Cars are evolving fast, and so are their batteries. Gone are the days when your only options were flooded and silver calcium batteries. Now, we have gel cells, lithium-ion, nickel metal hydride, and, of course, the talk of the town—the AGM battery.
Of course, each has pros and cons, but AGM stands out in terms of durability and resilience (more on this later).
In this article, we’ll discuss a particular AGM battery model: the Duracell AGM Battery. Hopefully, it sheds light on misconceptions and provides valuable information about this battery.
You might need it someday, or maybe sooner, when it’s time to buy a new one. But before that, let’s get a few things out of the way, like how traditional batteries work, how an AGM battery is different, etc.
This way, we can better understand why the Duracell AGM Battery is an excellent choice.
What is an AGM Battery?
AGM stands for “absorbent glass mats.” Unlike a traditional battery, an AGM battery has ultra-thin fiberglass separators—absorbent glass mats—between the plates designed to absorb the electrolyte solution.
This makes the solution resistant to vibrations. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a newfound technology. It was invented in 1980 and was initially developed for military use due to its sealed and lightweight construction.
Although this design required additional materials, which understandably also jacked up the battery’s price, its exclusivity was ephemeral.
Eventually, the automotive industry caught up, and many companies created and introduced their versions of the AGM battery, including Duracell.
How is it different from other battery types?
Most of us only know two or three types of vehicle batteries. That’s probably because we’re only familiar with the vehicles we own or drive. But we all know vehicles come in various sizes and designs.
Some have larger engines and more electronics than others. So, it’s easy to understand that some vehicles need a different type of battery.
Although some battery types have been around longer than the AGM battery, the latter still outperforms others in many ways. If it were cheaper, there’s a good chance all its predecessors would have gone obsolete.
But these less-efficient batteries remain popular because they can still meet the consumers’ driving needs. However, an AGM battery is the way to go if you want to invest in something worthwhile.
Against Flooded and Silver Calcium
Unmodified older vehicle models have a flooded lead acid battery, supplying up to 12.6 V of electricity. This battery has six cells and lead-antimony plates soaked in a liquid electrolyte solution.
Unfortunately, because the electrolyte is fluid and the box isn’t sealed shut, this battery is prone to leaks, especially when the vehicle frequently takes on rugged terrains.
Leaks are notorious for corroding metal surfaces under the hood. The electrolyte, a mix of sulfuric acid and water, also tends to dissipate over time, so you must top the battery off regularly.
The silver calcium battery addressed these issues. Instead of conventional plates, it has calcium-silver plates, which are more resistant to heat and corrosion.
In contrast, although AGM battery uses the same liquid electrolyte solution, its structure preserves that solution better. The absorbent mats hold the fluid in place. The battery is also packed and sealed, preventing the electrolyte from bouncing around or leaking.
Overall, it lasts three times longer than a traditional battery and charges up to five times faster, which explains why this battery can be twice as expensive as both flooded and silver calcium batteries.
Against Gelled and Deep Cycle
A gel cell battery has an almost similar construction to flooded, silver calcium, and enhanced flooded batteries, except its electrolyte solution contains silica, giving it a gel-like property.
Gel doesn’t spill like conventional electrolyte, so it’s perfect for applications that involve vibrations and tossing around. On the other hand, a deep-cycle battery has thicker battery plates, allowing it to provide sustained power.
An AGM battery still performs better and lasts longer because of its compact and minimal structure.
Not only is it sealed shut like more recent battery types, but it’s also efficiently sized to meet the weight limits of most vehicles. Of course, it works with bigger trucks and recreational vehicles, too.
Duracell AGM Battery Review
Now that we know the capabilities of an AGM battery and what sets it apart, it’s easier to get to know one of the best batteries for trucks and recreational vehicles: the Duracell AGM Battery.
Duracell has been manufacturing premium alkaline batteries, rechargeables, specialty cells, and smart power systems since 1920.
Knowing you have a battery produced out of a century of innovation is enough to look no further. So let’s dive deeper into the qualities of Duracell AGM Battery.
1. Immune to Vibration
Vibration is one of the automotive industry’s most formidable enemies. Even with the most powerful suspension systems, you can’t wholly cancel vibration as long as the vehicle is grounded.
It is particularly damaging to recreational vehicles, which contain various delicate assets and travel on bumpy roads all the time. Even the battery is not exempt from the shaking. And with enough vibration, the connectors may loosen up and release the toxic chemicals inside.
Duracell dealt with this flaw by introducing its AGM battery series. They increased the battery’s vibration resistance not two or three times but twenty times. Of course, it won’t stop an RV’s vibration, but it will prevent the battery from sustaining damage from the beating.
With absorbent mats between its interior plates, this battery can twist and turn without causing severe damage. And it’s also well-sealed, averting any possibility of leaks.
2. High Efficiency
Thanks to this battery’s unique assembly, it can deliver high currents without dragging down voltage. This means it takes a long time before your Duracell AGM Battery’s charge drops to 80 percent.
Additionally, this generator is made lighter than other generators to be compatible with more applications
If you own an RV and have been worrying about your battery’s state every time you go to the countryside, where roads aren’t as level and smooth as in the city, then consider getting a Duracell AGM battery.
3. Low Internal Resistance Loss
Every driver wants to maximize the energy produced by their vehicle’s battery. But, unfortunately, some of that energy transforms into something not useful, like heat, because resistance forms within the battery.
And heat isn’t just useless, but it’s also dangerous to the battery and the entire mechanical assembly under the hood.
A conventional flooded battery can lose up to 25 percent of its energy due to internal resistance. Thanks to its more coagulate electrolyte, a gel cell battery only loses about 7 to 10 percent.
On the other hand, the Duracell AGM battery has an internal resistance of about 2 percent. This means it can deliver current smoothly into the vehicle’s electrical system.
4. Low Risk of Corrosion
The Duracell AGM battery is also equipped with spill-proof technology, preventing the electrolyte from leaking through the connectors, terminals, and valves. Not only does that make the battery efficient, but it also increases its corrosion resistance.
With the battery intact and no corrosion threatening to cause more leaks, the battery can perform efficiently for a long time. This is why it’s also maintenance-free.
5. Professionally checked
All Duracell batteries undergo a CCA performance check. This tells you how much voltage your vehicle gets when its battery is fully charged. The test is done by charging the batteries at about 15 volts.
While other companies use more power than this to charge their batteries, Duracell uses the same power supplied to a battery while the vehicle is moving.
This ensures the test results are based on actual scenarios, not lab-controlled ones. Passing this test translates to superior quality, which makes Duracell a household name in the automotive industry.
The Duracell AGM battery is no exception, of course, and has received a significantly high rating.
When to Use a Duracell AGM Battery
Understandably, price is a significant factor considered by motorists when choosing a battery for their vehicle. Because AGM batteries are pricier, they also tend to be missing from the buyer’s list.
However, there are specific circumstances where the Duracell AGM Battery is the only reliable choice. For instance, if you live in an area where you’ll be forced to drive on jagged terrains frequently, it’s best to have this battery because of its high shock and vibration resistance.
Suppose you need to place the battery in a high-risk or delicate environment, such as an enclosed room in a watercraft, as standby power in a medical facility, in a computer room UPS system, or a motorhome.
In that case, this battery is the best option. Never risk your safety for the small amount you can save. Remember that the battery is critical to the performance of your vehicle. Any extra amount you spend to get the best one will pay off.
