In the world of snowmobiling, there’s nothing more frustrating than having your battery die on you in the middle of a ride. Luckily, there are some things you can do to make your battery last longer and keep you riding all winter long.

Before learning how to make your snowmobile battery last longer, it’s important to know about the kind of batteries snowmobiles use. Snowmobiles usually use 12 volts sealed lithium batteries. If well maintained, these batteries can last for up to three years.

The benefit of these batteries is that they have a high power-to-weight ratio, are maintenance-free, and you don’t have to worry about leakage because they’re sealed. 

Now that you know a little bit about the batteries used in snowmobiles, it’s important to know that you can buy snowmobile parts online. Let’s now move on to the three tips to help make them last longer.

Make Sure Your Battery is Clean

One of the main reasons batteries die prematurely is because they’re dirty. When the battery terminals corrode and build up corrosion material that causes a resistance to the flow of current, this can lead to several problems, including a loss in power and premature battery failure. To avoid this, make sure you clean your battery terminals regularly. You can use common household items to do the job. Here is what you need:

  • Stiff wire brush
  • Cleaning solution
  • A wrench and pliers to remove the battery cables
  • Rags for cleaning

With a stiff wire brush, begin scrubbing the corrosion away from each battery terminal (red for positive and black for negative) until you see clean metal. Be careful not to put too much pressure on the brushes because that could damage your terminals. Now that your terminals are clean go ahead and give them a good rinse with some baking soda solution, then dry them thoroughly with a rag or paper towel.

If there is any mud or dirt stuck in between your battery cables, use a wrench and pliers to remove them from the battery, then wipe down both ends.

  • Detach the battery cables. The first step is to detach the battery cables, but you need to ensure that the ignition is off before you begin. You can use a wrench and pliers for this.
  • Inspect the cables. Next, inspect the cables for signs of wear and damage. If the cables are cracked, corroded, or damaged in any way, you should replace them right away.
  • Clean out the battery corrosion. There are different cleaning solutions you use, but a baking soda and water solution will work just as well. You can also use commercial battery cleaners. The function of the cleaning solutions is to loosen the corrosion from the battery terminals.
  • Scrub away the corrosion. Now that the terminals are clean use a stiff wire brush to scrub away any corrosion that remains.
  • Rinse and dry. Rinse off the terminals with fresh water and then dry them off with a towel or rag.
  • Reattach the cables. Once everything is clean and dry, reattach the battery cables making sure they’re tightly fastened. Now your battery is clean and ready to go!

Also Read: 6 Tips to Keep Your Smartphones Safe From Any Damage

Keep Your Battery Charged

One of the best ways to ensure your battery lasts as long as possible is to keep it charged. A fully charged battery will have less corrosion and will also let you use a snowmobile without having to boost it even after long periods of inactivity.

One way to keep your battery charged is by using a smart charger. Most snowmobile dealerships sell these chargers, but you can also purchase them online from other retailers. This device lets you know your battery’s state and keeps it in top condition.

Keep It Hot

Another reason batteries die is because they get too cold. When a battery is cold, it has a lower capacity and gets discharged much faster. This makes it harder for snowmobiles to start in the cold. Investing in a battery heater can keep your battery warm and will help to extend its life. With a battery heater, you can keep your batteries in top condition even when the temperatures start to drop.

There are a number of things you can do to help extend the life of your snowmobile battery. As it is expensive, it makes sense to be proactive and do everything you can to prevent corrosion, keep it charged and hot. This will help ensure your battery goes the distance. In addition, always make sure you consult your owner’s manual to see what is the recommended battery type and size for your machine. If you are unsure about how to properly take care of your battery, take it for a check-up at a dealership or qualified service shop. They will be able to clean it properly and test the state of the battery.

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