The 2016 Chrysler 200 was available with two different engine sizes—therefore, your oil capacity will depend on which engine you have. The 2.4L holds 5.5 quarts, while the 3.6L holds six quarts.

Car repairs can get costly, but changing your car’s oil is something you can do at home with enough knowledge and a little skill. With this process, the devil is in the details. Not only do you need to know how much oil you need, but you also need the grade and the type.

We’ll tell you what Chrysler itself recommends and give you a rundown on how to change out your oil and filter.

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2016 Chrysler 200 engine oil capacity

Having too much oil is just as much a problem as having too little of it—you certainly don’t want any spilling over onto your engine! As stated above, the size of your engine will dictate your oil capacity.

If your 2016 Chrysler 200 has a 2.4L engine, you will need 5.5 quarts (or 5.2 liters) to fill it. If, however, you have a 3.6L engine, you will need six quarts (or 5.6 liters).

What kind of oil does a 2016 Chrysler 200 need?

For a repair like this, the best recommendation is always the one originating from the manufacturer itself. But Chrysler doesn’t have one specific oil that you have to use. Instead, your Chrysler can use any oil with the appropriate grade and standard.

Again, the specifications for oil type will vary by engine size. Let’s take a look at what is required for each engine:

2.4L engine:

MOPAR SAE 0W-20

approved to FCA US Material Standard MS-6395

3.6L engine:

MOPAR SAE 5W-20

approved to FCA US Material Standard MS-6395 (or

SAE 5W-30

if 5W-20 is not available)

If you’re not sure what all those numbers and letters mean, here’s a quick breakdown. The SAE number reflects the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil. The first number indicates how cold the oil can become before it starts thickening—the “W” is short for “winter”—and the second indicates how warm it can become.

Don’t be fooled into thinking these grades can’t take some heat. The “20” means the oil is viable in weather up to 212°F!

You can find the correct viscosity on your oil filler cap, so be sure to check you have the right type before you top it up. You can use either synthetic or conventional oil, as long as they meet the standards specified above.

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How often to change the oil on a 2016 Chrysler 200

Keeping up with a regular

car maintenance schedule

is important—oil changes are just one part of a standard care routine. You don’t want to spend more than you have to by changing out perfectly good oil, nor do you want to leave it so long that your engine starts having problems.

The good news is that you shouldn’t even have to think about it. Your 2016 Chrysler 200 comes equipped with an oil change indicator that will activate whenever your oil life is getting too low. However, if the light isn’t working or you just want to keep track of things yourself, there are some guidelines you can follow.

Depending on the way you drive your car, you can expect to need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It will be on the earlier side if you constantly drive on dusty or uneven surfaces or operate the vehicle in extreme climes.

If you don’t drive often

, you might want to go by months rather than mileage. It’s a good idea to change your oil every six months, even if you haven’t hit the 5,000-mile mark.

Note No matter how you use your vehicle, it’s important to replace your oil every 10,000 miles or every 12 months. There are consequences

if you don’t get an oil change

for too long.

Of course, it’s always good to check your oil and make sure it’s clean and at the appropriate level. You can do this in minutes, and once a month should be more than enough. Here’s how:

Locate your dipstick.

Pull it out and use a paper towel or rag to wipe it clean.

Reinsert it, then pull it back out.

Check the oil level. It should come up near the top of the crosshatch pattern if it’s full.

If your oil is dark brown, black, or very thick, it’s time to get it changed. If it doesn’t reach the top of the crosshatch, you’ll just need to add some more oil. Once you’ve done so, check the level again to make sure you haven’t overfilled it.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! If you’d rather skip the mechanic and

change your oil and filter

yourself, this is how you do it.

You’ll need a screwdriver, a funnel, a socket wrench, a catch pan, and your replacement oil and oil filter. You’ll probably also need a car jack to create enough space underneath the car. Once you’re all set, follow these steps:

Remove the oil drain bolt access cover.

Open the oil filter access panel.

Place your catch pan below the oil drain bolt, then loosen it. Let it drain for as long as possible to get the majority of the old oil out.

Replace the drain bolt and drain bolt access cover.

Remove the filter and let that receptacle drain into your catch pan.

Install the new filter.

Replace the filter access panel.

Remove the oil filler cap and use the funnel to pour in the new oil.

Run your engine for a few moments to let the oil settle, then check the level.

Adjust oil as needed.

All done! As long as your car isn’t leaking, you’re all set for another 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Remember not to dump your oil in just any old place. Take it to a local recycling center so it can be properly disposed of.

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The bottom line

Changing out your oil isn’t as complicated as it seems—but it is important to do it correctly. Use the recommended oil grade and standard, and make sure not to fill it up too full. You want your Chrysler 200 to live its best life for as long as possible!

“After I bought my new car, the insurance companies tried charging me $315/month.
Jerry
, on the other hand, found me full coverage for only $220/month. Thank you!” —Mari E.

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