If it's Friday, it must be time for Ask Liz! In this weekly feature, News4 Consumer Reporter Liz Crenshaw answers your questions.
If you'd like to submit a question to Ask Liz, send it to her email address, or Tweet her, or connect with her on Facebook.
Tonight's Ask Liz questions:
What's going on with mailboxes being taken out of certain intersections in D.C.?
The U.S. Postal Service says that they have noticed a sharp drop in mail being collected at about 15 public mailboxes in D.C., and they have put signs on those boxes indicating that they will be removed.
The USPS says the locations have other boxes nearby that people can use.
What do you do if you have made a mistake on your tax refund?
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Math errors are likely to be caught in the processing of your return, the IRS says. But if you have not claimed all the tax credits you are eligible for, or if you have not acknowledged all your income, you should file a corrected return using form 1040X. All corrections must be made within three years of filing your initial return.
What is the defect that led GM to recall some cars after reports of deadly accidents?
The defect has to do with the ignition switch. The switch could turn from on to off or the accessory position while driving. This can make the car stall, turns off the power steering and makes the air bags inoperable.
The recall includes 1.5 million cars:
- 2005-2007 Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Pontiac Pursuit
- 2003-2007 Saturn Ion
- 2006-2007: Chevrolet HHR & Pontiac Solstice
- 2007: Saturn Sky
What should I do to get my recall-affected car fixed?
Wait until you get your recall notice -- that means your dealership has the parts it needs to get your car fixed. While you are waiting, take all other keys, fobs and key chains off your key ring; GM suspects that overloaded or heavy key rings may be more susceptible to the ignition problem.
GM does allow consumers affected to get a loaner car from their dealer, but ask for it. Dealers won't offer a loaner unless the consumer asks.
GM is also offering affected drivers a $500 discount on the purchase or lease of a new GM car.
