What you need to know before starting an oil change on your Charger

A Dodge Charger oil change follows the same basic steps as most vehicles, but the engine bay layout and filter location vary depending on your model year and engine size. The V8 models — which make up most Chargers — have the oil filter mounted on the driver's side of the engine, while some inline-six and smaller V8 variants position it differently. You'll need to know your specific engine type and model year before you begin, because drain plug location, filter size, and oil capacity all differ.

The job itself takes 30 to 45 minutes if you have the right tools and a safe way to lift the vehicle. You'll be working under the car, so a jack and jack stands (not just a jack alone) are non-negotiable for safety. Ramps are an alternative if your driveway has enough slope.

Key Takeaways

  • Dodge Charger oil capacity ranges from 5 to 6 quarts depending on engine type, and using the wrong amount can damage the engine.
  • The oil filter on most V8 Chargers sits on the driver's side of the engine block and requires a filter wrench to remove safely without spilling oil everywhere.
  • You must use jack stands under the vehicle frame — never work under a car supported only by a jack.
  • Drain plug torque specifications vary by year and engine; over-tightening strips the threads and causes leaks on the next change.
  • Dispose of old oil at a recycling center, auto parts store, or quick-lube shop — pouring it down a drain is illegal and harms groundwater.

Finding the drain plug and filter on your specific Charger

The drain plug sits at the lowest point of the oil pan, underneath the engine. On most Chargers, this is accessible from below without removing any major components, though you may need to remove a plastic undertray or splash guard first. The undertray is usually held by a handful of plastic clips or bolts — check your owner's manual for the exact fasteners on your year.

The oil filter location depends on your engine. On 5.7L and 6.1L V8 Chargers (2006 and later), the filter is mounted vertically on the driver's side of the block, roughly at mid-engine height. On earlier models or if you have a different engine, the filter may be on the passenger side or in a different position entirely. Your owner's manual will show you exactly where it is. A filter wrench — a metal band or socket-style tool that grips the filter — is essential; trying to unscrew it by hand usually results in a torn filter and oil all over your hands and engine.

Step-by-step process for draining and replacing the filter

Start by warming the engine for two or three minutes. Warm oil flows faster and drains more completely, leaving less sludge behind. Turn off the engine and let it cool just enough that you can touch the oil pan without burning yourself — about five minutes.

Position your drain pan under the drain plug. Loosen the plug with a wrench (usually 13mm or 15mm, depending on year) by turning it counterclockwise. Once it's loose enough to turn by hand, unscrew it the rest of the way and let it drop into the pan. Oil will pour out; let it drain for at least five minutes, longer if the engine was hot. While you wait, locate the oil filter and position your drain pan underneath it as well — old filters always have oil inside.

Use your filter wrench to turn the filter counterclockwise. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand and let it drain into the pan. Wipe the filter mounting surface on the engine block with a clean rag to remove any old rubber gasket material or debris. Take your new filter, explore a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on top (this helps it seal), and screw it on by hand until the gasket contacts the block. Then turn it an additional three-quarter turn — not more. Over-tightening crushes the gasket and makes the filter impossible to remove next time.

Reinstall the drain plug and tighten it to the torque specification in your owner's manual. For most Chargers, this is between 20 and 25 foot-pounds. Use a torque wrench if you have one; if not, tighten it firmly but do not force it. Strip the threads and you'll have an expensive problem.

Oil type and capacity for different Charger engines

Dodge Chargers use different oil weights depending on engine size and model year. The most common specification is 5W-30, which works in most climates and engine types. Some later models or high-performance variants may call for 0W-40 or 10W-30; check your owner's manual or the oil cap under the hood, which usually has the specification printed on it.

Oil capacity varies by engine. A 5.7L V8 typically holds 5.5 quarts with a filter change, while a 6.1L holds 6 quarts. Smaller engines or inline-six models hold less. Do not guess — overfilling thickens the oil, reduces fuel economy, and can damage seals. Underfilling starves the engine of lubrication. Your owner's manual lists the exact capacity for your engine.

