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.

What are the pros and cons of AGM batteries?

However, in AGM batteries, sulfation is significantly reduced. Therefore, they can be stored for extended periods without needing a recharge. Unlike the flooded batteries, AGM batteries have a higher production and manufacturing cost. However, they are still cheaper to produce than gel type batteries.

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.

Why do AGM batteries 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 is the life expectancy of an AGM car battery?

A properly maintained AGM battery usually lasts somewhere between three and four years, but this depends on the amount that you use it. Also, the amount that you drive your vehicle plays a role in how long the battery will last.

Advantages Of AGM Batteries

How do you take care of 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.

Do AGM batteries lose charge over time?

When you partially charge AGM batteries, they with time lose their capability to charge to full capacity. If you constantly charge your AGM battery to only 60% for instance, it may eventually fail to charge past 60%. This, in turn, reduces the lifespan of the battery.

Why is my AGM battery draining so fast?

This is typically a symptom of battery age, damage from over/under charging, or sulfation. You can sometimes improve a battery in this condition by using a desulfation device, otherwise you'll have to live with the low capacity or replace the battery.

What happens if you charge an AGM battery with normal charger?

Both AGM and gel batteries are naturally more stable and have much lower discharge rate than flooded cell batteries. They also have different needs from flooded cell batteries, and a charger configured for flooded cell batteries may burn out VRLA batteries, and cause them to die.

Can you jump start an AGM battery?

A: No. In the jump starting application, the jump starter acts as an extension of the vehicle's battery.

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.

Are AGM batteries good in cold weather?

Winterizing your AGM battery

All batteries can freeze if it gets cold enough, but AGM batteries can work at temperatures well below freezing. Although AGM batteries are maintenance-free and work well in cold weather, they still need to be checked and maintained during the winter months in storage.

What are the advantages of AGM batteries?

AGM is maintenance free, provides good electrical reliability and is lighter than the flooded lead-acid type. It stands up well to low temperatures and has a low self-discharge. The leading advantages are a charge that is up to five times faster than the flooded version, and the ability to deep cycle.

Is it worth buying an AGM battery?

However, even in this case, replacement with an AGM battery is worthwhile: The start-stop technology operates reliably and without malfunctions. Last but not least, AGM batteries impress with their high load capacity: Over its entire service life, an AGM battery has a better charge acceptance than an EFB battery.

Are AGM batteries better than flooded?

The leading advantages of AGM are a charge that is up to five times faster than the flooded version, and the ability to deep cycle. AGM offers a depth-of-discharge of 80 percent; the flooded, on the other hand, is specified at 50 percent DoD to attain the same cycle life.

Can you replace an AGM battery with a regular battery?

Did your vehicle come from the factory with a flooded lead acid battery? If so, you can upgrade to an AGM battery and reap the benefits of its more durable, maintenance-free design. When the AGM battery dies, you can replace it with another AGM or go back to a normal battery.

Can I use a trickle charger on an AGM battery?

Many GEL, AGM and Calcium's are better than regular lead-acid batteries but even so you should charge them back up regularly, or better still use a trickle charger (or solar panel) to keep them in top condition and extend their life.

Why do AGM batteries need a special charger?

AGM batteries do require a "special charger" in that the charger must not charge in excess of 15.3 volts. Many less expensive chargers can and will over charge a battery delivering in excess of 17 volts. AGM batteries use a self closing valve to deal with expansion.

What setting should I charge my AGM battery at?

Deep Cycle AGM:- AGM batteries should be charged using a charger with a mode switch for AGM type batteries. It is recommended to use a charger, current limited to 20% or 0.2C of the batteries capacity at a charging voltage of between 14.6 – 14.8V following deep cycle use, or 13.6V – 13.8V for standby use.

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.

How do you extend the life of an AGM battery?

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.

Can you put distilled water in AGM battery?

Third, never try to add water to any AGM battery. Not only will this maneuver not rejuvenate an AGM battery, it will ruin the unit by exposing its innards to unwanted outside oxygen. Chemically, outside air poisons the contents of an AGM battery.