Korky Vann, the Hartford Courant’s “savvy shopper,” has some tips on how to check if an item you have that broke may be part of a recall.
Before you shell out money for repairs — or toss your malfunctioning item out and buy a new one — check to see if it has been recalled. Each year, Americans spend millions on repairing and replacing malfunctioning items, when in many cases they can get it repaired or replaced free.
Any product can have a recall. A few years ago, a pair of national brand shoes were produced with heels that leaned to the side, which posed a tripping hazard. They were recalled.
SaferProducts.gov features recall notices, consumer reports, product safety standards and safety guides for everything from infant’s and children’s products, home heating and cooling equipment to playground equipment, poison prevention and pools and spas.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides motor vehicle factory recall information by make, model and year at recalls.gov.
Recalls.gov also includes notices on boats, medicines, foods and cosmetics.
Automobile recall notices are also available at 123UsedCars.com.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, puts out recall info on Twitter and YouTube
The online Federal Citizen Information Center offers up-to-date information on important consumer issues and gives suggestions on how to report a problem to the people who can actually do something about it. For more information and tips, go to www.pueblo.gsa.gov.
Check with the company. Even if there hasn’t been a recall, they may be able to provide an inexpensive fix or offer you a discount on a replacement.
For more tips on saving money, visit www.courant.com/savvyshopper