Change the oil and filter in your Dodge Charger every 3,000 miles if it’s conventional oil or every 7,500-10,000 miles if it’s synthetic. Dodge Chargers are amazing performance vehicles with varying engine types, so check your owner’s manual to find the correct grade of oil for your specific model.

Oil changes are an essential part of maintenance for your car. Without oil, the engine would seize and stop running—and since it loses viscosity over time, you need to change both the oil and oil filter regularly.

In this guide, the

car insurance

comparison and broker app

Jerry

is breaking down everything you need to know about changing the oil and filter in a Dodge Charger.

How often does a Dodge Charger need an oil change?

Dodge recommends changing the oil and filter in your Charger every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil. If you use synthetic oil, oil and filter changes can be done every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

MORE: A look back at the 1987 Dodge Charger

What kind of oil does a Dodge Charger need?

Chargers are a favorite of car enthusiasts, so it’s not unusual to find classic models (as far back as the 1960s) still on the road. Because there are so many variations in engine types, you will need to consult your owner’s manual for the right oil grade and oil filter for your car.

How much does an oil change cost for a Dodge Charger?

Costs vary depending upon whether you take your car to a mechanic or DIY and what type of oil you are using.

Professional cost

The cost of a professional oil and filter change for your Dodge Charger can range from $95 to $151. Many mechanics will throw in additional services, such as an inspection of your antifreeze levels, filling and rotating your tires, and topping up power steering fluid.

DIY cost

You can save money on your Dodge Charger oil change by learning to do it yourself. A quart of SAE 5W-20 costs between $4 and $12, but you can find 5 quarts for between $10 and $40. You’ll also need to buy a filter ($10-15).

How to change the oil in a Dodge Charger (2015-2019) yourself

This overview applies to the SE 3.6L Flex Fuel engine. You can apply the basic principles to other models/years, but always consult your owner’s manual for specific information about your vehicle.

What you’ll need:

5-7 quarts of motor oil (likely 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 or 10W-40)

Oil filter (for your Dodge Charger model and year)

Oil filter wrench (specific to your Charger)

Car jack

Jack stands

Drain pan

Plastic container to dispose of old oil

Wheel chocks (recommended)

Disposable gloves and protective eye gear (recommended)

1. Warm up the engine

If the weather is cold, start your engine and let it run to thin out and help the oil flow better. Make sure to park your Dodge Charger in a level area. Then turn off the engine once the engine is warmed up.

2. Secure the car

Jack up your car use jack stands to secure it in place. Use wheel chocks for added stability.

3. Drain the old oil

Underneath the car, locate the skid plate protecting the oil pan. Remove the four bolts that hold the skid plate in place.

Locate the oil drain plug underneath the protective panel and remove it. Remove the oil drain plug. Allow the oil to drain into your drain pan for at least 15 minutes.

Install a new washer in your drain plug to prevent leaks. Then, be sure to reinstall and tighten the oil drain plug.

4. Remove the old filter

Loosen the oil filter cap with a Charger oil filter wrench. The oil filter is on a long spindle, and you will need to slide off the filter and the old O-ring. Check that the filter gasket isn’t stuck to the engine’s surface.

5. Install the new oil filter

Place the new O-ring and new filter onto the spindle. Dab some oil on the new O-ring so it will fit snugly. Now insert the spindle back into the engine and tighten the oil filter cap.

6. Put in new oil and check for leaks

Remove the oil fill cap and pour in the amount of oil required by your engine type. Replace the fill cap, screw it in tightly, and start the engine. Check for leaks from the drain plug and oil filter while you run the engine for a few minutes.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, stop and wait for 3 minutes. Use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if necessary.

8. Replace the skid plate

Assuming you have no leaks from the oil drain plug, you can now replace the skid plate underneath your Dodge Charger.

9. Dispose of the old oil according to regulations

Never dump old oil onto the ground or put it into a garbage can. Most retailers that sell motor oil (think Jiffy Lube) will take your old motor oil and safely dispose of it.

MORE:

How to remove oil and grease from car doors

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

What happens if you don’t change the oil in a Dodge Charger?

The oil in your Dodge Charger can be thought of as the lifeblood of your car. If it loses its ability to lubricate engine parts, you run the risk of developing serious problems, including total engine failure.

Changing your Charger’s oil is preventative maintenance—and while it costs money, it can help prevent expensive problems down the road.

How to save money on car insurance

While you’re waiting on your oil change, why not check out

Jerry

to see if you can save some money on another essential car item: insurance.

Jerry is a super app that helps car owners save time and money on their expenses. Jerry compares quotes from more than 50 insurers to find the best prices and handles all the paperwork once you find a policy you like.

The best part? The average Jerry user saves $879 per year on car insurance!

“As a young person who owns a sports car and a high-end sedan, I couldn’t find quotes below a certain threshold. By using
Jerry
, I managed to find full comprehensive coverage on both vehicles and am now saving $150 a month!” —Channing Y.

RECOMMENDED