What are the different types of Powersports Batteries?
There are two basic types of Powersports batteries,
- Conventional
- Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA), Maintenance-Free.
Conventional batteries have liquid electrolyte and removable filler plugs to allow for the periodic “topping off” of the battery electrolyte with distilled water. The Conventional battery has “fill lines” and the electrolyte levels are visible through the translucent battery case.
VRLA, Maintenance-Free batteries are permanently sealed and never require the addition of distilled water.
What does the term “Maintenance-Free” mean?
The term “Maintenance-Free”, which is applied to all VRLA batteries, has to do with the fact that no additional water is ever required.
Periodic cleaning may be necessary and charging will most likely be required during extended periods of inactivity or if your vehicle has a significant amount of key-off drain.
How are VRLA batteries supplied?
VRLA batteries are supplied as;
- Fresh-Packs
- Factory Activated
Fresh-Pack designs include a dry battery and an acid bottle, which contains the exact amount of electrolyte for each battery cell. Once the electrolyte is added, the battery is “permanently” sealed with a series of filler plugs.
Factory-Activated batteries have been filled with electrolyte, permanently sealed, and charged by the manufacturer.
What tools are required to maintain my Powersports battery?
- The most important tool is a Powersports battery charger/maintainer. Only use a battery charger that is designed for Powersports batteries.Using a Fast-Charge or Automotive-charger can permanently damage your battery.
- An inexpensive voltmeter or multi-meter is a smart investment if you have a number of vehicles with batteries to maintain.
- If you own a Conventional battery, you should purchase distilled water to “top off” the cells when the electrolyte levels drop.
- Wrenches and a screwdriver are required if you intend to remove the battery from your vehicle or tighten the terminal connections.
- Baking soda, an old toothbrush, and wire brush to clean the battery and lead terminals.
How to maintain Conventional Batteries?
- With the battery sitting on a level surface, check the electrolyte level in each cell.
- The electrolyte levels must be maintained above the “Lower Level” indicator lines and not above the “Upper Level” lines. Allowing the electrolyte levels to fall too low will damage the battery plates and overfilling the battery could result in leakage.
- If the electrolyte levels are below the “Lower Level” indicator lines, add distilled water. Never “top off” a battery with electrolyte, only use distilled water!
- Make sure that the flexible exhaust tube is securely attached to the battery exhaust port and is not clogged or pinched.
- If the battery is dirty, clean it with a solution of baking soda and water applied with an old toothbrush. Dirt and grime can create a conductive path that will discharge the battery. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry with a paper towel.
- Clean the battery terminals and battery harness with a small wire brush or emery cloth. Replace the battery if the terminals are cracked.
- Check the battery voltage and charge if necessary. Full charge voltage for a conventional battery is 12.6V to 12.8V. When charging the battery, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the charger.
** CAUTION! Before performing any maintenance to your battery, make sure you have the adequate personal protection gear. It’s necessary to shield your eyes, skin, and clothing. Also, never smoke near a battery or expose it to an open flame or sparks.
Read the owner’s manual and follow the instructions and all warnings included with the battery.
How to maintain VRLA Maintenance-Free Batteries?
- The maintenance on a VRLA battery is much easier than the Conventional types. There is no need to check electrolyte levels and the filler plugs should never be removed. *The term “Maintenance-Free”, which is applied to all VRLA batteries, has to do with the fact that no addiional water is ever required.
- Keep the battery and terminal posts clean. If required, follow the cleaning procedures outlined in the How to Maintain Conventional Batteries section.
- Check the battery voltage and charge if necessary. Full charge voltage for a VRLA Maintenance-Free battery is 12.8V to 13.0V. When charging the battery, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the charger.
** CAUTION! Before performing any maintenance to your battery, make sure you have the
adequate personal protection gear. It’s necessary to shield your eyes, skin, and clothing. Also,
never smoke near a battery or expose it to an open flame or sparks. Read the owner’s manual
and follow the instructions and all warnings included with the battery.
What are the differences between Powersports and Automotive batteries?
Automotive batteries are large and offer ample reserve power to maintain electronics when the vehicle is not in operation. Also, automobiles tend to be used on a more regular basis and the battery has the opportunity to be recharged by the vehicles’ charging system.
Powersports batteries are relatively small in size and often have the same electrical demands as automotive batteries. However, the electrical components on Powersports vehicles must be supported by a smaller, lower reserve power battery.
Many Powersports vehicles now come equipped with computers, radios, alarm systems, winches and other accessories that place rigorous demands on the battery.
Therefore, unless you use your Powersports vehicle on a regular basis, you may need to periodically charge your Powersports battery.
Extended Storage
- If you intend to store your Powersports vehicle for the offseason or don’t plan on using it for an extended period of time, always make sure that the battery is maintained at or near a full state of charge.
- When storing your vehicle for more than two weeks, it is recommended to remove the battery from the vehicle and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Check the battery voltage every two weeks, if you store it in temperatures above 60°F and monthly if you store it below 60°F. Charge your battery if the voltage falls below 12.60V for a Conventional type and 12.80V for a VRLA Maintenance-Free type. While Powersports batteries can be stored safely at a wide range of temperatures, lower temperatures are preferred as this reduces the amount of self-discharge. If a battery is deeply discharged and stored in temperatures below 32°F, the electrolyte could freeze and permanently damage the battery. If the battery is maintained at a full state of charge, there is little chance of freezing even in sub-zero temperatures.
Start Up After Storage
- If you properly prepared the battery per the Maintenance and Extended Storage section prior to storing, you should have no problems getting started.
- f you stored your vehicle for more than two weeks without preparing the battery per the Extended Storage section a charge may be required. Charge your battery if the voltage is below 12.60V for a Conventional type and 12.80V for a VRLA Maintenance-Free type.
- Even a properly maintained battery will eventually wear out. Since battery voltage alone may not be enough information to determine the amount of service life left in your battery, you can have the battery tested. Many Powersports dealers and battery specialists can perform a simple battery check to determine if it is time to replace your battery.