AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) car batteries are essentially the same thing; both terms describe sealed lead-acid batteries that use glass mat separators to absorb battery acid between the plates.
Understanding AGM and SLA Batteries
Both AGM and SLA refer to a type of lead-acid battery where the electrolyte (battery acid) is contained within the battery, preventing leaks and allowing for installation in various orientations. According to our reference, "Lead Acid AGM stands for Absorbed Glass Mat and Lead Acid SLA stands for Sealed Lead Acid... Both terms have been used to describe a sealed battery that uses glass mat separators between the battery plates which is saturated with battery acid (absorbed electrolyte)." This highlights that the key feature of both battery types is the use of absorbed electrolyte.
Key Features
- Sealed Design: Both are sealed to prevent leaks.
- Absorbed Electrolyte: The battery acid is absorbed into a glass mat separator.
- Versatile Installation: Can be installed in various positions due to the sealed design.
Practical Implications
Because AGM and SLA batteries with glass mat separators are effectively the same thing, the choice between them often comes down to branding or marketing. The important thing is to look for the specifications of the battery, such as cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve capacity (RC), and group size, to ensure it meets the requirements of your vehicle.
