The heart of the 2018 Dodge Charger 5.7L is the Hemi V8, an engine design that demands consistent lubrication to handle high compression and significant thermal loads. For this specific engine code, the required viscosity is 5W-20, and the total oil capacity, including the filter, is 7.0 quarts. After refilling, it is crucial to check the oil level to ensure accuracy, and the oil drain plug must be torqued to 20 ft-lbs to prevent leaks or damaged threads.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 is the top-tier choice for this vehicle, offering up to 25,000 miles of protection between changes under normal service conditions. Its formulation includes specialized additives that fight sludge and deposits while maintaining low-temperature flow and high-temperature stability. For owners looking to extend service intervals even further or who require a balance of performance and value, AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 is an excellent alternative, providing guaranteed protection for up to 20,000 miles. Those with high-mileage vehicles exceeding 75,000 miles should consider AMSOIL High-Mileage 5W-20, which is designed with enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce oil consumption and sludge.
Filtration is just as critical as the oil itself. The engine requires a high-efficiency oil filter to complement synthetic lubricants. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is engineered to work seamlessly with AMSOIL oils, offering extended service life and a high dirt-holding capacity. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter 57060 is an OEM-recommended standard that provides premium media for excellent filtration performance during regular service intervals.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The longevity of the Dodge Charger’s powertrain relies heavily on the health of its automatic transmission. Depending on the specific transmission configuration, the vehicle may utilize either the 5-speed NAG1 or the 8-speed 8HP70 unit. Both require premium synthetic automatic transmission fluids to ensure smooth shifting and protection against thermal breakdown.
For the 5-speed NAG1 transmission, the total fill capacity is 8.1 quarts, with an initial fill of 5.3 quarts. AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF is specifically rated for this application, providing resistance to sludge and maintaining fluidity in sub-zero temperatures. For the 8-speed 8HP70 transmission, the total fill capacity is 9 quarts. Here, AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF is recommended. This fluid is designed to improve fuel economy while delivering the same robust protection against wear and thermal stress as the multi-vehicle formula.
If your vehicle is equipped with a transfer case, such as the BW 44-40 found on all-wheel-drive models, the capacity is 2.1 pints. Using the appropriate synthetic lubricant here prevents binding and ensures smooth power transfer to the rear wheels.
Differential and Final Drive Lubrication
The rear differential on the 2018 Charger is a critical component for handling the engine’s torque. The specific fluid required depends on the differential model. For the 175mm FIA Front Differential (GL-5 rated), the capacity is 1.3 pints. This unit requires a synthetic oil, and AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 is the ideal choice. It contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications and effectively controls thermal runaway.
For the Rear Standard Differential (230RIA, GL-5 rated), the capacity is 2.3 pints. This unit specifically requires AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube. Like the front differential, this fluid offers advanced wear protection and corrosion inhibition.
Coolant and Brake Systems
Maintaining proper cooling is vital for the longevity of the 5.7L Hemi. The cooling system capacity varies slightly depending on the specific radiator configuration, ranging from 14.7 quarts to 15.1 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed, 50/50 formulation that meets OEM requirements and protects against rust and corrosion for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those preferring a concentrated option, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers superior protection with a service life that can reach up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars.
Brake safety cannot be compromised. The 2018 Dodge Charger requires a hydraulic brake fluid meeting MS-4574 specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended for this application. Its high boiling point and stable viscosity ensure consistent pedal feel and optimal ABS and traction control responsiveness, even during aggressive driving or track use.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Dodge Charger represents the pinnacle of modern American muscle sedans, blending the raw power of the iconic Hemi V8 engine with the practicality of a four-door passenger car. Built on the Chrysler LH platform, the Charger is renowned for its distinctive retro-modern styling that pays homage to the classic muscle cars of the 1960s and 70s while offering contemporary safety and technology. The 5.7-liter engine, specifically the EZH Y code, delivers substantial horsepower and torque, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts who appreciate both straight-line speed and a refined highway cruiser.
Ownership of a 2018 Charger is often driven by a desire for a versatile performance vehicle that can accommodate a family or haul cargo without sacrificing the thrill of driving. The Hemi V8 is celebrated for its robust torque curve and distinctive exhaust note, characteristics that have cemented the Charger’s reputation in the automotive world. However, this powertrain is not without its demands. The engine’s heavy components and high operating temperatures can lead to accelerated wear on internal parts if not properly maintained. Common issues faced by owners of this platform include sludge buildup in the valve train, oil starvation in the cylinder heads during hard cornering, and transmission shudder in the 8-speed automatic units.
Using high-performance synthetic lubricants is a proven strategy to mitigate these common problems. Synthetic oils provide a stronger film strength that better protects the valve train components of the Hemi, reducing the risk of sludge formation which can choke oil passages. Furthermore, the advanced formulations in AMSOIL fluids help stabilize the transmission fluid, preventing the shudder issues often reported in the 8HP70 transmission as mileage increases. The differential fluids specifically formulated for these gears ensure that the rear axle can handle the immense torque output of the 5.7L V8 without generating excessive heat or wear.
For owners who treat their Charger as a daily driver or an occasional weekend track toy, the vehicle’s durability is heavily dependent on the quality of fluids used. The 2018 model year benefits from various refinements over earlier generations, but the fundamental need for premium lubrication remains constant. By adhering to the recommended fluid specifications and utilizing high-quality synthetic alternatives, owners can maximize the performance, efficiency, and longevity of their 2018 Dodge Charger 5.7L. Whether tackling daily commutes, long highway road trips, or spirited driving on winding roads, the right fluids provide the confidence that every component of this powerful machine is operating exactly as intended.
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