🔋 The Difference Between AGM, EFB & Standard Batteries – Which Do You Need?
🔋 The Difference Between AGM, EFB & Standard Batteries – Which Do You Need?
By Andrews Car Centre – Car Battery Experts in Lincoln
Not all car batteries are created equal. With modern vehicles using more electronics than ever — and many fitted with start/stop systems — choosing the right battery matters more than ever.
At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we regularly replace batteries for all types of vehicles, from small cars to hybrids and commercial vans. One of the most common questions we’re asked is:
“What’s the difference between standard, EFB and AGM batteries — and which one does my car need?”
Here’s a simple, jargon-free guide to help you understand.
🔧 1. Standard Flooded Lead Acid Battery (SLA)
This is the most basic type of car battery, often found in older vehicles that don’t have start/stop systems or loads of electronics.
✅ Pros:
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Affordable
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Widely available
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Suitable for basic petrol and diesel engines
❌ Cons:
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Doesn’t cope well with frequent stop/starts
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Shorter lifespan than AGM or EFB
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Not suitable for modern vehicles with energy management systems
⚙️ 2. EFB (Enhanced Flooded Battery)
An EFB battery is a step up from standard, designed to handle the extra demands of start/stop systems found in many newer cars.
✅ Pros:
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Ideal for cars with basic start/stop systems
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Longer life than standard batteries
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Better charge acceptance
❌ Cons:
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Not suitable for high-demand electrical systems
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Can’t be swapped with AGM in compatible cars
🔋 3. AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat)
AGM batteries are the most advanced and durable option, fitted to many premium or high-tech vehicles — especially those with:
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Start/stop systems
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Brake energy regeneration
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Heated seats, infotainment, sensors, etc.
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High electrical loads (even when the engine is off)
✅ Pros:
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Excellent performance in demanding vehicles
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Longer lifespan
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Resistant to deep discharges
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Sealed, maintenance-free design
❌ Cons:
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Higher cost
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Must not be replaced with a standard or EFB battery
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Needs proper battery registration on some vehicles
🧠 Why You Shouldn’t Just Swap Battery Types
Fitting the wrong battery type can cause issues like:
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Start/stop system not working
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Electrical faults or battery drain
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Dashboard warning lights
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Premature battery failure
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Problems passing an MOT or emissions check
Some cars even need the new battery registered via diagnostics so the ECU can adjust its charging system.
🛠️ How We Help at Andrews Car Centre, Lincoln
We don’t just sell batteries — we help you choose the right one for your car, and fit it professionally.
✅ Our battery replacement service includes:
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Correct battery type (AGM, EFB or standard)
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Battery health check
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Safe removal & eco-friendly disposal
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Fitting & reset (including battery coding if needed)
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Honest advice — no upselling
📍 Need a New Battery in Lincoln?
Whether you’re dealing with non-start issues, warning lights, or your car’s start/stop has stopped working — we’ll find the right battery for your make and model.
👉 Call Andrews Car Centre today, book online, or drop in to our Dixon Street workshop.
✅ Trusted by Lincoln drivers for 25+ years
✅ Same-day battery fitting (subject to stock)
✅ Friendly, local and affordable
🔍 Related Searches We Help With:
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Which car battery do I need?
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EFB vs AGM battery
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