Battery Maintenance & Storage
A battery requires only a little bit of monthly maintenance to maintain its peak performance. Keep your powersports battery charged to 100% and recharge when the lights dim, the starter sounds weak, or the battery hasn’t been used in more than two weeks. Follow this simple battery storage checklist below to get the most out of your Yuasa battery.
Storing Your Yuasa Battery
If the powersports vehicle is in storage or used infrequently, disconnect the battery cable to eliminate drain from electrical equipment. Check the battery every month (for Conventional types) and every three months for AGM batteries.
- For long storage or infrequent use, disconnect the battery cables from the vehicle to eliminate battery drain from electrical equipment.
- Fully charge battery before storage using a Yuasa approved charger.
- If possible, remove battery from vehicle
- Clean the battery and terminals with a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize any electrolyte that may be on the outside of the battery.
- Be careful that nothing enters the battery during cleaning.
- The same solution can be used to clean the battery compartment to neutralize any electrolyte that may be present.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- After the battery is cleaned, inspect carefully for any signs of damage or extraordinary wear that may have occurred during use. If you have any concerns, you should seek the advice of a mechanic or a battery specialist.
- Even with proper maintenance, batteries will not last forever and will need to eventually be replaced.
AGM Batteries
- Check voltage every 3 months (or more frequently if stored at higher temperatures as high temperatures cause higher self-discharge rates)
- Periodically:
- Keep top of battery clean
- Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
- Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
- Recharge battery if voltage is below 12.4V.
- Once activated, the battery is permanently sealed and must never be opened. There is no need to add water to AGM batteries. Adding water to AGM batteries will result in irreparable damage to the battery or the vehicle.
Conventional Batteries
- Check a minimum of once per month
- Check electrolyte level (refill with distilled water ONLY)
- Keep top of battery clean
- Check cables, clamps, and case for obvious damage or loose connections
- Clean terminals and connectors as necessary
- Make sure the exhaust tube is free of kinks and clogs
- Replace caps firmly (finger-tight only)
- Recharge the battery if the voltage is below 12.4V or if the starter turns slower than usual when starting the engine
- It is normal for the fluid levels to drop periodically during normal use, so it is CRITICAL that the electrolyte level is checked regularly and topped off to the upper-level line with distilled water.
- Low electrolyte levels can result in permanent damage to the battery
