Maintaining the 2018 Dodge Charger with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 requires precise attention to fluid specifications. This engine, known as the ERB with Flex-Fuel capability, demands a specific viscosity to ensure optimal lubrication during cold starts and sustained highway driving. Using the correct oil and compatible filters is essential to prevent common issues associated with this powerplant, such as oil consumption or sludge buildup in the valve train. AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is engineered to exceed the performance standards required for this vehicle, offering superior protection against wear while extending service intervals for owners who drive under demanding conditions.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides the highest level of engine protection, offering up to 25,000 miles of guaranteed protection between changes and superior performance in extreme temperatures.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly and reduce sludge formation.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective option that outperforms conventional oils, fighting sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to reduce sludge and improve cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Offers 99% efficiency at 20 microns and provides greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters to help reduce engine wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium filter option that provides improvements over standard OEM-branded filters with high-quality media.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that requires mixing, offering exceptional protection against corrosion and erosion for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of 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 in the 8-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway for limited-slip differentials and front axles.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – An ideal choice for rear differentials, offering long oil, seal, and equipment life with rust protection.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent anti-brake fade and stability, ensuring safe stopping power in a wide range of temperatures.
The 2018 Dodge Charger equipped with the 3.6-liter V-6 engine is a robust machine that relies on consistent maintenance to maintain its legendary performance. While the V-6 is known for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, it operates with tight tolerances that benefit immensely from high-quality synthetic lubricants. The engine oil capacity for a change, including the AMSOIL Oil Filter, is 5.9 quarts. For the cooling system, the vehicle holds 10 quarts of antifreeze, making it critical to use a fluid that prevents corrosion and maintains thermal stability. The 8-speed automatic transmission, specifically the 845RE model, requires a fluid change that addresses the unique demands of modern transmissions, which are sensitive to fluid breakdown under load.
Owners of this vehicle often cite the engine’s tendency to consume oil as a primary concern, especially as the vehicle accumulates mileage. This can be attributed to piston ring sealing characteristics common in Pentastar V-6 engines over time. Using a high-mileage synthetic oil, such as the AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil, can help mitigate this consumption while simultaneously reducing blow-by, which protects the PCV system and extends the life of the catalytic converter. Furthermore, the transmission fluid in these vehicles can become degraded, leading to shuddering or delayed shifts. Switching to a synthetic transmission fluid formulated for severe service, such as the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid, can restore shift firmness and provide the necessary protection against the heat generated during spirited driving or towing.
In addition to the drivetrain, the braking system and cooling system require specific attention. The Dodge Charger’s braking system relies on DOT 3 compatible fluids that must not absorb excessive moisture, which can lower the boiling point and lead to brake fade. Synthetic brake fluids offer superior resistance to moisture absorption and provide a higher boiling point, enhancing safety. The cooling system is equally vital, as overheating can cause catastrophic head gasket failures. Using a premium antifreeze with OAT technology, such as the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant, ensures that the aluminum engine components remain free from corrosion and scale, maintaining peak heat transfer efficiency.
For those interested in long-term maintenance strategies, AMSOIL provides a complete suite of additives and protectants. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is highly recommended for gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, which are susceptible to carbon buildup on intake valves. This additive helps restore fuel economy and horsepower by cleaning injectors and combustion chambers. Regular use of such products can keep the engine performing closer to its original factory specifications for years longer than traditional maintenance routines allow.
Vehicle Background
The 2018 Dodge Charger represents the continuation of a legacy that dates back to the muscle car era of the 1960s. By 2018, the Charger had firmly established itself as a unique hybrid in the automotive landscape, blending the practicality of a four-door sedan with the aggressive styling and raw power of a high-performance coupe. It is built on the LX platform, which is shared with the Dodge Challenger, allowing for a wide range of engine options and trim levels. While the Hemi V-8 models often steal the headlines, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 is a significant part of the lineup, offering a compelling balance of capability and everyday usability for millions of buyers.
The 3.6-liter engine, internally code-named ERB for the Flex-Fuel version, produces a respectable 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This power is managed by the ZF 8HP 845RE eight-speed automatic transmission, a sophisticated unit that provides quick shifts and a wide gear ratio spread for improved fuel economy. The Charger’s design philosophy centers on “American Muscle” for the modern age, featuring a low-slung stance, distinctive split grille, and muscular rear haunches. It is a vehicle that commands attention on the road, often associated with both law enforcement use and family transportation, thanks to its spacious interior and trunk space.
Despite its robust engineering, the 2018 Dodge Charger is not without its known issues, many of which can be effectively addressed through the use of premium synthetic lubricants. One of the most common problems is oil consumption, particularly in the 3.6-liter engine. Piston rings can sometimes allow oil to pass into the combustion chamber, leading to a drop in oil levels between changes. This is often exacerbated by extended drain intervals using conventional oil. AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is specifically designed to handle these stresses, providing a stable film that reduces wear and helps maintain oil levels.
Another frequent complaint among owners is transmission shudder. The 8-speed transmission is generally reliable, but the fluid can degrade over time, leading to a rough or jittery sensation when shifting. This is often mistaken for a mechanical failure, but it is frequently a lubrication issue. Switching to a dedicated synthetic transmission fluid can eliminate this shudder and improve shift quality, effectively resolving a problem that plagues many high-mileage Chargers. The differential in the all-wheel-drive models can also suffer from wear if the lubricant is not robust enough for the limited-slip clutch packs, which can lead to noise and premature failure. Using AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube can provide the necessary protection for these demanding applications.
Finally, cooling system issues can arise, particularly in older vehicles where the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant has lost its inhibitive properties. Corrosion in the radiator or water pump can lead to overheating, a dangerous condition for any internal combustion engine. The 2018 Charger’s cooling system benefits significantly from a high-performance antifreeze that resists rust and scale. By addressing these specific pain points with the correct AMSOIL products, owners can ensure their 2018 Dodge Charger remains a reliable and powerful presence on the road, preserving its value and driving pleasure for the long term.