What damages AGM batteries?

While most AGM batteries can withstand a high initial charging amperage, they can be damaged by high charging voltages. Your conventional battery charger may be capable of putting out as much as 18 volts, which may be fine for a conventional low-maintenance lead-acid battery.

What kills an AGM battery?

Although AGM batteries do better in extreme temperatures than Flooded batteries, very high and low temperatures can damage batteries. Because of the loose liquid in a Flooded battery, temperatures extremes can, especially if prolonged, shorten the life of a battery by freezing or evaporating that liquid.

What causes AGM batteries to fail?

In time, AGM batteries (including OPTIMA batteries) may fail. Failures usually happen when a starting battery is used in a deep cycling application. In many cases, AGM batteries that seem to be bad are perfectly fine. They are just deeply discharged.

What voltage will damage an AGM battery?

The truth is that any lead acid battery, be it a Gel Cell, AGM or flooded batteries such as DCBs, should be cut-off at 11.6 volts. Not doing so increases the risk of damage to the battery and if taken down deep enough into the batteries charge, will ruin the battery.

What is the main disadvantage of an AGM battery?

Cons for AGM Batteries

Manufacturing costs are higher, making the batteries more expensive. They are sensitive to overcharging and high voltages, and require full charging between uses, which can make them un-suitable for some applications where returning them to a full charge is difficult.

Advantages Of AGM Batteries

What is the life expectancy of an AGM battery?

12 Volt Gel or AGM batteries

If kept in a charged state when unused, the common lifespan of a 12-volt Gel or AGM battery is up to six years. After five or six years of float voltage at an average ambient temperature of 25 ºC, the battery still retains 80 % of its original capacity.

Do AGM batteries get sulfated?

This includes the new sealed "dry" such as Optima, Odyssey, Exide and Interstate branded AGM-spiral-wound types. Batteries develop sulfation each time they are used (discharged - recharged). If they are overcharged or undercharged or left discharged, some for even just several days, they will rapidly develop sulfate.

How do I know if my AGM battery is bad?

If a fully charged AGM battery tests more than 20 percent lower than the fully charged voltage level, it's probably due for replacement. This is typically a symptom of battery age, damage from over/under charging, or sulfation.

How low can you drain an AGM battery?

The Concorde (and most AGM) batteries have no charge or discharge current limits. AGM's have a very low self-discharge - from 1% to 3% per month is usual. This means that they can sit in storage for much longer periods without charging than standard batteries.

What causes a battery to become bad?

Deep discharges, heat, vibration, fast charging, and overcharging all accelerate the "aging" process. Approximately 50% of premature car battery failures is caused by the loss of water for normal recharging charging due to the lack of maintenance, evaporation from high under hood heat, or overcharging.

How do you maintain an AGM battery?

Keep your battery in a cool and dry place with plenty of ventilation and remember to recharge if storing for more than four months. Sulfation occurs when the sulfuric acid within lead-acid batteries reacts to form a lead sulfate on the battery's negative plates.

Why won't My AGM battery hold a charge?

Here's the real problem: Once the battery's voltage falls below a certain level, the charger can no longer sense the battery's presence and will refuse to deliver the current. In some cases this can occur at any point below 10.5 volts.

What happens if you overcharge an AGM battery?

Overcharging an AGM battery can lead to reduced battery life. Many modern chargers allow you to select whether you're charging an AGM battery or a flooded cell option.

Can AGM batteries get wet?

Continual exposure to freshwater will break down the battery with rust and slow, discharge rates. If you notice that the battery is submerged in freshwater, you should react in the same way as saltwater. Dry the housing and terminals.

How many volts should a fully charged AGM battery have?

The sealed AGM and gel cell battery voltage (fully charged) will be slightly higher in the 12.8 to 12.9 range. If you have voltage readings in the 10.5 volt range on a charged battery, that typically indicates a shorted cell.

Can I use a lead acid battery charger on a AGM battery?

Using the gel setting to charge an AGM battery will not fully charge and over time will actually damage your AGM battery. Lower is better - A low amp charger (1 to 10 amps) is always the best choice for charging any lead acid battery.

Do AGM batteries need ventilation?

Even though AGM batteries are considered to be maintenance-free, they still require venting. If you overcharge the battery, charge it too quickly, or don't allow enough AGM battery ventilation for the absorption mat to keep up with, the same dangerous build-up of hydrogen gas can occur.

Should you completely discharge a deep cycle battery?

BATTERY TIP 4 - Never fully discharge a deep cycle lead acid battery! The deeper you discharge the battery the more it will reduce the battery's total cycle life. We recommend discharging a battery to no lower than 50% DOD, with a maximum of 80%.

Can an AGM battery be reconditioned?

2) No such thing as reconditioning...... cycling a battery that might have become "lazy" can restore some or all of it's performance. You can do this simply by a few charge/discharge cycle...or simply charge and install in vehicle then drive it. This will create a charge/discharge cycle anyway.

How do I know if a battery is sulfated?

The most common sign that a battery could be sulfated is when it does not hold a charge very well or doesn't hold a charge at all, other signs include the battery going dead long before expected or electronic devices not getting the required power they need (ie dim headlights, weak AC, slow start-up).

Do AGM batteries need water?

No water, distilled or otherwise, is involved in an AGM battery's filling process. You need to use electrolyte, AKA battery acid. In all of our initial battery charging experiences, the AGM battery manufacturer has included the electrolyte with the battery purchase.

Can AGM batteries last 10 years?

The life expectancy of an AGM battery can be up to 10 years if not overcharged. On average, an AGM battery is known to last between three and five years. An extension for up to 6-10 years can be considered if the battery is properly maintained.

Do AGM batteries really last longer?

AGM batteries that are built with pure lead are proven to have a longer lifespan than their competitors. These batteries perform well and last significantly longer. Also, these batteries can be recycled after their servicing years to reuse the lead in AGM as well as flooded batteries.