As an ATV owner, the last thing you want is to have your day’s ride canceled because your four-wheeler won’t start. To make sure that you don’t turn mechanic on a day that you wanted to spend as an ATV rider, start by choosing the right battery for your vehicle. Well begun is half done, after all.
Picking a battery to power your ATV may seem simple, but it can get increasingly tedious the deeper you dive into the products available. The market for ATV parts has grown in lockstep with the popularity of the vehicle itself. So when it comes time to look for a battery for your ATV, you will likely encounter an overwhelming variety of options. In such a situation, it helps to know how to gauge the performance of an ATV battery on paper.
What to Look for When Choosing an ATV Battery
There are a few figures that you’ll see mentioned across ATV batteries’ product pages. Before we dive into which metrics to take into consideration when buying an ATV battery, let’s first get familiar with the broad categories of products in this niche.
Type of ATV Batteries
While lead-acid batteries have been around since the beginning of motor vehicles, other technologies have grown to take their place in recent years.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are also known as conventional batteries. That’s because this is the oldest type of battery used in ATVs. Because of their history as the biggest category of battery, they tend to be an economical option.
There are two types of Lead-acid batteries: starter batteries provide a quick delivery of power to start an ATV and then get recharged by the alternator, while deep-cycle batteries provide a more uniform output of power over time. They can be charged and discharged repeatedly without hampering battery life.
The one thing to keep in mind about conventional batteries is that they require a fair degree of maintenance. You have to make sure that the electrolyte within the battery is always at optimal levels. That means that you will need to use a level indicator or something similar to check the electrolyte levels and replenish the battery with distilled water regularly.
AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are the modern successor to conventional ATV batteries. These are sometimes also called maintenance-free batteries. This doesn’t mean that you will never have to run maintenance checks on them. They just need it less often than conventional batteries.
When you buy an AGM battery, you may have to fill the casing up with a separately purchased acid first. This process is easy with this kind of battery since you can take the acid pack that comes with the product and empty it into the battery. Once that process is complete, you can connect the battery to charge like you would a conventional battery.
AGM batteries are usually costlier than conventional batteries. Their main advantage is an absorbent layer of glass fiber mats separating the plates. They help contain the liquid within the battery and ensure a steady output of charge. This, in turn, prolongs battery life.
Fit
The very first thing you need to make sure of is that the batteries on your shortlist actually fits your ATV. You can check the fit of each battery manually if you like. Most product pages mention the physical dimensions of the product. Simply compare the dimensions of the battery with the battery specifications of your four-wheeler, or the existing battery your four-wheeler has.
There is, however, an easier way to check for fit using an Amazon widget. The website has a tool at the top of each battery’s product page where you can enter the year your vehicle was made, the brand, and the model. If a battery doesn’t fit your vehicle, Amazon will let you know. You’ll also get a list of similar products that fit your ATV.
Voltage Rating
This is one of the easier metrics to deal with when choosing a battery for your all-terrain vehicle. Most ATVs available in America use 12-volt batteries, which is the standard for several vehicle categories in the country. Batteries rated lower than 12V will not be able to start an ATV.
The actual voltage output numbers you see will vary depending on the extent to which an ATV is charged. At full charge, you may see a voltage reading higher than 12 volts, sometimes as high as 13.5 volts.
Capacity
Another piece of information that you will see on ATV battery product pages is the amp-hour (Ah) rating. An amp-hour is the amount of charge that is transferred when a 1-ampere current is applied for an hour.
The Ah rating is indicative of the capacity of a battery. It tells you the quantity of electricity you can drain from a battery if you take it from fully charged to fully discharged. So a 12 Ah rating implies that a battery can deliver 12 amperes of current for an hour. If you load a battery with a higher current than its amp-hour rating allows, its capacity will decrease over time.
Cold-Cranking Amps (CCA)
CCA is a unit that’s used to convey the ability of deep cycle batteries to deliver power at low temperatures. Technically, CCA is a measure of the number of amperes a battery with a 12V rating can produce for 30 seconds at 0°F while maintaining an output of 7.2 volts. To put it simply, it tells you how capable a battery is of starting your ATV at low temperatures.
Starting a vehicle and maintaining its performance becomes harder as temperatures get lower. The higher a battery’s CCA rating, the better it is at handling cold weather. So keep an eye out for this piece of information if you live in a city that experiences low temperatures.
As far as the hard statistics, we’ll focus on Ah ratings and CCA as we look through the best ATV batteries on the market in 2020.
