Do I really need an AGM battery?

[Sensibleboy]

I'm not convinced the battery in my VW 2.0 TSI is totally healthy. The only reason for me thinking this is the little window on the battery is a Brown colour.

It's 6 years old and is the original battery. The car is starting fine but I'm just working out what I need should the time come to replace it.

All the listings suggest I need an AGM battery but I thought these were for cars with stop start. My car doesnt have this.

Does anybody know why everywhere lists a rather expensive AGM battery for my car? It doesn't say AGM on the OE Moll battery.

Edited by Sensibleboy on Thursday 7th February 15:00

[PositronicRay]

What do VW recommend?

[cptsideways]

If it has an AGM one currently it will need another the same, the charging voltages & rates are very different & a non AGM will get fried pretty quickly.

[fergus]

speak with the guys at Tayna batteries - they're very helpful.

[Slushbox]

Some of the newer VAG cars need a replacement battery 'coded' to the car so the adaptive charging/capacity is re-calibrated. I don't know if it's applicable to your car/year, or just the start/stop models.

The battery ageing and charging parameters are available from the VCDS thing at the main dealer so they can tell when the battery actually needs replacing.

Any VAG dealer/independent should be able to check it.

Also many VAG cars have 'smart' alternators which dump alternator charge into the battery when coasting as a mild regenerative engine-braking effect. These also seem to use AGM batteries. So just popping in a Halfords special offer might not be the best idea. :-)

The UK VAG owner forums should be able to help for your specific model/year, or Tanya batteries as mentioned.

https://uk-mkivs.net/

Edited by Slushbox on Thursday 7th February 17:07

[PaulKemp]

I'm not convinced the battery in my VW 2.0 TSI is totally healthy. The only reason for me thinking this is the little window on the battery is a Brown colour.

If that is the only problem and it works how it should, don’t waist your money on a new one until the old one plays up

[LarJammer]

Indeed, my neighbour has had dirty windows for years.

[DaveGib]

Put the reg in this website

https://www.yuasa.co.uk/#lookup-registration

Then it will tell you what batteries are recommended if you check it will also tell you if needs to programmed to the car. Sometimes under addition information. Hope that helps.

[Tony1963]

DaveGib said:

Put the reg in this website

https://www.yuasa.co.uk/#lookup-registration

Then it will tell you what batteries are recommended if you check it will also tell you if needs to programmed to the car. Sometimes under addition information. Hope that helps.

Well, I tapped my car’s details in, and it tells me that it has Stop/Start. It doesn’t.

[DaveGib]

If it’s a change over year usually gives you the option of stop start or not. I use it very regularly as a quick reference and generally it’s bob on.

[Tony1963]

DaveGib said:

If it’s a change over year usually gives you the option of stop start or not. I use it very regularly as a quick reference and generally it’s bob on.

No option for that, same on Eurocarparts.

[Sensibleboy]

That Yuasa website says my car has regenerative braking...

I think that was only fitted to Bluemotion diesels. Never to a petrol.

[Sensibleboy]

PaulKemp said:

If that is the only problem and it works how it should, don’t waist your money on a new one until the old one plays up

I'm not replacing it yet. I'm just trying to work out what it needs when the day comes.