The oil you need is engine oil that meets Chrysler’s MS-6395 specification, and the correct viscosity depends on your model year and climate. In practice, most 5.7L Hemi Chargers use either 5W-20 or 5W-30, so always verify with your owner’s manual or the oil fill cap.
Understanding the 5.7L Hemi oil requirements
The 5.7L Hemi engines in Dodge Chargers are designed to use oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395. While many owners see 5W-20 as the default, some climates or driving situations call for 5W-30. The exact recommendation can vary by model year, trim, and operating conditions, so checking the official manual or the label on the oil cap is the best practice.
To simplify, here are the oil viscosity options commonly used by 5.7L Hemi Chargers.
- 5W-20: The most common viscosity for many 5.7L Hemi applications when the manual specifies it, meeting MS-6395 and offering good cold-start performance and fuel economy.
- 5W-30: Often recommended for hotter climates, heavy driving, or towing conditions; also acceptable if the manual or dealer specifies this grade and it meets MS-6395.
In all cases, choose a product that explicitly meets Chrysler MS-6395, and ensure the viscosity matches the vehicle’s official recommendation for your year and environment.
Oil specifications to verify
To be sure you’re using the right oil, look for specific standards on the oil bottle and in your owner's manual. These standards ensure compatibility with the engine’s tolerances and oil pump requirements.
- Chrysler MS-6395 specification
- API SP (or SN) certification, with ILSAC GF-6 (or newer) compatibility
- Viscosity grade recommended for your vehicle (typically 5W-20 or 5W-30 for the 5.7L Hemi)
Following these specifications helps protect the engine and maintain performance and warranty coverage.
How to choose and maintain oil
The following steps help you select the right oil and keep your 5.7L Hemi running smoothly over time.
- Refer to the owner’s manual or door jamb sticker for the exact viscosity (5W-20 vs 5W-30) and change interval for your climate and driving style.
- Choose oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395 and carry the API SP (or SN) with GF-6 or newer certification.
- Prefer full synthetic or synthetic-blend oils for improved high-temperature stability and longer drain intervals, especially in modern engines.
- Use a quality oil filter and replace it with every oil change to maximize filtration and engine protection.
- Adhere to the recommended oil-change interval (typically 5,000–7,500 miles for synthetic blends or full synthetic, and shorter intervals for conventional oils or severe driving) and reset any maintenance reminders.
Following these steps helps ensure the engine maintains proper lubrication, performance, and longevity.
Common tips for Dodge Charger owners
If you’re unsure, err on the side of conservatism by using a high-quality synthetic oil that meets MS-6395 and sticking to the higher end of the recommended interval, especially in extreme heat or heavy driving conditions.
Summary
The Dodge Charger’s 5.7L Hemi typically uses oil that meets Chrysler MS-6395, with common viscosities of 5W-20 or 5W-30 depending on year, climate, and driving needs. Always verify the exact specification and viscosity from your manual or the oil cap, and choose oils that meet MS-6395 and API SP with GF-6 compatibility. Regular synthetic oil changes, proper filtration, and adherence to the recommended interval will help maintain engine performance and longevity.