What to Do If Your Toyota's Been Recalled [Cars]

What to Do If Your Toyota's Been Recalled [Cars]: From LifeHacker:
"Got one of those Toyotas with the 'sticky' gas pedal? Maybe a just-recalled Prius? Don't trade in your car or panic if your dealer's booked through next week. Here's a few tips from the experts on saving money and driving safely.
First off, if you're not sure whether your Toyota might be part of the recall or not, here's the read-out. 2010-model Prius hybrids are soon to be called in for a fix to the anti-lock brake software. Toyota's own recall page has the lengthy details and model list. Otherwise, here's CNNMoney's thumbnail of the list:

Which cars are involved? The stuck-pedal recall of 2.3 million vehicles announced last week affects Toyota's 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys (only those with gas pedal assemblies made by a specific Toyota supplier; your dealer can check). No Lexus or Scion models are involved.

Toyota's starting to send out mailers to affected car owners announcing the recall and providing fix details, but Canada's CTV notes that it may not reach if you've moved since your car purchase, and it's up to you to get in line for a fix, and update your address for future recalls and notices:

The requirement is that the manufacturer send the notice to the address in their record. If you moved or are the second owner of the car, you might not get the notice, even if you bought the car at the dealer of the same brand. They don't have to find you, and they won't look.

So how do I get in contact with the manufacturer to get my address updated?

The dealer can do it. They may have a customer service phone number that will allow you to do it.

Toyota's certainly taking a hit in the media, and the public's long-admiring eye, for having to issue these safety recalls. If you feel like you might want to trade in your recalled Toyota to try and escape a declining value, don't do it—at least, not yet. Kelley Blue Book and ALG valuations will likely drop 5 percent over the life of the recall, and the New York Times' Bucks blog notes that now is not the time to trade in. Why? An Edmunds.com consumer advice editor notes that trade-in prices are going to be at significant lows right now, but will recover:

'After the recall of Ford Explorers earlier this century because of tire failures, the resale values of the models dropped 2 to 3 percent or so initially and then gradually caught up again five to six months later, according to a preliminary Kelley Blue Book analysis.'

So, the best advice for recalled Toyota owners is to call your dealer and make an appointment for a fix (how surprising, huh?). Still, what if you need to drive your car in the meantime, and you're worried about having your own 'unintended acceleration' moment? CTV offers an emergency stopping maneuver you can test out:

Our recommendation is to drive on an empty stretch of road, then put your foot to the floor. You do it for a second or two and then shift into neutral.

It's going to sound very noisy because your engine will be racing. When that happens, take your foot off the gas and bring your car to a stop gently.

After you're done practicing, you should use this technique in case of sudden acceleration while you drive. Do not try to fight the car while it is in gear.

Do you own a Toyota that's been recalled, going to be recalled, or has already received its fix? Tell us about your experience, and any lessons learned, in the comments. Second image by KOMUnews.

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