[user9430961]

Originally Posted by DenverBrian

...for 50% more than the cost of a battery at Walmart.

(You don't get replacement batteries for free with a AAA membership.)

DenverBrian, thank you for sharing. I appreciate it.

[user9430961]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

You pay for the battery which includes the visit to wherever you are and installation.

Thank you Mike from back east, this is good information to know.

[user9430961]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

You can always use a car cover to protect the exterior of your vehicle and tires from direct sun.

Thank you nowhereman427, that is what I plan to do.

[Mike from back east]

Since there are other states with desert areas I'll eventually move this to the Automotive forum for a wider variety of replies.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by user9430961

Thank you nowhereman427, that is what I plan to do.

Don't get discouraged. To many people it's too much trouble but you get used to it. I did it 5 days a week when commuting and parking in a public parking lot to protect car from dings and sun rays. It certainly paid off in preservation on that car I had for 31+ years.

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

You pay for the battery which includes the visit to wherever you are and installation.

I have done this also. It is expensive, but at some point I just stopped caring about the extra expense.

[AA702]

Originally Posted by WestieJeff

I have one car parked outside all year long. I do think it negatively affects things. I do find the outdoor parked car needs a battery every 2-3 years versus my garaged car is maybe every 5 years, which really a battery is like $100 from Costco so I don't really care.

My outdoor car I do replace the tires every 4 years due to sun exposure and potential dry rot. I would typically only ever keep them 5 years anyways so to me it's not that big a difference. Indoors or out, you shouldn't be driving on tires that are more than about 5 years old IMO.

My outdoor parked car is older. Definitely over the long term, wires get brittle from the heat. I know when it goes in for repairs, plastic parts are brittle and break. The paint fades and clear coat gets damaged, but that takes awhile to happen like if you're keeping the car 10+ years and majority of that time is parked outdoors in our extreme heat. Even if you are able to just park it covered or in the shade, that's a major improvement over exposed in the sun.

If you buy your batteries from Costco, they are very good quality and they have a 3 year even exchange warranty. Their warranty is not prorated, so before the 3 years are up, just take your battery in (good or bad) and get a new one. They do not test them at the store.

[nowhereman427]

Originally Posted by AA702

If you buy your batteries from Costco, they are very good quality and they have a 3 year even exchange warranty. Their warranty is not prorated, so before the 3 years are up, just take your battery in (good or bad) and get a new one. They do not test them at the store.

Costco sells First Interstate batteries.

[user9430961]

Originally Posted by Mike from back east

Since there are other states with desert areas I'll eventually move this to the Automotive forum for a wider variety of replies.

Mike from back east, that sounds like a very good idea. Hopefully it will be helpful to other desert dwellers.

[user9430961]

Originally Posted by nowhereman427

Don't get discouraged. To many people it's too much trouble but you get used to it. I did it 5 days a week when commuting and parking in a public parking lot to protect car from dings and sun rays. It certainly paid off in preservation on that car I had for 31+ years.

Thank you, nowhereman427. I will get use to it and looking forward to the change.