CHARLOTTE — Hyundai owners can get free steering wheel locks and software upgrades all in one place this weekend. The event is at PNC Music Pavilion in northeast Charlotte from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. You don’t need an appointment to attend.
The free software updates are for vehicles that need it -- 2011-2021 models that use a key. Vehicles that have a push button to start it don’t need the update.
“It only takes about 12 minutes to download the software package. We check for any other recalls that may be on the vehicle or campaigns that are open to make sure we notify the customer of those as well too,” Hyundai Vice President Dave VandeLinde told Action 9′s Jason Stoogenke.
If there is an open recall, you’ll need to take your ride to the dealer to fix it, but at least you know. Any recall repairs are free.
“Just making sure that my car is good to go and preventing … that makes me feel a lot better as a Hyundai driver,” Josh Nguyen said. “So, I feel a lot better.”
“This was a golden opportunity to come in and get something. Didn’t cost anything except my time,” driver Walt Hinson said.
For Kia owners, that company is hosting similar events across the country. Stoogenke will let you know if he hears of a Charlotte one.
Last year, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the number of Hyundai and Kia thefts jumped about 2,000% compared to the same time the year before. Police across the country blame a social media trend, showing a simple way to steal those two brands of cars.
You may remember, that Hyundai and Kia also agreed to settle a class action lawsuit. The car companies would pay roughly $200 million, most of which would reimburse consumers for money they lost because of the crimes, including their insurance deductibles and higher premiums.
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