Have your headlights been weak or lacking power lately? Maybe your engine has been struggling to crank over, or starting your car has been an intermittent issue.

These are a few common signs your car battery could be on the brink of failing.

It can be easy to put off replacing the battery, but the hassle of getting stranded is usually much more inconvenient than setting aside some time to get on top of the issue beforehand.

To avoid bringing your plans to a sudden halt, you first need to determine which battery to get as a replacement. This is something many of us haven’t thought about for some time, often years.

Choosing a suitable car battery

It isn’t always reliable to assume that your vehicle’s existing battery is the best technology for your needs, especially when it has been replaced before. Even if you leave the battery replacement to a mechanic, it’s helpful to understand why they have chosen one option over another.

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries and Enhanced Flooded Batteries (EFB) are characterised by their high performance, reliable power and improved durability. If you drive a start-stop vehicle, a conventional battery isn’t suitable for use. Instead, depending on the requirements of your car, you will need an AGM or EFB battery.

While AGM and EFB batteries have some similarities, there are a few important points to consider when choosing between the different technologies.

EFB batteries are for entry-level start-stop cars

EFB batteries are a step up from conventional lead-acid batteries.

With up to two times longer cycle life than standard batteries, high load capacity and low internal resistance, Delkor^® EFB batteries are ideal for use in start-stop vehicles without regenerative braking technology.

An EFB battery may also be a viable option if your vehicle doesn’t have start-stop technology but has demanding driving requirements or extensive equipment.

For more information, visit the dedicated EFB technology page.

Start-stop vehicles with high electrical demands require an AGM battery

Delkor^® AGM batteries are the premium choice for high-end and advanced fuel-efficient vehicles with regenerative braking. An AGM battery has the greatest power reserves for supporting the electrical demands of start-stop vehicles.

If your vehicle was originally fitted with an AGM battery, it can only be replaced with another AGM battery.

See the AGM advanced technology page to find out more.

Can drivers upgrade from an EFB to an AGM battery?

Car batteries should be replaced with equivalent battery technology. But in some cases it’s worthwhile to upgrade from an EFB to an AGM battery, such as:

• If you’ve added extra equipment, features and appliances that put more electrical demand on your battery;
• If you usually drive short distances in urban traffic and your battery is unable to recharge sufficiently;
• If your battery is only used seasonally and needs to be easily recharged.

Determining which battery is suitable for your car doesn’t need to be a headache. When you notice it could be time for a battery replacement, weighing up a few important points can help you make a more confident decision.