Ensuring your 2016 Chrysler 300 with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 runs at its best starts with selecting the right lubricants. This vehicle is designed for a blend of powerful performance and smooth highway cruising, making fluid compatibility critical for longevity. Using the correct viscosity and quality standards prevents premature wear, maintains fuel economy, and protects sensitive components like the VVT system and the 8-speed automatic transmission. Whether you drive in extreme temperatures or frequently tow, synthetic motor oil provides the stability that conventional oils cannot match. Additionally, a quality oil filter is essential to keep the system clean.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for superior engine protection, reducing wear by 75% against horsepower loss and extending service intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers 37% more cleaning power than the OE line and delivers 20,000 miles of protection, ideal for keeping the engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective solution that fights sludge and deposits effectively while meeting original equipment specifications.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specially formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and boost detergent performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features a high-capacity media design that provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns to remove small, wear-causing contaminants.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative option with media that offers improvements over standard OEM-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An extended-life formula providing up to 150,000 miles of corrosion protection for all cooling system metals.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that requires mixing, offering superior protection for both passenger cars and heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the stress of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts for the 8-speed transmission.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile option that provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Resists harmful sludge and guards against leaks with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Designed for front differential applications, it controls thermal runaway and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Optimized for rear differential applications, ensuring advanced protection against wear and operating temperature control.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Filtration Specifications
The 3.6L V6 engine in your 2016 Chrysler 300, specifically the engine code [G] ERB G Flex, is a robust powerplant designed for efficiency and power. However, to maintain its performance, the oil change interval and fluid capacity are key factors to manage correctly. The manufacturer specifies a 5W-20 viscosity for all temperatures. When performing a service, the total fluid capacity is 5.9 quarts when the filter is included. It is important to note that the oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs during reinstallation to ensure a proper seal without damaging the threads. After the refill, always check the oil level to ensure the dipstick is reading accurately.
AMSOIL offers a tiered approach to engine oil selection based on your driving habits and vehicle age. For those seeking the absolute maximum protection and longest service life, the AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 is the top recommendation. This oil is engineered to provide up to 25,000 miles of protection between changes, significantly extending the time between maintenance intervals. Its advanced formulation reduces horsepower loss and wear by 75% compared to industry standards. If you prefer a slightly more budget-friendly option without sacrificing synthetic quality, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 provides 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection and features enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly. For owners looking to match original equipment specifications, the AMSOIL OE 5W-20 is an excellent choice that fights sludge and deposits effectively.
For vehicles that have accumulated significant mileage, specifically over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil addresses specific wear issues. This fluid contains a unique chemistry with boosted detergents and dispersants that reduce sludge by 67%. It is designed to rejuvenate aging engines, helping them perform better and last longer. Regardless of which oil you choose, pairing it with a high-quality filter is essential for trapping contaminants. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is rated to filter at 99% efficiency at 20 microns and has a higher capacity for contaminants than many competing filters, which helps extend engine life. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter is a premium aftermarket choice that offers improvements over standard OEM filters.
It is worth noting for owners who run flex-fuel vehicles that if you use E85 or M85 fuels, you should adhere to the viscosity recommended by the OEM for your specific drain interval. Extended oil drain intervals are only possible through oil analysis when these alternative fuels are used, as they can affect oil life.
Transmission and Cooling System Care
The transmission in the 2016 Chrysler 300 is an 8-speed automatic (845RE). Maintaining this complex unit requires a fluid that can handle the rigors of modern driving, including frequent shifting and varying loads. The total fill capacity for the 845RE transmission is 9.7 quarts. To ensure smooth operation and longevity, AMSOIL offers the Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid. This fluid is designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid even in sub-zero conditions. For a more economical option, the OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides protection against wear and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
The cooling system is equally vital for the reliability of the 3.6L engine. The coolant capacity for this vehicle is 10 quarts. Over time, conventional coolants can break down, leading to corrosion and reduced heat transfer. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that is ethylene glycol based and comes as a 50/50 pre-mix. It protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, and is free of phosphates, nitrates, silicates, and borates, making it safe for modern radiators. For those who prefer a concentrated formula that they can mix themselves, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. This product greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Differential and Brake Fluid Recommendations
While the 3.6L V6 is a front-wheel-drive platform, the 2016 Chrysler 300 often includes all-wheel-drive configurations. If your vehicle is equipped with a transfer case or differential, proper lubrication is crucial. The front differential (175mm FIA) requires 1.3 pints of lubricant, while the rear differential (195 RIA) requires 1.5 pints. For these applications, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 is recommended for the front, as it contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and helps reduce operating temperatures. The SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 is the specific recommendation for the rear differential, offering advanced protection against wear and controlling thermal runaway.
Finally, the braking system requires a fluid that maintains a stable viscosity across extreme temperature ranges to ensure safety. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is the ideal choice for your 2016 Chrysler 300. It provides excellent responsiveness for both ABS and traction control systems, ensuring that your vehicle stops predictably in any weather condition.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Chrysler 300 represents a significant point in the evolution of this full-size sedan line. Known for its bold design and classic American presence, the 300 has long been a favorite for those who appreciate a combination of luxury, power, and distinctive style. By 2016, the model had settled into its second generation, offering a refined driving experience that blends the comfort of a traditional sedan with the capability of a more performance-oriented machine. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine powering this model is a workhorse, widely recognized for its balance of smooth power delivery and respectable fuel efficiency.
Owners often choose this vehicle for its spacious interior, which provides ample room for passengers and cargo, making it an excellent choice for families or long-distance travelers. The platform shares DNA with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, a fact that contributes to its solid build quality and potential for AWD capabilities, depending on the trim level. The 2016 model year specifically continued to offer a modern infotainment system and advanced safety features that were becoming standard in the luxury segment. The driving character of the 300 is generally characterized by a smooth, quiet ride with responsive handling that belies its size. It sits in a unique market position, offering the road presence and power of a European luxury sedan at a price point that often undercuts the competition. This blend of value and capability has helped maintain a strong reputation among vehicle owners who seek a practical yet impressive daily driver.