How Long Do ATV Batteries Last?

There’s nothing quite like an ATV. They can turn a mundane weekend into a thrilling adventure with the turn of a key. But for that to happen, you’ll have to ensure your battery isn’t lagging behind. How long do ATV batteries last? What must the done to maintain them? These questions will be answered here so you can keep tearing things up!

To put it simply, the lifespan of an ATV battery mostly depends on which one of the three main types of battery it is. A flooded lead acid battery should last between 2 and 3 years. An AGM battery should be good for 3 to 5 years. Finally, a lithium iron phosphate battery can last for 8 to 10 years. Next up, we’ll further explore this topic.

Types of ATV batteries

Let’s take a closer look at the three types of ATV batteries.

1. Flooded Lead-acid:

The flooded lead acid battery is the cheapest upfront of the three types. However, it also has the shortest lifespan, as mentioned earlier (2 – 3 years). It also requires the most maintenance of the three, as it must be topped off with distilled water from time to time. Forgoing this maintenance will shorten its lifespan.

2. Absorbed Glass Mat or AGM:

The Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) battery is maintenance-free. These batteries are good for about 3 to 5 years. They are also tougher than the previously mentioned type. They can better withstand vibrations and extreme temps. As a bonus, they also charge quicker. They come with a higher upfront price tag, however.

3. Lithium: 

This type of battery is the most advanced among ATV batteries. Lithium batteries last far longer than the other types, reaching up to 8 to 10 years. They are about half the weight and can hold a charge much longer while in storage. They have a higher upfront cost but may be cheaper in the long run. One con is that they perform worse than AGM batteries in extreme cold (under 20°F).

How to maintain your ATV battery

Use a maintainer

The best thing you can do to maintain your ATV battery is to use a charger/maintainer while the ATV is in storage. This will prevent the battery from running too low which can shorten the overall lifespan. If the battery runs completely out, it might be unrecoverable. Make sure you select a maintainer that is compatible with your battery type.

Disconnect the battery

If you want to be extra careful, disconnect the battery from the ATV while using a maintainer. This is in case of an electrical spike, which could damage your ATV’s electrical system.

Prevent corrosion

Use anti-corrosion spray on your battery’s terminals to keep them fresh. If there’s already corrosion showing, put some baking soda and water on it, then use a wire brush to scrub it away.

Test your battery

If you want to know if it’s time to get a new battery, bring it to an auto parts store, such as Autozone. They can test your battery for free and let you know how much juice it has left.

Final thoughts

We hope this article helps you to choose the right type of battery and understand how to care for it. Happy riding from Auto Fondle!