Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about GearVerify. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
What is GearVerify?
GearVerify is a free, privacy-first web tool that helps you check vehicles, consumer products, and other gear against public safety databases — before you buy, use, or register them.
We combine NHTSA recall data, CPSC product recalls, tire calculators, VIN decoding, and more into one place. No account required.
Is GearVerify free to use?
Yes. All GearVerify tools are completely free. We use public government data (NHTSA, CPSC, FDA, etc.) that is already paid for by taxpayers — you shouldn't have to pay to access it.
Some tools may link to official agency sites where you can request additional information at no cost.
Do I need an account?
No. GearVerify does not require registration, login, or an account. Most tools run entirely in your browser. We do not store your VINs, search history, or personal data by default.
See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Where does GearVerify get its data?
GearVerify currently uses NHTSA for vehicle recall data and a curated CPSC product recall index. All active data is attributed to its official source with direct links.
Future tools may use additional public sources such as FDA, USDA, FCC, ENERGY STAR, FuelEconomy.gov, and Open Food Facts where available and verified.
Every result links directly to the official source so you can verify it yourself.
Does a "no match" result mean a vehicle or product is safe?
No. A "no match" result does not guarantee safety. Recall databases can be incomplete, delayed, or not yet updated. The absence of a recall record does not mean the item has never been recalled or has no safety issues.
Always cross-reference with the official agency database and, for vehicles, consider a professional inspection or an official vehicle history report.
Is GearVerify an official government website?
How do the tire size and towing calculators work?
GearVerify calculators use published formulas from industry standards. Results are estimates based on your entered values — always verify with the vehicle's posted door jamb label, owner's manual, or a tire professional before making safety-critical decisions.
The Tire Size Calculator derives overall diameter, circumference, and revolutions per mile from the standard P-Metric or flotation tire size code.
The Towing Capacity Calculator estimates payload margin and tongue weight based on GVWR, curb weight, and CCC ratings.
Can I print or save my results?
Yes. Most GearVerify results include a print option that generates a dated, formatted record of your check. You can use your browser's Print → Save as PDF to keep a copy for your records.
Printable checklists (like the Used Car Inspection Checklist) are designed specifically for printing.
Does GearVerify collect my data?
Minimal data is collected. We use Cloudflare for hosting and analytics that are privacy-respecting by design (no cookies, no personal data tracking). We do not sell or share your information.
VINs and other inputs you type are processed in your browser and are not stored on our servers by default. The contact form does collect the information you voluntarily submit.
Is GearVerify available as an app?
Currently GearVerify is a web-based tool. It works on any device with a browser, including mobile phones and tablets. We are evaluating native app options for the future.
You can add GearVerify to your phone's home screen as a shortcut using your browser's "Add to Home Screen" feature.
I found incorrect or outdated information. How do I report it?
Our data comes directly from government databases, which are updated regularly. If you believe data is incorrect, the authoritative source is the agency that published it (NHTSA, CPSC, etc.).
If you believe a GearVerify tool itself has a bug — a formula error, a broken link, or a display issue — please contact us with details.