Ensuring your 2021 Dodge Charger with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine receives the correct lubrication is critical for maintaining its performance, fuel economy, and longevity. The ERB G Flex engine is designed with precise tolerances that demand a high-quality synthetic oil to protect against wear, prevent sludge buildup, and handle the thermal stress of both daily commuting and spirited driving. Whether you are towing, driving in extreme temperatures, or simply extending your service intervals, using the right fluids can make the difference between a smooth-running vehicle and one that suffers from premature wear. This guide details the specific AMSOIL products engineered to meet the manufacturer’s requirements for this powerful sedan.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
The following AMSOIL products are specifically recommended for the 2021 Dodge Charger 3.6L engine. Each option offers a different level of protection and service interval, allowing you to choose the best fit for your driving habits and budget.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection against horsepower loss and wear, offering up to 25,000 miles of service intervals.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended protection up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice that outperforms conventional oils, ideal for maintaining standard OEM mileage expectations.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced additives to reduce sludge and consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Features 99% efficiency at 20 microns, offering superior filtration capacity to reduce engine wear over extended intervals.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket alternative that offers improvements over standard OEM-branded filters, ensuring consistent flow and filtration.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects against corrosion for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula offering extended service intervals.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective synthetic option that protects against wear and promotes smooth shifts.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – An excellent option for vehicles requiring a universal fluid solution.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides robust protection for multi-vehicle applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced protection for the front standard differential with friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Engineered for extended service life in heavy-duty and over-the-road applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides extra viscosity for high-load and heavy-duty gear applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The recommended fluid for the rear axles (195 and 230), providing long equipment life and thermal stability.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity range.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Keeps seals soft to prevent leaks while resisting heat and wear.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, ideal for stored seasonal equipment.
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil – A highly effective rust preventive designed to protect internal engine components during storage.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores lost horsepower and cleans fuel injectors for improved fuel economy.
- AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor – Lubricates the fuel system and upper cylinders while preventing corrosion.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease – Resists thermal degradation and offers outstanding low-temperature pumpability for cold-season operability.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector – Contains special rust and corrosion inhibitor additives to protect against salt and moisture.
- AMSOIL MP Metal Protector – Cuts through rust and frees frozen components while displacing water.
- AMSOIL Silicone Spray – Provides a dry lubricating film ideal for surfaces that may be damaged by conventional lubricants.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser – Dissolves oil, tar, and grime quickly with a low-VOC formula.
- AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner – Cleans deposits from ethanol and degraded fuel to maximize horsepower.
- AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray – A convenient wash and wax solution that repels dust and dirt.
- AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner – Quickly removes oil, grease, and brake fluid from automotive components.
- AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent – Provides a protective, non-stick layer of armor against the accumulation of mud and dirt.
- AMSOIL Engine Degreaser – A professional-strength formula to remove grease, dirt, and grime from engine surfaces.
- AMSOIL Glass Cleaner – Effectively cuts through grease and grime with a foaming action that leaves no streaks.
- AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo – A high-foam formula that is hard on dirt but gentle on coatings and finishes.
- AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray – Sheds water rapidly and protects against UV rays with an easy application.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon – A multi-surface cleaner with 90-day UV protection.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free – A multi-surface cleaner that traps and eliminates odors.
Engine Oil and Filtration Essentials
The heart of your 2021 Dodge Charger’s performance is the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. To keep this engine running at its peak, AMSOIL recommends a 5W-20 viscosity synthetic motor oil. The total capacity for an oil change, including the filter, is 5.9 quarts. It is important to note that if you use E85 or M85 fuels, AMSOIL oils of the appropriate viscosity must be used to maintain standard drain intervals. The engine’s oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to ensure a secure seal.
Choosing the right oil grade is only half the battle; the filter is equally critical. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to provide 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, capturing small wear-causing contaminants that standard filters might miss. This lower restriction design ensures that engine parts remain well-lubricated even under high demand. For those who prefer a well-known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter is also a recommended option that offers premium media with improvements over standard OEM filters.
If your vehicle has accumulated over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-20 High-Mileage Motor Oil is an excellent choice. Its unique chemistry includes boosted detergents and dispersants to fight sludge, along with enhanced anti-wear additives. This formulation has been shown to reduce sludge by 67% and helps restore engine performance in older vehicles.
