Understanding the specific lubrication needs of the 6.4L HEMI engine is the first step in a successful maintenance routine. This naturally aspirated V8 is a powerhouse, delivering significant torque and acceleration, but such power generation creates intense heat and mechanical stress within the engine bay. Standard mineral oils often break down under these conditions, leading to varnish, sludge, and premature component wear. AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-40 is formulated specifically to handle the thermal demands of this engine, offering exceptional stability and film strength. With a capacity of 7.0 quarts including the filter change, the large oil volume in the HEMI requires a fluid that maintains its viscosity under extreme pressure.
Engine Maintenance and Filtration
The health of the engine relies heavily on the quality of the oil filter used during an oil change. For the 2018 Dodge Charger 6.4L, the recommended capacity is 7.0 quarts, and the oil drain plug torque should be set to 20 ft-lbs to ensure a proper seal without damaging the thread. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO11-EA) is engineered to match or exceed the performance of original equipment filters. It offers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, which is crucial for capturing the microscopic wear particles that can cause significant damage over time. By maintaining lower restriction compared to standard filters, the AMSOIL filter ensures that oil flow is never compromised, keeping critical engine parts properly lubricated even during high-RPM operation.
For owners who prefer alternative branded filters, the WIX Oil Filter (57899-EA) serves as a high-quality alternative. It features premium media that offers improvements over typical OEM-branded filters, ensuring that contaminants are trapped effectively. Both filter options are designed to provide extended service life, which aligns with the extended drain intervals possible with AMSOIL synthetic motor oils. This combination of high-performance oil and superior filtration allows owners to confidently extend their maintenance schedules while protecting their engine investment.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The power generated by the 6.4L HEMI must be transferred efficiently to the road, and the transmission plays a vital role in this process. The 2018 Charger utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission (8HP70), which benefits significantly from a synthetic fluid designed for heavy-duty use. The total fill capacity for the transmission is 9 quarts. For this application, the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is an excellent choice. It is engineered to remain fluid in sub-zero temperatures while withstanding the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. This fluid helps prevent transmission shudder and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts.
For the drivetrain, the rear limited-slip differential requires a specialized lubricant to handle the friction modifiers needed for its operation. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is ideal for this component. It contains friction modifiers specifically designed for limited-slip applications, helping to control operating temperatures and prevent thermal runaway. This gear lube also provides long-term protection against rust and corrosion, extending the life of the differential seals and gears. With a capacity of 2.3 pints for the rear differential, using the correct synthetic lube ensures that the drivetrain operates quietly and efficiently.
Cooling systems in high-performance vehicles like the Charger are under constant stress. The cooling system capacity for this vehicle is 15.2 quarts. Maintaining the correct antifreeze and coolant mixture is essential for preventing overheating, which can be detrimental to the engine’s structural integrity. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, making it safe for use in modern engines. For those who prefer a concentrated coolant, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a versatile option that can be mixed with distilled water for custom strength, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Brake system performance is another critical safety aspect of the Charger. The vehicle utilizes hydraulic brake fluid that meets DOT 3 specifications (P/N 04318080AC, meeting MS-4574). The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is designed to provide excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures that the brake pedal remains firm and responsive in all driving conditions, from freezing winter mornings to hot summer days.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Dodge Charger, particularly the model with the 6.4L HEMI V8, represents a significant chapter in the history of American muscle sedans. Reintroduced in 2005 after a brief hiatus, the Charger quickly carved out a unique niche as a four-door muscle car that combined the raw power of a sports car with the practicality of a family sedan. The 2018 model year continued the legacy of the LX platform, which had evolved over the years to offer improved handling, safety features, and interior quality while retaining the aggressive styling cues that made the car famous. The Charger is known for its long hood, short deck design and wide stance, giving it a presence on the road that is unmistakably Dodge.
At the heart of the 6.4L model is the naturally aspirated HEMI engine, a powerhouse that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque. This engine is part of the LA/HEMI family, known for its pushrod architecture which, in this iteration, offers a balance of high torque output and mechanical simplicity compared to newer multi-cam designs. The 6.4L is often equipped with the 5.7L-based upgrades, including an enhanced camshaft, larger cylinder heads, and improved intake and exhaust systems. This powertrain is mated to the ZF 8HP70 eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth and rapid gear changes, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. The combination of the HEMI V8 and the ZF transmission is a hallmark of the modern Charger, offering a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined.
Owners of the 2018 Dodge Charger often cite its balance of performance and practicality as its greatest asset. It is a vehicle that can comfortably seat five adults while still delivering track-worthy acceleration and handling. The Charger’s platform is derived from the rear-wheel-drive architecture shared with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger, providing a solid foundation for a high-performance vehicle. It has become a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate the distinct American muscle character but require a daily driver that can handle commute duties and family transport. The market position of the Charger is unique, sitting between the sportier, two-door Challenger and the more formal, luxury-oriented 300.
Despite its robust design, the 6.4L HEMI in the 2018 Charger is not without its maintenance considerations. Like many high-performance V8 engines of this era, it can be susceptible to oil consumption issues if the engine is subjected to extended intervals without proper lubrication. The use of AMSOIL synthetic motor oils can help mitigate this by providing superior film strength and temperature stability, reducing the breakdown that leads to consumption. Additionally, the 8HP70 transmission is a complex unit that benefits from the stability of synthetic transmission fluids to maintain shift quality over the long term. The cooling system, with its large capacity, requires a high-quality coolant to prevent corrosion and scaling, which can impair heat transfer and lead to overheating. Finally, the HEMI’s intake system can accumulate carbon deposits, particularly in GDI-equipped variants, which is where a fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i. can restore flow and performance. By addressing these specific needs with high-quality lubricants, owners can ensure that their 2018 Dodge Charger continues to perform at the level it was designed for, preserving its value and driving enjoyment for years to come.