Start-stop engines achieve such high gas mileage ratings by turning the engine off and moving all the power needs to the car battery.

You know that's not easy on batteries. Ever leave the light on in your glove box? Only the most advanced batteries are designed to carry your car's full electronic load without failing.

That's the power of AGM batteries:

• Delivering a thousandfold more engine starts in their lives
• Running amps for more hours
• Recharging faster

Cars from the 2020s have more electronics on them than models in the 1990s. Automakers have shifted the burden of supporting all these electronics from alternators to the more powerful batteries. The next generation of power is the AGM battery.

Some cars and trucks require an AGM battery to support their start-stop engines. If your vehicle came from the factory with an AGM, your only choice is where you'll find your next AGM battery. If your vehicle only requires a regular lead-acid battery, you can upgrade to an AGM battery to support the engine if you find yourself draining the battery often. AGM batteries are made for that kind of power drain where a regular car battery can't support draining past 80% of its charge.

These batteries achieve their long life and high power with a unique design. They have sponge-like fiberglass mats that absorb the electrolyte, meaning the lead plates have an easier time transferring power and recharging again.