What oil is recommended for Dodge Charger?
In most Dodge Charger models, the recommended oil is synthetic motor oil, with the grade depending on the engine: 0W-20 for the 3.6L Pentastar V6; 5W-20 for many 5.7L Hemi configurations; 0W-40 for high-performance 6.4L Hemi variants and Hellcat versions; and 5W-40 for EcoDiesel models. Always verify the exact specification in your owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap for your year and engine.
Engine-by-engine oil guidance
The following engine-specific guidance reflects common recommendations across recent Charger models. Always confirm with your exact vehicle’s manual or certificate sticker.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 — Synthetic engine oil, typically 0W-20. Check for any climate-specific allowances (some years may permit 5W-20) and always follow the manual.
- 5.7L Hemi V8 — Synthetic oil, commonly 5W-20. Some climates or service notes may allow 5W-30; verify the exact specification for your model year.
- 6.4L Hemi (392) — Synthetic oil, often 0W-40. Certain years/models may use 5W-40; refer to your manual for the precise grade.
- EcoDiesel 3.0L V6 — Diesel-grade synthetic oil, typically 5W-40 (API CK-4 or CJ-4). Use the CK-4/CJ-4 specification as applicable to your year.
- Supercharged/High-performance variants (e.g., Hellcat family) — Synthetic oil, commonly 0W-40. Always verify the exact spec for your year, as high-performance versions may have specific requirements.
Notes: These recommendations cover common configurations found in Chargers from mid-decade onward. Exact grades can vary by year, transmission, and climate, so consult your owner’s manual or the under-hood oil cap for confirmation.
Oil specifications and maintenance considerations
Beyond the grade, certain specifications and maintenance practices keep your engine healthy:
- Oil specification: Use gasoline-engine oil that meets API SP (or newer) and ILSAC GF-6/ GF-6A standards where applicable. Diesel variants should use API CK-4 (or FA-4 where approved) oils.
- Recommended brand adherence: While many owners want to mix brands, using a Mopar-certified oil or a high-quality synthetic that matches the required grade and spec is advised for longevity and warranty considerations.
- Oil-change intervals: Typical service intervals range from about 5,000 to 7,500 miles under normal driving, with shorter intervals under severe conditions (heavy city driving, extreme heat, tows, or frequent short trips). Always follow the interval recommended by your manual and service conditions.
- Practical tips: Use a cap-to-cap approach—check the oil level regularly, replace the filter with every oil change, and keep receipts and service notes in your records for warranty purposes.
Summary
The Dodge Charger’s oil recommendation is engine-dependent. For the most common engines, aim for synthetic oil in the grade specified for your model year: 0W-20 for many 3.6L Chargers, 5W-20 for many 5.7L Hemi versions, 0W-40 for 6.4L Hemi and high-performance variants, and 5W-40 for EcoDiesel engines. Always verify the exact grade and spec in the owner’s manual or on the oil filler cap, and follow the recommended maintenance intervals to ensure long-term reliability.
What oil do I need for a 2014 Dodge Charger?
STP High Mileage Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-20 5 Quart.
What kind of oil does a 2016 Dodge Charger take?
The 2016 Dodge Charger requires SAE 5W-20 full synthetic oil for most engines, though the exact type can vary by engine size. For the 5.7L V8, the capacity is 7 quarts, and for the 3.6L V6, it's 6 quarts. It's crucial to check your owner's manual for the specific requirements of your engine.
By engine size
- 3.6L V6: API Certified SAE 5W-20, 6 quarts
- 5.7L V8: API Certified SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20, 7 quarts
- 6.1L V8 (older): API Certified SAE 5W-40, 7 quarts
- 6.2L Supercharged V8: API Certified SAE 0W-40, 7 quarts
- 6.4L V8: API Certified SAE 0W-40, 7 quarts
Important considerations
- Check your owner's manual: Always confirm the specific oil type and capacity for your vehicle's engine by referring to your owner's manual.
- Full synthetic recommended: Many sources recommend using full synthetic oil for better protection and longer drain intervals.
- Oil grade: The "5W5 cap W5𝑊" indicates the oil's flow at cold temperatures, and "202020" indicates its viscosity at operating temperature.
Does a Dodge Charger need synthetic oil?
Mopar recommends full synthetic Dodge Charger oil for your engine. Why full synthetic? It has fewer impurities than conventional oil, reduces sludge, has better cleansers, and keeps the engine cleaner for extended periods.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Dodge?
You can run 5w-30 without issues. The owners manual used to "allow" it in older rams (2014 or so) and it was actually recommended in the 2500's when towing. If it's under warranty you may want to stick to what the cap says.