Pour the new oil slowly through the filler cap on top of the engine. After adding most of it, wait a minute for the oil to settle in the pan, then check the dipstick or electronic oil level gauge. Add oil in small amounts until you reach the full mark. Reinstall the oil cap and start the engine. Let it run for 30 seconds to circulate the new oil through the filter, then turn it off and wait two minutes before checking the level again.

Torque specifications and common mistakes to avoid

The drain plug torque specification is printed in your owner's manual and varies by year and engine type. For most Chargers, it falls between 20 and 25 foot-pounds. Using a torque wrench prevents both under-tightening (which causes leaks) and over-tightening (which strips the aluminum threads in the pan). If you've already stripped the threads, a slightly larger drain plug or a threaded insert kit can fix it, but prevention is far easier.

The most common mistakes are overfilling the oil, over-tightening the filter, and forgetting to replace the crush washer on the drain plug. The crush washer is a small metal ring under the drain plug head that seals the connection. It should be replaced every oil change — reusing it causes slow leaks. Most drain plugs come with a new washer, but if yours doesn't, buy one separately. They cost a dollar or two.

Another frequent error is not letting the old oil drain completely before reinstalling the plug. Rushing this step leaves sediment in the pan and reduces the effectiveness of the new oil. Patience here pays off in engine longevity.

Disposing of old oil and filter safely

Old motor oil cannot go in the trash or down the drain. It's a hazardous waste that contaminates groundwater and harms aquatic life. Most auto parts stores — Autozone, O'Reilly, Advance Auto Parts, NAPA — accept used oil and filters for free, even if you didn't buy your new oil from them. Some will give you a small credit toward your next purchase.

Your city or county may also run a hazardous waste collection day once or twice a year. Call your local solid waste department or search online for "hazardous waste disposal near me" to find the nearest option. Quick-lube shops and dealerships often accept oil from DIY customers as well, though they may charge a small fee.

Store old oil in a clean, sealed container — an old milk jug or oil bottle works fine — and keep it away from children and pets. Label it clearly as used oil. Do not mix it with other fluids or leave it open to the air.

When to change your Charger's oil and what interval to follow

Dodge recommends an oil change interval based on your model year and driving conditions. Older Chargers (2006–2010) typically need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first. Newer models (2011 and later) with synthetic oil can often go 10,000 miles between changes. Your owner's manual will specify the exact interval for your year and whether it recommends conventional or synthetic oil.

If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, dusty environments, or extreme heat — use the shorter interval. Synthetic oil lasts longer than conventional but costs more upfront. Many owners find the longer drain intervals of synthetic oil worth the extra expense, especially on high-mileage vehicles where engine protection matters most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size wrench do I need for the drain plug on a Charger?

Most Dodge Chargers use a 13mm or 15mm drain plug, depending on model year and engine. Check your owner's manual or measure the plug head before you start. Having the wrong size wrench can round off the bolt head and make it impossible to remove.

Can I reuse the crush washer under the drain plug?

No. The crush washer is a single-use seal that flattens when tightened and loses its ability to seal if removed and reinstalled. Replace it every oil change. Most new drain plugs come with a fresh washer, but if yours doesn't, buy one separately for a few dollars.

How do I know if I've overfilled the oil?

Check the dipstick or electronic gauge after the engine has run and cooled for two minutes. If the level is above the full mark, the oil is overfilled. Drain the excess into your drain pan until the level reaches the full mark. Overfilled oil can damage seals and reduce fuel economy.

What happens if I use the wrong oil weight?

Using oil thinner than recommended can reduce engine protection and increase wear, especially in hot climates. Oil thicker than recommended flows poorly when cold, making cold starts harder and reducing fuel economy. Always use the weight specified in your owner's manual or on the oil cap.

Do I need to change the air filter at the same time as the oil?

No, but it's a good time to inspect it. Air filters typically need replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If it looks clogged or dirty, replace it while you have the engine bay open. It's a five-minute job and costs very little.