Do AGM Batteries Need To Be Vented?

The most significant thing about having AGM batteries for cars is that they offer a higher starting amp and allow your vehicle’s electronics to run longer. And since this type of battery is commonly used by many car owners, several questions come up regarding this battery. And the most common one is: do AGM batteries need to be vented?

Whether or not the AGM battery requires venting depends on a few factors. However, the AGM battery is known to be maintenance-free, and venting is the last thing you need to keep in mind.

But are these batteries as good as they sound? And how do you know if your car battery needs to be vented? I will answer these questions in this article. So I urge you to read it to understand everything about the AGM batteries.

What Are AGM Batteries?

Absorbent Glass Mat battery or AGM battery is the advanced version of the lead-acid battery. But this “advanced” version has been around since the 80s and is still one of the popular battery types for car owners.

Other than their versatile construction, AGM batteries can power up the high-powered electronics of a vehicle. Besides, they help kick start a car engine faster than regular batteries.

The absorbent glass mat construction keeps the positive and negative plates separate. It helps hold the battery’s acid and prevents it from flowing inside the battery.

The battery’s basic design helps release the pressure of the gas, even if it is minor. Moreover, the battery’s valve opens and closes depending on the pressure, preventing air leakage to the battery.

Despite what everyone tells you about lead acid or AGM batteries, they still need to be vented. I understand people think they don’t because they come with the “maintenance free” tag. But there are plenty of reasons why you should vent AGM car batteries.

First of all, the glass mat in the battery absorbs hydrogen produced. As a result, it remains inside the battery instead of getting released into the air. Over time, this trapped gas turns into an explosive material if not released on time.

But don’t worry, as the explosion will not be powerful enough to cause serious damage or kill anyone. However, taking precautions and staying safe is better than being sorry later.

Venting the car battery from time to time is also essential to keep the car battery and its performance healthy. If you go a long time without venting the batteries, it will start to create other issues and begin with corrosion damage.

How Do I Know If The Car Battery Needs To Be Vented?

Car Battery Vent — *Photo: Patrick Jordan*

Your car will tell you that the battery needs to be vented. You only need to look out for the following signs.

Strange Odor: One of the first things that will tell you about venting the car battery is the odor. You will get a strange odor released in your car.
Bloated Battery: When checking on the battery for regular maintenance, look at its appearance. Does it look bloated? If it does, that could be because you need to vent the battery.
Fuel Leakage: Fuel leakage can happen for many reasons. But it can also occur if there is a gas release in the battery and requires venting.
Charge Draining: Is your car’s AGM battery discharging power faster? Maybe you need to check on the battery and see if there is anything wrong with it and if it needs to be vented.
Excessive Heat: The battery’s valve cannot open and close without enough pressure, and if there is an airflow problem. And this issue leads to temperature rise, meaning you need to vent the battery.

Advantages Of AGM Batteries

Here are the advantages you get when your cars have AGM batteries.

One of the main advantages of AGM batteries is that they offer more electronic energy than conventional batteries, making it easy and quick to start the vehicle.
It helps power up electronic parts of the car and helps them offer high performance.
AGM batteries can hold the charge longer even when not in use and have a slow discharging rate.
As the electronic components of this battery are held together using plates, it makes the battery spill-free.
You can mount an AGM battery in any flexible position as it does not cause any leakage.
AGM batteries are vibration-resistance, making them an excellent option for powering water vehicles.
Last but not least, AGM batteries last longer than conventional batteries.

Disadvantages Of AGM Batteries

Though AGM batteries have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks. Here are some disadvantages of AGM batteries.

Manufacturing high-end batteries like these are costly, making the batteries more expensive than conventional batteries.
You will need a specific charger for these batteries to monitor the battery’s amps, volts, and temperature.
Most old battery testers cannot be used to test AGM batteries.
Over time, the batteries lose their charging capacity and discharge faster.

FAQs About AGM Batteries

Do AGM batteries have vent tubes?

While some people think AGM batteries do not have vent tubes, the reality is pretty opposite. AGM batteries have very small holes like vents. You can vent these batteries using thin tubbings by connecting them to these holes.

Can AGM batteries be mounted inside?

Yes, AGM batteries can be mounted inside, and you can mount them more flexibly than most conventional batteries. When mounting a conventional battery, you must keep it upright to ensure proper liquid flow and prevent leakage. There is no such issue with an AGM battery, allowing you to mount it freely.

Are AGM batteries safe inside the vehicle?

AGM batteries are not toxic, and inhaling the gas does not cause any health issues. Besides, the gas accumulated inside the battery over time may explode if not vented but does not pose any serious threat.

Everything About AGM Battery Vending

Final Words

So, do AGM batteries need to be vented? The answer is yes and no, depending on a few factors. AGM batteries may not need to be vented as frequently as other batteries, but they still need it. Ventilation helps improve the battery’s performance and also extends its durability.

References:

https://priuschat.com/threads/exide-battery-vent-elbow-and-tube-install.173677/
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-batteries-need-to-be-vented
https://batterytools.net/do-i-need-battery-vent-tube/
https://m.greenway-battery.com/news/Do-AGM-Batteries-Need-to-be-Vented

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What Are AGM Batteries?