The 2016 Dodge Dart equipped with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine (Engine Code [B] ED6 B) requires precise lubrication to maintain its performance and longevity. This compact sedan, part of FCA’s global compact car platform, relies on the correct oil viscosity and high-quality fluids to handle the demands of daily commuting, highway driving, and varying climate conditions. Choosing the right lubricants ensures that the turbocharger receives adequate protection, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the cooling system operates efficiently against overheating.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – This premium synthetic offers the highest level of protection against wear, horsepower loss, and extreme temperatures, designed for extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice for drivers seeking balanced performance with up to 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection between changes, featuring enhanced cleaning power.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Formulated to outperform conventional oils while meeting OEM requirements, this synthetic oil fights sludge and deposits to keep the engine clean.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this unique chemistry boosts detergents to reduce sludge and protect aging engine components.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered to filter out 99 percent of contaminants at 20 microns, this filter provides a greater capacity for wear-causing particles compared to competing brands.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters, ensuring reliable flow and filtration.
- 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 or five years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula requiring mixing with water, offering superior corrosion protection and longer service intervals in passenger vehicles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Provides reserve protection for the 6F24 transmission, withstanding heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective solution that protects against wear and maintains shift quality for standard driving conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range to ensure safe stopping power.
Understanding the specific needs of your 2016 Dodge Dart’s powertrain is the first step in maintaining its reliability. The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine in the Dart is known for its efficiency, but like any internal combustion engine, it requires clean oil to lubricate moving parts, cool critical components, and minimize friction. The recommended oil grade is 0W-20, which must be filled to a capacity of 5.5 quarts when including a filter change. It is crucial to verify the oil level after refilling and to torque the drain plug to 30 ft/lbs to prevent leaks without stripping threads. Using the correct viscosity ensures that the engine is protected from cold starts in winter and maintains proper oil pressure during high-temperature summer driving.
Beyond the engine, the transmission requires specific attention. The 2016 Dart with the 6-speed automatic transmission (6F24) has a total fill capacity of 7.5 quarts and an initial fill requirement of 5 quarts. Using a synthetic automatic transmission fluid is highly beneficial as it resists thermal degradation and provides a smooth shift pattern. AMSOIL’s fuel-efficient synthetic options are engineered to reduce friction, potentially improving gas mileage while ensuring the transmission operates smoothly under stress. Additionally, the cooling system holds 7.2 quarts of coolant. Maintaining the correct antifreeze mixture is vital for preventing freezing in cold climates and boiling over in hot conditions, protecting the aluminum radiator and engine block from corrosion.
Brake safety should never be overlooked. The Dart utilizes a hydraulic brake system requiring DOT 3 fluid. AMSOIL’s synthetic brake fluid is a top-tier choice because it has a high boiling point and remains stable in extreme heat, which prevents brake fade during repeated stops. This stability ensures that the brake pedal feels firm and responsive, providing consistent stopping power and enhancing overall vehicle safety. By replacing standard fluids with these premium synthetic alternatives, vehicle owners can extend the service life of various components and reduce the frequency of maintenance visits.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Dodge Dart represents a significant chapter in modern automotive history, marking FCA’s (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) ambitious attempt to reclaim the North American compact sedan segment. Building upon a global platform shared with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, the Dart combined European design influences with American market sensibilities. The vehicle was positioned to compete directly with icons like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, offering a stylish, agile, and fuel-efficient driving experience.
The 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, known as the Tigershark, was the workhorse for the upper trims of the Dart lineup. Delivering around 184 horsepower, this engine provided a responsive and peppy driving character that often surprised drivers accustomed to the underpowered engines of previous compact offerings. The engine’s variable valve timing technology helped balance power and fuel economy, making the Dart a practical choice for daily commuters who also enjoyed spirited driving on back roads. The interior was designed to be driver-focused, featuring modern technology and a cabin that felt spacious for its class.
While the Dart was eventually discontinued in 2016 to focus resources on crossovers and trucks, its legacy remains as a unique blend of European engineering and American practicality. Owners of this model often cite its handling and design as standout features. Whether used as a primary commuter car or a weekend cruiser, the Dart requires dedicated care to keep it running at its best. Proper lubrication with high-quality synthetic oils and fluids is the key to unlocking the full potential of this versatile sedan and ensuring it remains a reliable companion on the road.
For owners looking to enhance their vehicle’s performance further, AMSOIL offers a range of additives and care products. The AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help restore fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, potentially recovering up to 14% horsepower and improving fuel economy. For those with older Dart models, the Upper Cylinder Lubricant provides essential protection for the fuel system and upper cylinders, reducing wear and improving efficiency. Seasonal maintenance is also critical; the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer ensures fuel remains fresh during long periods of inactivity, protecting against varnish and corrosion. By combining these specialized fluids with regular oil and filter changes, Dart owners can maintain their vehicle’s condition effectively.
Finally, exterior and interior care play a role in the overall preservation of the vehicle. Products like the AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray allow for easy cleaning without water, leaving a protective finish that repels dust and dirt. For those concerned about corrosion or rust, the AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector offers a long-lasting, wax-like coating that guards against salt and moisture, making it ideal for undercarriage protection or high-impact areas. These specialized care products complement the engine and transmission maintenance, ensuring that the 2016 Dodge Dart not only runs smoothly but also looks and feels like a well-cared-for machine. With the right combination of lubricants and protectants, the Dart can continue to deliver the driving dynamics and reliability it was designed for.