Transmission and Differential Care
The 2021 Dodge Charger with the 3.6L engine typically comes equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission (850RE). Maintaining this transmission is vital for smooth shifting and long-term reliability. The total fill capacity for the automatic transmission is 9.5 quarts. For optimal performance, especially under severe driving conditions like heavy towing or extended highway driving, AMSOIL offers multiple fluid options.
The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is ideal for drivers who demand the highest level of protection. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and can withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides a robust synthetic protection that guards against leaks and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts. For versatile applications, consider the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid or the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid.
For the differential, the requirements depend on the specific axle configuration. The front standard differential (175 FIA) requires a 75W-90 synthetic gear lube with a capacity of 1.3 pints. For the rear axles, the 195 and 230 models require a 75W-85 fluid. The 195 Rear Axle takes 1.5 pints, while the 220 and 230 axles take 2.3 pints. The limited-slip versions of the 230 axle also utilize the 75W-85 fluid. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 is the specific recommendation for these applications, offering advanced protection against wear, rust, and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures. For the front differential, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 is the preferred choice, containing friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications. For heavier duty requirements, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is available, as is the AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube for extended service intervals.
Coolant, Brake, and Power Steering Fluids
Coolant management is essential to prevent overheating and internal corrosion. The 2021 Charger’s cooling system holds approximately 10 quarts of fluid. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, which is a pre-mixed 50/50 formulation of ethylene glycol. This unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses and is free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates. For those who prefer a concentrated fluid, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years and is compatible with all other coolant colors.
Stopping power is just as important as speed. The Dodge Charger requires a hydraulic brake fluid that meets DOT 3 standards. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Finally, for the electric hydraulic power steering system (EHPS), the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, resists heat for long fluid life, and ensures quiet operation under high load.
About the Vehicle
The 2021 Dodge Charger represents the culmination of decades of American muscle car engineering, blending classic styling cues with modern performance and technology. Built on the LD2 platform, the Charger is known for its distinctive, aggressive fastback profile that harkens back to the iconic designs of the late 1960s and early 1970s. While the model has long been available with powerful Hemi V8 options, the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine offers a compelling blend of everyday drivability, fuel efficiency, and sufficient power for the majority of drivers. This engine code, often referred to as the ERB G Flex, is a staple in the Dodge lineup, powering not just the Charger but also other popular models like the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Owners of the 2021 Dodge Charger appreciate the vehicle’s spacious interior and comfortable ride quality, which makes it an excellent choice for long road trips and daily commuting alike. The sedan offers a spacious trunk and rear seating that belies its sporty exterior, making it a versatile family hauler that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The driving character of the Charger is defined by its stable chassis and responsive handling, whether equipped with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 3.6L engine provides a smooth power delivery that is particularly well-suited for highway driving, offering strong mid-range torque for confident passing maneuvers.
Despite its reputation for reliability, the 2021 Dodge Charger is not without its known issues that can be mitigated through proper maintenance. One common concern among Pentastar V6 owners is carbon buildup on the intake valves, a issue prevalent in many direct-injection and Port Fuel Injection (GDI) engines of this era. Using high-quality synthetic motor oils with robust detergent packages helps keep the engine internals clean and reduces the rate of deposit formation.
Another area of concern is oil consumption and potential timing chain tensioner issues in early production models of this engine. AMSOIL synthetic oils are formulated to provide superior thermal stability and reduced volatility, which helps maintain proper oil levels and lubrication pressure, potentially mitigating the effects of consumption. Furthermore, the transmission fluid is a critical component for the 8-speed automatic unit. Over time, transmission fluid can degrade, leading to shuddering or harsh shifts. Regular fluid changes with high-performance synthetic transmission fluids can restore shift quality and extend the life of the transmission components. Finally, brake system performance can be compromised by moisture absorption in standard brake fluids over time. Synthetic brake fluid resists moisture uptake and maintains a higher boiling point, ensuring consistent stopping power and protecting the ABS module from corrosion.
The Dodge Charger occupies a unique space in the automotive market as a four-door sedan that delivers true muscle car performance. It appeals to a wide range of drivers, from those who need a practical daily driver to enthusiasts who enjoy the car’s heritage. By selecting the right lubricants, owners can ensure their Charger remains a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for years to come, overcoming common wear patterns and maintaining the smooth, powerful drive that the model is famous for.