2019 Dodge Charger V6: Oil Change Guide

Nov 17, 2025 by Alex Braham 40 views

So, you're the proud owner of a 2019 Dodge Charger V6, and you're thinking about tackling an oil change yourself? Awesome! Doing your own oil changes can save you some serious cash and give you a little more bonding time with your ride. This guide is here to walk you through every step, making the process as smooth as possible. We'll cover everything from the tools you'll need to the type of oil to use, and even some pro tips to avoid common mistakes. Let's get started and keep that Charger running like a dream!

Why Change Your Oil?

Okay, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's quickly chat about why oil changes are so crucial. Your engine's oil is like its lifeblood, guys. It's responsible for lubricating all those moving parts, reducing friction, and keeping things cool. Over time, however, oil breaks down, gets contaminated with dirt and debris, and becomes less effective. Think of it like this: fresh oil is like a refreshing smoothie for your engine, while old oil is like sludge.

Lubrication: Oil coats all the engine's moving parts, preventing them from grinding against each other. Without proper lubrication, these parts would wear down super quickly, leading to some major (and expensive) repairs. Regular oil changes ensure that everything stays slippery and happy inside your engine.
Cooling: Oil also helps to dissipate heat. As your engine runs, it generates a ton of heat. The oil absorbs some of this heat and carries it away, preventing the engine from overheating. Old, degraded oil isn't as effective at this, which can lead to your engine running hotter than it should.
Cleaning: As oil circulates through your engine, it picks up dirt, debris, and other contaminants. These particles can cause wear and tear if they're not removed. The oil filter helps to trap some of these contaminants, but eventually, the oil itself becomes saturated. Changing the oil removes all that gunk, keeping your engine clean and healthy.
Performance: When your engine is properly lubricated and clean, it runs more efficiently. You'll notice better fuel economy, smoother acceleration, and overall improved performance. Neglecting oil changes, on the other hand, can lead to sluggish performance and decreased fuel efficiency.

Basically, regular oil changes are one of the best things you can do to keep your 2019 Dodge Charger V6 running smoothly and reliably for years to come. They're a relatively simple and inexpensive form of preventative maintenance that can save you from much bigger headaches down the road. So, now that we're all on the same page about the importance of oil changes, let's get into the how-to!

Gathering Your Supplies

Alright, before you start wrenching, you'll need to gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s a checklist to make sure you’re fully equipped:

New Oil: This is kind of important, right? For your 2019 Dodge Charger V6, you'll typically need around 6 quarts of 0W-20 or 5W-20 full synthetic oil. Always double-check your owner's manual to confirm the exact specification for your specific engine. Using the wrong type of oil can negatively impact your engine's performance and longevity. I highly recommend sticking with a reputable brand like Mobil 1, Pennzoil, or Castrol.
New Oil Filter: The oil filter is just as important as the oil itself. It traps contaminants and keeps your oil clean. Make sure you get the correct oil filter for your 2019 Dodge Charger V6. A good option is the Mopar MO-349 or equivalent from a reputable brand like Bosch or Fram. Again, your owner's manual is your friend here.
Wrench: You'll need a wrench to remove the oil drain plug. The size can vary, but it's usually around 13mm or 15mm. A socket wrench set is a great investment if you don't already have one. Make sure you have the correct size socket to avoid stripping the drain plug.
Oil Filter Wrench: This is a special wrench designed to remove oil filters. There are a few different types available, so choose one that fits your oil filter. A cap-type wrench or a band-type wrench usually works well. Using the wrong tool can damage the oil filter and make it difficult to remove.
Drain Pan: You'll need something to catch the old oil as it drains out of the engine. A large drain pan with a capacity of at least 8 quarts is ideal. Make sure the drain pan is clean to avoid contaminating the new oil.
Funnel: A funnel will help you pour the new oil into the engine without spilling it. A simple plastic funnel will do the trick. A flexible funnel can be especially helpful in tight engine compartments.
Gloves: Trust me, you'll want to wear gloves to protect your hands from getting covered in oil. Nitrile gloves are a good option because they're oil-resistant and provide a good grip. Latex gloves can also work, but they're not as durable.
Rags or Shop Towels: You'll need rags or shop towels to wipe up any spills or drips. Keep a stack of rags handy – you'll be surprised how quickly you go through them.
Jack and Jack Stands (Optional): If your car is too low to comfortably access the oil drain plug and oil filter, you'll need to jack it up. Always use jack stands to support the car once it's raised. Never work under a car that is only supported by a jack.
Wheel Chocks (Optional): If you're jacking up your car, it's a good idea to use wheel chocks to prevent it from rolling. Safety first, guys!.

