My Location
Directions
Absorbed Glass-mat, Enhanced Flooded Battery, What's The Difference?
Cars have changed over the years. There was a time when a car battery started your car and powered the radio. Many of today's vehicles need a battery to meet increased power demands. Car accessory demand has tripled since 2009, with new bells and whistles added yearly.
Standard flooded batteries are the most common car battery on the market. They have advantages, but they come with some limitations. They provide power to start your car and support electrical accessories. Enhanced flooded batteries and absorbed glass-mat batteries are newer technologies that offer more power for modern vehicles.
AGM and EFB batteries are rechargeable and required for newer cars with greater power demands.
Finding the right replacement car battery can be overwhelming. Many options are available, but it's essential that you get the right one.
Standard flooded batteries
A standard or traditional flooded battery is a lead-acid battery used to crank a car's engine and support standard accessories while the engine is running. If your car requires more than the usual power load, this battery might not suit your vehicle.
Examples of cars that use a standard battery include the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Corolla and Lexus RX.
Did you know that spring and fall are the best times to test your car battery?
It's best to check your battery before extreme weather hits with a free battery test at any Interstate All Battery Center® or select repair locations.
Enhanced flooded batteries EFB
An EFB is a wet-filled battery like a standard flooded battery, but it's more durable, stores more energy and has a longer life.
The many benefits of EFBs include the following:
- Durability
- Energy storage
- Battery life
- Weatherproof
- Start-stop friendly
- More affordable than AGM
Some examples of cars that use EFB batteries are the start-stop versions of the Fiat 500, Toyota Yaris and the Ford ECOnetic range. EFBs are built to handle the quick charge and discharge cycles brought on by regenerative braking.
Are you looking for an EFB or AGM battery for your car or truck? Are you still unsure? Check out our premium car and truck battery page now to ensure you get the right power for your vehicle.
Absorbed glass-mat batteries AGM
AGM batteries are becoming the standard for modern cars because they demand more power for entertainment and GPS systems, cameras, plug-in devices and more. This battery is a must for cars that already come with an AGM.
AGM batteries use glass mats to absorb 100 percent of the electrolyte, making it spill proof.
AGM batteries are made to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. They’re the smart choice for many new cars with start-stop technology or power-hungry accessories.
Not all AGMs are the same
Pure lead AGMs are 99 percent pure lead and offer advanced power and superior battery life. Alloy AGMs are made from mixed metals and are less refined than pure lead AGMs.
Pure Lead AGM Batteries
- 99.9% pure lead
- Up to 2x battery cycle life vs. flooded batteries
- Fastest recharge times
- Slowest self-discharge/shelf life
- Sealed - zero water loss
Alloy AGM Batteries
- Recycled lead + alloy metal
- Similar to pure lead AGM, but not as powerful
- Less expensive than pure lead AGM
Some examples of cars that use an AGM battery include the Buick Encore, Jeep Compass and the Ford F-150. Because these batteries have such low internal resistance, they can charge faster and last longer in power-hungry cars.
Are you looking for a particular battery, battery accessory or something more?
Find all your battery and power accessory must-haves at an Interstate All Battery Center®.
Find the right battery for you
When it's time to replace your car battery, finding the correct one is critical. Deciding which is best for you can be overwhelming. The good news is that we are always here to help you find the right battery for your vehicle.