Top 9 Best ATV Batteries 2020
1. Best Overall ATV Battery: ExpertPower EXP1270
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 7 Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: Not listed
ExpertPower is a battery maker based out of Los Angeles that’s been around since 1978. They are known to make some of the best products in this category. The EXP1270 is an example of the quality that you can expect from their product stable.
The EXP1270 battery is a 12V battery with a capacity of 7 Ah/20 hours. It is a sealed lead-acid battery that uses AGM technology, which makes it easy to maintain. The spill-proof design ensures that the battery acid is held safely within its body. This is key for those who like to put their ATV through the wringer while off-roading, for example.
What’s also great about the ExpertPower EXP1270 for ATV owners is how easy it is to use. Installing it in your ATV is a breeze, and it takes just four hours to charge completely. The battery can also handle things like jarring vibrations and excess heat well.
Pros
- Easy to transport at just 4.3 pounds
- Design ensures no spillage
- Universal fit type
Cons
- Certain units may have a short lifespan
2. Best Budget ATV Battery: Mighty Max ML8-12
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 8Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: 200 CCA
There are a lot of factors that combine to make the Mighty Max ML8-12 among the best batteries for ATVs. The alluring price point may be the first thing that stands out. But the ML8-12 is a lot more than just a budget option.
The battery has a capacity of 8 Ah and 200 CCA. This shows it can perform dependably, even if you live in a cold part of the country. It’s also an AGM battery that’s adept at absorbing shock and vibration. Mighty Max provides a one-year warranty in case you do run into some problems with the product.
It is for all these reasons that the Mighty Max ML8-12 is among the best-reviewed ATV batteries around. If you’re looking to ride your ATV without breaking the bank, this is the battery for you.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 200 CCA, making it perfect for cold conditions
- Handles shock well
Cons
- Not the best battery for heavy-duty ATV riding
3. Best Premium ATV Battery: Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 18 Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: 270 CCA
One look at the performance figures of the Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS will give you a good idea of what makes it such a great ATV battery. With a capacity of 18 Ah and 270 CCA, this battery is sure to be the perfect accomplice to your off-roading. It’s the kind of performance that ATV owners dream of when they first buy their four-wheelers.
The Yuasa YUAM320BS YTX20L-BS uses lead-calcium technology to maintain the internal specific gravity. This means that you will have to run maintenance on this battery a lot less frequently than other ones.
Pros
- Impressive performance
- Easy to maintain
- You don’t need to add water to the battery ever
Cons
- Costly relative to the average ATV battery
4. ThrottleX ADX14AH-BS
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 12 Ah
- Cold-cranking amps: 220 CCA
Most ATV owners are familiar with the phenomenon of sulfation. This occurs when lead sulfate crystals build up on battery plates when it is not at full charge. Sulfation can lead to undesirable conditions like excess heat production, longer charging times, and eventually, even battery failure.
The ThrottleX ADX14AH-BS uses what the company calls Advanced Lead Calcium Technology to prevent sulfation. The lead-calcium combo prevents lead sulfate crystals from accruing on the plates. So you don’t have to deal with all the issues that come with sulfation when you use the ADX14AH-BS ATV battery.
This product from the ThrottleX stable is maintenance-free since it uses AGM technology. The 12 Ah capacity and Lead Calcium technology combine to give this battery a high degree of starting power. Getting your ATV rolling on the road will be a breeze with this battery under the hood. Looking for a similar, slightly less expensive battery? Check out the UPG UBCD5745 Sealed Lead Acid Battery.
Pros
- Anti-sulfation technology
- Compact design
- 12-month free replacement warranty
Cons
- Could be hard to mount on certain ATVs
5. Weize YTX20L-BS
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 18 Ah/10 hours
- Cold-Cranking Amps: 270 CCA
The Weize YTX20L-BS is a battery that has grown in popularity among ATV owners in recent times. This is likely because the battery is easy to use and serves the performance requirements of ATVs well.
Installing the Weize YTX20L-BS in your ATV is a straight-forward process. The battery can be attached to the mount in any position. This makes it easier to get it up and running. It is designed to be resistant to vibration and shock, which is all too common for ATVs.
The durability of the battery is another reason it’s a common choice for those who own ATVs, designed for four-wheelers while other batteries are merely 12v batteries that work with ATVs. It has a wide range of operating temperatures. The battery can handle both a degree of overheating and cold temperatures. It can also recover well from deep discharges.
The battery’s cold-cranking amps rating reflects its ability to handle cold weather well. 270 CCA is plenty for those who live in places that experience harsh winters. This is an AGM battery so you can trust it to remain spill-proof even during rough rides.
