It’s a fact of life that all batteries eventually die, no matter how well they are kept and maintained. However, if you’re looking to get the most out of your AGM battery, knowing the right way to keep it charged is a major advantage. Learn about all the tools, methods, and top tips for the best AGM battery life.
Choosing the right charger
The first thing you need to get your AGM battery to full health is an AGM compliant charger. Many chargers will say on the label whether or not they can be used with AGM batteries.
Once you have found a compliant charger, the next step is to check your battery size. Most AGM batteries hold 100 amp-hours. In this case, a 10 amp charger would be perfect, taking between two and nine hours to fully charge your battery, depending on how much it has depleted. Chargers with higher amps will charge faster, while those with lower amps will take more time.
How to get started
Now that you have all the right equipment, charging your battery is easy. First, make sure your battery charger is off, to avoid any accidents. Next, connect the positive cable on your charger to the positive battery terminal. Then connect the negative charger to the negative terminal. As noted above, the charge time will depend on the amperage of your charger and the state of your battery.
Tips to keep in mind
Charging a battery may be simple, but maximizing the life of your AGM battery comes with regular maintenance and attention to detail. Make sure to keep these tips in mind for the best results:
– Don’t let your battery get too hot or too cold – between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit is the safe range.
– In off months, charge your battery regularly with a trickle charger.
– Don’t charge your battery too fast! This can heat up the battery and reduce its lifespan.
Maximizing the life of your battery
Now that you’ve got the basics down, maintaining the life of your battery shouldn’t be a problem. By paying attention and taking the right steps, you can ensure your next battery is a long-term investment.