(LOS ANGELES, Feb. 17, 2006) — The AAA Battery Service, operated by the Automobile Club of Southern California, has been expanded to most Southern California cities to help members whose car batteries remaining energy get sapped by cold or heat resulting in vehicle breakdowns. In 2005, the Auto Club's roadside assistance service performed more than 800,000 services for battery-related problems, according to Bill Howell, the AAA Battery Service Manager.
Part of the Auto Club's Roadside Assistance program, the AAA Battery Service uses state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose a battery's condition. Only faulty or failing batteries are replaced for Auto Club members at their home, office or on the road.
"If your car needs a battery, one of the 142 AAA Battery Service vehicles can provide an on-the-spot replacement and will get you on your way again," said Howell. When a member purchases a AAA Battery, they receive a $15 discount off the regular retail price. Prices vary according to size and batteries are available for most vehicles.
The AAA Battery Service technician, arriving in a white truck or van marked with the AAA Battery Service logo, can install a fresh battery that is branded with the AAA logo that meets the manufacturer's vehicle specifications. Fresh batteries are less than 90 days old and offer a three-year free replacement warranty and three-year pro-rated warranty valid in the U.S. and Canada, according to Howell.
"The battery is exclusive to the AAA Battery Service and offers the same high quality as other AAA products and services," said Howell.
Batteries usually last three to five years and older ones are vulnerable to summer heat and winter cold, he said. Slow turning of the engine indicates the battery may be weakening. Often without professional diagnosis, motorists buy replacements before they're necessary, Howell said.
The AAA Battery Service minimizes the inconvenience of a failed battery by:
- Bringing the battery to the Auto Club member
- Performing a battery and charging system test
- Professionally installing the new battery and recycling the old battery free of charge.
If the AAA Battery Service comes to you and a battery is purchased by cash, check, or major credit card, the call will not count as one of the free roadside assistance calls per membership year.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has served members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing and buying. Information about these products and services is available at www.aaa.com.
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