Auto Mis-Adventures

When there's snow or ice on the ground, everyday inside a car is an adventure. Slipping and sliding, and losing control... I know my car isn't good on the road when there's snow or ice. I have no winter tires.

I drove to my bf's place on a snowy day and found myself slipping when making left or right turns, and slipping on my own street. And this was before everything turned to ice or slush. Other times I'd slide while trying to stop. And since then, my car was parked on the curb by my place for 2 weeks. Not too much of a big deal since I only drive on the weekends and am close to grocery markets/stores.

I tried to get into my car on two occasions, to turn over the engine so that my battery doesn't die but my car doors were completely frozen shut. So just this weekend, Sunday late afternoon, I decided to try to get into my car again, and to run the engine for a bit.

Sadly, my car battery was already dead. Completely dead. My car alarm had shut off, lights wouldn't go on, and I couldn't even get my engine to cough a little with the turning of the ignition key. This was very distressing, since, well, I know nothing about cars and I had no idea how I would ever get the darned thing to a mechanic... Thank goodness for my sis, who is a BCAA member. The mechanic came right to my doorstep, checked the battery, and gave me the option of buying a new battery, or gave me a jump and said I can charge it for 45 minutes although the next time I start it, there's no guarantee the car will start.

I chose to buy a new car battery. I knew the battery was on it's last legs, anyways. I was going to replace the batter in 2007 since when I turn on my semi-working AC my dashboard lights would flicker a bit. That's a sign that your car battery is dying - flickering dashboard lights... In any case $120+ later with a mechanic at my door, my car is running well, and I'm much happier, for the most part.

I hope all this snow and ice will melt away fast, so that I can take my car (and new battery) around town - kind of like taking a dog for a walk. My car needs it's exercise!