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One of the most important parts of your ATV is the battery. If you can’t start your Polaris or other four wheelers, you can’t ride it. Our ATV battery reviews will help you choose the best ATV battery on the market. While you may be tempted to save money with a discounted 12-volt ATV battery, spending a little bit more will pay off in quality and performance.
Benefits of ATV Batteries
- They’re essential. Your ATV requires a high-quality battery to function properly. It supplies the charge that starts the vehicle, and it also powers electrical components such as the lights. The best ATV battery will power your quad in various conditions, including cold temperatures.
- They maximize performance. A high-performance ATV battery will be much more reliable and durable than an inferior battery. It will enable you to confidently plan rides without worrying that the battery will fail.
Types of ATV Batteries
Conventional
Also known as a wet or flooded battery, a conventional battery has removable filler caps that allow you to refill the plates with bulk acid and distilled water. It is intended for street use as opposed to off-road applications. This type of battery is inexpensive but is susceptible to spillage, making it less than ideal for power sports. In addition, conventional batteries require maintenance. You must regularly check the water level and make sure it doesn’t dry up; otherwise, you can damage the plates and ruin the battery.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)
This type of battery is also known as a maintenance-free battery. It features fiberglass pads inserted between the positive and negative plates that absorb electrolyte acid. These sealed ATV batteries are more expensive, but they aren’t prone to spillage. They’re also more durable and dependable and can be mounted in various positions. In general, an AGM ATV battery is designed to be shock and vibration-proof, making it ideal for the off-roading environment.
Gel Cell
Gel cell and AGM batteries are very similar. Gel cell batteries can be pricier and don’t have the same capacity. One downside is they need to be recharged correctly, or they will prematurely fail. A gel cell electrolyte is suspended in a silica-like gel, and it’s not susceptible to leaking. A gel battery for an ATV can be mounted in any position and has a low self-discharge.
Top Brands
Mighty Max
Mighty Max was founded in 2014 and is based in Edison, N.J. In addition to ATVs, its batteries are used in electric vehicles, wheelchairs, scooters, computer systems, industrial and medical equipment, and more. One popular product is the Mighty Max 12V 8AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA).
Yuasa Battery, Inc.
Yuasa, based in Laureldale, Penn., has been manufacturing Powersports batteries in the United States since 1979. It distributes products for motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and scooters. One top product is the Yuasa Factory Activated Maintenance Free Battery.
ThrottleX
The Michigan-based ThrottleX Batteries is a family-owned, online power sports battery retailer. The father and son combined have over 50 years of experience in the battery industry. The company sells a motorcycle, ATV, watercraft, snowmobile, scooter, and UTV batteries. One top product is the ThrottleX AGM Replacement Power Sport Battery.
ExpertPower
ExpertPower was founded in 1987. The Los Angeles-based company is a supplier of energy storage systems, and its products include lead acid batteries, portable power stations, and power tools. One recommended product is the ExpertPower 12V 7AH Replacement Power Sports Battery.
MotoBatt
MotoBatt, based in Jacksonville, Fla., is a global distributor of premium Powersports batteries, battery chargers, and battery-related accessories. The company is the official battery, battery charger, and battery tester of AMA Pro Racing. One recommended product is the MotoBatt Sealed Maintenance Free AGM Battery.
ATV Battery Pricing
- Under $50: It’s possible to find a decent-quality, reasonably-priced battery for less than $50. However, if you choose one that is too cheap, you will likely end up with one that’s not very durable and more likely to fail in a shorter period of time.
- $50-$100: Several good-quality ATV batteries are available in this price range. They may vary slightly according to their features, such as Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) and Amp Hour (AH).
- Over $100: In general, the more you pay for an ATV battery the better it will be. Premium batteries will last longer and hold a charge longer than inferior brands.
Key Features
Cold Cranking Amps
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) refers to how efficiently battery functions in cold conditions. In general, the higher the CCA, the more effective the battery will be in frigid winter weather. A battery with 500 CCA or more should have no problem starting an ATV engine, even if the temperature drops below zero.
Cycle Life
A battery’s cycle life is the number of times it can be recharged. The higher the number of cycles, the longer the battery will last. For example, a good, high-end battery will have a cycle life of 3,000 or more. The longer the lifespan, the less often you will need to swap out your battery for a new one.
Other Considerations
- Compatibility: Check the manufacturer’s specifications when choosing the correct battery for your ATV. The wrong battery can cause issues with the charging system and potentially cause electrical failure. Also, pay special attention to the battery enclosure on your ATV. Not all batteries are the same dimensions and won’t necessarily fit properly.
