Almost two weeks ago, GM started shipping redesigned ignition switch kits to Stateside dealership service departments. But are these all-new units safer than their potentially defective predecessors?
Most of you should've heard by now about the 2.6 million GM vehicles equipped with faulty ignition switches. The unparalleled recall operation comes as the result of 13 people being killed in crashes related to this glitch, with trial lawyers pending another 53 death suits against the Detroit company.
With dealer service departments already replacing the first batch of affected cars, General Motors wants to prove its customers that the revised units fitted to their vehicles are safe to operate with a demonstrational video narrated by the vice president of GM Global Safety.
Jeff Boyer explains through the 2-minute long clip how the redesigned ignition switches were torture-tested by engineers to find out if they're up for the job. He also advises affected vehicle owners that until repairs have been performed, it is important to remove all items from your key ring (including the key fob), leaving only the car key.
Before exiting the vehicle, it's also mandatory to check if your automobile is in "Park". If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, you should put the transmission into reverse gear and set the parking brake as well.
With dealer service departments already replacing the first batch of affected cars, General Motors wants to prove its customers that the revised units fitted to their vehicles are safe to operate with a demonstrational video narrated by the vice president of GM Global Safety.
Jeff Boyer explains through the 2-minute long clip how the redesigned ignition switches were torture-tested by engineers to find out if they're up for the job. He also advises affected vehicle owners that until repairs have been performed, it is important to remove all items from your key ring (including the key fob), leaving only the car key.
Before exiting the vehicle, it's also mandatory to check if your automobile is in "Park". If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, you should put the transmission into reverse gear and set the parking brake as well.