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Winter can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. As temperatures drop, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, making it harder for your Subaru to start. This is especially true for older batteries, which are more susceptible to cold-weather failures. Fortunately, with a little proactive maintenance, you can keep your Subaru’s battery in top shape and avoid the headache of a dead battery in the middle of winter.
In this blog, we’ll share essential tips on how to keep your Subaru’s battery healthy during the cold months.
1. Inspect Your Battery Before Winter Hits
The best time to check your Subaru’s battery is before the cold weather sets in. A weak or aging battery is more likely to fail in freezing temperatures, leaving you stranded. Make it a point to have your battery tested by a professional mechanic at the start of winter, and replace it if necessary.
Tip: Most auto shops offer free battery tests, so take advantage of this service to ensure your battery can handle the colder months.
2. Check for Corrosion and Clean the Terminals
Corrosion around your battery terminals can prevent your Subaru from starting, especially in cold weather. If you notice a white, chalky substance around the battery posts, it’s a sign of corrosion. Cleaning the battery terminals is a quick and easy way to ensure reliable performance.
Tip: Disconnect the battery cables (negative cable first), and clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when doing this.
3. Keep Your Battery Warm
Cold weather can drain your Subaru’s battery faster, especially when temperatures drop below freezing. To prevent this, consider using a battery insulation blanket or battery heater. These accessories help maintain the battery’s optimal temperature and prevent it from losing power too quickly in cold conditions.
Tip: If you live in an area with extremely cold winters, invest in a battery blanket or heater to extend your battery’s lifespan and ensure reliable performance.
4. Turn Off Electrical Components When Starting the Car
When starting your Subaru in the winter, it’s a good practice to turn off all electrical components (like the radio, lights, and climate control) before turning the key. This reduces the strain on the battery and makes it easier for your vehicle to start.
Tip: Allow your Subaru’s engine to warm up for a few minutes before turning on high-power electrical components to help avoid excessive strain on the battery.
5. Keep Your Battery Charged
If you don’t drive your Subaru frequently during the winter, the battery can lose charge. To keep it in top shape, make sure you drive your vehicle for at least 20-30 minutes every week. This will help the alternator recharge the battery and keep it in good condition.
Tip: If you have a longer period between drives (such as when you leave your car parked during a vacation), consider using a battery tender or trickle charger to keep your battery charged.
6. Avoid Short Trips
Short trips, especially during the winter, can be hard on your Subaru’s battery. This is because the alternator doesn’t have enough time to fully recharge the battery between starts. Whenever possible, try to combine errands and take longer trips to allow the alternator to keep your battery charged.
Conclusion
Your Subaru’s battery is crucial to its performance, especially during the winter months. By checking for corrosion, keeping your battery warm, and driving your car regularly, you can prevent cold-weather battery failures and ensure your Subaru starts reliably all season long. Don’t let a weak battery ruin your winter driving experience—take the necessary steps to keep it in top shape.
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