My car battery died 6 days ago. At the time, I thought maybe I left the lights on, but I wasn't sure. We've had the car about 3 years, but it was purchased used. I didn't have any jumper cables and couldn't find anyone to jump it, so I signed up for AAA online and got them to send someone to jump it. Well, here it is 6 days later and it's dead again. I tried to leave for work this morning and it's totally dead. This time I'm 100% sure I did not leave the lights on. I researched a little and found out most car batteries need to be replaced after 3 years anyway and I know ours is AT LEAST 3 years old. I still have AAA and I know they can come jump it and possibly replace it for what they say is a "good rate" but I'm not sure. I work at WalMart and can get a discount if I buy the battery there, but my WalMart doesn't have a Tire and Lube center so they can't replace it for me. Do you know if garages will replace a battery that I bought from somewhere else? When I got the car jumped a week ago, AAA sent out a local garage to do it, so there's not an actual AAA here. I tried to research replacing it myself but it looks complicated as I don't even know how to change my tires (sad, i know!) and DH doesn't drive so he has no idea how to work on cars either. I guess I just need some advice on whether I'd be better off buying the battery and calling AAA to see if the garage can install it for me, or calling AAA to send the garage to sell me a new one and install it, or trying to install one myself? My only other option is to get it jumped again, which will hopefully hold the charge this time for a little while, and drive 45 minutes to the closest SuperWalMart and buy it there and get them to replace it all at a 10% discount. I just don't know because gas will cost a fortune anyway. Thank you!
Need a New Car Battery, Help!
June 8th, 2008 at 06:35 am
June 8th, 2008 at 06:48 am
June 8th, 2008 at 06:50 am
June 8th, 2008 at 07:01 am
AAA is a great idea too. Technically they can not do installation for you either, but the towers are usually pretty nice and are very helpful. One replaced our alternator when our car died in the middle of nowhere. They sent us to a shop that said they'd get to it in a week and the tow truck driver was appalled - told us he could do it in 5 minutes. So our experience has been very good with them. They mostly want to help.
Good Luck!
June 8th, 2008 at 07:31 am
June 8th, 2008 at 07:46 am
Think about the total cost of getting a battery at different places: Battery itself driving around disposal fee. You may end up saving overall if you go to a place that will install it for you and dispose of the old one.
The last time we needed a new battery, my DH took the car to Costco, bought a new battery, changed it in the parking lot, and gave the old battery to Costco. He saved us quite a bit of money that way. If you aren't comforatable changing the battery yourself, do you have a friend or family member who might help you out?
June 9th, 2008 at 05:03 am