Maintaining your 2016 Dodge Charger with the 5.7L HEMI engine requires precise attention to fluid specifications. This vehicle, powered by the robust EZH engine code, demands high-quality lubricants to handle its horsepower and ensure long-term reliability. Using the correct viscosity and formulation is essential for protecting critical components from wear, managing heat, and maintaining fuel efficiency. Whether you are facing extreme summer heat or cold winter starts, the right synthetic fluids provide the stability needed for optimal performance.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers maximum protection against horsepower loss and wear with guaranteed service intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers 37% more cleaning power and reliable protection for up to 20,000 miles between changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A budget-friendly full synthetic option designed to fight sludge and deposits while outperforming conventional oils.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated with boosted detergents for vehicles exceeding 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and enhance engine performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns and allows for lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated longer.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for superior contaminant capture.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A ready-to-use 50/50 pre-mix that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option requiring mixing that offers extended protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts and guards against leaks with excellent cold-weather performance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Optimized for fuel economy while providing reserve protection during heavy use and abuse.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and promotes efficiency in your transmission system.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Features friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and controls thermal runaway in front differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced wear protection and helps reduce operating temperatures in demanding gear applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides long oil life and contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Specifically recommended for rear limited-slip differentials requiring synthetic oil, ensuring smooth operation.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
The 5.7L HEMI V8 engine is a powerhouse known for its brute torque and reliability, but it also requires fluids that can withstand high operating temperatures and mechanical stress. The engine oil capacity for this specific 2016 model is 7.0 quarts when the AMSOIL Oil Filter is replaced. It is critical to check the oil level after the refill to ensure the proper amount is circulating through the complex V8 cylinder heads. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to prevent leaks without damaging the threads. When selecting an oil, viscosity is key; the manufacturer specifies 5W-20 for all temperature ranges. However, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20, Extended-Life, OE, or High-Mileage synthetic formulations provide superior stability, allowing for extended drain intervals that conventional oils simply cannot match without risking engine wear.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The transmission system in your Charger plays a vital role in transferring the engine’s power to the road. Different transmission models require specific fluid types. For vehicles equipped with the 5-speed Pursuit NAG1 automatic transmission, the total fill capacity is 8.1 quarts, while the initial fill is 5.3 quarts. If your vehicle has the more modern 8HP70 transmission, it requires a total fill of 9 quarts. Using a fluid that meets the correct specifications ensures smooth shifts and prevents shudder, which can be a common issue in automatic transmissions under stress.
For those looking to maximize performance and longevity, AMSOIL offers several transmission fluid options. The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is ideal for those who tow or drive in severe conditions, as it remains fluid in extreme cold and resists breakdown in high heat. For a balance of performance and cost, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers excellent wear protection and leak resistance. Fuel-efficient versions are also available, such as the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, which can help optimize fuel economy while maintaining the shift quality you expect from a Dodge. You can also choose the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid for similar benefits with a focus on efficiency.
Handling the differential is another critical maintenance task for the 2016 Charger. The front differential requires a specific amount of AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube, with a capacity of 1.3 pints for the 175mm FIA unit, and the lubricant must be a GL-5 rated synthetic. For the rear differential, the requirements depend on the specific unit. Standard rear differentials like the 230RIA require 2.3 pints of AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube. Limited-slip units also require 2.3 pints but may need specific friction modifiers. The SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 is a versatile choice for front differentials, while the SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 is specifically tailored for rear units that require this viscosity. For heavier loads, you might consider AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube or AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube. These gear lubes contain friction modifiers to handle limited-slip applications and help reduce operating temperatures, extending the life of the gears.
Other Essential Fluids
Beyond engine and transmission fluids, keeping all systems flushed and protected is crucial. The cooling system holds a significant volume of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, with capacities ranging from 14.7 quarts to 15.1 quarts depending on the specific setup. It is vital to use a AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant that protects all metals in the system. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze is a pre-mixed solution that exceeds OEM requirements and protects against rust and corrosion for up to 150,000 miles. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers a safer, biodegradable alternative with extended service intervals.
AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is often overlooked until it becomes contaminated with moisture. The recommended fluid for the Charger is DOT 3, meeting the MS-4574 specification. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid maintains a stable viscosity, ensuring consistent pedal feel and maximum ABS responsiveness. For seasonal storage or long periods of inactivity, using a fuel stabilizer like the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer can prevent varnish and gum buildup in the fuel system, keeping the engine ready to run. Additionally, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is highly effective for protecting internal engine components during storage.
About the 2016 Dodge Charger
The 2016 Dodge Charger represents a peak in the modern era of American muscle sedans. Built on the LD platform, which it shares with the Chrysler 300, the Charger blends traditional rear-wheel-drive dynamics with practical four-door utility. The model year is particularly noted for the continued refinement of the 5.7L HEMI V8, an engine that has been a staple of the brand for over a decade. This powerplant is renowned for its deep, rumbling exhaust note and substantial low-end torque, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who value acceleration and towing capability.
The Charger is more than just a muscle car; it is a large sedan that offers a comfortable, quiet interior with a spacious back seat, making it a viable choice for families. However, its performance credentials are undeniable. The 2016 model year continues the legacy of the SRT models, which offer track-ready performance with advanced suspension and braking systems. The driving character of the Charger is defined by its linear power delivery and confident handling, aided by its robust chassis and available performance upgrades. It occupies a unique market position as a high-performance cruiser, capable of highway passes while providing the daily usability of a luxury sedan. Owners often cite the aggressive styling, featuring a long hood and a wide stance, as a key attraction, cementing its status as one of the most distinctive and capable sedans on the road.