Maintaining the health of your 2022 Dodge Challenger with the 6.2L engine requires more than just a standard oil change; it demands fluids engineered to handle the extreme temperatures and high-output performance inherent to this American muscle car. Whether you are commuting to work, attending track days, or simply enjoying a spirited drive on the weekend, the right lubricants ensure your engine and drivetrain operate with minimal friction and maximum efficiency. Using high-quality AMSOIL synthetic motor oil helps protect against wear, reduces operating temperatures, and extends the service intervals between maintenance, giving you more time on the road and less time in the shop.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for extreme temperature protection and maximum horsepower retention in this high-output V8.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter EAO11-EA – Provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns with reduced oil flow restriction to ensure superior lubrication.
- WIX Oil Filter 57899-EA – A high-performance alternative featuring premium media that outperforms many original equipment manufacturer options.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed ethylene glycol formula designed to exceed OEM requirements for corrosion protection.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option that offers a 150,000-mile service interval and safe handling characteristics.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Ideal for the 8HP90 transmission, withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective synthetic option that delivers protection against wear and sludge.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Suitable for manual transmissions and transfer cases, ensuring smooth shifts and cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A multi-vehicle fluid that promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Maintains stable viscosity across a wide temperature range for responsive ABS and traction-control performance.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection for front differentials with GL-5 specifications, including friction modifiers for limited-slip axles.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Engineered for extended service life and high-load gear and bearing protection.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Perfect for rear axles requiring 75W-85 viscosity, providing superior thermal control and rust protection.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and can recover up to 14% of lost horsepower.
For the heart of the Challenger, the engine oil plays a critical role in managing the intense heat generated by the 6.2L V8. The recommended capacity for this engine, when including a filter change, is 7.0 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 is specifically formulated to provide 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils. Its unique viscosity control ensures a protective film remains intact during high-revving acceleration while still allowing for rapid flow during cold starts. This fluid is guaranteed for up to 25,000 miles or one year under normal driving conditions, significantly reducing the frequency of oil changes compared to standard maintenance schedules. Pairing this oil with a high-efficiency filter, such as the AMSOIL EAO11-EA, ensures that contaminants are removed effectively without restricting oil flow, keeping the engine’s critical components lubricated and clean.
The cooling system of your 2022 Challenger is equally vital, especially given the engine’s power output. The intercooler requires 4.4 quarts, while the engine coolant capacity is 15.2 quarts. Whether you choose the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, which is a convenient pre-mixed formulation, or the concentrated AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant, both are designed to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. These coolants are free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, reducing the risk of deposit formation while providing corrosion protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years. Proper coolant selection prevents overheating during spirited driving and protects against freezing in colder climates.
Transmission health is paramount for a rear-wheel-drive performance vehicle like the Challenger. If you are operating the automatic transmission, the total fill capacity for the 8-speed 8HP90 unit is 9.2 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid or the OE Fuel-Efficient variant offers the necessary protection against the high thermal loads and shear forces associated with this transmission. For manual transmissions, such as the TR6060, the capacity is approximately 8.2 pints for a total dry fill including the cooler and lines. In these applications, the AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid or AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is recommended to ensure smooth shifting and resistance to sludge buildup. These fluids remain fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring reliable operation regardless of the weather.
The rear differential and transfer case of the Challenger also demand specialized lubricants to handle the torque loads and potential for heavy use. The specific viscosity required depends on the axle code, with the front standard differential typically requiring a 75W-90 synthetic oil. For the rear axle, 75W-85 is the standard recommendation for most configurations. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 and AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 are formulated with advanced friction modifiers to protect limited-slip differentials while controlling thermal runaway. These gear lubes help reduce operating temperatures and extend the life of seals and gears, preventing the common issues of rust and corrosion that can plague rear axles.
Why Owners Like This Vehicle
The 2022 Dodge Challenger, particularly the models equipped with the 6.2L HEMI® V8, continues to be a standout in the muscle car segment. It offers a unique blend of retro styling and modern performance technology that appeals to a wide range of drivers. The Challenger’s design philosophy is rooted in American muscle car heritage, featuring a long hood, short deck, and distinctive quad headlights that pay homage to its predecessors from the 1970s and 1980s. Despite its classic look, the 2022 model is built on the same platform as the Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering a surprisingly spacious interior and a robust chassis that handles with surprising agility for a car of its size.
Performance enthusiasts are drawn to the Challenger 6.2L because of its potent power delivery. The 6.2L engine is available in several tunes, ranging from standard V8 output to the high-revving supercharged variants found in the Scat Pack and Hellcat models. This powertrain provides instant torque and a visceral driving experience that is rare in modern vehicles. The Challenger also benefits from a sophisticated suspension system that can be tuned for comfort during daily driving or stiffened for track use, allowing owners to adapt the car to their driving style. The interior is equally practical, offering comfortable seating for up to four adults and a generous cargo area, making it a viable daily driver despite its aggressive appearance.
However, the high-performance nature of the Challenger brings specific challenges that regular maintenance must address. One common issue observed in high-mileage V8 engines is excessive oil consumption, which can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage if not monitored. The aggressive driving patterns associated with muscle cars can exacerbate this issue, making high-quality synthetic motor oil with superior viscosity stability and anti-wear additives essential. Another frequent problem is the degradation of rubber hoses and gaskets in the cooling system over time, which can lead to leaks and overheating. Using a high-grade antifreeze and coolant that is free of abrasive chemicals helps preserve these components and maintain seal integrity.
Transmission shudder and premature wear are also known concerns for owners who frequently engage in spirited driving or heavy towing. The torque loads placed on the automatic transmission can cause fluid breakdown and clutch wear. Switching to a synthetic transmission fluid designed for high-torque applications can mitigate these issues, providing better lubrication under extreme stress and extending the life of the transmission components. Finally, the limited-slip differentials in many Challenger models can experience chatter or noise if the gear lubricant is not formulated with the correct friction modifiers. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® products address this by providing the necessary friction characteristics to eliminate shudder while protecting the gears from wear and corrosion, ensuring the rear end performs smoothly even after years of service.
Maintaining your 2022 Dodge Challenger with the correct AMSOIL products ensures that this powerful machine continues to perform at its peak. From the engine’s combustion chambers to the differentials’ gears, every component receives the specific protection it needs to withstand the demands of high-performance driving. By choosing the right lubricants, you not only enhance the vehicle’s longevity but also optimize its performance, ensuring that every drive is as smooth and powerful as the day you first got behind the wheel.