Hi Roberts. How would you rate a Subaru Outback battery compared with consumer reports best rated battery like diehard, and others

Yesterday I had to call aaa for a jumpstart. Battery went dead after listening 15 – minutes radio with engine off . Now is working ok. Do I need to change battery or can I still count on it. I checked consumer report for battery rating and Diehard is one of top rated. I also called my Subaru service adviser and he said they sell only Subaru brand battery for 180.00 plus tax with only 12 months full replacement warranty.
Which battery would you recommend? Thanks.
Regards

My car has 31000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The very first thing to do is have the battery load tested. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should simply install a new battery to reduce diagnostic headaches. As far as buying a new battery, there are actually relatively few battery manufacturers and so a lot of the output is identical but just carries a different brand name. You would be wise to consult "Consumer Reports", as they have already done all of the required battery research for you and so you can safely and reliably purchase whatever they deem to be a top rated battery. If and once you replace the battery, be sure to measure the output of the charging system to confirm that the alternator is properly re-charging the battery. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

DieHard Silver – Battery: 26R Group Size, 575 CCA, 720 CA, 81 Minute Reserve Capacity, For Lower Power Demands (Part No. 26R-3)
Subaru Outback batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on driving habits, the type of battery, weather conditions, and more. You can prolong the life of your Outback battery by: Keeping your automobile stored indoors away from extreme swings in temperature or climate.
Please choose your Subaru model, and we will show you the most suitable group size and replacement battery type. Car batteries for Subaru come in different shapes, sizes, voltages, and terminal locations because different models of Subaru require different specifications for their batteries.
The average cost for Subaru Outback Battery Replacement is $348.
You can use a sealed, AGM OPTIMA battery, that can last up to three times as long as a flooded lead-acid battery! Nearly every Subaru WRX on the road uses a Group 35 battery, which OPTIMA offers in either a YELLOWTOP or REDTOP. So which one is right for your WRX? It depends on how you use it.
The Subaru Outback battery issues may be tied to a bad alternator, a dead battery, parasitic drain, and more. A dead battery can leave you stranded. Before you get stuck on the side of the road—if you`re experiencing battery draining issues, fix them now and get your car back in working order.
Subaru batteries usually last between 3-5 years, but this is variable depending on the type of battery, driving habits, weather conditions, and more.
Usually this means your Alternator is bad. Early warning signs of a Faulty Alternator can include Engine Stalling, Electrical Malfunctions, Abnormal Noises, Dim or Flickering lights, and Difficulty Starting the Engine.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Hi Roberts. How would you rate a Subaru Outback battery compared with consumer reports best rated battery like diehard, and others
ANSWER : The very first thing to do is have the battery load tested. If the battery passes a load test be sure it is NOT a marginal pass in which case you should simply install a new battery to reduce diagnostic headaches. As far as buying a new battery, there are actually relatively few battery manufacturers and so a lot of the output is identical but just carries a different brand name. You would be wise to consult "Consumer Reports", as they have already done all of the required battery research for you and so you can safely and reliably purchase whatever they deem to be a top rated battery. If and once you replace the battery, be sure to measure the output of the charging system to confirm that the alternator is properly re-charging the battery. Please let us know if you have further concerns or questions as we are always here to help you.

I do have $7,000 to spend. I would like to have the SUV. I’ve driven a Toyota 4Runner, but what would you recommend?
ANSWER : Hi there. When it comes to purchasing a SUV vehicle, there are many factors to look into before making your decision. The following is a list of factors to check out:

The price
Research the vehicle type maintenance and recalls
Having a budget to repair the vehicle, not just buy it
Knowing the safety features of the vehicle
Having a report on the vehicle for any accidents and all maintenance performed
It is best to buy a used vehicle that has more than 30K miles on it if you are going to buy a used vehicle – break in period
Does the vehicle have the storage and room you desire

There are many different SUV vehicles on the market and there is not just one to choose from. A pre-purchase inspection will have you decide if the vehicle is worth owing or not. If you need further assistance with your vehicle decision, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

My car doesn’t respond to the gas pedal like it should
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The engine is likely sensing an issue and compensating for it. When you restart the vehicle, the component may be passing its start up tests, and the engine stops trying to outperform itself. Start by having the vehicle scanned for diagnostic codes. If there is another sensor to blame, it may show up there and make diagnostics a lot easier. If not codes come up, you will want to test the fuel pressure available at the engine, and make sure the fuel system is working properly. You can also clean the throttle and test the throttle position sensor. For more help with diagnosing and resolving the issue, contact our service department to schedule an appointment.

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ANSWER : Auxiliary batteries can take awhile before symptoms may be noticed on a Prius. This is due to the hybrid system powering many of the components. In this vehicle the auxiliary battery is mainly used for starting. It could cause problems if not installed properly.

I’d recommend getting some help from qualified technician who will be able to diagnose the source of your battery issue and assist you with any repairs that may be necessary.

Battery light stays on and overnight battery drain. 2006 Land Rover LR3
ANSWER : Hello – this problem can be diagnosed by connecting an ammeter to the positive (red) battery cable, observe the current drain (likely less than 1 amp), then, one at a time, remove each fuse, check to see if the current drain has dropped to near 0, then reinsert the fuse. This process should identify the faulty circuit in most cases. The specific components on that circuit can then be checked for current drain problems. A professional mechanic, like YourMechanic, can come to your location, and perform this procedure for you, and identify, replace or repair the failing component.

I have Chrysler 300c. Battery light came on, changed battery and alternator but power still getting drained and battery light still comes on.
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. This may be a sign of a failing starter relay. The starter relay is a small unit near the starter that directs power to the starter from the battery. When this fails, it may cause a clicking sound and will not allow the starter to engage the flywheel when you turn the key. I would suggest having a professional from YourMechanic come to your home to diagnose your starting issue to determine the solution to get you back on the road.

Battery not charging.
ANSWER : You have a direct short from the water entering into the circuit. In order to find it you will need to pull each major large fuse until you locate the major circuit that is shorting the battery power. Once you locate major fuse circuit then you can narrow it down to the cause.

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ANSWER : Hi there – yes, something is going on here that’s draining your battery. Perhaps the pressure of the engine wash dislodged wiring which has shorted, or there was a chemical reaction to the cleaning solution that caused electrical damage in the alternator or voltage regulator. These componnents can be checked off of the vehicle. Vehicle wiring can be diagnosed by connecting an ammeter to the positive (red) battery cable, observe the current drain (likely less than 1 amp), then, one at a time, remove each fuse, check to see if the current drain has dropped to near 0, then reinsert the fuse. This process should identify the faulty circuit in most cases. The specific components on that circuit can then be checked for current drain problems. A professional mechanic, like YourMechanic, can come to your location, and perform this procedure for you, and replace/repair the failing component.