One of Many Recommended

Not long after we purchased our Subaru Forrester, we had to replace the battery.  Or actually, the dealer had to replace it.  It wouldn’t hold a charge and come to find out one cell was no good.

None of that actually came as a surprise because we had learned early on that one of the weak points of this model Subaru is its battery.  But, once we had it replaced (and under warranty, too!) I really didn’t give it another thought.  Until six months or so ago when we came out of the Pickled Fish after dinner to find… yep! A dead battery again.

It was late.  It was dark.  I didn’t feel like approaching strangers and asking for a jump start, so we called George Hill and waited.  Rescue came sooner than it should have taken Our Hero to drive from Ocean Park to Long Beach and, in nothing flat, he had our car engine humming.  He didn’t need to use jumper cables at all.  He had a slick gizmo called a HALO  that worked instantly and Nyel got all the particulars from him.  A few clicks to Amazon and we were the proud owners of a HALO Bolt Portable Charger!

Halo Bolt Portable Charger

Did I bother to find out how to use it?  Of course not.  Or read the manual?  No again.  So, two weeks or so ago, I was waiting in the car while Nyel was at the dentist, listening (silly me) to the radio.  When Nyel was “excused” and we were ready to go… nothing.  Dead battery again!  Long story — couldn’t find out who the truck parked next to me belonged to (HIPAA laws) to ask if he knew how to use one of these gizmos BUT the Office Assistant figured it out and she had us on our way in minutes.

One Sick Battery

When we got home, I remembered to make sure the HALO still was fully charged but… did I read the manual?  So, yesterday while I waited for Nyel at the Hospital where he was getting some bloodwork done… yep!  This time it was because I had left my keys in the ignition.  No radio.  No heat.  No “on.”  Just key in ignition, period.  Luckily, a Sheriff’s rig was just pulling out  (and remembering my Kindergarten lessons about “the policeman is your friend”) I called, “Oh, Sheriff!”   And, sure enough, he and HALO started the car AND I asked for a free lesson, besides.

Next week we have an appointment to have the situation evaluated and get a new battery.  Did I ever tell you that I am NOT crazy about this car?  On the plus side, though, it is comfortable for Nyel and easily accommodates his wheelchair.  So… there you have it!