Battery Service in Fremont, CA

Battery Diagnostics and Service at Premier Subaru of Fremont

There is nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road because your battery is suddenly dead for no apparent reason. Your vehicle can't function without a battery. Yet, it's often one of the most forgotten components of a vehicle until it stops working. At Premier Subaru of Fremont, you can come in and have your battery tested and replaced if needed. We work hard in our service center to keep your car running reliably.

A battery is designed to last for several years. Many come with a five- or seven-year warranty. However, other issues with a vehicle can put a strain on the battery and reduce its life expectancy. Some batteries stop working without warning, while others indicate it's time to replace them with signs. You may notice your car is harder to start or lights dim when you attempt to start it. You may need to have the car jumped before it will start. Much of the time, you will need to buy a new battery. Sometimes, the issue is caused by faulty battery cables or corrosion around the terminals. Another problem with the vehicle could be draining the battery.

Reasons Car Batteries Won't Hold a Charge

Several reasons could lead to why your battery will not hold a charge. Here is a list of the simplest to the most complex causes to diagnose:

  • Corroded or loose battery terminals: Our Subaru service technician will conduct a visual inspection and remove corrosion.
  • The battery is being drained constantly: Doors, liftgates, light switches, and lighted compartments in your vehicle may drain your battery if they aren't shut down. You may leave a door slightly open or have a faulty latch causing your dome light to stay on all night overnight.
  • The battery has expired: Your battery can't last forever, and through a voltmeter test, you can see if it has expired.
  • Defective alternator: The alternator's job is to recharge your battery as you drive; if the alternator fails, the battery won't get the charge it needs, and this can cause damage to the battery. Inspecting your alternator is the first step in finding which mechanical problem could be causing a dead battery.
  • Other defective vehicle parts: Other parts could be part of the problem, from the fuses and relays to serpentine belts and faulty ground wires.

The technicians at Premier Subaru of Fremont will test your battery and let you know if it's still in good shape or if it will need to be replaced soon. It's recommended to have your battery tested every spring and fall. If you're having problems with your Subaru Outback, the technicians are trained to identify the issue and provide a solution. We offer a wide selection of batteries in our parts center to choose from, and we can help you decide on the best brand for your vehicle.

If you're having problems with your vehicle that may be related to the battery, let us diagnose the issue and repair it so you can once again have a vehicle you can rely on. If you live or work near Fremont, Union City, or San Jose, stop in Premier Subaru of Fremont to get your battery tested. Set up an appointment online, call, or just stop by and we can test your battery.

If your battery is healthy and fully charged, yet the vehicle still won't start, you most likely have a bad starter, alternator, or ignition switch. Your spark plugs or fuses could also be the culprit. Testing your battery with a voltmeter is the most effective way to ensure it's in good condition.

Four symptoms that indicate the problem is your battery:

  • Dim headlights: when your battery starts to fail, it can't produce enough current to run your car's electrical components. If you notice your headlights are dimmer or weaker than normal, have your battery tested.
  • Clicking sound when you turn the key: your battery sends current to your starter, which spins the flywheel allowing your car to start. If the battery can't produce enough amperage to engage the starter, it will make a very distinct clicking noise when you turn the key.
  • Slow cranking: You know your car and what it usually sounds like. If it seems like the car is cranking slower than usual, it's a good bet your battery needs to be checked.
  • Engine backfiring: When your battery is failing, it throws an intermittent spark, which allows fuel to build up in the cylinders. When the fuel finally ignites, it does so suddenly and with increased force causing your engine to backfire.

When Should a Car Battery Be Replaced?

Most car batteries will last an average of three to seven years, depending on how well you take care of them (clean the terminals-charge if needed). When tested with a voltmeter, you should replace your car battery when its capacity has dropped below 12 volts.

How Long Does a Battery Replacement Take?

Our team at Premier Subaru of Fremont can replace your vehicle's battery in around 20-30 minutes for most cars. Typically, a technician will remove debris and battery acid by cleaning the terminals and battery tray. Then, the old battery will be recycled.

 

Contact Premier Subaru of Fremont for your battery care. Schedule an appointment today if your battery needs service.