Every driver is aware of the importance of the battery for their car, but few are aware of which replacement battery is ideal for their particular model when it comes time to replace it.
The majority of drivers only check their batteries when they begin to have problems, according to Jason Ravenscroft, Franchise Manager of Battery Centre, a network of more than 120 battery fitting locations throughout Southern Africa. According to Ravenscroft, the proper battery should be able to handle the needs of the car, especially the more recent models, as these cars constantly drain and charge their batteries.
An absorbent glass mat (AGM) is a unique type of battery used in many new cars equipped with start/stop technology. As a result of the battery, start/stop automobiles don’t start up frequently throughout a single drive—for example, when they are waiting for a traffic signal to change. Instead, they start up smoothly.
Although lead acid and AGM batteries have many similarities, they also have certain differences. Whichever battery type best fits your needs and price range will depend on these distinctions.
The reduced maintenance needs of the AGM battery will be appreciated by drivers who are frequently pushed for time. This battery doesn’t require gas venting unless there is an emergency, therefore electrolyte replenishment is rarely necessary. The main reason for electrolyte loss is venting.
Because the AGM battery doesn’t leak gas very often, it may also fit in more places. It can be kept by drivers in enclosed spaces like the back trunk or under the seat.
Do you utilize your car extensively, like when you race or go off-road? Driving too fast might harm the internal components and plates of a lead acid battery. To prevent internal component damage, the battery must be mounted securely.
Use an AGM battery instead if you want something more durable. It was initially created with toughness in mind for use in military vehicles and aeroplanes. Its plates and mats that are layered together may therefore withstand shocks far better than a typical battery. Additionally, it is more vibration-resistant.
The lead acid flooded battery needs to be kept upright at all times. If not, it may leak electrolytes, which will cause any metal object that comes into contact with the liquid to corrode.
On the other hand, the AGM battery can function in most locations due to its fiberglass mat structure and sealed design, making it spill proof.
The effectiveness of a battery is influenced by resistance. The voltage output and heat output of a device are positively correlated with its internal resistance. A cool-running battery has higher efficiency.
At first, the internal resistance of most brand-new flooded lead acid batteries ranges from 10% to 15%. On the other hand, an AGM battery can have resistance as low as 2%, which makes it extremely effective.
The AGM battery also performs exceptionally well when it comes to loading, or managing power demands.
The internal resistance of the battery controls how quickly it charges as well. The AGM battery charges considerably quicker than a regular battery, because it has the lowest resistance rating. Though much more widely available, it is not as quick as a lithium battery.
A battery can only be fully discharged before it starts to lose its integrity.
With a lengthy duration of consistent power delivery, these are great deep cycle batteries.
Although the discharge capacity of an AGM battery is quite high, it is not advised to go below 50%.
Since you drive your car in a variety of weather conditions, including frigid winters and scorching summers, your battery must be able to withstand a broad range of temperatures.
Your car’s battery needs to be able to withstand a broad range of temperatures because you drive it in a variety of weather conditions.
The AGM battery outperforms the regular variety in terms of operating temperature tolerance. It functions very well in colder climates.
When temperatures drop extremely low, the electrolyte fluid in flooded lead acid batteries may freeze. Frozen fluid expands and requires extra room, just like most fluids do. Lead battery plate fractures and battery case leakage are among the issues that may result from it.
An AGM battery won’t have such experience. There is no risk of cold weather damage since its fiberglass mats stop the electrolyte between them from expanding in extremely cold temperatures.
Additionally, the AGM battery functions better in warm weather. Because of its sealed construction, electrolytes that have evaporated cannot escape into the atmosphere. On the other hand, a conventional battery loses fluid as it overheats from the environment or from using itself.
Compared to regular batteries, AGM batteries are more vulnerable to overcharging. Thermal runaway is more likely because of its sealed structure, which is typically desirable.
Thermal runaway occurs when an AGM battery overheats and is unable to cool sufficiently quickly. Its components may melt and create poisonous fumes in addition to losing electrolyte solution through evaporation. Additionally, there’s a danger that the overheated battery will burst into flames or explode. The service life of the AGM battery is also shortened by overcharging.
The odd overcharge is better managed by a flooded lead acid battery. Nonetheless, charging it excessively is still not a smart decision. See our guide for additional details on testing an automobile battery.
The service life of AGM batteries is longer than that of regular batteries. If they receive quality care, their low discharge rate allows them to live up to seven years.
When normal and AGM batteries are discharged for prolonged periods of time, sulphur accumulation becomes an issue. Because the absorbent glass mat battery drains more slowly, it performs marginally better against sulfation.
However, compared to other lead acid batteries, the AGM battery has a lower chance of developing corrosion. Electrolyte fluid that has evaporated is rarely released. The sealed construction further lessens the chance of electrolytes spilling or leaking.
It’s time to replace the gadget if there is corrosion or sulfation on the battery’s terminals. Your work may be made easier if you know how to change an automobile battery.
An AGM battery’s primary disadvantage is its high cost. For the price of one AGM battery, you may get two or three ordinary flooded lead acid batteries.
Ravenscroft cautioned, “It’s strongly not advised.” “It may void the warranties on the vehicle and battery.” Not only that, but if the car has regenerative braking, a regular lead-acid battery won’t be able to handle the rate of charge that this process produces.
In accordance with the specifications of any car equipped with Start/Stop technology, Battery Centre provides two choices. AGM batteries must be installed in more complex systems, whereas enhanced flooded batteries (EFBs) must be installed in entry-level systems.
It’s best to speak with a reputable battery specialist when it’s time to replace your battery. They can make sure the right battery—one that has been approved by South Africa’s Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)—is installed in your car and that the installation is done by a skilled technician.
Spaceflight Power was founded in 1994 and named Zhongshan Spaceflight Power supply Co,. Ltd. In 2006, the company’s production base moved to Jiangxi Province for a larger production space with 120,000 square meters.
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