There are two main battery types found in parts stores: the traditional flooded battery and the Absorbent Glass-Mat, or AGM, battery. For now, the standard flooded battery remains the most common car battery on the market. Given the power demands of newer vehicles, that might not remain true much longer.
Standard and Enhanced Flooded Batteries
Flooded batteries offer the advantage of being more affordable. These lead-acid batteries generally start a car and support basic electric accessories. However, they remain vulnerable to vibration, less suited for deep cycling, and are not spill-proof.
The Enhanced Flooded Battery, or EFB, is a wet-filled battery like a standard flooded battery but more durable. It stores more energy and has a longer life. This battery handles mild start-stop systems like those on the Fiat 500 or Toyota Yaris.
AGM Batteries and Their Advantages
An AGM battery has the electrolyte absorbed in glass mat, making it spill-proof and resistant to vibration. AGM batteries excel at repeated charging and discharging. During engine-off periods in stop-start cycles, the battery powers the vehicle’s electronics. When the alternator decouples, it also powers systems without damage from deep discharging.
Choosing the Right Battery Technology
Many applications require a replacement AGM battery. However, many AGM batteries use the same BCI group sizes as a conventional flooded battery. In some cases, a shop may install the correct group size but the wrong technology. This choice can cause the battery to fail prematurely.
Selling the Value of AGM Batteries
Upselling an AGM battery works like recommending OE-specified precious-metal spark plugs or synthetic oil. While the higher price may cause hesitation, you can highlight the longer service life, better performance and added durability. This shows the customer that AGM technology offers strong value for the investment.
This video is sponsored by the Pronto Network.
The post How to Choose Between Vehicle Battery Types appeared first on Tomorrow’s Technician..
