battery tech

AAA Fleet Drivers Treat Both Vehicles and Members

There’s one thing Bryan King makes sure to always have in his truck when on duty as a AAA battery tech. It’s not a specific tool or anything else you might expect a technician to keep on hand. It’s a bag of doggie treats. “The owners love it because they know I’m not just a stranger showing up to help them. I’m also taking care of their loved ones.”

It’s just another way in which Bryan – like all AAA technicians – goes above and beyond to care for members when they are in need of assistance. After all, when you’re broken down, it’s not just the car you have to worry about, it’s also managing the stress, anxiety and panic that usually comes along with it. Having been on the job for four years, Bryan fully understands the need to provide assistance to the vehicle as well as the person (and any furry friends that might be around). And it’s a task he relishes.

“The responsibility I take toward this job is greater than I ever thought it could be. When we arrive, they’re expecting us to save them and that’s a huge responsibility…The biggest reward for being able to help someone.”

The Providence technician has been with AAA for 23 years, but spent most of those first two decades working with the company’s facilities department. When he needed to change positions, Bryan seamlessly transitioned into a battery tech, relying on the knowledge accumulated during his 10-year stint working for a diesel truck garage.

It’s proved to be the right move. Not only is he good at his job, the work keeps rewarding him with the opportunity to help. In March he received a call from a woman working at a medical facility who needed a new car battery installed. It was freezing cold, raining, miserable conditions. The woman’s building had closed so Bryan allowed her to sit in his truck while he worked. She turned the truck into a small office with a laptop and briefcase all spread out. She was amazed that he could work in such conditions. But the job needed to get done and Bryan was happy to do it. “Her job meant that she was taking care of sick people and I had to get her back and forth to work.”

Do you know when to replace your car battery? Members can make an appointment to have their batteries tested for free, and if necessary, purchase a new one on the spot. Visit AAA.com/Battery to find out more.

2 Thoughts on “AAA Fleet Drivers Treat Both Vehicles and Members

  1. We have a 2007 Prius that we haven’t used in about a year. The key does not work, probably because the battery is down. Can you help us get into the car and re-start it?
    We actually want to get rid of the car after cleaning it out. Can you help? Any suggestions?

    1. Hi Jeanine. We checked with our automotive services department for you. They recommend that you contact AAA roadside assistance and request battery service and with a lockout and jump start. If the battery is just discharged, the technician can properly charge it. If it is no longer able to take a charge, you can purchase a battery from the technician and have it installed on the spot. Of course, there may be other issues with your vehicle that would require a tow to a repair facility. If your only concern is gaining access to the vehicle to clean it out for the sale, we should be able to help with that.

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