It’s a common experience for Subaru owners: you rely on your key fob daily, almost without a second thought, until it stops working. Suddenly, accessing your vehicle becomes inconvenient, and you’re left wondering about the lifespan of your key fob battery and what factors influence it. Let’s delve into the world of Batteries For Subaru Key Fobs, exploring common misconceptions and providing clarity on how to keep your key fob powered and functional.
Demystifying the “Air Exposure” Myth in Key Fob Batteries
You might have heard that air exposure is the primary culprit behind the depletion of lithium coin batteries, like those used in Subaru key fobs. While it’s true that some specialized air-activated batteries exist, this isn’t the case for the standard batteries powering your car’s remote. The idea that simply being exposed to air is rapidly draining your key fob battery is largely a misconception.
Instead of air itself, consider the packaging of batteries you purchase. Many, including older Duracell models with a 10-year shelf life, weren’t hermetically sealed. These batteries, even when stored openly, maintained their charge for extended periods, demonstrating that air alone isn’t the main issue. Take a look at this example of older battery packaging:
This image illustrates a non-child-resistant packaging with a visible hole, even on batteries guaranteed for a long shelf life. This further emphasizes that airtight sealing isn’t the primary factor in battery longevity for standard lithium coin cells.
The Real Drain: Humidity and Temperature Fluctuations
So, if air isn’t the main enemy, what is? The more significant factors impacting the life of your Subaru key fob batteries are humidity and temperature changes. Lithium coin batteries, like the CR2032 commonly used in key fobs, are susceptible to self-discharge over time. This process is accelerated in environments with higher humidity levels, especially above 75%, which is prevalent in many regions, particularly during warmer months without air conditioning.
Humidity can contribute to discharge, transient shorts, and even corrosion within the battery, leading to a quicker decline in performance. Consider the conditions your Subaru key fob endures daily. It’s exposed to drastic temperature swings inside your car, from freezing cold in winter to scorching heat in summer. These fluctuations, combined with varying humidity levels, place considerable stress on the small battery within your key fob.
This is likely a significant reason why Subaru key fob batteries might seem to drain faster than expected. The constant exposure to harsh in-car environments takes a toll on battery life.
Child Safety Packaging vs. Battery Preservation
You might wonder why some battery packaging seems overly robust, if not for airtight sealing. The answer lies in child safety regulations. Driven by concerns about accidental ingestion of small button batteries by children, manufacturers have adopted child-resistant packaging. This type of packaging is designed to be difficult for young children to open, minimizing the risk of them accessing and swallowing the batteries.
While this packaging is crucial for safety, it’s not primarily intended to create a hermetic seal for battery preservation. Many blister packs, even those considered child-resistant, are made of cardboard with a glued plastic cover. While they offer some protection, they are not designed to completely isolate the battery from environmental factors like humidity.
However, regulations are evolving. There’s increasing focus on improving safety standards for button cell and coin batteries, potentially leading to even stricter packaging requirements in the future to further protect children.
Extending the Life of Your Subaru Key Fob Battery
While environmental factors play a role, there are steps you can take to potentially prolong the life of your Subaru key fob battery:
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Try to keep your key fob away from direct sunlight or extreme heat inside your car when possible.
- Store Spare Fobs Properly: If you have a spare key fob, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Consider Battery Quality: When replacing your battery, opt for reputable brands known for quality and longevity, like Duracell or Panasonic.
- Regular Checks: Periodically check your key fob’s range and responsiveness. If you notice a decline, replace the battery proactively.
By understanding the real factors affecting your Subaru key fob battery life – primarily humidity and temperature changes – and debunking the myth of simple air exposure, you can take better care of your key fob and ensure it remains reliably powered when you need it. Regularly checking and replacing your key fob battery when necessary is a small but essential part of Subaru ownership, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
