How often do you change the air filter on a Dodge Charger?

In most Dodge Chargers with gasoline engines, you should plan to replace the engine air filter at around every 30,000 miles under normal driving conditions, and as often as every 15,000 miles if you drive in dusty or harsh conditions. Check the filter regularly and replace when dirty.

Air filters protect the engine from dust and debris and help maintain performance and fuel efficiency. Because Charger models vary by year and engine type (for example, 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L Hemi variants), exact intervals can differ. Always consult the owner's manual or a dealer for the precise recommendation for your vehicle.

What the manufacturer typically recommends

The following guidelines reflect common recommendations found in many Dodge/Chrysler maintenance schedules for gasoline Chargers. They apply to typical engines such as the 3.6L V6 and the 5.7L Hemi and may vary by year.

• Normal driving: Replace the engine air filter about every 30,000 miles (roughly 48,000 kilometers) or about every 2 years, whichever comes first.


• Severe driving conditions: In dusty, sandy, or harsh environments, or when routinely towing or driving in heavy traffic, replacement is often advised around every 15,000 miles (roughly 24,000 kilometers) or about once a year.


• Regular inspections: Have the filter checked during routine maintenance or oil changes and replace if it looks dirty, damaged, or clogged, even if it hasn’t reached the mileage guideline.

Practically, use these mileage targets as a baseline and adjust based on your environment and vehicle performance. For the exact interval for your year and engine, check the owner's manual or ask a dealership service advisor.

How to tell if the air filter needs replacement

There are several signs that the engine air filter may be dirty and in need of replacement. If you notice any of these indicators, inspect and replace promptly to maintain engine efficiency.

• Decreased engine performance or throttle response


• Lower fuel economy or rough idle


• Check Engine or air-flow-related sensor warnings


• Visible dirt, dust, or a dark, clogged appearance in the filter


• Unusual engine noises or slower acceleration

If you observe these signs, replace the filter and have the intake system inspected to rule out other issues.

Note on cabin air filter

The cabin air filter is separate from the engine air filter and affects interior air quality and HVAC performance. Replacement intervals typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on conditions and the vehicle year, so consult the manual for specifics.

Summary: For most Dodge Chargers with gasoline engines, plan engine air filter replacement at about 30,000 miles under normal driving, and about 15,000 miles in dusty or harsh conditions; inspect periodically and replace as needed. Always verify the exact interval for your model year and engine in the owner’s manual.

How often do you really need to change your air filter?

You should change an HVAC air filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on the filter's thickness and your home environment, while a car's engine air filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer. Thicker HVAC filters and less demanding driving conditions may allow for longer replacement intervals. 
This video explains the factors that affect how often you should change your HVAC filter: 58sHVAC BeeYouTube · Feb 1, 2025
HVAC air filters

• Standard 1-inch filters: Replace every 1 to 3 months. 
• Thicker filters (like 4-inch): Can last 6 months to a year or more. 
• Factors that require more frequent changes:
  • Having pets or smokers in the home. 
  • Living in a dusty or polluted area. 
  • Running your HVAC system frequently. 

Car air filters

• Engine air filter: Typically every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but check your owner's manual for the exact recommendation. 
• Cabin air filter: Generally every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, though this can vary. 
• Factors that require more frequent changes:
  • Driving in dusty or dirty conditions, such as on gravel roads. 
  • Frequent stop-and-go city driving or heavy traffic. 
  • Noticing a decrease in your car's performance or fuel efficiency. 

This video shows how to check your car's engine air filter: 36sHowdiniYouTube · Aug 11, 2009

How to tell if an air filter needs replacing?

You can tell an air filter needs replacing by its appearance, its impact on vehicle or HVAC performance, and a lack of recent replacement history. Look for a dirty, discolored filter, and if the vehicle has poor acceleration or fuel economy, or the HVAC system is blowing weakly, it's time for a change. A simple test is to see if you can hold it up to a light source; if you can't see light through it, it is clogged.
 
This video demonstrates how to check and replace a car air filter: 59s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Sep 15, 2024
Physical signs

• Visual inspection: A clean filter is off-white. If it is dark, gray, or brown and clogged with dirt, debris, or leaves, it needs to be replaced. 
• Light test: Hold the filter up to a light source. If light cannot pass through the filter, it is likely too clogged and should be replaced. 

Performance issues

• Vehicle performance:
  • Poor acceleration, hesitation, or sluggishness 
  • Decreased fuel efficiency 
  • Unusual engine noises like popping or knocking 
  • The "check engine" light turning on 
  • Black smoke or a smell of gas from the exhaust 
• HVAC performance:
  • Weak airflow from the vents 
  • Dust accumulation around air vents 
  • The AC unit feeling unusually hot to the touch 

This video explains the performance issues caused by a dirty air filter: 1mHSZ GarageYouTube · May 23, 2018
Other factors

• Maintenance schedule: If you can't remember the last time the filter was changed, it's a good idea to check it. Many manufacturers recommend changing it every 90 days, but this can vary based on filter type and usage. 
• Driving conditions: If you frequently drive on dirt roads or in dusty environments, your air filter will need to be replaced more often. 

What is the maintenance on a Dodge Charger?

Routine Dodge Charger maintenance includes oil and filter changes every 7,500-10,000 miles, tire rotations with each oil change or as needed, and inspecting or replacing filters and fluids at intervals recommended in the owner's manual. Key services to note are spark plug replacement around 100,000 miles, a coolant system flush at 100,000 or 150,000 miles, and brake inspections every 12,000 to 20,000 miles.
 
Regular maintenance (every 7,500–10,000 miles) 

• Oil and filter change: Change engine oil and filter. Check and tighten battery connections. 
• Tire rotation: Rotate tires and inspect tread for uneven wear. 
• Fluid check: Check all fluid levels, including brake, coolant, power steering, and windshield washer fluid. 

Periodic maintenance

• Cabin and engine air filters: Replace the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles and the engine air filter around 30,000 miles, or more often in dusty conditions. 
• Brake inspection: Inspect brake linings, pads, and rotors every 12,000 to 20,000 miles. 
• Suspension and steering: Inspect suspension, steering components, and CV joints every 20,000 miles. 
• Engine belts: Inspect engine belts around 15,000-mile intervals. They may need replacing around 100,000 miles. 
• Transmission and axle fluids: Check transmission fluid around 60,000 miles. Check front and rear axle fluid around 40,000 miles. 

Major maintenance milestones

• 100,000 miles: Replace spark plugs. Inspect transmission and suspension components thoroughly.
• 150,000 miles: Perform a coolant flush and replacement. 

Important tips

• Refer to the owner's manual: Always consult your specific model's owner's manual for the most accurate maintenance schedule. 
• Pay attention to warnings: If you notice the temperature gauge rising, it could indicate a cooling system issue. 
• Drive conditions: Maintenance needs may change depending on your driving habits, such as driving in dusty or stop-and-go conditions. 

How often should I change the air filter in my Dodge Charger?

Your Dodge Charger service manual states you should replace your engine air filter & cabin air filter each 10,000 miles in extreme conditions and each 15,000-30,000 miles in normal driving conditions. It's immensely essential to have your filters checked each time you take your vehicle in for an oil change.