An electrical problem that doesn’t allow your car to start and leaves you stuck in a parking lot or somewhere far from needed repair is an unwanted problem that we all do our best to avoid. So what can you do to decrease the possibility of a possible unwanted situation involving an electrical system crash in your vehicle?
First of all, be sure to spend twice as much money on a good car battery. A lead acid battery can cost between $ 75 and $ 125. The only reason liquid lead-acid batteries are the most common is that liquid lead-acid batteries were first developed in 1859 and are the least expensive in today’s world of automotive engine starting sources. In 1971 the sealed liquid lead-acid battery was created which made it easy to maintain.
VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries include gel and absorbed glass mat that are not liquid. Gel batteries are, as the name suggests, which is a “Gel”. AGM batteries are silicate glass fibers mixed with boron and formed into a mat that contains the electrolyte. Non-liquid gel batteries were created in the late 1920s and led to the creation of the “Absorbed Glass Mat” batteries in 1957. The AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery was put into production in 1972, but It was mainly used for military applications and non-vehicle related applications. such as boats, motorhomes, motorcycles and electronics. Today, you see that there are more AGM batteries available for use in production cars. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries can cost between $ 160 and $ 250 but have more advantages over liquid lead-acid batteries.
AGM batteries are basically used in applications where vehicle use is only used occasionally such as in boats and RVs. The no-use discharge rate is much lower in no-use applications than liquid lead-acid batteries. The loading rate is also much faster. Some automakers are installing AGM batteries as their standard power source for new cars due to the higher power consumption of vehicles today. At this time, BMW is known to be the first to install AGM batteries in its 2007 models due to computer functions and braking.
AGM batteries are much better than liquid lead-acid batteries, but the disadvantage of AGM batteries is that they do not overcharge them. They will charge faster with a normal output alternator up to 14.5 volts and no high performance alternator is needed. When using an AGM battery in an unused vehicle, a solar panel with a trickle charge is recommended. AGM batteries will be damaged if charged above 14.5 volts. Most AGM charging problems are found in sports cars due to the harsh environment in which they are used. Throw away your old garage battery charger and get a new one that maintains “voltage” rather than amps. An AGM battery charger will detect a very low voltage in the battery and will initiate recharging, whereas an older charger will not detect a low voltage and will not charge the battery.
These batteries are used in military vehicles that remain in storage for many years and start up after years of storage without problems. I have read stories online where people have left their AGM batteries in the garage for many years and they have retained their full charge. I use AGM batteries in my vehicles and I disconnect the negative cable that I don’t use that often anymore and it comes on right when I start the engine every now and then. I have read complaints about AGM failures frequently, but that is only due to bad practices with them or when using them in systems where the load exceeds the recommended level. You can leave these batteries idle for long periods of time without charging them, but it is recommended that a solar panel with an extremely low trickle charge be used when not in use. Again I will say from my own experiences is to disconnect the negative cable to the battery when not in use.
The AGM vs Gel and the wet cell? AGM has thicker plates that tend not to warp as easily during deep discharges and resist the build-up of sulfur that destroys a wet cell battery. Wet cell batteries generally deteriorate after 4 years if they last that length of time. AGM battery life can be up to 10 years if not overcharged. Gel cell batteries are ideal for sports vehicles, but they tend to charge more slowly.
The winner is “Absorbent Glass Mat” if you learn how to care for them properly.