How To Change Motor Oil In Dodge Charger?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: September 5, 2023

Regular change of the motor oil is crucial the proper operation of the Dodge Charger’s engine. Oil is responsible for the lubrication of all motor elements, along with cooling and providing stable work for the engine.

Without the oil, the engine will run no longer than five minutes. Then it`ll be jammed and out of order. Motor oil performs an important function, but unfortunately, after a while, it loses its properties.

To prevent oil from harming the engine, one has to replace it from time to time.

Luckily, the oil change procedure is quite simple and requires only a general understanding of the Dodge Charger`s structure. At any service station, your engine oil will be changed faster than you can drink a cup of coffee.

However, if you want to save money or you`re an enthusiast who likes to make any vehicle work yourself, keep reading this article till the end to know how to change the motor oil in your Dodge Charger.

Key Takeaways:

• Regular motor oil changes are vital for the proper operation of the Dodge Charger’s engine.
• The recommended oil change interval for the Dodge Charger ranges between 5,000 to 12,000 miles, depending on the type of oil.
• Prolonged usage of old engine oil can circulate harmful elements in the system, leading to engine damage.
• When changing the oil, it's essential to select the proper oil, replace filters, and properly dispose of used motor oil at specialized centers.

How often should you change the oil in Dodge Charger?

In passenger cars, manufacturers advise changing the engine oil every 10-15 thousand kilometers (6200 - 9300 miles, respectively).

At the same time, regardless of the distance traveled by the car, the oil must be changed at least once a year, even if the Dodge Charger has not been used at all.

Also, the answer to the question of how often you need to change the oil in the Dodge Charger is mentioned in the service manuals for each car. The frequency of changing the oil in the engine directly depends on the intensity of use of the Dodge Charger by the driver.

We provide you with the general duration of the motor oil change.

Average Dodge Charger oil replacement intervals:

• Conventional oil - change interval - 5-7 thousand miles, or once a year, whichever happens more often;
• Synthetic lubricant - Depending on its structure, this lubricant can last longer. Semi-synthetics can be changed once every 8-9 thousand miles, and full synthetics can be changed once every 12 thousand miles. However, keep an eye on the operation of your engine - if you notice any changes or it starts to run unevenly - it may be time to change the oil;
• Together with the lubricant, we recommend replacing all filters. The replacement of the oil filter must be carried out together with the replacement of the lubricant, while the air and fuel filters are optional (however, we advise you to change them anyway).

Why is it important to change the engine oil in Dodge Charger?

When the engine is running, the oil is in contact with all its elements: it lubricates them, and, accordingly, collects everything that may be there. For example, soot, metal shavings, and carbon deposits - everything you have on the pistons - will also be in the oil.

If you ignore the oil change for a long time, then all these elements will continue to "circulate" through the system, destroying the engine from the inside.

In addition, at constantly high temperatures, low-quality lubricant can lose its properties and no longer perform its work properly.

As a result, the oil will be closer to water in consistency, and your engine will be poorly lubricated, which can lead to burrs, overheating, and wedging.

How to choose the proper oil for Dodge Charger?

A lot depends on the choice of oil. At first glance, it may seem that there is no significant difference between the lubricants, but this is not the case at all. The oil differs in its indicators and can affect the operation of the engine both positively and negatively.

Here are the main parameters that you should pay attention to when choosing oil for your Dodge model.

The price. Choose an oil that fits your budget, but don't go too cheap. Counterfeits are possible, and you surely don't want some unknown liquid running in your engine. Remember, a miser pays twice, so don't skimp on oil:

Manufacturer. The more famous the manufacturer, the smaller your chances of coming across a fake. Buy oil only from certified sellers;

Viscosity. This is the most important factor. Viscosity measures the oil's resistance to flow. Viscosity is indicated by such numbers as 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.

Here, the number before the "W" indicates the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures (W stands for Winter), while the number after the hyphen indicates the viscosity at 100°C. It is very important to choose a viscosity that corresponds to the technical characteristics of your Dodge Charger and the climate in your region.

API Classification. The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies oils based on their performance characteristics and the type of engine they are intended for (e.g., gasoline or diesel).

These classifications are often listed on the oil can and are designated as "SN", "SM", and "SL" for gasoline engines or "CK-4", "CJ-4", and "CI-4" for diesel engines;

Additives. Motor oils may contain additives that perform different functions, for example:

• Detergent additives: Keep the engine clean;
• Dispersants: Prevent sludge formation;
• Antioxidants: Prevent oil oxidation;
• Anti-wear agents: Protect engine parts;
• Corrosion inhibitors: Prevent corrosion;
• Friction modifiers: Improve fuel efficiency.

Type of oil: Oils can be mineral, synthetic, or a mixture of them.

• Mineral oils: obtained directly from crude oil through refining processes;
• Synthetic oils: are made by using chemical processes that provide better performance, especially at extreme temperatures.

If you aren't sure which oil is suitable for your engine, no problem; we`ve already run it through the oil that is suitable for your car.

You can view the list of recommendations here.

If you have a desire to choose oil for your car's engine yourself, we advise you to read our more detailed guide on how to choose the right oil. Here is the link.

How to change the oil in Dodge Charger?

The process of motor oil replacement is quite simple. Still, there are a few moments to take into account to provide a smooth operation while at the same time preventing any harm to the vehicle or oneself.

