What is an AGM Battery & What Happens When You Charge It With a Normal Charger?

An AGM battery is a car battery designed for two jobs: delivering powerful bursts of starting amps and running electronics for a long time. Absorbent Glass Mat car batteries were developed for use by the military in the 1980s. Their high performance and enhanced electrical reliability are ideally suited for today’s modern cars that are often heavily equipped with sophisticated electrical systems and energy-consuming devices and accessories.

Modern Benefits of AGM Batteries

1. Spill-proof

Unlike the traditional lead-acid batteries that freely flood their electrodes, AGM batteries have glass mats that prevent it. It is the function of these glass mats to avoid spillage.

1. Short Charging Duration

AGM batteries, compared to flooded batteries, charge quickly. When compared to flooded batteries of a similar capacity, the charging rate can reach five times faster with the same power source.

1. High Power Output

 AGM batteries have minimal internal resistance. This enables them to provide sufficient bursts of power when necessary.

1. Durable

AGM batteries were originally designed to serve the aircraft industry. This means they have an incredibly sturdy design. Because of this property, they are a favorite for high-end motorcycle riders and race car drivers.

1. Longer Lifespan

AGM batteries have a longer lifespan than traditional flooded batteries. Moreover, not only do they serve for a more extended period when they perform the same tasks, but they also last longer when they are not in active use. This is because self-discharging is minimized in these batteries.

Charging an AGM Battery

Charging an AGM battery requires a little bit of care. It is recommended to use a charger that is suitable for AGM batteries.

Many AGM/gel cell battery chargers have microprocessors that collect information from the battery and adjust the current and voltage accordingly. Some have different settings for charging flooded, gel, and AGM batteries. Overcharging can kill these batteries. Also, alternators are not chargers. Don’t rely on an alternator to do the work of a ­charger. If a battery is discharged to the point that it cannot start the vehicle, you should use a charger as soon as ­possible to make sure the battery gets fully charged.