Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Frustration

Perhaps I have mentioned my less-than-perfect automobile. If I haven't, it is a 1998 Saturn SC and it has 160k miles on it. It has been my companion since 2008 and has escorted me across the country three times.

The problem with this car is the battery has been draining between the times I drive it. Yes, I save gas and pollute less after an overhaul of the exhaust system, but the thing doesn't start. Something drains the battery.

Among very good car friends, we've figured it has nothing to do with the alternator and everything to do with the fan. But finding the issue hasn't been of crazy importance for whatever reason, so I have a machine to charge it when I need to drive.

Well, I did that tonight. I went to get dog food at the grocery store and made the trip very quickly. I returned to a "click-click-click-click sound of a poorly charged dead battery.

Ugh. I have super-long cables in my trunk, but asking people just after sunset is awkward because there just aren't that many out after dark in my 'hood. I looked for eye contact.

I got no eye contact.

Finally, I approached a Bob Uecker type who agreed to help. On a side note, I believe if you have the materials you need, it makes the process run a bit more smoothly.

He explained his Triple A membership right after having difficulty finding the hood latch in his car. I won't say he acted "put-out" but he tried to give up three times.

Finally, we got the icing on the cake and the car started. Phew.

I'd say the hardest part was getting someone to actually help. Funny how people turn away when you need them most.

I'm happy to be home.
Frustrated, but safe!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Kim, I reckon most people have good hearts and want to help others. It's just that these days they are probably afraid.
Like, the guy might have been thinking - okay this is Bonnie - when is Clyde going to jump out of the bushes! LOL

Unknown said...

You are so right, Evelyn! Of course it was right after dark and he had a nice little sporty Lexus. He wasn't really even sure where his battery was because of his triple A membership. And of course, it just didn't want to turn over so it was just awkward. I tried to imagine how he felt and it made it worse...ha! It's ok- working on something Better, hopefully sooner than later.