When I entered the garage, I noticed the door to my car was slightly open. OOPS. As I attempted to start the car, it just couldn’t turn over. Hmmmm, better turn off the radio and A/C. That did the trick, the car started a little reluctantly but it did start.

The last time this happened years ago, I called the Automobile club. I had drained the battery completely and the guy said to drive around for at least 40 minutes to give the battery a ‘charge’. I drove around for about 25 minutes as I had an appointment.

Lucky for me, the car started when I was finished. The same thing repeated for the next few days. A long 50 minute ride was in my future so I thought, if I could just get through the next few days with out the radio and A/C, that long car ride would certainly charge the battery enough.

I drove to my friend’s house visited for a while . When I went to leave, a little challenge starting the car but, it started. On the way home I debated if I should get gas or wait until the next morning. I had breakfast plans with a friend. I overrode my inclination towards procrastination, gas on the way home was the answer.

Sam’s Club was my choice for gas. It’s not too far from my house and it has a lower price. I opted for the outside lane of pumps. When I was ready to start the car . . . NOTHING. I mean absolutely NOTHING.

I called triple A (the Automobile Club) and ask for a battery. The nice call center lady told me it was going to be about an hour to an hour and a half before they can get to my location. The windows were rolled down for air circulation. The skies began to darken and the a cloud burst. I couldn’t roll up the windows! Good thing I had an umbrella in the car. I opened it and put it out the open window. Yes, that’s right, sitting at a gas pump, and an umbrella stuck out the window, AT SAM’s Club. Perfect. At least I was not getting wet anymore. The passenger side wasn’t getting wet either as the wind was blowing sideways from the driver’s side. Thank goodness it was a quick one.

After about 45 minutes the Attendant came up to my car and asked me if I’m okay. DUH, really? Who sits at a pump for almost an hour? I told him that my car won’t start.

“ I noticed you a while before but thought you were making some phone calls. People do that you know. Maybe I can get the guys to over in the tire and battery area to give you a jump.”

I thought about what he said. He has seen people sit at the gas pump for an hour? Come on, that is just so  . . . I don’t know, inconsiderate, stupid, ridiculous (insert your own word here). If I have to make a phone call or something, I pull away from the pump and stop over on the side, out of the way. Wow.

Hold on a minute, Say what? Double DUH, I’m at Sam’s Club and they sell batteries?! Just then the Automobile Club truck pulled up. I thanked the attendant and let the AAA guy get to work.

“This battery doesn’t look too old. You should take it back to where you bought it. I’m sure there is a warranty.”

I tell him I just want a battery. “Are you sure? I can follow you to the dealership so you can get a new battery there.”

AND like a lamb I do what he suggests and go to the dealership right down the road. Did I mention that I had already tried to call the Service Department 3 times to find out about the battery warranty? It just kept ringing and ringing with no answer. Oh yeah and it is also Saturday at 4:50pm (Mind you I had been calling since 4:15pm)

By the time I reached the dealership it is 5:05pm. A salesman offered to stay with my car while I run inside to speak with someone about the battery. LONG story short. The battery only had a 16 month warranty. I am past that so, guess what, I need a NEW BATTERY!

I drove back to Sam’s Club (you know where I started this adventure). Parked the car and went inside to buy a battery. After some searching the guy found the correct battery, a 3 year warranty too. Only catch, they can’t install it for at least an hour.

Only two techs were working and they had a couple of jobs ahead of me. One guy was (ready for this?) ‘buffing’ or whatever it is called, the headlights so that they look brand new.

I met the guy and his wife who were waiting for this particular car. They are retired and on a whim, decided to have the headlight work done on a SATURDAY at 5pm! Really, you’ve got all this free time and you choose  a Saturday?

I was just glad that I would get a new battery at some point. A tech came out from the repair area and spoke with the couple. The job was completed. Maybe he can start on my car!

I walked around for a bit and then wandered back to the service desk. A woman and her daughter were waiting for someone to come out from the repair area. They had a problem with a tire. One of them had just gotten off from work. It was 6:30pm and the service department closes at 7:00. I sure hoped that they could help them.

Finally at 6:55 my car was ready. Thank goodness. As I headed home and reminded my self to Look around and keep track of your surroundings. I could have been through with the battery issue hours before if only I had realized where I was!

Hope you have a wonderful day!