Pros
- Wide operating temperature range
- High cold-cranking amps rating
- 12-month warranty
Cons
- Terminal hardware can be of poor quality
6. UPG UBCD5745 Sealed Lead Acid Battery
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 18 Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: Not listed
Sometimes you need a battery that can power your ATV without taking up too much space in the underbody. For those who are space restricted, the UPG UBCD5745 is a great choice. This ATV battery is more compact than some of its competition but still manages to deliver a capacity of 18 Ah. Unfortunately, with this battery there isn’t any anti-sulfation tech as with the ThrottleX ADX14AH-BS.
One thing that’s important to note about this battery is that it is a deep cycle battery. Undercharging these batteries can have an adverse effect on their lifespan. To keep that shelf life up, ensure that you give the battery enough time for the alternator to recharge the battery.
Pros
- Impressive size-to-performance ratio
- Capacity of 18 Ah
- Spill-proof
Cons
- Undercharging can reduce lifespan
7. Chrome YTX14-BS
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 15 Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: 200 CCA
The Chrome YTX14-BS is a battery that you may see powering motorcycles or jet skis. That gives you a sense of the kind of power this battery is capable of delivering to your ATV. ATV owners will be happy to know that it’s easy to maintain because it is an AGM battery, performing just as well in cold and warm weather as the Weize YTX20L-BS.
This ATV battery gets all the basics right. It has a 15 Ah battery, which is higher than the average figures you see from batteries in this niche. It packs a whole 200 CCA of cold-cranking amperes. So you can trust this battery with getting your ATV up and running even when it’s colder than usual.
These batteries come ready to go right out of the box. They show up fully charged, so all you need to do is go ahead and install them. The product comes with an 18-month warranty.
Some ATV owners may have issues with this battery during installation. The battery terminals may require adjustment so that they can connect with your vehicle. So make sure that this battery is compatible with your ATV, or you may have to make some modifications before you can mount it.
Pros
- Relatively high capacity
- Starts ATVs with ease
- Works well in cold climates
Cons
- Terminals may require modification
8. ZPC ZPC-YTX14-BS
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 12 Ah
- Cold-Cranking Amps: 200 CCA
There are several reasons the ZPC ZPC-YTX14-BS battery sits well with its customers. Firstly, the battery is easy to install right out of the box. It also holds its charge well even if you put it through some heavy-duty riding, although cold and hot weather performance isn’t as good as batteries like the Weize YTX20L-BS.
Perhaps the most exciting feature for ATV owners is that the ZPC ZPC-YTX14-BS battery is long-lasting in multiple ways. The construction is sturdy and resistant to vibrations. Internally, the battery is designed for a low self-discharge rate. This results in the ability to use the battery for a long time without its capacity to hold a charge decreasing.
Pros
- Long shelf life
- Easy to install
- Low self-discharge
Cons
- Terminal posts can be flimsy
9. Odyssey PC545 Powersports Battery
Editor’s Rating:
At a Glance:
- Capacity: 13 Ah
- Cold-Cranking amps: 150 CCA
If you own an ATV, you know that experiencing its power is a thrilling feeling. The battery you choose will play a part in how much of that power you’re able to derive from the vehicle and how often. The Odyssey PC545 is the kind of battery that will support you in your quest for high performance.
This battery has a capacity of 13 Ah, which is high compared to most other batteries that you will see on the market. The high capacity is one of the reasons this battery performs as well as it does. It also has a cycle life of 40 when discharged at 80%. This cycle life is impressive considering how compact the battery is.
Recharging the battery is quick. It can go from empty to 100% in as little as four hours. The 150 CCA rating means you can trust this battery to power your vehicle in the winter. ATV owners who enjoy high-performance riding will feel right at home with the Odyssey PC545.
Pros
- Great performance metrics
- Impressive cycle life
- Easy to use in winters
Cons
- Made only for non-heated environments
- Costly
Everything You Need to Know About Buying an ATV Battery
Now that we know the best of what’s out there, let’s get down to how you would make the final decision. There are a few things to take into consideration before making the purchase.
Should I Buy a Conventional Battery or AGM Battery for My ATV?
We’ve already seen how conventional and AGM batteries work. Which one you choose depends on your priorities as an ATV owner.
Lead-Acid Batteries
The main thing they have going for them is the price point. Conventional batteries are usually more affordable than AGM batteries. So if price is an important factor for you, then you’ll want to look at conventional batteries for your ATV.
The challenges that come with using conventional batteries have to do with their maintenance. You have to constantly ensure that the acid within the battery is at optimal levels. This is why these batteries come with fill lines. As long as the acid is near those lines, you’re good. But if they fall below that level often, it can affect the lifespan of the unit.
