One of the most important parts of an ATV is the battery. The battery undergoes a lot of work the moment you power on your ATV. But remember, the batteries may lose some small amount of charge even if it is not in use. The moment you see that your ATV is not starting, the first thing you need to check is your battery.
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So how long should an ATV battery last?
Generally, ATV batteries can last 3 to 5 years.
What are the types of batteries available?
If you are looking for ATV batteries, the market is filled with a lot of batteries. But generally, the ATV batteries are categorized into:
- Conventional ATV batteries
- AGM ATV Batteries
Conventional ATV batteries are one of the most popular types of batteries used on most of the ATVs out there. Even though both need distilled water to run properly, when compared with the conventional ones, AGM batteries are expensive. In AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, the fiberglass pads present in the battery absorbs all the electrolytes. Also, unlike conventional batteries, there is no presence of extra acids in AGM batteries.
What to consider while buying an ATV Battery?
To ensure that your battery is in the best of shape, you need to do the following:
Check Electrolyte / Voltage levels
When it comes to electrolyte batteries, it is important to keep the electrolyte level in check. If not, the battery performance will be reduced considerably. If the levels are too low, then add distilled water to keep the levels in check. In case of maintenance batteries, it is important to check the voltage levels.
Keep the Battery Clean
Keeping a clean battery ensures that it is free from dirt and dust. To clean an ATV battery, you can use a soft brush to scrub all the dirt from the top of the battery.
Check Connections
Loose and damaged connections can cause major damage to your batteries. Therefore, it is important that the cables and connections are checked thoroughly every now and then. Check for cracks and discoloring of the batteries. If there are any cracks, then it means that the batteries have been overheated and time to replace a new battery.
Prevent Sulfation/Sedimentation
Generally, sulfation occurs when the ATV is left without any usage for a long time. If the sedimentation or sulfation rate is very high, then it might even become impossible to start the ATV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to store my batteries when not in use?
A: It is not that every day the ATV will be used. Generally, ATVs are mainly used during the spring and summer. So, if the ATV is kept without use for a long time, better disconnect the batteries from the ATV and store in a safe place. Also, make sure the temperature where the batteries are kept is at a nominal level.
Q: Which type of battery is best for an ATV?
A: When compared to conventional batteries, AGM batteries are considered to provide better performance. But remember, AGM batteries are expensive than the conventional ones.
