Keeping your 2016 Dodge Charger with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine running at peak performance requires more than just changing fluids on a schedule; it demands using lubricants engineered to meet the specific demands of this powertrain. The 3.6L engine, known for its smooth power delivery and durability, benefits significantly from the superior thermal stability and additive packages found in high-quality synthetic oils. Using the correct viscosity and high-performance fluids ensures that your engine, transmission, and drivetrain components remain protected against the wear, heat, and stress of daily driving, from aggressive commuting to highway cruising.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate choice for maximum engine protection, extending drain intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year while fighting horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent balance of extended drain protection up to 20,000 miles and superior cleaning power to keep your engine running smoothly.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while meeting original equipment performance standards.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines over 75,000 miles with boosted detergents to clean sludge and enhanced anti-wear additives.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns to capture wear-causing contaminants and reduces engine wear compared to competing filters.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed for the 8-speed 845RE transmission, offering exceptional protection against wear and fluid breakdown under heavy loads.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed, phosphate-free formulation that exceeds OEM requirements and protects the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the front differential and transfer case, controlling thermal runaway and providing long-lasting protection for limited-slip differentials.
The heart of the 2016 Dodge Charger’s comfort and reliability lies in its engine lubrication system. For the 3.6L Pentastar V6, the factory-recommended viscosity is 5W-20. While conventional oils may meet minimum specifications, AMSOIL synthetic motor oils offer distinct advantages. Signature Series 5W-20 provides 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards, ensuring the engine runs cooler and smoother over extended periods. Whether you drive an older high-mileage example or a newer vehicle, selecting the right formulation is crucial. The 5W-20 High-Mileage Motor Oil variant features a unique chemistry designed to reduce oil consumption and sludge buildup, revitalizing older engines to help them perform better and last longer.
Filtration is just as critical as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K19) works in tandem with synthetic oils to maximize engine life. Unlike standard paper filters, this premium filter allows lower restriction, ensuring oil flows freely to critical engine parts even under high pressure. It offers greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants and maintains a high level of efficiency, capturing particles as small as 20 microns. For those who prefer a well-known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter (WL10010) is also a recommended alternative that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
Beyond the engine, the transmission requires specialized attention to maintain the smooth shifting the Charger is known for. The 3.6L model is often paired with the 845RE 8-speed automatic transmission or the NAG1 5-speed. Both benefit from AMSOIL’s synthetic transmission fluids. The Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Transmission Fluid withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, remaining fluid even in sub-zero conditions. It provides reserve protection during heavy use, ensuring smooth, shudder-free shifts and guarding against the wear that leads to costly repairs. For those seeking a budget-friendly yet high-performance option, the OE Fuel-Efficient Transmission Fluid offers similar protection against wear and sludge with excellent cold-weather performance.
The cooling system also plays a vital role in the longevity of this vehicle. With a capacity of 10 quarts, the 2016 Charger needs a AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant that provides robust corrosion protection without relying on phosphates or silicates that can cause harm over time. AMSOIL’s Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mixed ethylene glycol formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is compatible with all other antifreeze colors and offers protection up to 150,000 miles or five years, eliminating the need for annual top-offs.
Differential and transfer case lubrication is often overlooked but essential for the Charger’s handling and power transfer. The front differential, typically a 175mm FIA unit, and the transfer case require high-quality synthetic gear lube. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is an excellent choice for limited-slip applications, containing friction modifiers to prevent chatter and chattering noises. For the rear standard differential, the SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is specified for optimal performance. These synthetic lubes control thermal runaway, protect against rust and corrosion, and help reduce operating temperatures, ensuring the final drive components operate quietly and efficiently for the long haul.
Finally, maintaining fluid integrity in the brake system is critical for safety. The 2016 Dodge Charger requires a hydraulic AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid meeting MS-4574 specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent pedal feel in all weather conditions, giving drivers confidence in their vehicle’s stopping power.
About the 2016 Dodge Charger
By 2016, the Dodge Charger had firmly established itself as a dominant force in the American sedan market, bridging the gap between the raw muscle car heritage of the 1960s and modern technology. The sixth-generation Charger, introduced in 2011, found its stride by the time the 2016 model year arrived. It was designed as a four-door sedan that could compete with performance sedans from Europe while retaining the soul of an American muscle car.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine was the workhorse for this generation, offering a sweet spot for daily drivers. While the SRT and R/T trims were known for their powerful Hemi V8s, the 3.6L model was popular among families and enthusiasts who valued fuel economy without sacrificing too much performance. With a design that emphasized aerodynamic efficiency, the Charger boasted a drag coefficient that helped it cut through the air with ease. The interior space was generous, offering a comfortable cabin for passengers and ample trunk storage, making it a practical choice for road trips as well as city commuting.
Driving the 2016 Charger provided a blend of comfort and sportiness. The suspension tuning was capable of absorbing road imperfections while still providing decent feedback through the steering wheel. For owners who pushed the limits, the platform was robust enough to handle aftermarket upgrades. The vehicle was built in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, a facility known for high manufacturing standards. Whether used for police service, which the model was often famous for, or as a family hauler, the 2016 Charger’s reputation for durability and style made it a beloved choice on the road.