When you’re looking forward to some exhilarating ATV adventures, it can be frustrating to discover that your battery is dead. Fortunately, this ATV repair situation can be avoided by knowing more about how the battery should work. Here’s how long an ATV battery should last and how to increase its life span.

What’s the Average Life Span of an ATV Battery?

Depending on the brand, most batteries last between three to five years. However, if the ATV is used infrequently, the battery may expire sooner than expected due to an accumulation of sulfide deposits on the battery’s plates.

The corrosion interferes with the voltage flow, and the battery may die out. If you don’t use your ATV regularly, the battery may stop working after just one year. 

How Can You Increase the Life Span?

One of the best ways to extend your ATV battery’s longevity is by keeping the device in charge mode. When you’re not out riding the vehicle, connect the battery to an automatic charger.

Many charging devices have features that will restore the battery and then switch to maintenance mode to prevent overcharging. After you’ve finished your ATV riding, simply connect the battery to the charger to always have a full charge.

Extreme and repeated cold weather can be a battery’s worst enemy. Icy and snowy conditions will drain the charge and leave you with a dead battery when the warmer weather returns.

To prevent this scenario, keep your ATV away from the outside elements, such as in a covered garage. If this is not possible, ask an ATV repair professional about using a battery heater for preheating cold batteries so that they receive enough warm voltage to start right up.  

By following a few proactive steps, your ATV battery will provide reliable power for those thrilling rides. For nearly 50 years, M & S Sales & Service, Inc., in New Holland, PA, has provided a large inventory of parts for ATVs, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. The company carries some of the industry’s leading brands of new and pre-owned riding equipment, such as Suzuki® and Arctic Cat®. When it comes to ATV repairs and other professional care, their team of experienced technicians offers superior and affordable service. Call (717) 354-4726 to discuss your needs, or browse their inventory online.