AGM batteries, also known as Absorbed Glass Mat batteries, are one of the latest batteries in the market that are designed with advanced lead-acid technology and provide power to support high electrical devices.
AGM batteries are much better than standard batteries and are much more effective. These batteries provide superior power and last 2x longer. Moreover, these batteries are built to survive harsh weather conditions.
Let’s first come to why it is important to know whether your battery is AGM or not. You must know that batteries often require maintenance, handling, or replacements. It is important to know which type of battery you have because different batteries have different handling methods.
AGM batteries, in the market, are referred to as dry cell batteries and are known for being safer, easier to handle, and longer-lasting. These batteries can be used to replace wet cell batteries and are more durable than them.
There are four basic methods to determine which sort of battery you have:
-
Reading the Label
The first method is pretty simple. You can find out which type of battery you are using by simply reading the label. However, it might not be as straightforward as you might think. There are a lot of terms that are used for AGM lead-acid batteries.
If your battery is AGM, the abbreviation can be mentioned on the label, or the phrase Absorbed Glass Mat can also exist there. If both of these aren’t mentioned, you can look for words like dry cell, sealed regulated valve, non-spill, or valve-regulated on the label.
Here’s how to know if your battery is not AGM. If any of the following terms are mentioned on your battery’s label, then your battery is a flooded lead-acid battery. These terms include wet cell, lead-acid, or flooded lead-acid. Hence, if any of these terms are mentioned then you know that your battery is not AGM.
If the battery you are using is Gel-Filled lead-acid type, the term Gel-filled will be written on the label. However, it is difficult to differentiate between a gel-filled battery and AGM, if there is no labeling.
-
Using Online Help
You can always use the internet to figure out which type of battery you are using. You can simply search the manufacturer and model number on the internet, and it will be revealed to you. The manufacturer and model number are written on the label.
However, if the label of the battery is ruined or for some reason is not visible, the model number of the battery is also embossed on the case. So, with the help of the internet, it will be easy to figure out whether you are using an AGM battery or not.
-
Observing the Battery’s Top
This method is very simple but leaves some ambiguity between gel and AGM batteries that can be resolved using one of the other methods. Well, you can use this method to narrow your battery type down to the “either Gel or AGM” stage.
The liquid lead-acid batteries have removable tops or caps unless the word sealed is mentioned on it. On the other hand, the gel and AGM batteries have flat tops with positive and negative terminals popping out of them.
-
Shaking the Battery
This method requires you to take a few precautions. It is literally as it sounds, you have to shake the battery. Hence, it is highly recommended that you wear gloves and goggles before you proceed with this method.
If the battery is liquid lead acid type, it will continue to wiggle for a few moments after you have shaken it. Even if the battery is sealed type, it will wiggle for a bit. The batteries that are based on Gel-filled technology or AGM won’t do so.
What are the Benefits of AGM Batteries
AGM batteries provide more power and are used in high-capacity devices or start-stop technologies. They have a lot of benefits. Some of the most important benefits of AGM batteries are:
- Have high electric charge
- Have a longer life cycle than standard batteries
- Built to withstand harsh weather conditions
- Charge-up more quickly
- Don’t require maintenance
- Won’t wiggle at vibration
- Non-replaceable
- Have great flexibility
Because of these benefits, AGM batteries are very effective. Compared to other types of Green technologies that are determined to reduce carbon footprint, AGM battery manufacturing is a lot cheaper. Hence, these batteries aid in making vehicles cleaner and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the easiest way of determining whether I have an AGM battery or not?
The easiest way to determine whether you have an AGM battery is to read the label. The AGM battery might be described as its full abbreviation or the terms such as dry cell sealed regulated valve or non-spill. If any of these are mentioned on the label, then your battery is AGM.
-
How to know whether your battery is AGM or not if the label is ruined?
You can look at the top of the battery to narrow it down to Gel-filled and AGM battery types. If there are removable caps or sealed labels, then your battery is not AGM. If the top is flat, then you can use the embossed model number to check online whether your battery is AGM or gel-filled.
-
Why should I replace my current battery with an AGM battery?
AGM batteries are much more effective, carry a higher charge, charge on quickly and last much longer than standard batteries. Moreover, these batteries are easier to replace and provide great flexibility while mounting. AGM batteries are much more safe and durable than standard batteries.
Conclusion
You can easily find out whether the current battery that you are using is AGM lead-acid based or not. You can check it out by reading the label, looking at the top, checking the model number online, or by shaking it. The methods are very simple and instructions are easy to follow.
Read Our Recent Buyer’s Guide:
- The 7 Best AGM Battery Chargers
- Top 10 Best Deep Cycle Marine Batteries We Totally Recommend
- Top 10 Best Deep Cycle Batteries That You Can Find!
- List Of The Best Golf Cart Batteries — Updated Picks
- List Of The Best Battery For A Trolling Motor — Updated picks
- Top 10 Best Car Batteries For Cold Weather That You Need To Consider
- Best Battery for 6.7 Cummins (Review & Buying Guide)
- Top 10 Best Batteries for Ford F250 & Ford F350 Diesel
Leave a Reply