AGM Battery Maintenance: 5 Things You Need to Know for Your Car
What are the things you need to know about AGM battery maintenance?
- Check the voltage regularly
- Keep the battery clean
- Avoid deep discharges
- Monitor the charging system
- Ensure proper ventilation
Overview
- Known for their robustness and minimal maintenance requirements, AGM batteries offer enhanced performance and longevity over traditional batteries.
- To maximize their lifespan and ensure reliable performance, proper maintenance is crucial.
- Adhering to these maintenance practices helps keep your battery in peak condition, ensuring reliable vehicle performance.
- Choose Motolite for top-quality AGM batteries and enjoy dependable performance for your vehicle.
Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are renowned for their durability and low maintenance requirements, making them a dependable choice for many drivers. Their advanced design offers superior performance and longevity compared to traditional batteries, though they are not entirely maintenance-free. To ensure your AGM battery continues to perform reliably and lasts as long as possible, proper maintenance is essential.
Understanding the key aspects of AGM battery maintenance can greatly enhance its lifespan and efficiency. Let’s explore the essential maintenance practices you should follow to keep it in optimal condition.
Check the Voltage Regularly
Monitoring the voltage of your AGM battery ensures it is charging correctly and delivering consistent power. A fully charged one reads around 13.0 volts. A voltage drop may indicate issues such as undercharging or a failing battery. Routine voltage checks are essential for identifying potential problems early, allowing you to address them before they impact battery performance.
Additionally, assess the overall health of your battery and the vehicle’s charging system. While modern vehicles often feature systems that alert you to battery issues, performing manual checks is still beneficial.
These helps extend your battery’s life and maintain its efficiency, ensuring your vehicle remains reliable and ready for any journey.
Keep the Battery Clean
Dirt, grime, and corrosion can build up on the battery terminals and connections, leading to poor performance and potential electrical issues. By routinely cleaning the terminals with a wire brush or terminal cleaner, you ensure a reliable electrical connection, which helps the battery function effectively.
Moreover, keeping the battery and its surrounding area dry is important. Moisture can exacerbate corrosion, leading to further damage and battery failure. Regular checking and addressing any signs of moisture such as leaks or spills and wiping down the battery area prevent conditions that could worsen corrosion and negatively impact the AGM’s performance and lifespan.
Avoid Deep Discharges
Deep discharges occur when a battery’s charge level falls below 20%, impairing its internal chemical reactions and reducing its ability to hold a charge. Frequent deep discharges can lead to decreased starting power, diminished performance, and premature battery failure.
While AGM batteries are more resilient to deep discharges than traditional lead-acid batteries, allowing the charge to drop too low frequently can still shorten their lifespan and negatively affect performance.
To prevent deep discharges, regularly monitor your battery’s charge level and recharge it before it gets too low. Many modern vehicles have onboard systems that alert you when the battery charge is low, but it’s also a good practice to manually check the charge periodically.
Monitor the Charging System
The charging system, comprising the alternator and voltage regulator, replenishes the battery's charge while the engine runs. If this system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to undercharging or overcharging, both of which can adversely affect the battery’s performance and lifespan.
Routine inspections of the charging system, including checking the condition of the alternator belt and ensuring all connections are secure, can help prevent potential issues.
Regular maintenance and timely repairs of the charging system will not only protect your AGM battery but also enhance the overall reliability of your vehicle.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
AGM batteries are designed to be sealed and absorbent, making them less prone to leakage and requiring less maintenance than traditional batteries. However, ensuring proper ventilation is still crucial to prevent heat buildup and maintain efficient operation.
Good ventilation helps dissipate the heat generated during battery operation, especially during charging or under high power demands. Excessive heat can increase internal resistance, reduce efficiency, and accelerate wear, ultimately shortening the battery's lifespan. Inadequate ventilation can also lead to gas buildup, potentially impacting battery performance or, in extreme cases, posing safety risks.
By maintaining adequate ventilation, you help keep your AGM battery cool, optimize its performance, and extend its lifespan.
Key Takeaway
Proper AGM battery maintenance is crucial for ensuring your battery’s reliability and extending its lifespan. Adhering to essential maintenance practices helps keep your battery in optimal condition, ensuring consistent and dependable vehicle performance.
RES-Q App, a roadside assistance service offered by Motolite, supports this by providing expert battery diagnostics to identify potential issues before they become serious, ensuring your battery remains efficient and reliable. For added convenience, download our app today!
When choosing an AGM battery, select a reputable brand like Motolite, renowned for its high-quality products that provide peace of mind for your vehicle’s needs. Visit our website today for more information and to experience the difference.