A sluggish engine. Electrical problems. A car that just won’t start. These are all signs that your 2014 Chevy Equinox needs a new battery. Fortunately, replacement batteries are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
What’s the best replacement battery for the 2014 Chevy Equinox?
A 12-volt, OEM SLE flooded battery with an H5 group size and a minimum of 525 cold-cranking amps (CCA).
If that all reads like gibberish to you, you’re not alone. To aid in your replacement battery purchase, we’re explaining what all this jargon means below. From there, you can buy the right replacement battery for your 2014 Equinox!
Understanding Car Battery Group Sizes
What are those confusing letters and numbers you see on the side of a car battery? More than likely, what you’re seeing is the battery’s group size labeling, which is usually a series of numbers or letters and numbers.
A battery’s group size refers to its overall size dimensions, so choosing a replacement battery with the same group size as your car’s existing battery will ensure a proper fit. A battery that is too large or too small won’t work.
So, what group size should you be looking for as you shop for your 2014 Chevy Equinox? This model requires an “H5″ group size, which will have general size dimensions of 9.45″ long, 6.9″ wide, and 7” in height.
H5 batteries are a relatively common size for car batteries, especially for Chevy models of this model year.
What Type of Battery is Best for Your 2014 Equinox?
Choosing a replacement battery with the right group size is only part of the equation. You’ll also need to select the right type of battery for your car, driving habits, and budget.
There are two primary types of battery technology to consider as you shop. There’s the “standard” starting, lighting, ignition (SLI) battery—which is what you’ll find on most cars manufactured around this time.
For cars with greater power draw, however, absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries may be recommended. These batteries tend to have better performance in extreme temperatures and can also recharge more rapidly.
AGM batteries are specifically recommended for cars with advanced infotainment systems, premium sound systems, engine start-stop systems, and similar technology.
Should You Buy an OEM or Aftermarket Battery?
When buying any type of replacement part for your car, sticking with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part is recommended. These are parts made specifically for your vehicle, often by your manufacturer.
An aftermarket part, on the other hand, can come from any third-party business. These parts are still designed to meet the unique specifications of your car, but they may not come with warranty coverage.
Using an OEM replacement battery in your car is the best way to ensure maximum performance and get some peace of mind with a manufacturer’s warranty. You can find out more about the 2014 Equinox OEM battery in your owner’s manual.
Not sure where to locate an OEM battery for your vehicle? Start at your local Chevy dealer. They may have some batteries in stock or may be able to order one for you.
Choosing the Best Aftermarket Battery
With a model as recent as the 2014 Chevy Equinox, coming across an OEM battery shouldn’t be too difficult or costly. As time wears on, however, finding OEM parts for an aging vehicle can become more challenging.
If and when this time comes, you always have the option of buying an aftermarket battery instead. The key is to choose a battery that comes from a trusted brand that will stand behind their product with a warranty.
So, what should you look for in an aftermarket battery for your 2014 Equinox? We plugged in this model with its 2.4L four-cylinder gas engine to the “battery finder” on Auto Batteries to find out.
The recommended battery for this model is an SLI flooded battery with an H5 group size and a minimum of 525 cold-cranking amps (CCA). This refers to the amount of starting power the battery offers in cold conditions.
If you live in an area that sees especially harsh winters, you might want to look for a battery with an even higher CCA rating. After all, batteries do lose some of their starting power over time, so it’s better to be safe here.
If your 2014 Equinox is equipped with electronic add-ons or features like automatic engine start/stop technology, you might also want to consider upgrading to an AGM battery instead of a standard SLI.
In most cases, new battery installation will be included with your purchase—especially if you’ve bought an OEM battery from a dealer. If not, or if you prefer to DIY your battery replacement, here’s a great resource.
Don’t forget to properly dispose of or recycle your car’s old battery as well. If your new battery installation is being covered with your purchase, your installers should also handle disposal/recycling on your behalf.
Photos: Chevrolet
