AGM Vs Standard Batteries

Tuesday 24th October 2023

With hundreds of batteries on the market, it can be difficult to decide which battery is best suited for your car. In this guide, we’ll make choosing your next car battery simple, by explaining what AGM batteries are and how they compare to standard car batteries.  

What is an AGM battery? 

An AGM battery stands for Absorbed Glass Mat. This style of battery is a sealed lead acid battery, other sealed lead acid batteries include Gel Cell and Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries. An AGM battery is designed to store and release electrical energy and are commonly used by;  

• Cars and Vans 
• Campervans and Motorhomes 
• Motorbikes 

How do AGM batteries work? 

An AGM battery generates a chemical reaction for energy which it stores and releases as electrical energy in three simple steps.  

1. Chemical Reactions: Inside the AGM battery, there are two lead plates that hold a positive and negative charge which are immersed in an electrolyte which is a solution of sulfuric acid and water.  

1. Electricity Production: When the battery is connected to a circuit, like your starting generator, a chemical reaction occurs between the lead plates and sulfuric acid, releasing electrons and creating an electrical current.  

1. Recharge and Storage: Recharging the AGM battery applies an external current to it which reverses the chemical reaction and allows the energy to be stored when it’s needed.  

AGM Vs Standard Battery Performance 

When comparing their performance against standard batteries, AGM batteries have a wealth of benefits that make them a great choice for use in cars, vans, campervans, motorhomes and motorbikes. 

Maintenance free 

AGM batteries don’t require regular top ups of electrolytes, reducing the need for maintenance. If you’re using a standard flooded battery, you’ll need to keep it maintained. You can keep on top of your battery maintenance easily by booking a free battery health check today. 

Less prone to spills 

The sealed design of an AGM battery helps reduce the risk of any of the electrolytes spilling or leaking from the battery – even if the battery is tipped over.  

Vibration Resistance 

Again, as the AGM battery is sealed, it is more resilient to vibrations and shock. This means your battery is unaffected by rough road surfaces, potholes and speedbumps.   

Energy efficient 

AGM batteries self-discharge at a lower rate than standard flooded batteries. This allows them to hold charge for longer.  

Repeated discharging and recharging capabilities 

AGM batteries have deep cycle capabilities. This means they can handle repeated discharging and recharging cycles. This is especially beneficial for start-stop engines. 

Price of AGM batteries

Due to their superior performance, AGM batteries are often more expensive than their standard flooded battery counterparts. While AGM batteries are likely to be a better choice economically in the long run. If you’re on a budget, you may find a standard flooded battery more suitable.  

How can Formula One Autocentres help? 

If you’re ready to upgrade to an AGM battery, simply find your nearest autocentre for a competitive quote. Our qualified technicians will also be able to help you with any questions on compatibility. For more advice on choosing a battery, check out our guide today.