Nigel Canham

Friends and alloys Column

The Faces - The Cars - The News

News that Toyota has recalled almost two million cars following fears that the accelerator pedal could stick is a wake up call to all us owners, regardless of which make we drive.How do we know our cars are fit to be on the road?Toyota is a hugely respected firm with an enviable reputation for its engineering, yet still it has run into a major problem with a pedal that can wear out and stick open.‘Toyota’s policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances,’ said Tadashi Arashima, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. ‘We understand that the current situation is creating concerns and we deeply regret it.’Quite. Hopefully any readers who drive an affected Aygo, IQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis or RAV4 will soon hear from the firm about remedial action.But what do the rest of us do? How can we check if our car has ever been recalled?As ever Friends and Alloys is at your service.Log on to the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency’s website at www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/
apps/recalls/default.asp.There you can find every make and model to see if it’s been the subject of a recall. A quick check with a dealer should confirm your car was sorted out at the time.Alternatively call VOSA on 0117 954 3300.Good luck.