What is an AGM battery? Why is it better than a regular battery?

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Currently, cars with Start/Stop systems have turned to AGM batteries, which have higher battery replacement costs. This may cause many people to wonder what AGM batteries are? What are their advantages over regular batteries? Why are they more expensive? In this article, Motorist has the answers for you!

What is an AGM battery?

An AGM battery is an absorbent glass fiber mat battery, which is an advanced technology that car battery manufacturers have invented to meet the needs of new car systems. The word AGM is an abbreviation of the full English word Absorbent Glass Mat Battery, which literally means absorbent glass fiber mat battery.

Advantages of AGM batteries

• AGM batteries require almost no maintenance, except in cases where the car lights are left on or there is a power leak from the system, which may cause the battery to run out.
• High current supply, because the fiberglass sheet absorbs the acid like a sponge, so the acid does not move, is not poured out and does not evaporate, causing the medium used in the electrolyte reaction to have closer molecules.
• Fast charging, because the lead in the plate is used, there is minimal internal resistance, which improves the properties of the device and reduces charging time.
• Average lifespan is 3-6 years.
• It is a closed system, no evaporation of acid to the outside, so it can be installed in cars with batteries inside the car.
• Provides a constant current supply, highly resistant to temperature differences.
• High resistance to discharge, because the separator prevents the charge from breaking down, resulting in a long service life.

However, AGM batteries in general Japanese cars are slightly more expensive than normal batteries. If it is a semi-dry battery (MF - Maintenance Free) with a size of about 50 amps, the starting price will be around 1,900 baht, but if it is an AGM battery with a starting size of about 75 amps, the starting price will be around 2,400 baht or more.

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