We acknowledge that maintaining your ATV battery during the off-season can appear to be a daunting task – it’s a hurdle we’ve personally faced. Yet, it’s essential to confront reality, as failing to store it properly might lead to substantial damage or incur considerable repair expenses.
That’s why we rolled up our sleeves and plunged into extensive research, picking the brains of industry experts to bring you this comprehensive guide on off-season battery storage for ATVs.
So grab a cup of joe, get comfortable, and join us as we unravel the secrets to extending the lifespan of your vehicle’s battery. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!
Key Takeaways
- ATV batteries can get hurt by very cold or hot weather. Store your battery in a cool, dry spot when not using the ATV.
- Take good care of your ATV battery to save money. Keep it full charged before storing and check on its power level often.
- There are many types of ATV batteries like flooded, AGM and lithium ones. Check what type fits your vehicle best before buying.
- Clean your battery regularly to keep it working well. Charge it full before storing for long periods and check voltage levels often to ensure health.
- Protect your battery from big temperature changes during winter for better performance after off-season storage. Periodic charging throughout the off-season keeps the battery healthy too.
Why Off-Season Battery Storage is Important
Proper off-season battery storage is critical to your ATV’s well-being; it not only saves the battery from extreme temperature damage but also sidesteps expensive repairs.
Prevents damage from extreme temperatures
Cold and heat are harsh on ATV batteries. In the cold, your battery may freeze and fail. Heat can also harm it. When temperatures swing a lot, your battery might not work as well. If you store your battery in a cool place when you aren’t using your ATV, it will last longer.
This is because cooler storage slows down self-discharge of the battery. So take care of your ATV’s battery! Stay aware of the weather to keep it safe from extreme temperatures.
Avoids costly repairs
Good care of your ATV battery can save you money. Off-season storage keeps the battery safe and long-lasting. When a battery gets hurt, it costs a lot to fix or replace it. We don’t want to spend our money on that! So we store our batteries right in the off-season.
Storing is not hard work. First, we charge our battery full before putting it away safe and dry. Then, we keep an eye on its power level while stored up. By doing these steps, we protect against damage that leads to costly fixes.
Types of ATV Batteries
We have a few different types of ATV batteries to consider. The traditional, and often cheapest option, is flooded batteries that require regular maintenance. Next up are AGM batteries; these are sealed, don’t need water top-ups and offer a longer lifespan.
Finally, we have lithium batteries – lightweight powerhouses that kick out consistent performance but come with a heftier price tag.
Flooded
Flooded batteries, also known as conventional ATV batteries, have a unique design. They are made of plates covered in a liquid called electrolyte. This setup helps the ATV to have power.
But flooded batteries need special care. To keep them working well, we should always make sure that the plates stay under the liquid. We also need to check on them more often than other types when not in use or during storage time because they can lose charge over long periods of no use and low temperatures could harm them too! Finding the right way to store these types is key for their lifespan which usually lasts between two and three years.
AGM
AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. This type of battery came to be in the 1970s. AGM batteries have a lot going for them. For one, they charge much faster than other batteries – up to five times quicker! They can also do a thing called deep cycling.
That’s good because it means we can use more of the power stored inside without hurting the battery life. Best yet, an AGM battery needs less care compared to others. You don’t need to keep an eye on it all the time; once you set it up right, you’re pretty much good to go!
Lithium
Lithium batteries are great for ATVs. They have a small size but give off large power. These batteries can start your ATV fast and keep it running for a long time. Because of their low self-discharge rate, they don’t need as much care when you’re not using your ATV.
We may find that our ATVs or UTVs need new 12V batteries often. Lithium is a good choice for this too. You can even use them with a low voltage safety disconnect to keep safe. It’s fair to say, lithium stands out in battery performance and durability among the other types!
How to Choose the Right ATV Battery
When selecting the right ATV battery, it’s crucial to consider your vehicle’s power needs. Always check manufacturer recommendations before making a decision and opt for reputable brands that ensure quality and durability.
Consider the vehicle’s power needs
Your ATV needs the right amount of power to work well. Some ATVs need more power than others. Look at your ATV’s manual first. The manual will tell you how much power your ATV needs.
Make sure to pick a battery that meets these needs!
Check manufacturer recommendations
We always say to look at what the maker suggests. This is the best way to pick the right ATV battery. The maker knows your vehicle well. They know how much power it needs and which battery suits it best.
Keep in mind that some brands may not fit all ATVs or work as intended, so always have a chat with your dealer for advice too! Don’t go for cheap batteries from unknown places, they might harm your vehicle in the long run.
