Do you have a Subaru vehicle and think you will need a new battery soon? Or maybe you already need it?
Of course, in both of these cases, Subaru battery cost is something you will be interested in. If that is the case, you have come to the right place.
Apart from the fact that we will share with you the prices of batteries for traditional cars, we will also give you an estimate of the Subaru EV battery price. This information may come in handy sometime in the future.
But that’s not all! We will teach you how to replace the battery and extend its life span. So, stick around to learn all of this valuable information!
Table of Contents
How Long Does The Battery Last in a Subaru Vehicle?
Batteries have a limited life cycle of 3-5 years. Different battery manufacturers will have different lifespans, which is why this is one of the essential things you must pay attention to when buying a new battery.
However, how long the battery will last does not depend only on the manufacturer but also on you, the user. In order to get the most out of your battery, you must be careful how you use it, which is why we will give you six tips on how to prolong its life span.
Subaru Battery Cost
We found out how long we can expect batteries to last in Subaru vehicles. Let’s move on to the thing that’s more or maybe most important – their cost.
When it comes to batteries for Subaru vehicles, you can expect to pay from $50 to $350. Yes, there is a wide range in battery prices, but that is because there is a wide range in their performance.
Size, capacity, and Cold-cranking amps (CCA) are just some of the factors that affect the price, which you will have to take into account when buying.
If this is not something you are interested in, you can always leave it to the professionals, i.e., technicians and mechanics. They will advise you on the appropriate battery for your Subaru Forester, Ascent, or other Subaru models.
Speaking of mechanics, the next item that affects the total cost of battery replacement is, of course, labor. The price of labor ranges from $20 to $100. Official dealerships will usually charge more than your local automotive service center.
When we add these figures, the total cost ranges from $70 to $450.
In case you don’t want to spend money on labor but want to learn a new skill, in this article, we bring you a step-by-step guide on how to change the car’s battery. We promise it’s not complicated!
Subaru Solterra Battery Cost
As the world is going more and more green, electric vehicles are gaining popularity which is why Subaru decided to join the race, and in 2023 will present its first EV – Subaru Solterra.
The car is yet to appear on the market, so the exact price is unknown, but it is speculated that it could be around $45,000.
Since the battery cost in electric cars is at least 30 percent of the total price, expect it to be about $12,000. Depending on the capacity, it might be lower and higher, and as time goes by, you will probably be able to find batteries for $5,000 to $6,000.
When it comes to the cost of labor, you will be paying from $1,000 to $2,000.
So, in total, the cost to replace the battery of Subaru’s EV in the first few years will be $13,000 to $14,000.
Of course, we know we are working on guesswork here, but we are telling you all this in case you are an EV fan and like Subaru’s Solterra model. Knowledge is power!
As is the case with many other EV manufacturers, this car’s battery is expected to have a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles, which is information worth knowing if you want to avoid paying for a battery replacement.
Step-by-Step Guide On How To Change Car Battery
Here’s how to change the battery in ten steps:
Step 1: Turn off the car and wait a few minutes to avoid possible electric shock.
Step 2: Unscrew the battery holder.
Step 3: Using a wrench, loosen the connection of the negative pole of the battery and disconnect the clamp.
Step 4: Repeat the same for the positive. It is important that you never touch both poles with the key at the same time.
Step 5: Gently lift the old battery up and out of its case and put it away in a safe place.
Step 6: Place the new battery into the case. Be sure to turn the poles properly, so the negative and positive are facing the correct direction, and then fasten the brackets.
Step 7: It is a good idea to coat the poles of the battery with petroleum jelly to slow down and prevent corrosion.
Step 8: Connect the negative terminal to the negative pole and the positive terminal to the positive pole.
Step 9: Close the hood.
Step 10: Start the engine and check if everything works as it should, i.e., if the engine starts without any problems. And that is it! If it starts without any issues, you have done a great job, and we congratulate you!
How to Extend Battery Life?
1. Check The Battery Charge Level
Cars don’t like driving short distances, so if you are doing this, please try to change your driving habits. In this operating mode, the engine does not reach its operating temperature.
A battery that is not fully charged also suffers. From time to time, it is worth checking the battery voltage with the engine off. It should be at least 12.5 V. If it is lower, the battery needs to be charged with a charger or a longer drive than usual.
2. Turn Off Unnecessary Electrical Consumers
When parked with the engine off, the battery is the power source for all the onboard equipment. That’s why you should turn off any component that might consume electricity, such as seat heating, power windows, lights, etc.
In case you need lights, switch your car’s lights to parking lights. In this way, you will avoid unnecessary discharge of the battery. Of course, they are designed for continuous accumulation and discharge of current, but deep discharge and subsequent heavy charges are harmful factors.
For this reason, it is also a good idea to check the power receivers that might not be working properly (e.g., constantly lit trunk, glove box).
3. Check The Idle Current Draw
A fully charged battery should allow you to start the engine even after three months of total rest. At least in theory. If the power supply disappears after a week or two of downtime, the power consumption at rest should be checked.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine its limit value because it depends on the vehicle’s equipment and electronic and electrical components, which remain active or on standby even after switching off the ignition.
One factor that drains the battery a lot is the car’s alarm system – you can try disconnecting it to see if it is the source of the problem.
4. Make Sure The Battery Is Charged Regularly Or Disconnect It During Long Periods Of Inactivity
Even when the vehicle is stationary, the battery is discharged. This issue can be prevented in two ways. One of them is to connect a rectifier or an electronically controlled charger, which can remain permanently attached to the car and continuously compensate for the lack of energy.
On the other hand, disconnecting the battery is an equally good method if you don’t have a socket in your garage.
5. Do Not Allow Deep Discharge
Deep discharge is particularly harmful to the battery. If it occurs during the winter, it can lead to electrolyte freezing and irreparable damage to the battery. The deep discharge also damages the panels, reducing energy storage capacity.
Lastly, it makes it difficult to charge the battery. In an extreme situation of very deep and prolonged discharge, charging may not be possible at all.
6. Check The Electrolyte Level
Today, the market is dominated by maintenance-free batteries. However, if you have a battery that requires maintenance (any battery that has visible plugs), it is necessary to check the fluid level in the battery every three months!
Conclusion
The cost of battery replacement service with a new battery for a Subaru will be in the range of $70 to $450. Subaru’s EV Soltera is not out yet, but replacing it is much pricier since you can expect to pay between $13,000 and $14,000 for the battery and its installation.
Let us know in the comments what you think about these prices. Also, if you have any questions regarding the prices or the tips we gave you on changing the battery and extending its life span, that same comment section is waiting for you.