Car batteries: AGM vs standard

[jpdx]

My car battery is around 6 years old, so it will be time to replace it soon. I can buy a standard flooded battery for $100 at Costco or an AGM version for $155 (both are Interstate brand). Is it worth the extra 55 bucks for an AGM battery?

This is for a gasoline car, PNW climate, mostly short trips.

[darknight]

I would recommend to get a standard flooded battery. AGM is great in the off road world or if you wanted a little more durable battery in the event you were traveling in very remote places. They can last longer, but I'd bet that it wouldn't be an additional $55 longer. Buy some battery terminal protector spray (ask at a parts store), spray right on your leads and it will help prevent corrosion. Seemed like my last can I bought was under $10 and it will last you years.

At 6 years life with your current battery, the new one should last as long or longer. A lot of people don't even get that lifespan

[BlueMR2]

I wouldn't spend the extra money for a vehicle that's used on at least a somewhat regular basis.  Lead acid give a good lifespan for a good price. 

I did try an AGM one time and that was a bad episode.  It internally failed after just 9 months and was so hot I had to wear thick gloves as I frantically pulled it out of the car expecting it to cause a fire.

I DID spend the $$$ and put a LiFePO in my motorcycle though as that does not get started on a regular basis and it's been worth the money there.  I can let it sit all Winter without disconnecting and it's still fine in the Spring.

[chemistk]

I replaced the 3 year old dead 'standard' battery in our van with AGM for one specific reason - especially in the winter there can (and have) been times where we won't drive the van for a few days or even close to a week when school is out. We have an aftermarket remote start system, a VCM muzzler that's connected directly to the battery, and the fob-style entry that's always listening for the key. Or in other words, if we don't drive it for a few days in the winter the battery is too low to start the car.

Post-AGM, we haven't had a single issue. Plus it's got the most CCA's I've ever experienced from a battery, which makes for a really easy start even when it's below 0F.

[sonofsven]

I would just use a standard battery. Any battery I have that isn't going to be used for a month is hooked to a Battery Tender (also available at Costco).
I also put the felt pads and dielectric grease on the terminals to limit corrosion.

[Duke03]

My advice is replace it now.  At 6 years old you are on borrowed time and with it starting to warm up outside heat will kill a weak battery instantly.  You will stop to get gas and then 5 minutes later the car will not start because the battery is toast.

[jpdx]

Thanks everyone. I will go with a standard battery, and I plan to replace it in the next couple months before summer.

[big_owl]

I've switched to AGM batteries in all my motorcycles.  They hold a charge all winter and I don't have to put them on tenders during long periods of inactivity.  That may not be a consideration for a car if you drive it daily or weekly though. 

[cool7hand]

+1 on agm being unnecessary for most general auto applications

[SweatingInAR]

I agree with the consensus that you do not need to "upgrade" to an AGM.

However, if the battery is inside the passenger compartment of your car, you should use an AGM. Many hybrids put the lead acid battery in the trunk. In that case an AGM is installed for your safety. While a regular lead acid battery can emit a decent amount of harmful gases while charging, AGMs emit way less.