Buying Guide: ATV Batteries

Batteries Plus carries flooded, AGM and lithium powersport batteries from trusted brands like Xtreme, Duracell and X2Power. Here are the key differences ATV owners need to know:

Flooded Lead Acid

Flooded lead acid batteries are the most affordable ATV battery but tend to have shorter lifespans than AGM or lithium batteries. They also require additional maintenance.

Since flooded batteries are not completely sealed, they lose water due to evaporation when they are recharged. If you have a flooded battery, you may need to offset this water loss by periodically adding distilled or deionized water. Otherwise, the battery's plates can become corroded, shortening the battery's lifespan.

AGM Lead Acid

Absorbed Glass Mat or AGM batteries are spill-proof and maintenance free. While flooded batteries lose water due to evaporation, AGM batteries contain a one-way pressure relief valve that prevents gasses from escaping.

The electrolyte is held in stasis in a number of fiberglass plate separators. This gives AGM batteries a number of advantages over flooded batteries, including longer lifespans, faster recharge times, and slower discharge rates. They're also more resistant to vibrations and extreme cold and heat.

Lithium

Our X2Power lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries have roughly 4X longer lifespans than most batteries and charge up to 2X faster. They're also about 55% lighter than a lead acid battery.

Lithium batteries hold a charge for much longer in storage.

On the cost side, lithium batteries do cost more upfront, however, they last so long, you typically end up saving money with a lithium battery in the long run.

Looking for the right battery for your Honda, Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha or other brand ATV? To find the right match, you need your new battery to meet or beat the specifications of the original:

• Voltage (V): Most ATVs and four-wheelers require 12-volt electrical systems, though there are some exceptions.
• Cold Cranking Amps (CCA): The rating that determines a battery's ability to start an engine in cold temperatures.
• Reserve Capacity: How long a new, fully charged battery can hold its charge.
• Amp Hour (Ah): A measure of how long a battery can provide an amperage for one hour.

These specifications are usually on the label of the original battery or included in the owner's manual. However, usage can impact the ideal specs for your situation. For instance, 500 CCA or more is best if you ride in areas where temperatures can go below zero. Shop our selection of ATV batteries designed to meet or beat original equipment specifications.

No matter what type of battery you choose for your ATV, it won't work long if it isn't maintained properly, especially during the off-season. Follow these tips to maintain and get the most life possible out of your battery.

1. Keep it charged - Use a battery charger to maintain your ATV battery during the off-season or other long periods of inactivity.
   • Note: Lithium batteries have a long self-discharge rate and may require less charging maintenance during the off-season. Keep stored lithium batteries at around 50% for best results.
2. Use the right charger - It's important that you select one that matches the voltage and chemistry of your ATV battery.
   • Example: 12-volt AGM charger goes with a 12-volt AGM battery.
3. Avoid overcharging - Overcharging can shorten battery life. Use a maintainer or charger with an automatic shut-off to prevent this.
4. Water your battery - If you have a flooded battery, periodically check and top off the electrolyte inside with distilled or deionized water.
   • Note: Do not attempt to do this with an AGM or lithium battery.
5. Keep terminals free of corrosion - Clean off corrosion on the battery terminal using a battery terminal brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Protect the terminals with an anti-corrosion spray.