UTV Maintenance: Choosing a Battery

Good UTV maintenance includes checking your battery to make sure it’s charged and ready to go. Just like the battery in your car, your UTV’s battery will eventually need to be replaced, so here’s what you need to know about choosing the right battery for your UTV.

Lead Acid Batteries

Lead acid batteries are the most common type of battery, and they’ve been around for ages. You may also hear them referred to as conventional batteries. Their cells are separated by lead plates immersed in an acidic solution, and they’re affordable and long-lasting, which makes them appealing.

Because this battery doesn’t come installed, you’ll need to prep it. This will involve filling the battery casing with battery acid, connecting it and charging it before its first use. You can refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for more information. Top off the battery with water occasionally — especially if the fluid level is low — and check the level as part of your regular UTV maintenance.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Batteries

In an absorbent glass mat battery (AGM), also called a maintenance free battery, the lead plates are separated by layers of glass. This type of battery is smaller and has a slower discharge rate, which means it can hold a charge better if your UTV sits unused for long periods of time.

Because these batteries are sealed, they don’t require the periodic addition of water and are therefore maintenance free. Additionally, if the AGM battery tips over, there won’t be a spill. Still, be sure to check the charge periodically as you would with any battery.

Lithium Batteries

Another choice is a lithium battery. These are sealed by the manufacturer and come ready to install. They are lighter and smaller because they don’t contain acid. With a lithium battery powering your vehicle, you can also eliminate checking the oil from your UTV maintenance checklist.

Check the CCA Rating

Any one of these batteries will likely do the job, but if you want the most power, make sure you look at the cold cranking amps (CCA) ratings before you buy. The CCA number indicates how well your battery will start the engine when the weather is cold — the higher the number, the more power there is in the battery. In addition, a higher CCA rating could give your older UTV a boost in terms of charge.

Always make sure your battery is charged and ready before you head out on an adventure. By adding this critical step to your regular UTV maintenance, you can avoid getting stuck on the trail next time you take your UTV out for a spin.

Check out all the UTV battery products available on NAPA Online, or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information about how to choose a UTV battery, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photo courtesy Flickr.