How Do I Know If My Battery Is AGM?
Most batteries have a lifespan of up to 5 years, depending on how they are maintained. They are essential to the smooth running of a car. It is vital to know the type of battery your vehicle runs on as they all have different maintenance methods. AGM batteries are the newest type of batteries and differ from conventional ones slightly. This article will examine how to know whether the battery in your car is AGM and its benefits.
What is an AGM battery?
An AGM or Absorbent Glass Mat is a sealed lead acid known to be safer, easier to maintain, and long-lasting. AGM batteries provide powerful energy bursts to start a car and help run the car electronics for a long time. The battery uses a fine network of glass fibers instead of water and gel used in the other batteries. The glass fibers are tightly packed and placed between electrolyte plates which helps prevent acid spillage in these batteries.
How do I know if my battery is AGM?
It is essential to know the type of battery in your car as different batteries have different handling procedures. There are a few ways you can quickly know the kind of battery you have; they are:
- Manufacturer Labels: almost all batteries have labels or other information about the battery provided by the manufacturers. By studying the label, you can find out what kind of battery you have. Other battery types will have a wet cell, lead-acid, flooded lead-acid, or gel-filled written. However, an AGM battery will have an Absorbent Glass Mat, dry cell, sealed regulated valve, non-spill or regulated valve written in it. Without a label, it will be difficult to differentiate an AGM battery from a gel-filled battery.
- Observing the top of the battery: Design is another way that can help identify the type of battery you have. An AGM battery has a flat top, and only the two terminals will be sticking out at the top. Liquid acid batteries have removable tops or caps on them. However, this may not be conclusive proof as gel-filled batteries also have flat tops.
- Shaking the battery requires safety precautions, as this method makes acid spillage possible. Take the battery out of the car and shake it. If there is any liquid wiggle inside the battery, it is a wet cell battery. The absence of a wiggle indicates that the battery is either a gel-filled battery or an AGM, as they both do not contain liquid acid.
- Using online help: the internet can also help identify the type of battery. Using a google lens to take a picture can help reveal the battery. However, you can search the manufacturer and the model number available on the battery. It will reveal the type of battery you have in your car.
Benefits of using AGM battery?
AGM provides more power used in start-stop technologies. They are beneficial in a lot of ways, and some of them are listed below:
- These batteries are spill-proof because they have a glass-matt design that keeps the electrolyte solution tightly contained inside the container, reducing leakage.
- Its performance is not harmed by persistent vibration because of its superior design, which protects it from subtle vibration during heavy loads.
- The internal resistance is low, allowing the user to get a lot of power.
- It does not necessitate any maintenance.
- It is particularly efficient since it uses less electrolyte and lead.
- They are perfect for cold weather since they can endure cold temperatures with their increased cold cranking power.
- It charges quickly and lasts a long time, making it an excellent choice for most vehicles.
- They’re long-lasting and resistant to sulfation.
Conclusion
Different battery types are available for your car, and knowing how to maintain them can affect their lifespan. AGM batteries are sealed dry cell lead-acid battery that requires less maintenance and is long-lasting. There are a few ways you can identify AGM batteries, including the label on the battery, how the top is shaped, what the battery contains, and a routine search online. AGM batteries are highly beneficial and recommended, especially with today’s sophisticated cars.
