Your car battery serves the important function of supplying power to all your Subaru's electrical systems and devices. However, it can become depleted, faulty, or damaged over time, which can result in a variety of problems. To prevent unpleasant surprises, you should try to keep up with your recommended Subaru battery service schedule. If you're looking for reliable battery services in Skokie, Illinois, consider taking your vehicle to McGrath Evanston Subaru. Whether you need a Subaru battery replacement or inspection, you can expect our dedicated service team to do a great job on your pride and joy.

The Importance of a Healthy Car Battery for Your Subaru

20220117_080015 by Scott Clark is licensed with ATTRIBUTION 2.0 GENERIC (CC BY 2.0)

Your car battery is the lifeblood of your Subaru. It plays a vital role in ensuring proper vehicle operation. Let's look at a few reasons why you should keep your Subaru battery healthy: 

• Longer battery life span: Routine maintenance can help prolong your Subaru battery life by slowing down wear and tear and preventing corrosion. This can extend your battery replacement intervals and save you money down the road.
• Reliable electrical system: Your vehicle's electrical system needs a well-conditioned battery to operate efficiently. A healthy battery consistently supplies power to the starter, alternator, and other electrical components, resulting in reliable operation and enhanced functionality.
• Prevention of starting problems: Since it powers the ignition system, your battery can cause starting problems if it goes bad. Regularly servicing your battery can reduce your risk of being stranded and needing a Subaru jump start.
• Enhanced safety: A healthy battery ensures that your exterior lights will work properly, making it easier for you to see and be seen in low-light conditions. Keeping your battery well maintained also helps prevent distracting electrical malfunctions that can affect your ability to focus on the road, such as jerky power windows, weak air conditioning, and inconsistent audio.

Identifying the Warning Signs of Battery Failure

A low or faulty Subaru car battery can cause a wide range of problems, some of which can jeopardize your safety on the road. However, you can tell when your battery needs attention by looking out for certain signs, such as:

• Slow engine crank: If you notice your engine cranking sluggishly when you turn on the ignition, it's an indication that you have a failing battery. This is more likely to happen in winter as your battery tends to drain more quickly in cold temperatures.
• Illuminated battery warning light: When the battery warning light shows up on your dashboard, it means there could be something wrong with your battery. The light can indicate a variety of problems, such as a dying battery or a bad alternator.
• Dim headlights: Dim headlights may result from a low battery, a faulty alternator, or other electrical problems. Driving with dim headlights can put you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk, so make sure you get the problem fixed as soon as possible. 
• Clicking sound while starting: If you hear a clicking sound when trying to start your vehicle, you're probably dealing with a low or dead battery. Pay a visit to the service center to find out if you need a Subaru battery change.
• Rotten egg smell: An aging or swollen battery may leak battery acid, which smells like rotten eggs. When this happens, seek professional help immediately, as the battery acid can corrode your engine components, leading to an expensive repair.
• Corroded battery terminals: Corrosion around the battery terminals indicates that your battery may be leaking or overcharged, which significantly weakens its power. If the terminals are covered in a bluish substance, it's time to get a new battery.
• Swollen battery case: When your battery is dying, overcharged, or exposed to extreme temperatures, hydrogen gas can build up in the battery case, causing it to bulge or warp. In any case, a battery with a swollen case should be replaced.

How Often Should You Service Your Subaru Battery?

So, how long does a Subaru battery last? Typically, the life span of a car battery ranges from three to five years. However, Subaru car battery replacement intervals may vary depending on several factors, including the type of vehicle, weather conditions, and your driving habits. If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or expose your vehicle to extreme temperatures, you may have to change your battery more often.

If you want to avoid surprises and make your Subaru car battery last longer, you should have it checked and serviced regularly. It's recommended that you bring your vehicle to the service center for a battery test at least twice a year. Do this before summer and winter to prepare your car for extreme weather.

What To Expect During a Subaru Battery Service

At our service center a battery service begins with a visual inspection of your Subaru battery. A factory-trained technician will check the battery case, terminals, hold down, connections, and cables for excessive wear, damage, and corrosion. If necessary, they'll clean the terminals, replace the cables, and tighten any loose connections. The battery fluid level will also be inspected and adjusted if needed. Finally, the technician will test the electrical health of your battery, including its cold-cranking amps and open circuit voltage.

If our technician finds that your battery is too old or damaged, they may recommend a Subaru battery replacement procedure. With your approval, they'll choose the right battery for your Subaru model, remove and dispose of the old battery, and expertly install the new one. From time to time, our dealership has service coupons that you can use to reduce your Subaru battery replacement cost. Be sure to check our specials before visiting our service center.

Schedule Your Subaru Battery Service Today

Serving Skokie, Evanston, Winnetka, Glenview, Niles, and Lincolnwood, McGrath Evanston Subaru is a preferred choice among drivers in northern Chicago seeking top-quality Subaru battery services. Our dedicated team of factory-certified technicians is ready to help you keep your Subaru's battery functioning optimally. Contact us today to schedule a battery service appointment.