Maintaining the health of your 2018 Chrysler 300 3.6L starts with selecting the right lubricants for its specific components. This vehicle’s engine, transmission, and cooling systems operate under demanding conditions that require synthetic technology to ensure longevity and peak performance. Proper fluid selection helps prevent wear, extends service intervals, and maintains efficiency in both extreme heat and cold.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers the highest level of protection against horsepower loss and wear, suitable for up to 25,000 miles of service.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits, ideal for standard mileage maintenance.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and control oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns and offers extended service life compatible with AMSOIL synthetic oils.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket alternative featuring high-quality media for effective contaminant removal.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mixed formulation protecting the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated coolant solution requiring mixing, offering protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts for 8-speed transmissions.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A versatile fluid suitable for transfer case lubrication and various automatic transmission applications.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Guards against leaks and harmful sludge while ensuring excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection for front differentials and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for high-load rear differentials requiring thicker viscosity to control thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A versatile synthetic gear oil that helps reduce operating temperatures and extends seal life.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Formulated for rear differentials, offering excellent protection and temperature control for GL-5 gears.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is renowned for its balance of power and efficiency, making it a staple in many Chrysler vehicles. To keep this engine running smoothly, maintaining the correct oil capacity of 5.9 quarts (including filter replacement) is essential. The engine requires SAE 5W-20 viscosity to ensure proper flow across all temperature ranges. For those with higher mileage, the High-Mileage Motor Oil provides a unique chemistry designed to reduce sludge and oil consumption, while the Signature Series offers the ultimate protection for extended drain intervals. Selecting the appropriate filter is equally critical; the AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to allow lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated, whereas the WIX Oil Filter offers a premium media alternative for those who prefer that brand.
Transmission and Drivetrain Lubrication
The 2018 Chrysler 300 typically features an 8-speed 845RE automatic transmission, which benefits significantly from synthetic fluid to handle the rigors of shifting and heat. The total fill capacity for this transmission is 9.7 quarts. Using a synthetic fluid ensures that the transmission remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures, preventing harsh shifts and wear. For those looking to maximize fuel economy or tackle heavy towing, the Signature Series Fuel-Efficient fluid is a top choice, while the OE Fuel-Efficient option provides a balanced performance for standard driving. In addition to the transmission, the vehicle may utilize a transfer case or front/rear differentials depending on the drivetrain configuration. The BW 44-40 transfer case requires 2.1 pints of fluid, often suitable for Signature Series Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid or specific gear lubes. Front and rear differentials, specifically the 175mm FIA and 195mm RIA units, require precise viscosity grades like 75W-90, 75W-110, 80W-90, or 75W-85. AMSOIL’s SEVERE GEAR line addresses these needs with formulations that resist rust, control thermal runaway, and extend the life of seals and equipment.
Cooling and Brake Systems
Proper thermal management is vital for the longevity of the 3.6L engine and its components. The cooling system requires a capacity of 10 quarts of antifreeze and coolant. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a phosphate-, nitrate-, and nitrite-free formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles. For those who prefer concentrated coolants, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers extended protection for up to 240,000 miles in passenger cars. Beyond the engine and transmission, the braking system demands reliable fluid to maintain safety. The DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid ensures consistent pedal feel and optimal performance in the vehicle’s hydraulic brake system, providing a stable viscosity that resists moisture absorption better than conventional fluids.
Seasonal storage and maintenance are also important aspects of owning a 2018 Chrysler 300. If the vehicle will be parked for an extended period, using the Gasoline Stabilizer can keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup. For engines that will be idle, the Engine Fogging Oil serves as a highly effective rust preventative. To maintain peak performance during operation, the AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver gasoline additive can restore up to 14% of lost horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors. For those who wish to add an extra layer of protection to fuel systems, the Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor helps lubricate the fuel system and cylinders. General maintenance is supported by products like the Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease for chassis components and heavy-duty cleaners like the Heavy-Duty Degreaser and Engine Degreaser to keep the vehicle spotless.
Vehicle Background
The 2018 Chrysler 300 represents the culmination of a long legacy of full-size sedans that blend American muscle with European-inspired design. Built on the LX platform, which evolved from the rear-wheel-drive architecture of the late 1990s and early 2000s, the 300 has consistently been a favorite among drivers who value a commanding road presence. The vehicle is known for its spacious interior, which often rivals that of luxury competitors, and its smooth, comfortable ride quality that has made it a staple for long-distance travel and daily commuting alike.
The specific 3.6L V6 engine, part of the Pentastar family, is widely regarded for its reliability and efficiency. It produces a robust output of power that, while not as intense as the HEMI V8 options, offers an excellent balance for most drivers. The engine’s design, featuring a lightweight aluminum block and four-valve per cylinder heads, allows for responsive acceleration and decent fuel economy for a vehicle of its size. The 2018 model year continued the evolution of the 300, featuring refined styling updates and modern technology integrations that kept it competitive in the luxury sedan segment.
Owners of the 2018 Chrysler 300 often praise its handling characteristics, which, while heavy for a sedan, provide a stable and planted feel in corners. The interior quality is generally rated highly, with durable materials and a straightforward layout for controls. However, like many vehicles with complex electronics and long service lives, there are specific areas where proactive maintenance can prevent common issues. One prevalent concern for the 3.6L engine is oil consumption, particularly as the vehicle accumulates mileage. Using a high-quality synthetic oil formulated for high-mileage engines, such as the 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil, can help mitigate this by reducing sludge and sealing small gaps, potentially extending the time between repairs. Additionally, the transmission in some models can develop shudder or hesitation if the fluid degrades or becomes contaminated; using a high-grade synthetic transmission fluid can help maintain smooth shifts and extend the life of the torque converter clutch. Another area of attention is the cooling system; overheating can be catastrophic for the engine, so ensuring the antifreeze is topped up with a high-quality, long-life coolant is critical to prevent corrosion and overheating. Finally, the electronic throttle body or variable valve timing sensors can sometimes cause rough idling or check engine lights; cleaning these components and maintaining proper fuel system health with additives can help keep the engine running smoothly. By addressing these common maintenance needs with high-performance lubricants, owners can significantly enhance the durability and driving experience of their 2018 Chrysler 300.