when you get towed by AAA, Don't go to their shop!

burningorange

Subject: when you get towed by AAA, Don't go to their shop!

Just some words of caution....

AAA will take you to Empire Auto on the other side of the park, unless you specify another shop. In 2006 i needed a new battery and I let AAA tow my car to their assigned shop, Empire Auto. They put in a new battery and a new alternator. The battery is supposed to have a 5 year warranty.

I called today because my battery is dead and they said all i needed to do was provide a receipt proving the date of service, because they don't have their old records on their new computer system. I spoke to the owner Mr. Singh

I found my receipt called Mr. Singh back and he said that they would only compensate me $10 towards a new battery, because it worked for 4 years. I paid $100 he said thats all they could do. Now the battery replacement costs $120.

I called the shop i usually use and they charge $105. Still cheaper than the other shop with my "discount".

bkchickie

Who holds the warranty? The shop or the battery manufacturer? If it's the latter, contact the manufacturer and get a new battery!

brooklynpotter

if i'm not mistaken, they guarantee if the battery just dies. if the alternator is the reason the battery died, it's not the battery's fault. ergo, no warrantee

burningorange

Empire auto replaced both the alternator and the battery at the same time four years ago.

brooklynpotter

ok, but did the alternator have a warrantee ?

i'm not meaning to be difficult, but your warranty likely only promises a new battery if theirs fails for reasons not connected to your car.

dakotas way

Subject: Warranty

I've had batteries fail during their warranty period and they were replaced, no charge. That's totally bogus that the guy will not give a full replacement since it was used for 4 years.

A warranty is a warranty. I would think you could take it up with the manufactorer.

Shame on the owner who tried to pull that off,


Good luck.

burningorange

I looked over the fine print and the alternator warranty is just one year.

I checked reviews online and others have had issues with Empire too, being a woman I am really sensitive to mechanics ripping me off.

arches

burningorange wrote: I looked over the fine print and the alternator warranty is just one year.

Is there currently anything wrong with the alternator though? You can have a bad battery without a bad alternator.

smokin joe

seems like if the battery is under warranty and it dies, they have to replace it regardless. definitely worth trying the manufacturer to see where that gets you. also you should complain to aaa -- not that they'll necessarily help you with the battery but so they know there are issues with the people they're doing business with.

modsquad

Most car batteries have a prorated limited warranty after an initial !00% replacement period, No way you'd get full replacement cost after 4 years on a five year warranty.

whatchuwant

I always go to Sears for batteries. They last a long time, their service is quick, and its hella cheap. You just....have to actually get to Sears.

saskia

I know what you mean about feeling like you are going to get ripped off by mechanics, but in this case a little googling will help you. Car battery warranties usually ARE prorated, just google car battery prorated and you will see.

Also, check this http://www.autoupkeep.com/QAelectrical.htm#Anchor-17588
because it's exactly what you are describing above.

brownie

Empire is evil. I had work done there & they were rude & condescending to me, a woman. The worst was when they had me wait for 8 hours for a tow & then just said they weren't coming. The cops had to tow me & charged me $100, which AAA reimbursed me for. I had 3 little kids with me, too. Pure evil. AAA needs to hear more complaints about them.

burningorange

yes thanks for the clarity on the prorated battery Saskia... that is probably the case. Just never explained properly in either writing or orally from Empire. I have a bad reaction when the story is different every time I call about service. That's what gets me ... if it is a policy then that should be explained clearly by the business.

inpixels

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