AAA Colorado



	March/April 2003
Departments Feature Articles AAA President's Message Member Feedback AAA Mini Tour Member News and Benefits AAA Commentary FYI Ask AAA News to Use Colorado Calendar Auto Talk My Colorado Approved Auto Repair Offices to Serve You Travel Specials Office Events Join AAA Search for Savings Contact an Agent Maps & Directions TourBook Lookup		AutoTalk AAA Aids Recycling Efforts with Mobile Battery Service The vehicle you drive today most likely has a battery containing 60 to 80 percent recycled lead and plastic. When a battery will no longer take a charge and is unable to provide electrical power, it should be sent to an approved recycling facility where, following strict environmental safe-guards, the lead and plastic can be reclaimed and used to manufacture new batteries. The mobile AAA Battery Service—which is rapidly expanding throughout North America—is helping ensure spent batteries find their way back to these facilities without fail. The AAA Battery Service was created to help members receive an accurate battery test at home, at the office or on the roadside. It can provide a replacement battery if necessary, and return spent batteries for proper recycling. Lead-acid batteries, the kind used to power cars and boats, are one of the most highly recycled consumer products, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, there is room for an increased rate of recycling for this useful yet potentially toxic product. Recycling, which reclaims the materials from spent products and uses them in the production of new products, is called "closed-loop" recycling. Closed-loop recycling helps preserve the environment because the need to mine new lead and create new plastic from crude petroleum and other chemicals is reduced. Requesting and using the AAA Battery Service—where available—is one way AAA members can make sure closed-loop recycling is used in the manufacturing of automotive and boat batteries. The AAA Battery Service also helps conserve resources because the convenient testing procedure can prevent the needless disposal of batteries that simply need recharging. In one year alone, AAA Battery Service replaces and recycles more than 50,000 batteries nationwide. Battery Safety Although batteries may appear to be uncomplicated, they can be one of the most dangerous components to service if care is not used. Follow the warnings listed on the battery and in your owner's manual. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when servicing your vehicle's battery: Wear eye protection and gloves when handling the battery. Avoid dropping the battery. Batteries are heavy and can cause injuries if dropped. Avoid tipping the battery because sulfuric acid may spill out and cause burns. Never smoke when servicing your battery. Explosive hydrogen gas is present and may ignite. Remove all jewelry before servicing the battery. A watch or ring touching a battery post may cause an explosive spark or burn. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after handling a battery. Water will help neutralize any acid. And watch for these three warning signs of a weak battery: 1. Slow cranking 2. Dim headlines 3. Battery warning lamp illuminated Return To Top © Rocky Mountain Motorists Inc.

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