Tank’s Battery Madness

I was really looking forward to attending my Yoga class this morning.

The universe had other plans for me.

After breakfast I dressed carefully, checked my gear to make sure I had my slippers and the $3 fee, finally bundled myself up in parka, scarf and gloves, and headed out to Tank. And that is where my journey ended. Tank did not start. Tank’s engine did not even turn over. There was just a staccato clicking when I turned the key.

If I recollect correctly, last time Tank and I were out and about it was to the Yoga class last Wednesday. The temperature fell to -23C (-9.4F) last night, and it has been very cold all week. These factors ganged up on Tank’s battery, causing it to fail.

But I didn’t know at the time that it was the battery. What I knew was that I was going nowhere, and Tank was making horrid noises. What to do?!

First I called the dealership where we bought Tank. I described what was happening to the fellow, and he immediately said it sounded like the battery. I had a starting point!

Then I called CAA. We have a membership. The woman on the line said that I could either get a boost, or order a battery that they would bring to the house and install for me. Since I didn’t know beyond all doubt that it was the battery, I decided not to schedule a visit.

Then I called Lares and left a message on his cell phone. The day passed slowly.

Then I messaged Terra. Terra called Lares and discovered that since I had called him using Skype, the displayed number on his cell looked like a telemarketer, so he didn’t listen to the message. Late in the afternoon Terra and Lares dropped by on their way to Costco, bringing their booster cables. Since tank was facing into the driveway, a single driveway, the cables would not reach from their vehicle to tank. They drove off, promising to check on me in the morning.

Then I called Attila, finally home from work, who also thought the problem was the battery. He works with a lot of vehicles in cold weather, so when he voiced the opinion that the battery needed to be replaced, I made the decision to call CAA and request the Battery Service.

Then I called CAA and requested the battery service. The woman was very pleasant, gave me a price, we discussed methods of payment, and she arranged for the new battery to be brought to the house and installed free of charge within the next hour. I was happy.

The CAA fellow drove up. His cables did reach around to the front of Tank. Tank started, and the fellow advised me to keep it running for at least thirty minutes. I told him I wanted the new battery even though Tank had started. He looked confused, and explained to me that the is no Battery Service in our area. I explained that that was what I had arranged with CAA. He said he was sorry, gave me several names of local places where I might purchase a battery, and off he went.

Then I called CAA. When I explained what happened the woman on the telephone apologized, several times. I thanked her for her concern, and then told her that I wanted more than an apology. I had arranged for a Battery Service call, and I didn’t get it. I wanted the call struck from my limit, a limit of four calls per year. She took my information and is passing it along to another department, and I should hear from them in the next five days.

So, the upshot is that Tank is running, but still needs a new, and thus reliable, battery.

Following the CAA fellow’s advice, I drove around town for more than half an hour, charging up the battery. By this time I was beginning to feel a bit weary.

It was after 8:00 p.m. by the time I backed Tank into the driveway. I hate backing up vehicles, as I find it difficult to twist around to see what I am doing, and difficult to find just the right head position so that my bifocals focus on the mirrors. I did it though, after a few false starts. If Tank does not start tomorrow, Lares booster cables will reach!

Finally I sat down to a late supper, just finishing as Attila called.

A busy day, in an unexpected way.

Worldly Distractions

Weather

-14C (-6.8F)
Date: 9:00 PM EST Wednesday 14 January 2015
Condition: Clear
Pressure: 102.5 kPa
Tendency: falling
Visibility: 24 km
Dewpoint: -14.8C
Humidity: 90%
Wind: NNW 10 km/h
Wind Chill: -19 (-2.2F)

Quote

“Let us, then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labour and to wait.”
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1807 – 1882