AGM Batteries
 

I discovered this morning in the -7 degree weather that my battery is dead on my A4. A local Advance Auto and NAPA both stock a 730 and a 760 CCA battery. One is AGM (absorbed glass mat) and one is not. The difference is ~$30. Is it worth it to get the AGM or is that just a gimmick?

Thanks!

The advantage is they are maintenance free and can't leak. The Optima is an AGM battery. Are they "better"? In general I'd say no. They have some advantages in not freezing and lower sitting discharge rates. On a regular car, I don't see the nee.

How old is the A4 battery?

Costco Canada drop Optima because there was too many returns.

Plenty of google result from; https://www.google.ca/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=agm+battery+vs+stand ard&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=47rIUv-wHMqFyQGu14HIDQ


Whats the difference between lead acid, Gel and AGM batteries and which will give the most power? - Yahoo Answers

FAQ about AGM Batteries - First Start Batteries

Life expectancy of a AGM (gell cell) vs. a lead acid battery - Moderated Discussion Areas

Just got rid of the leaky batteries in the 70T. Periodically had to pull them to clean up and repaint. PITA. Never again. Installed Miata AGM batteries which are lighter and shouldn't leak. Cheaper too. Time will tell on reliability. So far so good.

I suspect in a few years, we'll be using LiFePo4 batteries for cars. They last longer, have very high discharge rates, are smaller and weigh much less.

They seem to work and last really well in miata. I've had a few (agm batteries and miata).

Still have a Costco Optima in the 911 but its dying... dammit I spent good money getting a fancy lightweight mount for the battery and now Costco does not carry them now. Hate to spend $175 for one on the open market...

Just check .com & .ca and no Optima listed.

What group size? Amazon carries them.

You might also consider this, or possibly two in parallel.

Alien Motion 12v 22 Cell LiFePO4 Heavy Duty Lithium Ion Battery (Right Positive) : Amazon.com : Automotive

It is a LiFePo4 12V, 22 cell battery, with up to 400 Amps draw. I know it says it is for 2000cc, but I expect it will work in the 911. Weighs 3 lbs 5oz and no acid. You can mount them in any position. Two of them would definitely fire off the 911! Weight would be 6 lbs 10 oz.

The way I understand it, Optima batteries used to be good; then they got bought my Interstate, corners started getting cut, manufacturing moved out of the US (Mexico?) and quality went into the sh#tter.

Sounds about par for the course.

I have an Optima in one of my buses that I bought in 1997, and it's still working. I have another one I bought the mid 2000's and it's dead.

I have heard, but have been unable to confirm, that the most recent Optimas are good again.

I heard the same. I had one in my Land Rover but didn't keep it that long.;)

I need a battery to replace the dead optima, but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Are Odyssey batteries worth the extra $100+ over the Optima?