In recent years, I have found that my ATV batteries aren’t lasting as long as they used to be.  Although my dad says that they aren’t making batteries as tough as they used to, (and I believe that to be the case to some extent), I believe that at least part of the issue is that I mostly leave my ATV in a barn that isn’t climate controlled.  This exposure to extreme heat and cold, along with the fact that it isn’t used often, helps to drain the battery too fast.  This isn’t a huge ordeal, because the Honda Fourtrax I have been riding for the past several years has a pull start and is simple to get going.  However, I’d like to be able to take advantage of the electric start, and, since that ATV will likely spend several hours helping me look for or process deer at night, have bright headlights when needed.  

Buying a new ATV battery can be a bit intimidating.  First of all, either get the model number off of your battery, or take it with you to the store.  There are some significant differences between batteries as far as size and where the posts are located, so you want to make sure that the one you are buying fits properly.  A simple google search can help you cross reference battery sizes amongst brands.  Once you find the battery that fits, the rest can be equally intimidating.  

It is likely that the battery you purchase will need to install the acid yourself.  This will likely come in a separate package inside the box and will need to be poured into the battery itself.  It will come sealed, and most batteries have the capability to puncture the foil seals as you turn it upside down and press it onto the battery. Make sure to do this on a flat, level surface that is well ventilated.  From there it just takes a few moments to drain all of the acid over into the actual battery itself.  

Then you just use the plastic cap that came covering the acid to cover the cells of the battery and charge it up to activate it before use!  It’s really not too complicated at all, and once you’ve done it a couple of times it will be super simple.