How Long Do AGM Batteries Last?

Have you ever wondered how long AGM batteries last before they need replacing? It’s frustrating when batteries die at the wrong time. You might need your car, solar panel, or boat to work, but a dead battery stops everything.

AGM batteries are popular because they last a long time and work well. But, not knowing when they might stop working can be a big problem. This blog will help you understand how long AGM batteries last and what affects their life. You’ll learn how to make your battery last longer, so you’re not stuck with a dead one when you need it most.

How Do AGM Batteries Work?

AGM batteries or Absorbent Glass Mat batteries, are a type of lead-acid battery that differs significantly from traditional lead-acid batteries. In an AGM battery, the electrolyte is absorbed into a fiberglass mat situated between the battery’s plates. This design enhances the battery’s efficiency and allows it to be more resistant to vibrations, making it an ideal choice for vehicles and devices in motion.

The unique construction of AGM batteries also enables them to charge faster and discharge slower compared to their conventional counterparts. This capability is due to the close contact between the electrolyte and battery plates, which facilitates better ion movement, thereby improving the AGM battery life cycle.

Additionally, AGM technology is known for its ability to operate reliably in colder temperatures and its reduced maintenance needs, as it does not require regular water additions. This aspect, along with its sealed design, makes it a safer option, minimizing the risks of acid leaks and gas emissions under normal operating conditions.

How Long Do AGM Batteries Last?

The life expectancy of AGM batteries can vary widely based on usage and care. Typically, these batteries last between 3 to 7 years, but with optimal maintenance and conditions, they can last even longer. Factors such as temperature, charging practices, and frequency of use play critical roles in determining how long an AGM battery will effectively serve. For instance, AGM car batteries used daily in moderate climates may have a different life span compared to those used sporadically in harsh conditions. Regular, correct charging practices can extend an AGM battery’s life, preventing issues such as sulfation, which can dramatically shorten a battery’s usable life.

What Factors Affect The Lifespan Of AGM Batteries?

Several key factors determine how long AGM batteries will last. Understanding these can help you maximize the life expectancy of your battery:

Time

We all know that batteries degrade over time if they are left unused. Thus, it is a major factor that impacts the battery life severely. The longer you keep your battery unused, the shorter its expected lifespan. Even if you drive your vehicle for a short period on a daily basis, you can expect a longer battery life compared to not driving your car for months at a time.

Also, you will have to recharge the unused batteries quite frequently compared to the ones being used on a regular basis. Once the battery is completely discharged, it loses its total capacity, and you will not be able to recharge it back to its original capacity. Thus, it is important to keep your battery in use and avoid keeping it in an unused state for a long time.

Temperature

Climate conditions also play a very important role in this scenario. In extremely cold weather, the batteries are unable to perform at their full potential because the freezing temperature slows down the chemical process inside the battery. It also reduces the batteries’ capacity to hold a charge, thus resulting in quicker discharges than usual. The impact of cold weather is more severe on an older battery compared to a newer one.

On the other hand, an extremely hot temperature is also not suitable for a car battery. Many studies suggest that car batteries are more likely to fail in extremely hot weather rather than cold weather. In theory, the average battery life is cut to half with a mere increase of 15 degrees of ambient temperature. This is caused by the heat generated by the acid and water mixture inside the battery and outside temperature causing slower heat dissipation.

Driving style

Your driving style can also be the cause of the faster degradation of your battery. But unlike most other factors, this is manageable on a personal level, and you can see quite a difference once you adopt a better driving style. Generally, this includes how often you turn on/off your car engine and also the number of peripherals powered by the battery, and how extensively you use them.

If you regularly drive through high-traffic areas, it is recommended that you find an alternative route to your destination. In high-traffic areas, the battery is strained more than usual as there is an increase in peripheral usage and a rather slower engine speed which reduces the alternator’s performance. You can slightly reduce this by turning off the engine in extremely heavy traffic or simply turning off the AC and radio when in traffic longer than usual.

Condition Of The Charging System

The alternator in your car drives the additional power generated from your engine back to your car battery. As the engine provides break power to the shafts, the alternator is also rotated, which generates electricity, which is further utilized to recharge the car battery. This phenomenon keeps your battery alive while your vehicle is operational. It is also the reason why your vehicle is unable to start cold but works perfectly when you get it started and in routine.

If the alternator fails to deliver the charge to the battery, it will naturally discharge at a much faster rate than usual. You can even find your battery discharged within a year in normal conditions or earlier in hot or cold weather. The only way to effectively avoid this is to properly monitor your battery life and make sure it is performing as expected. Even a slight change in battery performance would indicate a problem with the charging system, and you can take care of that before it’s too late.

Regular Car Maintenance

Regular car maintenance is more than a necessity in today’s driving conditions. If you use your car on a daily basis, you will have to perform more frequent maintenance activities as your car is more exposed and utilized. While performing the routine maintenance check, your mechanic might alert you about problems with your battery or other problems in your car.
It is also recommended to get your routine car maintenance done by a professional mechanic to get the best results. You can also opt-in for various maintenance plans at these outlets so that you won’t forget about the next maintenance round.

Sulfating

Sometimes, the battery plates acquire sulfate buildup on their surface, which is called sulfating. This is a very serious problem and can completely destroy your battery if proper care is not taken at the right time. When a layer of sulfate is generated over battery plates, it starts losing the ability to hold the charge and degrades at quite a faster rate than usual. It occurs when the battery is deprived completely out of charge and can be avoided by keeping your battery active and charged.

Complete Battery Discharging

Once an AGM battery is completely discharged, it is quite difficult to receive it completely. It might be the cause of a faulty alternator or charging system which allows your battery to be left with zero charges. This significantly brings down the expected lifespan of a battery as the degraded components are not able to hold the equal amount of charge as before. Thus, if you want to extend your battery’s life expectancy, you have to make sure that it does not get discharged completely.

How To Maintain A Healthy AGM Battery?

Maintaining an AGM battery is crucial for ensuring it reaches its full potential in terms of lifespan and performance. Here are some effective practices to keep your AGM battery in top condition:

• Proper Charging: Always use a charger that is compatible with AGM technology. AGM batteries require specific charging voltages that differ from conventional batteries. Ensure the charger has settings for AGM batteries to avoid overcharging or undercharging.
• Avoid Deep Discharges: Try to avoid completely depleting your AGM battery. Deep discharges can significantly shorten the life span of the battery. It’s best to recharge the battery long before it becomes fully discharged.
• Regular Checks: Periodically check the battery terminals for corrosion or loose connections. Clean any corrosion using a solution of baking soda and water, and ensure the terminals are tight and secure.
• Temperature Management: If possible, shield your AGM battery from extreme temperatures. Installing the battery in a location that minimizes exposure to heat will help prolong its life.
• Storage: If you need to store your AGM battery for an extended period, charge it fully first. Store the battery in a cool, dry place and top-charge it every 3-6 months to prevent sulfation.
• Usage Monitoring: Monitor how the battery is being used. Frequent high-load applications can stress the battery. If the battery is used in a demanding application, additional maintenance checks may be required.

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Conclusion

AGM batteries are a strong and trustworthy option for anyone needing steady, long-lasting power. They’re built to handle regular charging and discharging without losing their efficiency. To make them last longer, it’s important to charge them properly and keep them safe from extreme weather. By following these care tips, you can boost the performance and lifespan of your AGM battery, ensuring it keeps up with your power needs.