalls

Find your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Look for the 17-character VIN on the lower left of your car’s windshield, or on the label inside your driver side doorjamb (see example). You might also find your VIN on your vehicle’s registration or your insurance documents.

Search using your VIN at NHTSA.gov/Recalls. Your search will tell you if there’s an open safety recall affecting your vehicle and what steps to take.

Get your vehicle repaired for free immediately if you have an open recall. Follow the steps indicated by the response to your VIN search. Your vehicle’s manufacturer is required by law to address your recall—and again it’s a FREE repair.