November Safety Check: Recalls and Winter Readiness
We may not be ready to admit it yet, but winter is right around the corner. In Nebraska, that means one thing: expect the unexpected. November is a great time to prepare before colder temperatures and early sunsets catch us off guard.
Vehicle Recalls
The National Safety Council’s Check to Protect program is a free tool that lets you look up your vehicle by VIN or license plate number. You can enter the information manually or simply upload an image. No account required. No cost. Just a quick, reliable way to see if your vehicle has any open recalls and where to get them repaired.
Check to Protect is available in English and Spanish, and includes links to other important resources, such as recall lookups for car seats and tires.
While this campaign typically gets promoted twice a year around the time changes, you can— and should —check anytime. Some people set a recurring reminder in their phone. Others check when they schedule maintenance. Whatever works for you, make sure it’s something you actually do.
Many recalls never reach the current owner by mail, especially with older vehicles that may have changed hands several times.
Winter Readiness
Winter Emergency Kit
Nebraskans are no strangers to extreme weather, and extreme cold is more than uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. A basic winter emergency kit can keep you safe if you become stranded, lose heat, or have to wait outside for help.
Here are some useful items to consider:
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Ice scraper / snow brush
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Blankets and/or extra warm clothing
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Flashlight
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Jumper cables or a portable jump pack
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Phone charger
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Water and snacks
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First aid kit
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Small shovel
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Traction materials (kitty litter, sand, or traction pads)
Other Winter Maintenance Checks
Winter is tough on vehicles. Cold temperatures can weaken batteries and reduce tire pressure. Worn tread or aging wipers make it harder to maintain visibility and traction. Windshield washer fluid and coolant may need to be switched to winter formulas to prevent freezing.
A few quick checks now can save you from breakdowns, delays, and some very cold waits later.
Final Thought
Winter will be here before we know it. Taking a little time in November to check for recalls and prepare your vehicle can make all the difference once the temperatures drop. A safe winter starts with a prepared driver — and a prepared vehicle.