Step-by-Step Oil Change Guide

Okay, you've got all your supplies, and you're ready to get your hands dirty. Here's a step-by-step guide to changing the oil in your 2019 Dodge Charger V6:

Warm Up the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the oil. This will help it flow more easily. Don't let it get too hot, though – you don't want to burn yourself.
Prepare the Car: If you need to jack up the car, do so now. Make sure the car is on a level surface and use jack stands to support it. Engage the parking brake and use wheel chocks for extra safety.
Locate the Oil Drain Plug: The oil drain plug is located on the bottom of the oil pan. It's usually a large bolt with a hexagonal head. Consult your owner's manual if you're not sure where it is. It's usually pretty easy to spot.
Position the Drain Pan: Place the drain pan under the oil drain plug to catch the old oil. Make sure the drain pan is large enough to hold all the oil.
Remove the Oil Drain Plug: Use your wrench to loosen the oil drain plug. Once it's loose, carefully unscrew it by hand. Be careful – the oil may be hot! Hold the drain plug firmly as you unscrew it to avoid dropping it into the drain pan.
Let the Oil Drain: Allow the oil to drain completely. This may take 15-20 minutes. You can use this time to inspect other parts of your car, like the tires or brakes.
Locate the Oil Filter: The oil filter is usually located near the engine block. Again, consult your owner's manual if you're not sure where it is. It looks like a metal canister.
Remove the Old Oil Filter: Use your oil filter wrench to loosen the old oil filter. Once it's loose, unscrew it by hand. Be prepared for some oil to spill out. Hold a rag under the oil filter as you remove it to catch any drips.
Prepare the New Oil Filter: Before installing the new oil filter, lightly lubricate the rubber gasket with fresh oil. This will help it seal properly. You can use your finger to apply a thin coat of oil to the gasket.
Install the New Oil Filter: Screw the new oil filter onto the engine by hand. Tighten it until the gasket makes contact with the engine block, then tighten it another 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn. Don't overtighten the oil filter – you could damage the gasket.
Reinstall the Oil Drain Plug: Once the oil has completely drained, reinstall the oil drain plug. Use a new crush washer if possible. Tighten the drain plug to the manufacturer's specifications. Overtightening the drain plug can damage the oil pan.
Lower the Car: If you jacked up the car, carefully lower it back down to the ground.
Add New Oil: Open the oil filler cap on top of the engine and insert a funnel. Pour in the specified amount of new oil. Start with slightly less than the recommended amount and check the oil level before adding more.
Check the Oil Level: Use the dipstick to check the oil level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. Add more oil if necessary. Be careful not to overfill the engine.
Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If you see any leaks, tighten the drain plug or oil filter as needed.
Reset the Oil Life Indicator: Reset the oil life indicator in your car's computer. The procedure for resetting the oil life indicator varies depending on the model. Consult your owner's manual for instructions. This is an important step to ensure that your car reminds you when it's time for your next oil change.
Dispose of the Old Oil Properly: Take the old oil to a recycling center or auto parts store for proper disposal. Don't pour it down the drain or into the ground – that's bad for the environment.

Pro Tips and Common Mistakes

To make your oil change even smoother, here are some pro tips and common mistakes to avoid:

Pro Tip: Warm up the engine, but not too much. Warm oil flows better, but hot oil can burn you. A few minutes of idling is usually enough.
Pro Tip: Use a new crush washer for the oil drain plug. This will help ensure a tight seal and prevent leaks.
Pro Tip: Pre-fill the new oil filter with oil. This will help to prime the oil pump and prevent the engine from running dry on startup.
Common Mistake: Forgetting to remove the old oil filter gasket. This can cause leaks and damage to the engine.
Common Mistake: Overtightening the oil drain plug or oil filter. This can damage the threads or gasket.
Common Mistake: Using the wrong type of oil. Always use the oil specified in your owner's manual.
Common Mistake: Not disposing of the old oil properly. Take it to a recycling center or auto parts store.

In Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! Changing the oil in your 2019 Dodge Charger V6 is a straightforward process that can save you money and keep your car running smoothly. Just follow these steps, take your time, and be careful. And remember, if you're not comfortable doing it yourself, there's no shame in taking it to a professional. But with a little practice, you'll be changing your oil like a pro in no time!

Happy wrenching, and keep that Charger purring! Now that you know how to change your oil, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your engine is well-lubricated and protected. Regular maintenance like this is key to keeping your car on the road for years to come. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. Way to go!