Maintaining your 2016 Dodge Charger with the 6.2L supercharged engine requires precision when it comes to selecting the right lubricants. This high-performance powerhouse generates significant heat and stress, making standard factory fluids inadequate for owners who demand maximum longevity and performance. Using the correct AMSOIL products ensures that the engine, transmission, and differential systems are protected against extreme operating conditions, preventing premature wear and costly repairs.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for your 6.2L HEMI, offering superior protection against horsepower loss and wear in temperatures ranging from extreme heat to sub-zero cold.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EAO11 – Designed to pair perfectly with synthetic oil, this filter provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns to trap wear-causing contaminants that lead to engine degradation.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects cooling system metals and hoses, extending service life up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated alternative that requires mixing, offering protection up to 1,000,000 miles in heavy-duty applications and vastly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Specifically engineered for the 8HP90 transmission, this fluid withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in freezing conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective alternative that meets OEM requirements, protecting against wear and promoting smooth, shudder-free shifts.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended choice for the standard rear differential, providing advanced protection against thermal runaway and rust for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the rear limited-slip differential, featuring friction modifiers to ensure smooth operation under heavy loads.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity range, ensuring reliable braking performance when it matters most.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Also suitable for power steering systems on this model, offering reserve protection during heavy use and maintaining fluidity in sub-zero temperatures.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile option for power steering that resists sludge and guards against leaks while promoting smooth operation.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores horsepower and cleans fuel injectors, particularly beneficial for GDI engines to prevent carbon buildup and improve fuel economy.
Engine Oil and Filtration
The heart of your 2016 Charger, the 6.2L supercharged engine, is a demanding component. It requires a lubricant that can maintain viscosity under the intense heat generated by forced induction and high compression. Standard conventional oils break down quickly under these conditions, leading to increased friction and wear. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 is engineered specifically to handle this stress. It offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. This synthetic oil remains stable in extreme heat and flows easily during cold starts, ensuring immediate lubrication to critical components.
The oil capacity for a 2016 Dodge Charger with the 6.2L engine is 5.9 quarts when including the filter replacement. Proper filtration is just as critical as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter features a synthetic media that captures particles as small as 20 microns with 99% efficiency. This high capacity for contaminant retention prevents small, wear-causing particles from circulating back into the engine, significantly extending engine life. For those preferring an aftermarket name, the WIX Oil Filter is also an excellent alternative with premium media that improves upon original equipment filters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
Powering the 2016 Charger is often an 8-speed automatic transmission, specifically the 8HP90 model. This transmission operates under high thermal loads, especially when towing or spirited driving. Using the correct fluid is essential to prevent shuddering, harsh shifting, and eventual failure. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is formulated to withstand these rigors. It resists oxidation and thermal breakdown, maintaining its protective film even in sub-zero temperatures and heavy towing scenarios. The total fill capacity for the transmission is approximately 9.2 quarts.
The rear differential also demands attention. Depending on your vehicle’s configuration, it may have a standard differential or a limited-slip rear end (Rear Limited Slip Differential). Both require specific viscosity gear lubes to function correctly and quietly. For the standard rear differential, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 is the recommended choice. It controls thermal runaway and helps reduce operating temperatures, extending the life of the seals and gears. If your Charger is equipped with a limited-slip differential, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 provides the necessary friction modifiers for smooth engagement. The capacity for the rear differential is 2.3 pints, so a small quantity of high-quality synthetic gear lube is all that is needed to ensure superior performance.
Coolant and Brake Fluid
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for the longevity of the 6.2L engine. The system holds a significant amount of fluid, with the intercooler requiring 5 quarts and the engine itself holding 15.2 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze prevents freezing, boiling, and corrosion. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that is phosphate, nitrate, and borate-free. It protects all cooling system metals and is compatible with other coolant colors. For a more concentrated option, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, requiring mixing with distilled water for optimal results.
Braking performance must remain consistent for safety. The recommended brake fluid for this model meets MS-4574 specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid offers a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring precise brake pedal feel and excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems. This synthetic fluid prevents moisture absorption and boiling, which are common causes of brake fade in high-performance driving situations.
Engine and Performance Additives
Even with synthetic oil, adding a gasoline additive can further enhance engine performance and efficiency. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is designed to restore up to 14% horsepower and improve fuel economy. It works by cleaning GDI fuel injectors, restoring them to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel. This helps prevent carbon buildup and knock, ensuring your supercharged engine breathes efficiently. For owners planning to store their vehicles, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against ethanol corrosion and gum buildup.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Dodge Charger represents the fourth generation of the iconic full-size sedan, blending classic American muscle car aesthetics with modern technology and performance capabilities. Introduced as a revival of the nameplate, the Charger is built on the LD platform, which it shares with the Chrysler 300 and the second-generation Dodge Durango. This shared architecture contributes to its robust structure and spacious interior, making it a favorite for drivers who value comfort without sacrificing power.
Powered by a variety of engine options, the model in question features the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8, often referred to as the Hellcat engine. This powerhouse produces over 700 horsepower, delivering acceleration that rivals sports cars while retaining the practicality of a four-door sedan. The 6.2L engine code [9] ESD 9 denotes the specific configuration for this model year, highlighting the unique calibration required for its supercharged operation. The vehicle’s driving character is defined by its ability to dominate on the drag strip while remaining composed and refined on the highway.
Owners of the 2016 Charger often praise its versatility. It serves as a capable daily driver, a family hauler, and a serious performance machine all in one package. The 8-speed automatic transmission, particularly in models equipped with the powerful 6.2L, is tuned to provide rapid gear changes that keep the engine in its power band. The exterior design remains distinctive, with a wide stance and aggressive styling cues that turn heads. Whether navigating city traffic or cruising on the open road, the 2016 Dodge Charger offers a unique driving experience that combines raw power with everyday usability, making it a standout in the automotive market.