Batteries are one of the most failing things in a snowmobile. It is due to extreme cold weather conditions and the seasonality of the sport. In summers, we don’t ride snowmobiles, and their batteries sit unused. It is the main reason why most batteries die. But how long does a snowmobile battery should last? Here is the answer.
An SLA battery (if maintained properly) can last around 2 to 3 years in a snowmobile. If you replace the stock SLA battery with an AGM or a lithium-iron battery, it will last even longer. In some snowmobiles, I have seen lithium-iron batteries lasting for around six years.
There are three major types of batteries that are designed to be used in snowmobiles.
- SLA (sealed lead-acid) batteries: These types of batteries are usually the most budget-friendly. They use the same battery technology that is used in cars, motorcycles, and other power sport vehicles.
Many SLA batteries require maintenance that includes refilling of the electrolyte and proper charging and discharging. If any of them is not done on time, the lifespan of the battery will decrease. If you take good care of an SLA battery, it should last about two to three years or almost three seasons. - AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries: This type is an upgrade over the SLA battery.
They do not require any extra maintenance like filling electrolytes or maintaining charge levels regularly. These types of batteries usually last about 3 to 6 years or about six seasons. - Lithium-iron batteries: This type of battery use the same lithium technology that is used in our smartphones and other portable electronic gadgets.
They have a much higher energy density when compared to SLA or even AGM batteries. They also have higher temperature tolerances which make them the best choice for snowmobiles. Lithium-iron batteries last the longest, usually more than five years or five to six seasons.
Many manufacturers offer these types of batteries, but all of them are not good for snowmobiles. If you are looking for a battery for your snowmobile, check out my article on the best snowmobile batteries. I have reviewed each battery in detail and I have shared my experience with them.
3 things that affect the battery lifespan of your snowmobile.
I will try to explain this using some scenarios that I have experienced and seen.
Weather
Weather affects the lifespan of a battery. Above 25 degrees celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) or below 0 degrees celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit) both make the battery life shorter. In snowmobiles, it is the cold weather that affects the battery.
Low temperature slows down the flow of electrons inside a battery. It makes the battery charge and discharges at slower rates. This slow charging and discharging is what negatively affects the battery and shortens its life.
The cold temperature also increases resistance inside the battery that puts stress on the battery when starting your snowmobile. These batteries work excellently at lower temperatures than regular batteries. Manufacturers like ‘Yuasa’ have made specially designed batteries for snowmobiles.
Charging/Discharging
Every snowmobile has an alternator (a small dc generator) that provides the current required to charge the battery when the engine is running. If the alternator is damaged, the battery will not get recharged, and the electrical system will fail to work.
If the battery is not getting charged properly, it will not last long and may even damage some sensitive electrical components. Similarly, if the electrical system of a snowmobile is draining more than the battery’s capacity, it will keep the battery undercharged.
When a battery is fully charged it gives about 12.6 volts. When the battery is giving 10.5 volts or less, it means you should recharge it before going for a ride. If you still use it without charging, you are killing your battery and shortening its life span.
Only lithium batteries with built-in BMS protect the battery by physically disconnecting the cells inside and protects them from getting discharged when the battery is critically low.
Not all battery chargers work in cold climates. If you are looking for a battery charger for your snowmobile, here is my article on the recommended chargers/maintainers. Here you can find the perfect choice for your snowmobile’s battery according to its type and capacity.
Off season
In summers, many people leave the batteries in their snowmobiles. And the next season, when they try to crank up the engine, the battery does not appear to help much. It is because the battery has lost all of its charges due to sitting idle in the summers.
It is bad for the battery’s health. But, you can prevent this by connecting your snowmobile with a trickle charger or a battery maintainer when your snowmobile is not in use for longer periods. I recommend using Battery Tender Plus. It is an excellent battery maintainer that will keep your battery charged when not in use.
In the end…
Different types of batteries have different lifespans, but every battery depends on how consistently you maintain them. Usually, SLA batteries have a short life span of about 2 to 3 years, whereas the AGM and the lithium batteries last much longer.
In short, if you take good care of your snowmobile battery and use batteries that are designed for snowmobiles and cold climates, then you can guarantee a longer life span of your battery.