So trust your maker’s word when you are looking to buy an ATV battery!
Choose a reputable brand
A big part of picking a top-notch ATV battery is going for a trusted name. Brands like Batteries Plus, Yuasa and ACDelco have earned praise in the field. They make batteries that last long and work well.
It means you can ride your ATV without worry.
The Editor’s Choice for best ATV battery goes to Yuasa. Another great pick is Shorai Extreme Rate Lithium Iron Powersports Battery. These brands stand out because they offer quality products that pass tough tests.
They are known all over for their good work in making batteries. Picking one from these brands means you’re getting the very best.
ATV Battery Maintenance & Storage Tips
We’re divulging secrets to proper ATV battery care: from a neat, dry storage location to pre-storage charging and a vigilant eye on voltage. Intrigued? Discover more in our full guide!
Keep battery clean and dry
Dirt and water are not good for your ATV battery. If the battery gets dirty, it can lose power. Water can cause rust or other damage. Clean your battery often to keep it working well.
Use a dry cloth to wipe off dirt and dust. Make sure the area around the battery is also clean and dry. This helps your battery last longer and work better during rides.
Charge before storing
Let’s make sure to charge our ATV batteries before we store them. A full power battery lives longer and works better after a long rest. If we leave it empty, the battery can lose its life fast.
Plus, a full battery makes us ready for rides right away when spring comes! It’s smart to check on our stored batteries from time to time too. We might need to top up the charge now and then during winter naps.
This way, we keep our riding fun alive and save money on new batteries!
Monitor battery voltage
Keeping a close watch on battery voltage is key. It gives us the right info for ATV care and storage. We use the new BGW Series Battery Voltage Protector in our checks. This tool is made to look after batteries when your ATV isn’t being used for long periods.
Always note the correct charging amperage for your specific model of ATV battery. Don’t take a guess! Each maker may have different rules about this. Doing this step will make sure that your battery stays strong and works well when you need it to.
Winter-Proofing Your Vehicle’s Battery
When winter comes knocking, it’s essential to winter-proof your ATV’s battery. Start by disconnecting the battery leads; this can prevent any potential drain during periods of inactivity.
Then, protect your battery from massive temperature swings which could lead to damage or reduced performance. Throughout the off-season, remember to recharge your battery periodically – a dormant but fully charged battery is a happy one!
Disconnect battery leads
First things first, you need to take off the battery leads. Make sure your ATV is not running. Put on gloves for safety and find the battery. The black cable is for “Negative”. The red one is for “Positive”.
Take off the black one first, then do the same with the red one. This keeps you safe from shock. Now your ATV’s battery won’t drain during storage.
Protect from temperature fluctuations
Cold weather can make your ATV battery lose power. It’s worse when the temperature falls below zero. This may harm your battery a lot. A solid case might crack and plates inside could buckle from freezing cold.
We need to protect our batteries from these harsh changes in temperature. Even if it gets as low as -75°F, a full-charged battery won’t get hurt if we store it right. So, let’s take good care of our batteries during winter!
Recharge periodically during storage
ATV batteries can lose power over time. It’s vital to give them a charge now and then. A full battery can stay safe in cold weather without harm. We recommend giving the battery a little extra juice during off-season storage.
Charging our ATV battery at a low level is good for it. This can help keep its health intact all winter long when we’re not using our ATVs as much. Once every month, connect your charger set at a low amp rate, this is called trickle charging! This keeps damage away from our batteries and us ready for driving fun once the sun shines warm again!
Conclusion
Let’s end here for now. Use these steps to take good care of your ATV battery in the off-season. With proper storage and good care, your battery will be ready to power up and hit the trails again!
FAQs
1. Why is it important to store ATV batteries properly during the off-season?
Proper storage of ATV batteries in the off-season prevents damage, ensures a longer life and makes sure your ATV is ready to use when you need it.
2. How should I store my ATV’s battery during the off-season?
You should remove the battery from your ATV, clean it, fully charge it, then keep it in a dry place at room temperature for safe storage.
3. Should I disconnect my battery before storing my ATV for the winter?
Yes, always disconnect and remove your battery before storing your ATV to prevent any possible drain or damage.
4. Do I need to check on my stored battery from time to time during the off-season?
Yes, you should check and recharge your stored battery every month or so because batteries can lose their charge over time even if not used.
5. Is a trickle charger good for maintaining an ATV’s stored battery?
Yes, using a trickle charger helps maintain a full charge by slowly adding power which helps avoid damage caused by overcharging.
