GM is under investigation over how it handled the failing of ignition switches which led to the recall of more than 1.5 million vehicles more than a decade after first noticing the problem.
The ignition problem could lead to cars stalling, so 7 On Your Side's Michael Finney teamed up with Consumer Reports to share some useful information on what to do if your car stalls.
This is important information, not only because there have been recalls, but because this can happen to anyone in any car.
Let's say you are driving down the road and your car stalls or turns off unexpectedly, now what?
"Well, you will lose power steering and it is very hard to steer the car and if the car is in drive the starter won't engage and you will not be able to restart it. So what do you do?" Consumer Reports Director of Auto Testing Jake Fisher said.
Seven different GM cars like the Chevy Cobalt could experience this dangerous situation because of a defective ignition switch.
Over 1.3 million vehicles have been recalled. And this defect has been attributed to at least 13 deaths.
But this could happen to anyone. You might run out of gas or your alternator or fuel pump might fail.
Even having too much weight on your key chain can make the ignition switch wear out prematurely, making it easy to accidently turn off.
If the engine is not running, the power steering isn't working, which means it could be very hard to steer and hard to keep your car in the lane.
If you can, put your car into neutral, start it, then put the car back into drive.
If this doesn't work or you aren't comfortable doing it, apply the brakes and coast to the side of the road and putting your hazard lights on is a good idea.
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(All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2011. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)