Powersports Battery Types

We often get questions from customers asking for direction in what kind of battery does their toy need. The options can be overwhelming at times, but basically you have three different options in the PowerSports category. We will be using our Power Sonic line of products for images and examples available. BatteryPete offers the complete line of Power Sonic batteries.  The three kinds of Powersports Batteries are Conventional, Sealed Maintenance Free, and Factory Activated Maintenance Free. The latter option is the one most people choose because it is a plug and play solution to your dead battery. Unfortunately we find that our battery is dead right when we are ready to go out and enjoy our toy of choice. Basic descriptions of each are listed below.

Conventional

This type of battery has flooded electrolyte and is very accessible. These batteries you have to be carefully with and periodically check to maintain. Conventional batteries are normally less expensive than the other types mentioned below, but with the cost savings comes more maintenance to ensure performance standards. You will need to add water (preferable distilled or cleaned)  time to time to prevent the battery from sulfating. Water loss is a normal characteristic of this type of battery because of the high temperature inside, and the process of electrolysis and evaporation. You will need to check the fluid level on these batteries periodically. Conventional batteries also have a higher discharge rate compared to AGM technology also available in PowerSports applications. Conventional batteries have a typical discharge rate of 8-10% monthly, whereas a AGM battery has a discharge rate of less than 2% monthly.

Sealed Maintenance Free

Sealed Maintenance Free batteries are completely sealed batteries that requiring a lot less maintenance than the Conventional Batteries mentioned above. Although the battery still needs to be charged on a regular basis if your vehicle is not in use, there is no need to monitor the fluid level in this type of battery. Unlike the conventional battery listed above, once this type battery is sealed, it becomes spill proof, which can eliminate damage from battery acid that can occur when using a flooded type battery.

Factory Activated Maintenance Free

The same convenience and technology as the Sealed Maintenance Free Batteries mentioned above, except this battery is sealed and activated at the time of manufacture. Very convenient to the point that all that needs to be done is put the battery into your vehicle and you are ready to ride. The only downside of this type of battery is that all batteries once activated have a shelf life, and if this battery is not going to be used right away, or put in a vehicle that is not being used on a regular basis, the battery will need to be kept on a battery charger or maintainer. Battery Pete offers options from numerous manufactures to meet all your battery, chargers, and battery related needs.