When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Battery is nearing replacement time and am considering an AGM type (located in the Midwest with winter temps in the single-digits occasionally). The AGM costs more - does it have enough advantages to make it a good replacement? Any cons other than cost? Drop-in with no changes needed? Brand recommendations if I do go the AGM route?
Question is will the charging system work properly with agm. As I understand agm has different charging profiles/voltages than a standard flooded battery. You may not get the life you expect out of an agm in a system designed for flooded.
While I am no expert in the chemistry of AGM vs. flooded batteries, both will do the same job. The main difference with AGM is that they are completely sealed, maintenance-free units that, generally, provide sightly better performance due to their design. The car will not know/ care what type of battery you have whether it be flooded, AGM, lithium, etc. as they are all designed to work on 12VDC systems.
This past Sept/Oct marked 5 years on my current Red Top and have had zero issues. Full disclosure: my car is driven 1-2x/month (even pre-COVID), if that, and is constantly on this
Friendly caution: several members here have had issues recently with their new Red Tops and have had to get alternative replacements. Now whether it was a bad batch due to this "supply chain COVID crap" or what, who knows, just keep that in mind. Either way, when the time comes I will not hesitate to get another Red Top.
Last edited by ILM-NC G37S; Dec 5, 2022 at 10:16 AM.
For what it's worth I run AGM Diehard Platinums in both my G and my 2006 Wrangler and they have never left me stranded. Any of the Optima batteries have been garbage for a while now ever since they moved production. Had a red top leave me stranded more times than I can count in my Wrangler.
Thanks for the great information. Have heard similar comments about ‘Red-Tops’ recently but I am looking at a different brand (Duracell) so will let you know what I do.
Time will tell how long the H7 in the stinger lasts. The battery is overkill for the engine (2.5L turbo), but it has that idle start stop crap so they have to use a beefier battery. I have noticed during the summer after some extended parking (1-2 weeks), idle stop does not work until the car's been driven a long while. This "feature" is off most of the time as I find it annoying and it's more wear and tear on the starter. Occasionally, if I'm sitting at long light or train, then i'll actuate it.
Full disclosure: my car is driven 1-2x/month (even pre-COVID), if that, and is constantly on this battery tender when not in use.
Almost exactly same here, although for me it's 1-2x/week. I always hook up the battery tender, unless I know I'm going back out same or next day. The trickle charger gives me peace of mind for those times when the car sits for a few weeks.
I have had three (3) of the BT Jr.'s for several years now (at least 6-7) for the G, my beater p/up, and my tractor. I just plug it in and forget it until I need to use either.
Originally Posted by Rochester
Almost exactly same here, although for me it's 1-2x/week.
I just do not drive as much as I once did and with the influx of distracted drivers, clueless tourists, and juvenile-minded showoffs in this area, it is safer for the G to stay parked as much as can be.
But for anyone whose car sits for extended periods of time, a battery tender is the BEST insurance policy against a dead battery...
While I am no expert in the chemistry of AGM vs. flooded batteries, both will do the same job. The main difference with AGM is that they are completely sealed, maintenance-free units that, generally, provide sightly better performance due to their design. The car will not know/ care what type of battery you have whether it be flooded, AGM, lithium, etc. as they are all designed to work on 12VDC systems.
This past Sept/Oct marked 5 years on my current Red Top and have had zero issues. Full disclosure: my car is driven 1-2x/month (even pre-COVID), if that, and is constantly on this battery tender when not in use.
Friendly caution: several members here have had issues recently with their new Red Tops and have had to get alternative replacements. Now whether it was a bad batch due to this "supply chain COVID crap" or what, who knows, just keep that in mind. Either way, when the time comes I will not hesitate to get another Red Top.
I have in my G37 X Bosch S6 High Performance AGM Battery/ S6523B and worked perfectly fine no matter how hot or cold outside car started in the matter of half of the second.
Have the Porsche branded AGM battery on my Porsche. The car is just short of ten years old on the original battery. no issues. Just had the battery tested and it's still good. The car is connected to a battery tender if I don't use the car for more than a couple of days.
^^Sold the accord ('15 MY) last year with the original battery from the G (from late 2011). Since 2014 or 2015 that battery was on a tender in the garage, mainly used as a 12V source when needed. IIRC, pepboys did a battery test on it using their conductance tool. Came back to something like 550 CCA still available.
Optima red top (AGM) here in Missouri. Winters haven't been an issue with it. I've had it 3 years.Good reliable battery. Would buy another when this one goes.
Optima red top (AGM) here in Missouri. Winters haven't been an issue with it. I've had it 3 years.Good reliable battery. Would buy another when this one goes.
Also running optima red-top for 2 years in DC, great cranking power in all weather
