Phoenix, Ariz., February 16, 2011. Arizona’s extreme summer temperatures reduce the lifespan of a car battery, making battery-related failures one of the most common calls for Roadside Assistance.  Last year, AAA Arizona responded to more than 83,000 battery-related calls statewide. To ensure battery personnel are “fully charged” before summer arrives, a team from AAA Arizona will compete against other clubs in AAA’s annual Battery Service Skills Challenge.

“Because of the large volume of battery-related calls we respond to in Arizona, it’s imperative that our battery technicians possess superlative skills,” said Don Nunnari, vice president of membership products and service for AAA Arizona. “The Battery Service Skills Challenge provides the opportunity for our technicians to showcase their skills in safety, battery testing and replacement.”

AAA’s annual Battery Service Skills Challenge is a timed competition between ten two-person teams representing AAA clubs across the Southwest including Northern California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona. The contest will be held Saturday, Feb., 26, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the AAA Operations Center, located at 5353 W. Bell Road, Glendale. The first place team will win $1,500 and second place will collect $1,000.

To avoid battery failure, AAA recommends drivers keep their batteries charged, terminals clean and test them at least twice a year. AAA’s Mobile Battery Service offers free battery testing, charging or replacement, if needed. Members receive preferred pricing on AAA batteries, and all batteries come with a six year warranty with three years free replacement. For more info on AAA’s Mobile Battery service, visit http://www.az.aaa.com/auto/mbs.htm.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, auto repair, discounts and financial services to AAA members.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.