I bought Jerry Reed's "Eastbound And Down" yesterday. Hey, it was only .99 cents. Well, it was running through my head all day for some unknown reason and and it's actually a pretty catchy tune.
On the same automotive theme, does anyone know about car batteries? I needed a jump start yesterday for about the third time in the last few months. I always seem to leave the lights on more often when I'm super busy and stressed out like I have been. I suppose I could just not be super busy, but then I would end up homeless and destitute, so that's not a good option.
Anyways, I remember hearing about some kind of special battery for people like me, which is like two batteries in one: a normal battery and a smaller emergency battery so you can jump start yourself if needed. Has anyone else heard of this? I checked Sears' site, but it seems they don't offer this kind of thing in their Diehard selection. If this kind of battery exists, it would really help me out, since it doesn't look like I'm ever going to rid myself of the habit of leaving the lights on.
Oh and by the way, my car does have an automatic light turner-offer. The problem is you have to actually open the door and get out of the car for it to work. The trouble is, I run the batteries down while I'm actually sitting in the car; I don't get out. This happens because I sometimes sit in there drinking my coffee and studying before class. Embarrassing.
1
When I was in school, for 1 year (both fall and spring semesters) I passed by a car that always had the lights on. Every morning (except Tuesdays in spring when I didn't have a morning class) I turned their lights off for them--fortunate they left the door open. I left them a note at the end of the semester, saying I wasn't coming back next year and they might want to start turning off their lights. Suppose I could have done it after the third or fourth time, but I kind of enjoyed turning off their lights for them.
You could always get out of the car and study in the library or someplace else. Or get to school just before class (though I suppose parking is at a premium there).
Posted by: Victor at February 09, 2006 09:41 AM (L3qPK)
2
There used to be a few batteries like that, but I haven't seen one in a while. They're a little more complicated than you'd think. Basically, it was two batteries in one, with a manual switch that allowed the driver to switch from one battery to another. One problem was that when you drained one, and then turned to the other, you had to remember to switch back to the drained one to re-charge it. The other problem was that the batteries were either too big to fit in the OEM space, or did not have enough cranking power.
This isn't exactly what you're talking about, but if you don't have one already there's this:
Jumpstart
There are other versions out there too, but this one also serves as an air compressor for a flat tire, has a work light if you're stuck somewhere at night, and can even re-charge your cell phone or other accessory. Basically, they're good to have in a car, but great in case of any emergency.
Posted by: Trevor at February 09, 2006 09:59 AM (RwZxT)
3
are you sure thats all your doing in the car?
Honestly, it sounds like the problem is the light "turner-offer", thats whats causing the lights to be on in the first place.
My suggestion is: go manual. Only turn lights on at night when it's dark. Forgettig to turn the lights off won't be much of an issue either, because it is easy to see your lights were left on in the darkness of night!
Posted by: jimi at February 09, 2006 10:55 AM (FRjNx)
4
My dad used to carry little business cards with the message "You left your lights on" and leave them on people's windshields. That's his sense of humor.
Posted by: annika at February 09, 2006 10:57 AM (zAOEU)
5
This does sound like a user deficiency issue, but just to be safe, maybe you best take it in and have the battery tested to see if it is taking a full charge. Also have them test the alternator, which may be a problem, as well as the voltage regulator. Most batteries are around $100.00 installed.
Go to Pep Boys, or one of those places; they sell devices that will give you one good jump start.
Or better yet, buy a pair of really heavy duty jumper cables and a very short skirt. When the battery is dead, put on the skirt and stand in the roadway holding the cables and a sign that says "Help". This is the only sure-fire way to get this done quickly.
Posted by: shelly at February 09, 2006 11:11 AM (BJYNn)
6
Sheesh, what you need is a keeper. Go with the jumper cables for twenty bucks. Any hetro male will do the dirty work for you.
If you're battery is dead because you left your lights on, then the battery is OK. If the battery is dead any other time, then there's something wrong with it. I once had a battery with a bad cell. It was impossible to diagnose without taking it in to a garage and having each cell tested. It worked about 99% of the time, but the 1% was a deal breaker.
Posted by: Casca at February 09, 2006 12:42 PM (y9m6I)
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All OEM batterys go dead (will not hold a charge) in 3-5 years
See "http://www.brandsonsale.xxx/porjumstarba.html" for portable jump battery -- can also be found localy at most large stores with Auto sections
Note: would not take .com hence .xxx
Posted by: Mike at February 09, 2006 12:59 PM (y4Ivx)
8
i have a chevy s-10 with that auto lights feature.
When i have my emergency break on it turns off the lights.
shine a light on the sensor (had to do this once for a living drive through nativity scence, god bless the bible belt)
Or.....open the door then shut it, that should turn off the lights.
Posted by: cube at February 09, 2006 02:14 PM (nyNr0)
9
Jetta, right?
When I'm in mine and am going to sit in it for some time, I turn it off, put on the e-brake and then I also take the key remote and click the "lock" button -- this makes the lights inside go off immediately.
Of course, you have to remember to unlock the car when you decide to step out or else it will sound the horn and then people will think you are breaking into your car.
Posted by: Amy Bo Bamy at February 09, 2006 03:12 PM (Wz2Gp)
10
Who knew batteries could generate this much discussion?
That Jumpstart device that Trevor linked to works like a champ. They keep one at the front desk of my office building. I once left my lights on at work, and found the battery dead when I tried to leave that night. And I mean D-E-A-D; when I put the key in the ignition and turned it, there was not the slightest hint of
any current flowing through that vehicle. The Jumpstart fired 'er up on the first try. I don't know how long it'll hold a charge, but it's certainly very portable.
As far as the short skirt, long cables approach, I don't like having to count on strangers for help. I'd be even less of a fan if it were my wife or one of my daughters who needed the help. Those situatons probably work out fine in 999 out of 1,000 cases, but it's that 0.1% that worries me. There's a lot to be said for self-sufficiency.
Posted by: Matt at February 09, 2006 07:35 PM (5P4d+)
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I carry a Xantrex Powerpack 400. It can give you jump, inflate your tires, and provide an emergency light. It works so well I bought one for my husbands truck. VERY reassurring to have in your around. It can even provide emergency power at home. We used them often during the three hurricanes in 2004 when we were out of electricity for weeks. It costs about $130 and is well worth the peace of mind they provide.
Posted by: Janette at February 10, 2006 11:35 AM (OcgcA)
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