Kraig Kohls owner of Auto Spa Towing and Storage sits on the back of the company's battery service vehicle. It is the only one in the city. Auto Spa has a contract with the Alberta Motor Vehicle Association (AMA) to service members batteries.

Membership has its perks

PETER CRNOGORAC
Medicine Hat News

Members of AMA in Medicine Hat now have one more free option. The Mobile Battery Express truck has been operating in this city for one month. It’s run through Auto Spa Towing and according to the owner, Kraig Kohls, it’s a welcome addition to the company.

“It’s been received really, really well,” Kohls says. “Especially with AMA members. When we get a call, we go to the vehicle and check on everything.” The service is free for AMA members. For nonmembers, the cost is between $40 and $45.

AMA first introduced Mobile Battery Express in Edmonton and Calgary four years ago. Recently AMA decided to bring the program to Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

“We’re trying to bring this program to the smaller areas of Alberta,” says Randy Loyk, communications officer for AMA. “For the past few years we’ve had it in Calgary and Edmonton, and because it has been received so well in those places, we thought it was time to start putting it into the rural areas of Alberta.”

With Lethbridge and Medicine Hat joining the program, there are now four municipalities in Alberta with the service. However, Loyk hopes soon more areas will have the service.

On the back of the Auto Spa battery service truck is a supply of batteries for many different makes of cars, trucks, forklifts, tractors and motor homes. Also, there is a computer that can check the electrical system of a vehicle to determine what is causing it problems. If someone breaks down on the side of the road, the truck will come by and precisely figure out what is wrong. Kohl says for most break downs the problem can be fixed on the spot. AMA offers its members a plethora of options and programs, which can make the sometime hazardous journey much more smooth and satisfying.

There are three types of AMA memberships. Basic, Plus and Plus RV. With these memberships most of your automobile needs are covered, not to mention the piece of mind you get in knowing while on the road you’re not alone.

To find out more about the program you can call Auto Spa at 526-8787.