Peter Banks If you own a Subaru or are considering purchasing one, you might be wondering about the lifespan of an average Subaru battery. You’re not alone! Car owners, particularly those who prioritize reliability and durability, should take battery life into consideration when making their purchase.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Subaru batteries: the average lifespan, factors that can affect it, and tips for extending its life.
Lifespan of a Typical Car Battery
A car battery’s lifespan varies between three to five years. However, its life span can be affected by several factors such as the weather, usage patterns, and maintenance.
For instance, if you often take short trips with your vehicle, the battery may not have sufficient time to recharge fully. Consequently, this can lead to the battery’s lifespan being reduced.
Similarly, extreme temperatures, either too hot or too cold, can cause the battery to wear out faster. Therefore, if you experience extreme weather patterns regularly, you might want to consider purchasing a battery designed for your area’s climate.
Average Lifespan of a Subaru Battery
Subaru is known for its high-quality engines, and their batteries are no different. A typical Subaru battery has a lifespan of three to five years, with many drivers reporting that their Subaru batteries last closer to five years.
However, several factors can reduce your battery’s lifespan, such as harsh weather conditions and short trips. So, it’s recommended that you keep a close eye on your battery’s performance.
How to Extend Your Subaru Battery’s Life
As mention, factors like short trips and harsh weather conditions can reduce your battery’s lifespan. Therefore, it’s essential to take steps to extend it as much as possible.
Here are some tips on how you can increase your Subaru battery’s lifespan:
1. Check Your Battery Regularly
It’s essential to check your battery regularly, especially as it gets older, to ensure it is functioning correctly. Don’t leave this up to your service technician; it’s best to check your battery by yourself monthly.
If you notice that your battery’s case or terminals are corroding, it’s a sign that your battery needs attention.
2. Drive Your Vehicle Regularly
Driving your car regularly ensures that your battery is regularly charged. Long drives are particularly effective at recharging your battery. A long drive aims to allow your battery’s chemical reaction to produce sufficient energy to recharge the battery fully.
3. Avoid Short Trips
As mentioned earlier, short trips can affect your battery life. If you cannot avoid short trips, ensure that you leave your car running a little longer than usual to recharge the battery fully.
4. Keep Your Battery Clean
Dirt and grime can cause your battery to discharge more quickly than usual; therefore, it’s essential to keep your battery clean. Use clean water, a wire brush, and a cloth to wipe the battery clean and remove any dirt or grime.
5. Turn Off All Electrics When Your Car is Not in Use.
When you switch off your car, turn off all electrics, including your radio, air conditioning, and lights. Leaving them on can lead to the battery discharging more quickly than expected.
Recognising Signs of Wear and Tear
Even with the best care, your battery will eventually wear out. Some signs that your battery is wearing out include:
- Corroded battery terminals
- An unusual smell coming from the battery
- Slow turning of engine
- A dimming headlight
If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to have your battery checked to ensure that it is functioning as it should.
How to Properly Dispose of a Dead Battery
When your battery eventually dies, it’s essential to dispose of it correctly to avoid harming the environment. You can take your battery to an auto parts store or a battery recycling centre near you. The store or centre will dispose of the battery safely and in an eco-friendly manner.
FAQ
1. How often should I replace my Subaru battery?
It’s recommended that a Subaru battery be replaced every three to five years, with many drivers reporting that their Subaru batteries last closer to five years.
2. What are the signs that my Subaru battery is dying?
Some signs that your Subaru battery is dying include:
- Corroded battery terminals
- An unusual smell coming from the battery
- Slow turning of engine
- A dimming headlight
3. How do I dispose of a dead battery?
You can take your battery to an auto parts store or a battery recycling centre near you. The store or centre will dispose of the battery safely and in an eco-friendly manner.
Conclusion
In summary, while Subaru batteries can last between three to five years, their lifespan can be affected by several factors, such as short trips and extreme weather conditions. Therefore, as a Subaru owner, it’s essential to take steps to ensure that your battery is functioning correctly and extend its life as much as possible. This way, you can enjoy your Subaru for long without experiencing any battery issues.
