Your car’s battery is important—it supplies power to the starter motor to crank your engine and get things going. The battery also powers all of your vehicle’s electronics whenever the engine is off (or charging system output is insufficient).
The problem is, just like the battery in your cell phone or flashlight, your car’s battery will eventually deteriorate to the point that you need to purchase a replacement.
While shopping for a new battery, you’ll likely notice that there are two common types: traditional lead-acid and absorbed glass mat (AGM). What’s the difference between these two kinds of batteries, and which should you choose for your vehicle?
What is a Lead-Acid Battery?
Lead-acid batteries have been used in cars for many years. Inside an automotive lead-acid battery, you’ll find six cells connected in series. Each cell contains negative (lead) plates and positive (lead dioxide) plates with insulating separators. A sulfuric acid/water solution (electrolyte) fills the battery.
The chemical reaction between the plates and the acid solution causes electrons to flow from the negative plate to the positive plate, creating electrical energy. Each cell within the battery produces around 2.1 volts through this chemical reaction. Because the cells are connected in series, the battery produces a total of approximately 12.6 volts.
It’s important to point out that lead-acid batteries create hydrogen and oxygen gases while charging. For this reason, these types of batteries are equipped with vents to allow hydrogen and oxygen gases to escape.
What is an AGM Battery?
Quite a few late-model vehicles come with an AGM battery from the factory. The technology is particularly common on models equipped with stop-start systems. You can also choose to upgrade your car’s conventional lead-acid battery to an AGM battery made by aftermarket brands like Odyssey Battery.
AGM batteries are similar to traditional lead-acid batteries in that they have six cells, each of which contains plates with insulating separators. The primary difference is that the separators in an AGM battery are made of an absorbed glass mat—a material that absorbs the battery’s acid solution. Another difference is that the cells within an AGM battery are compressed to keep its acid solution pressed between the plates.
How is AGM Better Than Lead-Acid?
AGM batteries offer several benefits over traditional lead-acid batteries. The primary advantages include:
Longer Service Life
The compressed cell design of an AGM battery helps reduce damage caused by vibrations and promotes long service life. Some AGM batteries can last two to three times longer than a typical lead-acid battery.
Spill-Proof and Leak-Proof Design
Since the acid in an AGM battery is completely absorbed by its separators, the battery is both spill-proof and leak-proof. That means it can be mounted in any direction.
Resistance to Freezing
In extremely cold temperatures, traditional lead-acid batteries can freeze, causing the case to crack and acid to leak out. But since AGM batteries don’t have liquid acid sloshing around inside, they don’t freeze in cold temperatures.
Safer Construction
Traditional lead-acid batteries vent hazardous and explosive hydrogen gases. AGM batteries are safer because they retain most of the oxygen and hydrogen gases given off during charging. There are spaces within an AGM battery’s separators that allow for gases to recombine safely.
Less Corrosion
Traditional lead-acid batteries vent hydrogen and oxygen gases into the atmosphere. Those gases can react with the battery’s metal terminals, causing corrosion to accumulate. Because AGM batteries don’t vent hydrogen gases, they’re less prone to corrosion build-up.
Which is the Best Choice for Your Vehicle?
Which type of battery should you choose for your vehicle: lead-acid or AGM? Well, if your car came with an AGM battery from the factory, that’s what you’ll want to choose as a replacement. On the other hand, if your vehicle came with a lead-acid battery, you can either stick with that design or upgrade to an AGM battery.
AGM technology is superior to lead-acid in almost every way. The only downside is that AGM batteries typically cost more than lead-acid batteries. So if you’re on a tight budget or have a car that you don’t plan to keep for long, a traditional battery might be the way to go. Otherwise, it’s usually worth spending a little extra money to get an AGM battery.
Where to Get a Replacement Battery for Your Vehicle
If you’re looking to purchase a new battery for your vehicle, it’s always best to purchase from a reliable source. A faulty battery can spell trouble for your vehicle and leave you stranded and in need of a jump start at any moment. The great thing is that CarParts.com is here to help you find the perfect replacement battery for your vehicle.
With CarParts.com, you can make online purchases with confidence. Using our website’s built-in vehicle selector will guarantee the battery you purchase will fit your vehicle. If your battery is close to dying, we offer fast shipping, with new parts arriving at your door in as few as two working days. We even offer a 60-day return policy on the off chance you find you aren’t satisfied. Reach out to our helpful and friendly customer service team if you have any questions or concerns. We’re happy to help you around the clock.
Place your order for a brand new battery on CarParts.com today.
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