It's bad enough when your car breaks down. But it's even worse when no one can get the parts to fix it.

News 12 viewer Jamaine told the Kane In Your Corner Team: "My vehicle stopped driving while in traffic. The repairs are covered under warranty, but I was told that it could take up to a year for parts."

"They claim they are unable to provide me with a rental or reimburse me for renting a vehicle elsewhere. But I am still without a vehicle," Jamaine says.

News 12's Walt Kane explains what you can do if this happens to you.

Experts say this happens more than you think. Your car can be recalled, but the parts can be backordered for months, or even worse, there may not even be a fix available at all.

An automotive consumer advocate says the first step is to write a certified letter to the manufacturer.

Explain that you don't feel safe driving the car, ask them to provide a loaner or pay for a rental.

If they won't, save receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, whether that's a rental car, or services like Uber or Lyft. That documentation could be important because if your car's out of service for 20 days in New Jersey, or 30 days in New York or Connecticut, you may be able to file a claim – either under the state's lemon law, or as a breach of warranty claim.

To find out if you have a case, your best bet is to consult with a consumer attorney.

If you have a consumer question or a story that needs to be investigated, click here to see how you can get Kane in Your Corner.