Modern vehicles need much less maintenance than the vehicles of 25 years ago, but they still need fluid changes, inspections, and adjustments. You no longer need to do a tune-up every six months or change the oil every three months, but regular service and check-ups are still essential to your vehicle’s longevity. What follows is our quick reference guide for the 2005-2018 Dodge Charger, Challenger, Magnum and Chrysler 300 taken directly from Haynes manual 25027.
Most of these recommended routine maintenance tasks you can do yourself at home for practically no money, as long as you have a few simple tools and the time to invest. If you need more guidance, or even step by step instructions and a video demonstration, get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your Jeep, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods, or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done by the dealer at no cost (check with the service department when you buy the truck for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly, whichever comes first
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the engine coolant level
- Check the brake fluid level
- Check the power steering fluid level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the tires and tire pressures
- Check the operation of all lights
- Check the horn operation
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Check and replace, if necessary, the air filter element
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check the wiper blade condition
- Check and clean the battery and terminals
- Rotate the tires
- Check the seatbelts
- Inspect underhood hoses
- Check the cooling system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
- Check the exhaust pipes and hangers
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months,whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check the differential lubricant
- Check the manual transmission lubricant
- Replace the cabin air filter
- Check the brake system*
- Check the suspension, steering components and driveaxle boots
- Check the fuel system hoses and connections for leaks and damage
- Check the drivebelts and replace if necessary
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Replace the air filter element
- Change the brake fluid
- Replace the spark plugs (V8 engine)
- Check the ignition coil(s) (V8 engine)
- Change the differential lubricant
- Change the manual transmission lubricant
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months, whichever comes first
All items listed above, plus:
- Check and replace, if necessary, the PCV valve
Every 60 months (regardless of mileage)
- Service the cooling system (drain, flush and refill)
Every 90,000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first
- Replace the spark plugs (V6 engines)
Every 100,000 miles
- Replace the timing belt
- Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter**
* Perform all maintenance indicated with an asterisk (*) at 3000 mile/3 month intervals if operated under "severe" conditions. Severe conditions include the following:
- Operating often in dusty areas (dirt roads or off-road)
- Idling for extended periods and/or low speed operation
- Mostly short trips (less than 4 miles) when outside temperatures remain below freezing
- If most of your driving is at freeway speed in temperatures above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
** If operated under one or more of the following conditions, change the or automatic transmission fluid lubricant every 30,000 miles:
- In heavy city traffic where the outside temperature is regularly above 90-degrees F (32-degrees C)
- In hilly or mountainous terrain
- Frequent trailer towing
