What type of coolant does a Dodge Charger take?
The typical answer is that most modern Dodge Chargers use a HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) coolant, usually an orange long-life formulation sold by Mopar or an equivalent Chrysler-approved HOAT coolant. Always verify with your owner's manual or dealer for your exact year and engine.
Understanding the typical coolant for Chargers
Coolant specifications can vary by model year and engine. For the majority of current Chargers, the recommended coolant is HOAT orange long-life coolant, commonly sold as Mopar HOAT or an equivalent Chrysler-approved HOAT formulation. Using the correct type helps protect the aluminum cooling system and maintain proper engine temperatures.
- Mopar HOAT long-life coolant (orange), premixed 50/50 with distilled water. This is the standard choice for most 2007–present Chargers with gasoline engines.
- Any coolant labeled HOAT and explicitly approved by Chrysler/Mopar for use in Chrysler/Jeep/Diat engines, ensuring compatibility with aluminum components.
- Avoid using Dex-Cool (GM) or universal coolants that do not specifically state Chrysler/Mopar HOAT compatibility, unless the manufacturer confirms suitability for your Charger’s engine.
Before listing common options, note that you should always confirm the exact specification for your vehicle year and engine. The following options cover what is typically suitable for many modern Chargers:
The above reflects typical guidance for contemporary Chargers, but older models or special editions can have different requirements. When in doubt, consult the manual or a dealer to confirm the correct coolant type for your VIN.
Concluding: Using the correct HOAT coolant or a Chrysler-approved equivalent protects the cooling system and engine, reduces the risk of corrosion, and helps maintain proper operating temperatures.
Practical tips for maintenance and topping off
To help you maintain the right coolant in your Charger, here are practical steps you can follow:
- Use premixed 50/50 HOAT coolant when possible to avoid mis-dilution with distilled water.
- Do not mix different coolant types (for example HOAT with Dex-Cool or non-approved blends) unless a Chrysler service guideline confirms compatibility for your model.
- If you need a full coolant change, consider a system flush and refill according to the owner's manual or a trained technician to remove old residues and ensure optimal flow.
Concluding: Following the recommended coolant type and proper maintenance procedures helps prevent overheating and protects engine longevity.
Summary: For most modern Dodge Chargers, use Mopar HOAT orange long-life coolant or a Chrysler-approved HOAT equivalent. Always verify the exact specification for your year/engine in the owner's manual or with a dealer, avoid mixing incompatible coolants, and perform maintenance steps per the service guidelines to protect the cooling system and engine.
