Check Your Battery Lately?

That time is upon us, central PA Subarites; Winter time!  Uggghhh. Even though I've been driving a Subaru forever, I hate the snow and cold, absolutely hate it. Sure the first part of "winter" is exciting; We get Halloween, then a few weeks later Thanksgiving rolls around, and then in another month? Christmas!!! And a week later, New Years Eve which is always a fun time or at the very least, a day off on New Year's Day. Then.....three months of blah! Cold, snow, ice, sleet, go to work in the dark, come home in the dark, layers upon layers upon layers of clothing, spending 30 minutes to dress your kids to play outside or go sleigh riding, only for them to come back in five minutes later because it's too cold, no t-shirts out in the sun to warm our skin. Yes, central PA is not known for being forgiving during winter.

But, one thing that will make all of those things even worse? Hearing the dreaded "click-click-click-click" when you go to start your Subaru. And depending on the weather and situation, could be down right dangerous!

If your battery is five years or older, consider purchasing a new one. While cold temps put a very big drain on your battery and is most likely where a wearing battery will start to show it's age, a battery is slowly being used up all year round. Hot temperatures as well as long periods of time between use will also take it's toll. So, take no chances and keep your Subaru fully charged with a healthy battery!

Now that we know a new battery is in order, which one should we buy? Should we just go to the local garage or "Super Center" grocery store that has an automotive department and trust they know what's best? Surely they are "cheaper" than buying a genuine Subaru battery from a dealership, right? Right?

Not so fast my friend! First off, there are literally hundreds of batteries to choose from, but what is worse, in many cases, an incorrect battery could actually be fitted and hooked up...incorrectly...without you ever knowing it, until more problems arise that is! Cranking amps, dimensions, location of the positive and negative posts are just some of the things to consider when buying the correct battery. And, chances are one or both of your battery terminals could also be ready for a change. The terminals are genuine Subaru parts. Most garages and service centers will use a "one size fits all" generic terminal to replace the original Subaru ones your car came with. Again, it's possible these will work, but anything from dangerously stretched battery cables to loose/sloppy fitting terminals have been seen with aftermarket terminals. Changing a battery could be a real drag.

But you know who can make fast, safe, affordable work of changing your battery? Your local Subaru dealer!!! One quick trip to the Subaru dealer will not only get you the EXACT, perfect fitting, correct specification Genuine Subaru battery, but should they see any other problems while in there such as the previously mentioned battery terminals, they will have the genuine Subaru terminals on hand to make sure you get the most out of your new battery AND it is installed safely and correctly!!! In most cases, a battery installation could be done in under 30 minutes.

But the dealership is soooo much more expensive!!! Really? Have you been there lately? Subaru OEM(Original Equipment Manufacturer) Subaru parts are VERY comparable to even the big chain automotive stores. Plus, there are zero questions if you got the right parts or not. Absolutely no aftermarket parts, even the best ones, can match the factory fit and finish of Genuine Subaru parts for your Subaru. None.

So please do yourself and your Subie a favor and stop down at your local dealership for a new Genuine Subaru battery before it's too late. Aftermarket batteries are NOT the same, nor is anyone as qualified to work on your Subaru like the factory trained Subaru technicians and your dealership. There are plenty of other things to worry about this winter, your Subaru starting each and every time you need it to should not be one of them!