Arney, I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "the battery issue". Mechanics and electricity are beyond my understanding.

I'm thinking you mean that repeated starts several times per hour for 10 hours or so would damage the battery. If it lasts the 10 hours and gets you home, pay $100 and get a new battery. How much would most people be willing to pay to avoid 10 miserable hours in a cold vehicle? Maybe $100?

Like one of my crews said when we passed several cars parked alongside the freeway with their lights flashing very early one Saturday morning (I'll guess the drivers were arrested for DUIs). One said, "Their batteries are going to be dead by the time they make bail". And the other one said, "A $100 battery is cheaper than having that new black Mercedes get hit in the dark and totaled."

Freeze all night and save the battery... *shrug* I would say that is like dying of dehydration in the desert with a canteen still half full of water because you were adamant about rationing it for tomorrow.

Alternate idea: invite other stranded people into your car and the combined body heat may keep you all warm. Of course, then you've got to make other decisions: cute mommy with three screaming kids , or three plain-jane librarians discussing the advantages of the Dewey Decimal system for 10 hours.

Decisions, decisions...

Sue