Don’t you hate it when you go to start your beloved 4-wheeler, and it does nothing? In a situation like this, you might wonder if you can use the battery charger that you have for your car battery to charge your ATV battery. In this article, we’ll answer this question, as well as give additional information related to this topic.
To answer the main question of this article: no, you cannot charge an ATV battery using a car battery charger. You will need a battery charger that is specifically made for ATV batteries. Bummer, right? Thankfully, though, there are many ATV battery chargers on the market to choose from. Now that we’ve covered that question, let’s discuss some other related things.
Features of an ATV battery charger
There are certain features to look for in a charger. First, it should be able to charge the battery. This is the essential function. In addition, it should be able to maintain the charged battery. This means you can keep your battery hooked up to the device to keep your battery carrying its charge for prolonged periods without use. Next, it should have an indicator showing the status of the battery, such as dead, charging, fully charged, and maintained. This is helpful to immediately know if your battery is ready to go.
Climate’s effect on battery life
The climate can have an impact on your battery’s life. Extreme heat and cold can both damage and shorten the life of your battery. So, if you’re storing your battery or ATV, it’s best to do so in a cool, dry location. For a battery in storage, you might also consider using a battery maintainer, as mentioned earlier.
Can you jumpstart an ATV battery?
Luckily, you can jumpstart an ATV battery if you ever find yourself needing to do so. There are various scenarios to consider:
Jumpstarting using another ATV
You can jumpstart your dead ATV using another ATV. To do so, first, connect jumper cables to the good battery. Connect the red clamp to the positive terminal and the black clamp to the negative terminal. Next, connect the jumper cables to the bad battery. Again, connect the clamps in the correct manner. Now you can start the ATV with the good battery. Let it run for about 5 minutes. Then, try to start the ATV with the dead battery.
Jumpstarting using a car
You can also jumpstart an ATV battery using a car. To do so, connect the jumper cables to the good battery like above. Then, connect the jumper cables to the bad battery. It’s important that you do NOT start the car. Instead, leave the batteries connected via the jumper cables for about 5 minutes. Finally, try to start the ATV with the car off.
Jumpstarting using a jump pack
Finally, you can jumpstart your ATV using a jump pack. A jump pack is a portable battery that is used for jumpstarting dead batteries. These are great to have on hand and very convenient. When purchasing a jump pack, make sure to find one compatible with your battery.
How long do ATV batteries last?
The lifespan of an ATV battery mostly depends on the type 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. You can tell if your battery is weaning by its performance or by taking it to be tested at an auto parts store.
How to dispose of batteries
You can dispose of your old batteries in various ways. They should not simply be thrown in the trash. You can take them to a hazardous waste disposal center in a municipality near you. You can also take them to a metal recycling center. Finally, you can take them to an auto parts store, such as Autozone, the next time you need something from there.
Final Words
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to better keep your ATV on the trails. Some equipment that you may want to invest in include: an ATV battery charger, a jump pack, and/or jumper cables. You may also try to keep your ATV battery safe from extreme weather. Happy ATV’ing out there from Moto Answers!
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