What oil should I use for a Dodge Challenger?
The correct oil for your Dodge Challenger is the one specified in your owner's manual, but most modern Challengers use a synthetic oil with a viscosity of about 5W-20 or 5W-30. Always verify the exact spec for your model year and engine.
Chrysler/ Dodge Challengers span several generations and engines, from the 3.6L Pentastar to the 5.7L Hemi and the 6.4L/6.2L high-performance variants. Because the right oil depends on engine type, climate, and driving style, consult the factory guidance to ensure optimal protection and efficiency.
Check your owner's manual
Use this checklist to determine the exact oil for your Challenger. The accurate viscosity and specification depend on your specific engine and year.
- Engine type and model year: different engines (and different model years) may call for different viscosities and specs. Always start with the manual’s exact recommendation.
- Climate and driving conditions: extreme cold, heat, or heavy driving can influence whether a slightly thinner or thicker oil is preferred.
- Oil specification: look for oil that meets Chrysler’s current specification (historically MS-6395) and API SP / ILSAC GF-6 as applicable to your engine.
- Viscosity options: the manual will usually specify 5W-20 or 5W-30 for most modern Challengers; some variants may list other viscosities if required by the manufacturer.
- Oil type: synthetic oils are generally recommended for modern Challenger engines due to better protection and longer life; conventional oil is typically not advised for these engines.
In practice, the exact oil choice is driven by the official spec for your engine. Rely on the manual to avoid missteps, especially if your Challenger has performance upgrades or is used for track days.
What the numbers mean
Viscosity ratings like 5W-20 and 5W-30 describe how the oil flows at different temperatures. A lower number (e.g., 5W) means the oil flows more easily in cold starts, while the second number (e.g., 20 or 30) indicates protection at operating temperature. If your manual lists a specific viscosity, that is the one you should use—even if it seems counterintuitive for your climate.
Also, modern Mopar engines typically require oils that meet the Chrysler MS-6395 specification and API SP / ILSAC GF-6 standards. Choosing an oil that fulfills these specs helps ensure proper protection and warranty compliance.
Practical options if you can't access the manual
If you don’t have the manual handy, here are practical defaults that cover most Challenger engines, while you confirm the exact spec as soon as possible.
- Use a full synthetic motor oil that meets API SP or ILSAC GF-6 specifications and also aligns with Chrysler MS-6395. The most common viscosities for many Challengers are 5W-20 or 5W-30.
- Choose a reputable brand and ensure the product is labeled as “full synthetic” for optimal protection and performance.
- For extreme climates or if you operate the car in demanding conditions, consult a dealer or trusted shop to confirm whether another viscosity is recommended by your engine’s service bulletin or by the manual.
- Consider extending changes only if you are using a modern full synthetic and you drive under normal conditions; for severe service or performance use, adhere to shorter intervals per the manual or dealership guidance.
Bottom line: when in doubt, use a high-quality full synthetic oil that meets MS-6395 and API SP/ILSAC GF-6, and select the viscosity endorsed by your engine’s manual.
Oil change intervals and maintenance tips
Follow the service intervals specified in the owner’s manual. Synthetic oils typically allow longer intervals between changes under normal driving, but severe driving conditions (short trips, hot climates, or track use) require more frequent changes. Always inspect oil level and quality regularly and top up if necessary between changes.
Summary
For a Dodge Challenger, the safest approach is to follow the owner’s manual to determine the exact oil viscosity and spec. In most cases, expect 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395 and API SP/ILSAC GF-6. Use a reputable brand, prefer full synthetic, and adhere to the recommended oil-change interval based on driving conditions. If you don’t have the manual, a high-quality synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 that meets the indicated specs is a prudent default, with verification as soon as possible.
What kind of oil does a Dodge Challenger 3.6 V6 take?
BLAU Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6 Oil Change Kit includes 6 liters of 5W20 weight engine oil and oil filter. Advanced Eurol Evolence fully synthetic oil meets or exceeds recommended Chrysler MS-6395 oil specification recommended for the 2014-2021 Dodge Challenger 3.6L V6 engine.
What oil does a Dodge Challenger need?
Mobil 1 – Extended Performance 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Prevents Leaks, 5 Quart (Part No. 15020)
What oil does a 2019 V6 Dodge Challenger take?
Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-20.
What kind of oil does a 2017 Dodge Challenger take?
The correct oil for a 2017 Dodge Challenger is 5W-20 synthetic oil. The engine requires a specific capacity, with the 3.6L V6 engine needing 5.9 quarts and the 5.7L V8 engine needing 7 quarts, both including the filter change. It is essential to use an oil that meets Chrysler's MS-6395 specification.
- Recommended oil: 5W-20 synthetic motor oil
- Engine oil capacity (3.6L V6): 5.9 quarts (with filter)
- Engine oil capacity (5.7L V8): 7 quarts (with filter)
- Specification: Chrysler MS-6395
