12 Things You need to know about ATV Battery

What Type of Battery to put in your ATV?

1. Conventional ATV battery.

This is also called the ‘flooded’ battery, which refers to the plates being flooded or submerged in distilled water. This type of battery is equipped with removable filler caps so you can easily refill the plates with bulk acid and distilled water.

This type of battery is the cheapest variety. It is good for street applications only. However, ATVs are meant to conquer the beaten path. Conventional batteries are prone to spillage, hence they are not ideal for powersports or off-road applications.

Worst of all, conventional batteries are not maintenance free. You will need to periodically inspect the water level inside the plates and refill when necessary. If the water dries up, then you run the risk of damaging the plates, hence dramatically shortening the lifespan of your battery.

2. AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat ATV battery.

This type of battery was first seen on Honda power sports vehicles in the 1980s. It was also called gel-cell or maintenance-free batteries. This type of battery is equipped with fiberglass pads that are wedged between the positive and negative plates inside the battery. These pads will absorb all the electrolyte acid inside the battery.

AGM batteries are more ideal for off-road vehicles since there is no danger of spillage. Yes, AGM batteries are more expensive than conventional ATV batteries but you get a lot of useful features for the price. AGM batteries are also more durable and reliable. Most of the time, the AGM battery is constructed from shock-proof and vibration-proof materials. This makes it the perfect choice for your ATV, especially if you are an extreme type of ATV rider.

Are ATV batteries deep cycle?

Deep cycle batteries are specifically designed to deeply discharge to where it has used most of its energy, without being damaged. A conventional battery will begin to degrade and lose some of its capacity if the voltage drops below a certain level; a deep cycle battery will not. At least not to the same extent.

The term was initially used for flooded lead-acid batteries, that had the same shape as an automotive-style starter battery, but with deep cycle capabilities.

More modern deep cycle technologies have arisen in later years, such as deep cycle lithium-ion and GEL batteries.

ATVs typically do not come with a deep cycle battery, but a conventional lead-acid battery or AGM battery. The main reason why ATVs do not come with a deep cycle battery is to keep the price down as deep cycle batteries are more expensive than both conventional lead-acid batteries and AGM batteries.

Are ATV batteries AGM?

Today, most ATVs come with an AGM (absorbed glass mat) battery or an SLA (sealed lead-acid) battery. SLA batteries are a bit cheaper and are typically used in budget-friendly ATV models.

How Long Does an ATV Battery Last?

As you can see from the breakdown above, different types of ATV batteries have different lifespans. On average, a flooded lead acid ATV battery will last you between two and three years. An AGM battery averages out to between three and five years. Lithium iron phosphate batteries outperform the other two types and are capable of lasting as long as eight to ten years. Keep in mind that these are averages and there are a number of additional factors that affect the life expectancy of an ATV battery, including how the battery is stored, how well it is maintained and what climate the battery is used in.

How Do I Charge My ATV Battery?

ATVs have their own built-in charging systems, however the current they provide isn’t very high. Because of this, you might have to rely on an additional battery charger. When selecting a battery charger for your ATV, make sure that the model you choose is compatible with both the voltage and chemistry of your battery. The other important thing to remember is that you want to avoid under and overcharging your battery, both of which will shorten its overall lifespan. Charging times will vary between batteries and will depend on the type of charger you have.

What Kind of Charger Do I Need for an ATV Battery?

There are several different types of battery chargers available for ATV owners. The key difference between them is how they apply current. Standard chargers apply a constant amount of current, while trickle chargers apply small amounts of current designed to charge your battery over a longer period of time. When using either of these options, it’s important to monitor the charging process to avoid overcharging your battery.

If you’re looking for something that won’t overcharge your battery, you’ll want to pick up a battery maintainer. Battery maintainers have built-in monitoring systems that will shut them off when your battery reaches its ideal voltage, then charge them back up again once the voltage drops.

What Factors Affect the Life Expectancy of an ATV Battery?

In addition to regularly charging your battery, you’ll also want to pay attention to how you store it when it isn’t being used. It is best to store your battery fully charged in a cool, dry place. If the battery will be in storage for some time, be sure that you charge it regularly to keep it from getting too low. Battery maintainers are ideal for this purpose. Not only will they maintain your battery’s charge, you can keep them connected indefinitely without any fear of overcharging the battery.

The other factor that will determine your battery’s lifespan is climate. Excessive heat can cause the fluid inside your battery to evaporate, weakening the battery’s charge and causing plate corrosion. Freezing temperatures cause your battery’s energy capacity to drop, making it more difficult to turn over your engine and causing it to recharge much slower. Flooded batteries are particularly susceptible to severe temperatures, so if you live in a climate with extreme weather, you might want to invest in a better battery. Both AGM and lithium iron phosphate batteries perform well in high heat. Lithium batteries don’t perform well in freezing temperatures though, so if you plan on riding your ATV in winter, an AGM battery is your best choice.

How Do I Know if My ATV Battery is Bad?

You can usually tell that your battery is dying based on its performance. If you notice that your battery doesn’t last as long between charges, chances are your battery is going bad. A bad battery will also make it much harder to turn over your engine and may struggle to power your headlights, making them appear dimmer. You can also take a look at the exterior of the battery itself. Bulges, cracks and corrosion will all indicate a battery that is past its prime.

How Can You Tell You Need A New Battery?

The easiest way you can tell if you need a new battery for your ATV is when you go out to it and turn the key and nothing happens. No lights, no nothing. This happens then it’s time for a new battery.

If you do get lights and everything seems fine, but you go to press the start button and it clicks multiple times then it’s time for a new battery.

If you’re out and the lights come on and you press the start button and all you get is one solid click then the starter relay* is bad.

When the ATV still does not start, then you need to take it in for repair.

What is the best battery for an ATV? What kind of battery does an ATV use?

There are various types of ATV batteries available. Some of the most common are:

Conventional flooded lead-acid (non-sealed)
SLA – sealed lead-acid
AGM – absorbed glass mat
GEL batteries
Lithium-Ion

Out of the various types available, AGM batteries are considered the best alternative for ATVs. AGM batteries are a lead-acid battery style where instead of using liquid electrolytes, the electrolyte is absorbed into fiberglass pads placed between the battery plates.

Some of the benefits of using an AGM battery in ATVs:

AGM batteries are sealed without any need to add electrolytes as with a conventional lead-acid battery.
AGM batteries are considered maintenance free. The only maintenance required is charging whenever the charge is low or when the battery is sitting for long periods and cleaning if the battery poles corrode.
AGM batteries do not dry out as easily with normal use.
With regular use, an AGM battery will last longer than an SLA battery.
AGM batteries typically provide better capacity with a higher Ah-rating compared to a conventional lead-acid battery.

AGM batteries cost a bit more than SLA batteries but less than Lithium-Ion batteries. A lithium-ion battery will outperform AGM batteries in many areas, such as deep cycle capabilities and weight. Still, for the average ATV owner, these benefit does not justify the higher price.

Are ATV batteries 6V or 12V? What voltage are ATV batteries?

Some toy electric ATVs use 6V batteries, but the majority, if not all, ATVs with gasoline engines use 12V starter batteries.

Are AGM Batteries Worth It?

Yes, AGM batteries are worth the extra cost.

To combat the cost of these batteries to check how much they go for online before going to store. Sometimes you can find better deals on them and get them shipped to your house.