can tripple a jump start a car

[DiGianna]

Yes, a Can-Am ATV (commonly referred to as a "Can-Am trike" or "quad") can be used to jump-start a car, but it requires careful execution due to significant differences between the vehicles' electrical systems. The primary concern is the size of the batteries. A typical car battery has a Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) rating of 400 to 600 amps, while an ATV battery is much smaller, often around 150 to 200 CCA. This means the ATV battery has less power reserves.

The process is similar to a standard car-to-car jump-start but with a crucial caveat: you must let the ATV run for a significant amount of time before attempting to start the car. Connect the jumper cables correctly (positive to positive, negative to a clean ground on the car's engine block), start the ATV, and let it run at a moderate RPM for 5-10 minutes. This allows the ATV's charging system to supplement its small battery and begin transferring a charge to the dead car battery. It's not the ATV's battery that starts your car; it's the combined output of the ATV's alternator and battery.

Factor	Typical Car Battery	Typical ATV/Can-Am Battery	Implication for Jump-Starting
Voltage	12 Volts	12 Volts	Systems are compatible.
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)	400 - 600 A	150 - 200 A	ATV battery lacks the raw power; relies on alternator.
Physical Size	Large	Small	Limited power capacity.
Recommended Wait Time	N/A	5 - 10 minutes	Essential for building sufficient charge.

This method should only be considered an emergency fix. Repeatedly attempting to crank the car engine without sufficient charge can damage the ATV's stator (its alternator equivalent), which is a costly repair. For a reliable solution, using a proper jump starter pack or a larger donor vehicle is always safer and more effective.

[McVictoria]

I’ve done it in a pinch on my farm when my truck’s battery died far from the house. My Can-Am Defender had enough juice, but it’s not instant. You gotta let that ATV run for a good ten minutes with the cables connected before you even touch the key to the car. It’s more about the ATV’s engine charging the car’s battery than the ATV’s battery doing the work itself. It’ll work, but it’s hard on the ATV, so don’t make a habit of it.

[DelDerek]

As a mechanic, I advise caution. The electrical systems are compatible voltage-wise, but the power disparity is huge. The risk is overloading the ATV's charging system, potentially burning out its stator. If you must proceed, ensure the ATV is running at a high idle before and during the attempt. This is strictly an emergency procedure, not a recommended practice. A portable lithium jump starter is a much safer investment for these situations.

[MilesDella]

Technically, yes, because both are 12-volt systems. The real question is about capacity. Imagine using a small water bottle to fill a large bucket—it takes time. The ATV’s battery is that small bottle. You need to let the ATV run to act as a pump, slowly adding charge to the car's battery. It’s a slow process and may not work if the car battery is completely dead or it's very cold outside.