Time required: 30 minutes

Level of difficulty: 2/5

People needed: 1-2

Necessary equipment: 

• A set of wrenches or sockets;
• Rag(s);
• A key for unscrewing the filter or a belt;
• A container for draining used oil;
• A new oil;
• A new oil filter

Preparation Setup

Clothes - are the first thing to consider before beginning any work. Wear something old, or something that you won't regret when it gets too filthy.

In the process of working, you can get dirty with oil. This contamination is quite challenging to wash off, so be careful and work in clothes that you don`t mind throwing away.

Think about the place where you`ll be changing the oil. To carry out this process, you need access to the bottom of the car; there has to be enough space so that you can work there freely.

Here are several options that you can consider:

• Drive the Dodge Charger onto the ramp or into the pit in the garage;
• Raise your vehicle on a lift, jack it up, and secure it;
• Make sure that the Dodge Charger is placed firmly and won't fall. Remember, safety is the priority!;
• Don`t change the oil immediately after a long trip. If the engine is already warmed up to operating temperature, then the lubricant will be very hot.  In order not to get injured during the replacement, let the Dodge Charger cool down for at least 10–15 minutes.

Locate and unscrew the oil cap on the engine

Unscrew the oil filler cap. Usually, it can be identified by an oil pan with the word “oil” (or just the word “oil”) written on its surface. Place the oil cap on a clean cloth, and wipe it clean of oil and dirt if necessary.

Find the oil drain plug

Get under the Dodge Charger in any way convenient for you. Find the plug on the engine; it`s made in the form of a nut and is located on the engine tray.

Now place the container under this plug. This container must be big enough to hold all of the waste liquid. Don`t use a container that is too small or a bottle with a narrow neck.

Remember, you need all the oil to go in there, not spill out, and you can take it out later. The best option is a deep basin or bucket.

Unscrew the oil plug

Select the correct key that will fit the plug. Place it on and start unscrewing. Turn the key carefully in order not to break the thread or head, otherwise, it`ll cause you a lot of problems in the future. If the plug doesn't yield, you can use an impact wrench (if available).

Be careful, as immediately after you unscrew the plug, the oil will pour out of it. Be ready for this, place the container, and don't get dirty.

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Let the oil drain

Wait until all the oil has drained. Since you unscrewed the oil filler cap (on top of the engine) before, this process will take no more than a few minutes.

Inspect the oil carefully. What spilled out of the engine? Is everything okay? Are there no shavings, debris, or small particles?

If you see something similar to the above-mentioned, this may be a sign of some issue with the engine, which may require contact with a mechanic.

Screw the oil plug back into place

Before screwing in the plug, we recommend using a rag to wipe the plug itself and its seat from oil. You can use a degreaser or WD-40 for this. This is a simple but necessary action.

If the plug is completely covered in oil, then over time it may simply stick to its place, and you`ll have to make a lot of effort to unscrew it. Therefore, it is easier to immediately think about this moment and protect yourself from problems in the future.

Screw the oil plug back into place. If your oil plug has a gasket, it`s advised to change it for a new one to avoid any possible oil leaks. Choose the tightening moment correctly. If the plug is tightened badly, the oil will leak out.

However, do not tighten the plug too much; you can break the thread or twist it tightly, and you can't unscrew it again. The correct tightening torque of the oil plug is specified in the vehicle`s owner`s manual.

Unscrew the oil filter

Remove the oil filter. It is located on the side of the engine block. Usually, the filter is unscrewed counterclockwise.

If you can't unscrew the filter (it happens), try to put a leather belt on it, tighten it, and turn it with the belt. The leather of the belt should be securely attached to the metal, forming a lever on the other side of the filter; it should be easy for you to unscrew it.

If it doesn't help, you need a special tool to unscrew the oil filter. Its function is to fix the filter, eliminate the possibility of scrolling, and unscrew it in this way.

Be careful, even after you have drained the oil from the engine, as a small amount of oil remains in the filter. Don`t forget that as soon as you unscrew the filter, the oil will flow. To not get dirty, prepare a rag to be ready to wipe off the oil right away.

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Place the new oil filter

It is recommended to lubricate the seal (rubber circle) on the filter with engine oil before installing a new oil filter to facilitate installation and replacement when the time comes. Just stick your finger in the motor oil, wipe it around the seal where the lip is, and you`re done.

Install and screw in the new oil filter. You can pour a little oil into it beforehand, but this is a mandatory step. Some pour, some don't.

The editor of this article does so; it's still up to you to decide. Screw the filter securely so that it doesn't wobble and oil doesn't flow from the gaps.

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Fill in new motor oil

After the plug and filter are screwed into place and you are sure that everything is tight, pour in new oil. To do this, unscrew the oil filler cap (on top of the engine, it's a large cap marked with an oil pan icon).

Read about how much oil to put in your engine. You can find this information here. Don`t pour too much oil; it can damage the engine.

Periodically check the oil level in the Dodge Charger engine using a dipstick. Stop when the oil level remains below the min and max marks.

This is the optimal level. Screw back the cap of the oil filler neck.

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Used motor oil disposal

After you`ve changed your old motor oil to a new one, you have to utilize it. The best approach here is to refrain from pouring engine oil anywhere other than bringing it to specialized recycling centers.

Certified companies specialize in the proper disposal of used oil, ensuring that it's done in an eco-friendly and responsible way.

By bringing used motor oil to such specialized places, you`re contributing to a decrease in harm to the environment.