Ask Pete

[#1]

With the wacky weather patterns and severe Southern cold snaps we've experienced lately, some Members are experiencing battery troubles that are seemingly out of the blue.

I had one Member whose five-year-old battery suddenly went dead. They attempted to charge the battery at a slow rate overnight. Once the battery successfully started the vehicle the next day, the Member thought their worries were over. Not true! The sudden drop in temperature, especially on a battery that has expired it usefulness, is enough to put that battery over the edge. While the surface voltage was temporarily restored, it's just a matter of time before the battery will fail again. After all, it isn't going to heal itself!

Save yourself some aggravation by making sure the battery terminals are clean and tight, and that the charging system is at peak performance. In these Southern climates, where the average battery life span is approximately 40 months, you may want to test it before it tests you! 

[#2]

i can not start my car. i was away  for months and one of my neighbors tried to jump start it , but it did not work, i am not sure if by repeatedly trying to start the car the engine was flooded, i had recently replaced the ignition, and i had checked my car battery life about a year ago and it was very low , what do you think is wrong?

thank you for help.

[#3]

Based on the limited information it sounds like miimally the battery is dead. You can call 800-AAA-HELP and ask for our Battery Service vehicle. Our technician can come to  your house and determine if it is indeed the battery. His service vehicle is stocked with AAA branded batteries that carry a 6 year warranty (3 years are free replacement and 3 years prorated) and can replace your old battery on the spot!  

[#4]

Recently I had my 2001 Honda Civic brakes worked on. After having the rear brakes shoes replaced and the drums turned the right rear brake made a dragging noise and the wheel got warm after driving. I returned the car and after adjustments the noise disappeared only to return shortly. When conditions are dry there is very little or no noise. When wet it can squeal and make the swishing dragging noise but does not appear to be dragging. The wheel does not get hot. I think the drum was not turned correctly since the noise follows the speed of the wheel. Before I take it back to the technician is there anything I should know? What could be the problem? The car has 170,000 miles and was fine before the work.

[#5]

It sounds like originally the right rear brake was over adjusted and may have overheated the shoes. Even though the brakes were readjusted and the dragging eliminated, the damage may have already been done. Unfortunately, it may take having the shoes replaced and the drum returned to eliminate the noise completely.

[#6]

We are highly amused that our negative comments about AAA were promptly removed by PETE. I just may renew my Membership just so I can mess with AAA Auto Club South on a daily basis.

[#7]

HEY PETE. CARE TO RESPOND TO MY COMPLAINTS??????????????????

[#8]

All reading this: check the Better Business Bureau that services Tampa Bay online. You will find a long string of complaints, that AAA Auto Club South has refused to address, regarding my issue.

Complaint ID#: 67163253.

Says it all.

[#9]

Pete didn't remove your comments. I did. I sent you an email. You used abusive language which is against the Terms and Conditions that you agreed to when you signed up. Your posts, both positive and negative, are welcome as we use all criticism to try to improve our relationship with our members. But you have to abide by the Terms.

In the email I sent you, you'll note that we're looking into your battery issue. I don't know what the resolution will be, but it will be addressed.

[#10]

Terry, I couldn't find your BBB complaint online, but I will try to address based on your earlier posts.

AAA branded batteries come with a 3 year full replacement warranty, so you were covered. Also, your two battery service calls were credited back to you. You currently only have 1 call in our files, a flat tire on 1/10/10.

I apologize about the letter you received. I'm sure it was sent out in mistake before the two credits added back to your account. If you have further questions, please respond to the email I sent you.

[#11]

Excellent. Thank you.

[#12]

Terry, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. I was traveling and not able to get my e-mail. I didn't see all the posts but is sounds like Stephen was able to assist you. If you have any further issues, e-mail me directly through the Ask Pete e-mail through the website under the Automotive tab and I will assist you personally. Sorry for the inconvenience!