When your car begins to have trouble starting, you know your battery is on its way out. You can check it with a multimeter or have it tested at an auto parts store. If the results show it’s bad, then it’s time to buy the correct battery and replace it.
What’s the best battery for the Dodge Avenger?
The 2014 Dodge Avenger uses the 86 flooded lead-acid battery across all its trim levels. You can also upgrade to an absorbent glass mat (AGM) or Optima battery if you want more power and better reliability.
With a clear understanding of automotive batteries, you have the best shot at selecting the ideal option for your car and preferences. To help you do that, we’ve created this informative guide for your review. Check it out.
Battery Group Sizes Explained
Battery group sizes are designed to help you find the perfect battery for your car’s engine and accessories. The group sizes reflect their outer dimensions, power rating, and terminal placement.
For the 2014 Dodge Avenger, you will need a group 86 battery. This battery has enough power for the 2.4L four-cylinder and 2.5L V6 engines, plus all their included accessories.
Although variations exist across all brands, the outer dimensions should be around:
- 9 inches long
- 7 inches wide
- 8 inches tall
At that size, this battery will fit in the tray perfectly with the hood in the closed position.
This battery should have at least 550 cold-cranking amps and a capacity of around 44 amp-hours. The reserve capacity should fall in the 90-minute range.
Lead Acid, Lithium-Ion, or SLI?
Since the 2014 Dodge Avenger doesn’t have auto stop/start technology, it only needs a flooded lead-acid battery. This type of battery produces plenty of power to start and run the engine plus the accessories.
You can usually find them sealed if you want to skip the maintenance. Otherwise, you’ll need to check the water levels and clean off any corrosion that develops at each oil change.
If you want to upgrade your car with aftermarket parts or a better stereo system, you’ll want to also switch to an AGM or Optima battery. These options have higher power ratings and can better handle fast recharging cycles. With that, you get better performance and reliability across the board.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s the Difference?
Fresh off the lot, all 2014 Dodge Avengers came with an OEM battery made by Mopar. These branded batteries were required through the initial warranty period to keep from voiding your coverage.
After that, you could still buy replacement batteries from Mopar or choose to go with an aftermarket brand, like:
- Optima
- Duracell
- DieHard
- EverStart
- Duralast
If you do go aftermarket, you give up the extended OEM battery warranty. With OEM, you can get a warranty ranging from 60 to 84 months and includes up to 24 months of full replacement coverage.
On the other hand, aftermarket batteries only come with up to 36 months of coverage and no full replacement. Instead, the retailer issues a prorated refund that’s based on the battery’s age.
Overall, both OEM and aftermarket options have the same power rating and performance, so the difference isn’t huge. The most important thing to remember is to go with a brand you trust.
Want to Go with an Aftermarket Battery? Here’s What We Suggest
OEM batteries can prove rather expensive. Although their warranty is well worth it, if you don’t have the money in the bank, then that’s besides the point. Thankfully, the aftermarket options are equally high quality. They just lack the warranty.
If you do go aftermarket, check the specs before you buy. Make sure that the battery is rated for at least 550 cold-cranking amps. Then, look at the capacity to see if it’s above 44 amp-hours. Finally, verify that the reserve capacity is 90-minutes or more.
Just don’t forget to think about the reputation of your selected auto parts store or other retailer. You don’t want to have any issues with them honoring the warranty if anything goes wrong. So, pick a retailer that you feel would process the warranty claim without a problem.
Photos: Stellantis