- Capacity: You need to select the best battery that matches the specifications of your ATV charging system. If the battery has a higher capacity, it will never be fully charged. If the battery has a lower capacity, you risk overcharging it, which can cause an increase in temperature and a shorter lifespan.
- Durability: If you only ride on the road or a track, a car-style battery should suit your needs. However, if you frequently ride on trails and do a lot of off-roading, you will need a more durable option. Heavy riding and vibrations can cause a battery to leak and corrode.
- Battery Terminals: Most conventional batteries have lead posts shaped in a square containing the positive and negative connections for wires and screws. Screw terminals are much more common and are inset, enabling you to line up connections and screw a bolt in the battery that connects the positive and negative sides.
- Amp Hour (AH): The AH indicates how much energy the battery can store. For example, a battery with 100 AH at 20HR will provide five amps of current at a continuous voltage for 20 hours. This is determined by dividing 100 by 20. Note: the capacity of lead-acid batteries will drop as the rate of discharge increases. So, a 100 AH battery may only generate about 40 minutes of continuous 100 amp service, not 60 minutes.
- Weight: ATV battery size and weight is particularly important for competitive riders. Extra weight adds up, and if you want to go as fast as possible, you don’t want a heavy battery bogging you down. While a battery’s weight won’t affect everyday performance, it will make a difference if you want to win a race.
Best ATV Battery Reviews & Recommendations 2020
Best Overall
ThrottleX AGM Replacement Power Sport Battery
Best Value
Chrome Battery AGM ATV Battery
Honorable Mention
Yuasa YTX20L-BS Battery
Honorable Mention
Mighty Max Battery YTX14AH-BS
Honorable Mention
ExpertPower 12v9ah YTX9-BS AGM
Honorable Mention
UpStart Battery UB-YTX12-BS
Honorable Mention
Pirate Battery YB14A-A2
Honorable Mention
ZPC Battery ZPC-YTX14-BS
Tips
- Try to avoid using discounted or recycled batteries. Many manufacturers warn that an inferior battery may damage your vehicle if it doesn’t provide enough power or is poor quality.
- Do not buy a no-name brand battery. Well-known brands are typically made of better quality materials and have superior lifespans. Many even include warranties, which indicate a manufacturer’s confidence in its products.
- Do you want a cheap ATV battery that performs well? Consider a lead acid one. But keep in mind that this type of battery can be difficult and dangerous to maintain. It may be better to choose a more expensive battery for convenience and safety.
- To extend their lifespan and retain capacity, ATV batteries need to maintain a good charge. If you don’t plan on using your ATV for a couple of weeks, you should connect the battery to a charging device.
- Trickle charge a new battery for 8-10 hours using between 1 and 3 amps before using in on your ATV. If the battery is not properly activated, it may lose a large amount of capacity.
- ATV batteries can be very expensive, but they can also operate for an extended period of time. Before replacing one on your vehicle, make sure that it is completely dead and not simply discharged.
- Do not make a habit of undercharging your battery. If you frequently undercharge the battery, the electrodes can sulfate. Instead, give yourself enough time to charge the battery properly before using your ATV.
- Don’t overcharge your battery. This can result in higher temperatures, which can cause several battery issues. One of the worst things that could happen is the battery could expand and leak acid everywhere.
- If you’re storing your ATV for a long period of time (particularly for more than three months), remove the battery. Store it in a container in a cool and dark location. If your ATV will be sitting for only a couple of days, use a battery tender.
FAQs
Q: How do I install an ATV battery?
A: Check your owner’s manual to find the battery’s location (many are under the seat). If the battery is bolted down, use a socket to remove the negative cable followed by the positive cable. Also, remove the retaining bar. Put the new battery in place by connecting the positive cable first followed by the negative cable. Then reinstall the retaining bar.
Q: How do I charge an ATV battery?
A: There are a couple of ways to charge an ATV battery. You can use a standalone battery charger or jump start it using another ATV or your car.
Q: How long does an ATV battery last?
A: This depends on several factors, including how well you maintain the battery and how often you ride your ATV. Batteries generally last 3-4 years, but they can last longer if they’re properly maintained.
Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best ATV battery is the ThrottleX AGM Replacement Power Sport Battery. It exceeds the specifications of OEM batteries, features AGM technology, provides excellent starting power in various weather conditions, and is easy to install. It also comes with a 12-month warranty.
For a more budget-minded option, consider the Chrome Battery AGM ATV Battery.