Another issue that ATV owners face with conventional batteries is spillage. This can be a problem for those who like to off-road with their ATVs.
AGM Batteries
AGM batteries address the shortcomings of conventional batteries. They’re largely maintenance-free and don’t pose the danger of spillage. So you can ride your ATV without worrying about the status of the battery when you pull back on the throttle.
Another advantage of using an AGM battery is the longer lifespan. They tend to discharge at a slower rate than conventional batteries thanks to the absorbent glass layer between the plates. This is a big plus for those who ride their ATVs only every now and then and don’t want to have to worry too much about the upkeep of the battery. It’s also a plus for those who use their ATV battery to charge accessories, such as a phone charger or heated ATV Grips.
AGM batteries take less maintenance than conventional batteries but there’s still work to be done to get them going. Some of them may require you to empty an acid back into the battery casing before you can get it started.
When it comes to cost, AGM batteries are pricier than conventional batteries. However, the benefits of using this kind of battery, especially the low maintenance required and spillage-resistance, makes it perfect for ATVs.
How Much Can I Expect to Pay for an ATV Battery?
There are three price ranges in which you will find ATV batteries on the market.
Under $50: This is the budget segment for ATV batteries. Most batteries in this segment are likely to be conventional batteries. However, as our list showed, it is possible to get a good ATV battery on a budget.
$50-$100: This mid-range is the most common for ATV batteries. Most of the popular batteries fall in this segment. It is easy to find a battery that will satisfy both your budget and performance requirements in this bracket.
Over $100: This is the premium segment for ATV batteries. These are batteries that usually have higher capacities and lifespans than the average battery. If you’re an ATV power-user who likes to test your vehicle’s limits often, then you may need to pick a battery that costs in excess of $100.
How Long Can I Expect My ATV Battery to Last?
A high-quality ATV battery will last up to five yearsost make it to the three-year mark. If your battery doesn’t, that could mean that the battery itself wasn’t made well or that it wasn’t maintained well. Outside of manufacturing quality, the shelf life of a battery depends on a few factors including:
Battery Usage
The more you use a battery, the shorter its lifespan becomes. But there are things you can do to ensure that your battery doesn’t get depleted too quickly even if you use it often. For example, you can invest in a trickle charger for periods when your battery isn’t in use. The trickle charger will ensure your battery doesn’t get discharged fully from long periods of dormancy.
Temperature
The temperature at which you store ATV batteries can have an effect on their lifespan. Both extreme heat and cold can lead to a shorter shelf life. Storing batteries at between 32°F and 80°F away from moisture can prolong their use.
Charger Quality
Cheap chargers that don’t recharge batteries adequately can negatively affect their lifespan. As much as possible, try to use the charger provided by the manufacturer.
Why Isn’t My ATV Battery Working Properly?
There are a few reasons why your ATV battery may not be working the way it should. The most common are listed below.
Low Fluid Levels
As already mentioned, the fluid in conventional batteries needs to be maintained at a particular level. So if you have a conventional battery that’s underperforming, make sure to check the fluid levels and replenish the battery if necessary.
Sulfation
We saw how the ThrottleX ADX14AH-BS is designed to prevent sulfation. However, not all ATV batteries are built this way. Some may begin to take longer to charge or die out due to sulfation. Thankfully, sulfation can be reversed by applying high-frequency electric currents to the battery.
Dysfunctional Charging System
ATVs recharge internally using what’s known as a stator. When you ride your ATV, part of the engine focuses on powering it while some of the charge is fed back into the battery to recharge it on the go. If your battery seems to be wonky, it could be because the stator isn’t functioning properly.
How Do I Know When to Replace My ATV Battery?
In the previous section, we saw a few reasons why your battery may be underperforming. In certain cases, things may be bad enough that it’s time to get a new battery. Noticing that the lights on your ATV aren’t bright or that your ATV won’t start regularly is an obvious signs something is amiss. You can then check if there is a crack on the battery casing or broken terminals to confirm that it’s a battery issue.
The surest way to know the status of your battery is by checking its voltage output using a multimeter. To do this, start by setting up the multimeter. Make sure you’re on the DC setting if you own a meter that doesn’t use auto-ranging.
If you see a multimeter reading under 12 V, then charge your battery and do another reading. If the meter still reads under 12 V, chances are your battery is damaged or worn out and needs replacing.
Wrapping Up
Now that you know what to look for in an ATV battery and how to maintain it, you’re better positioned to make a good purchasing decision. If you’re looking for more help with buying parts for your ATV, check out our guide on the best ATV tires to buy in 2020.
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
