If your vehicle is about to undergo repair, and the mechanic is suggesting a battery replacement, do you know how to choose the right battery for your vehicle? Since it’s something that we don’t do often, most people don’t know much about it. Actually, there are various types of batteries used in different vehicles.
For instance, usually, boats and cars support lead-acid batteries. However, the batteries which come with lead-acid in liquid form have plenty of shortcomings and do not last much longer.
In contrast, AGM batteries are now being used more often since they do not contain any liquid acid, and are more efficient. AGM basically stands for Absorbed Glass Mat Battery, in which a thin mat made of fiberglass is placed between the electrolyte plates, and packed tightly. These mats are basically saturated with acid, and since they are packed so well, there’s almost no chance of acid spillage like the wet cell batteries.
Hence, the AGM batteries are much safer, and usually last longer. That said, if you are looking for a battery replacement for your car, substituting the old wet cell batteries with AGM batteries is quite a good decision. But, you should know that the handling methods of both kinds of batteries are quite different from each other. So, how would you know if the currently installed battery in your car is AGM or not? We’ll tell you!
How to Make Sure the Battery is AGM?
Whenever you think of repairing or replacing the battery, you should be aware of the handling methods and be careful at all times. It’s important because wet cell batteries and dry cell batteries (AGM batteries) have different handling methods. So, before proceeding with any repair or replacement, you should verify what type of battery you are going to deal with. Actually, to know if the battery is an AGM type or a wet cell, there are three simple ways you can use to find out.
Method 1. Check the Manufacturer’s Label on the Battery
Usually, all the batteries have labels and other information about the battery provided by the manufacturer. Hence, if the label on the battery is still in good condition, you will be easily able to figure out the type of battery. In the case of AGM batteries, it’s usually mentioned on the label. However, if you don’t see AGM written anywhere on the label, you can look for the model number of the battery and check for its information online, or contact the manufacturer and ask for it.
Method 2. Look at the Top of the Battery
If the label is not in good condition, and not helping you much, you can know about the type of battery by looking at its design and construction. Basically, an AGM battery will always have a flat top, and only the negative and positive terminals of the battery will be sticking out. On the other hand, the liquid acid batteries have a removable top which is not the case with AGM batteries as they are properly sealed.
Method 3. Shaking the Battery
As we said earlier, AGM batteries are a better substitute for liquid acid batteries because there’s no risk of acid spillage. This means you can check for the battery type just by shaking it. Simply unplug the battery and take it out of the vehicle. Now, shake the battery and notice if you feel any liquid wiggling inside it. If yes, then it’s a conventional wet cell battery. On the other hand, in case you don’t feel any wiggle, it’s an AGM battery since they have acid trapped between the mesh as absorbed by the fiberglass mats.
Conclusion
If you have read this article until now, we can assume that now you will be able to figure out the battery type very easily. Finding out if the battery is AGM is quite simple, but still, we would suggest you consult the manufacturer to confirm if the battery is AGM or not. If you are thinking of a battery replacement, then replacing the old liquid lead acid battery with a new AGM battery is a good decision any day.
Because AGM batteries are easy to handle and have less maintenance, unlike other types of batteries. Moreover, they are much safer and have a longer life too. That said, if any information from this article helped you in any way, do let us know about your experiences in the comments section below.
4 Responses
Thank you so much for the information it was very helpful. When I replace my battery it will be with an AGM battery.
Good article. Used easily understandable language providing useful information.
Thanks. Learned a lot. Anything electrical always gives me the heebie-jeebies! This helped. My search for a battery charger brought me to your site. Thanks for the info.
Very helpful in understanding a AGM and a wet cell battery