What coolant does a Dodge Charger use?

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Fluids And Lubricants — Daytona Models, page 289; Engine Fluids And Lubricants — Gasoline Models, page 290), read October 29, 2026. The cooling system section (pages 245 to 246) refers to OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032. Other model years can differ; check your own manual.

The manual cautions that OAT coolant is different from Hybrid Organic Additive Technology (HOAT) coolant and should not be mixed with HOAT or any "globally compatible" coolant. If a non-OAT coolant is introduced in an emergency, the cooling system will need to be drained, flushed and refilled with fresh OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) by an authorized dealer as soon as possible. It also says not to use water alone or alcohol-based coolant products, not to use additional rust inhibitors or antirust products, which may not be compatible with the radiator coolant and may plug the radiator, and that the vehicle has not been designed for propylene glycol-based coolant.

Dodge Charger cooling system capacities

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Fluid Capacities: Specifications — Daytona Models and Specifications — Gasoline Models, page 292), read October 29, 2026.

Under the hood of a gas Charger, the manual's diagram shows a separate Coolant Reservoir and Intercooler Reservoir (page 237). On Daytona models, it shows a Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap (page 235).

How to check Charger coolant level

The manual says the coolant bottle provides a quick visual method for determining that the coolant level is adequate. With the vehicle off and cold, the level of the coolant (antifreeze) in the bottle should be between the ranges indicated on the bottle. As long as the operating temperature is satisfactory, the coolant bottle need only be checked once a month.

The radiator normally remains completely full, so there is no need to remove the radiator/coolant pressure cap unless you are checking the coolant freeze point or replacing coolant. Never open a hot cooling system, never add coolant when the vehicle is overheated, and do not loosen or remove the cap to cool an overheated vehicle; heat causes pressure to build up in the cooling system.

The manual also says to check the coolant recovery bottle tubing for cracking, cuts and tightness of the connection at the bottle and radiator, to inspect the entire system for leaks, and to make sure the coolant expansion bottle overflow hoses are not kinked or obstructed. If frequent coolant additions are required, the cooling system should be pressure tested for leaks.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Coolant Checks, page 245; Cooling System Pressure Cap, page 246; Coolant Level and Cooling System Notes, page 247), read October 29, 2026.

Adding coolant and mixing rules

The 2026 Charger manual says some vehicles require special tools to add coolant properly, and that failure to fill these systems properly could lead to severe internal battery damage. If any coolant is needed to be added to the system, it says to contact an authorized dealer. Its other rules for coolant:

• Same coolant for life. The car is built with OAT coolant conforming to MS.90032 that can be used up to 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km) before replacement. To keep that extended maintenance period, use the same OAT coolant throughout the life of the vehicle.
• Recommended product. Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile (240,000 km) Formula OAT that meets MS.90032.
• Water. Use only high purity water, such as distilled or deionized water, when mixing the water/coolant solution. Lower quality water reduces corrosion protection in the cooling system.
• Concentration. Maintain coolant concentration at a minimum of 50% OAT coolant (conforming to MS.90032) and distilled water for proper corrosion protection.
• Do not mix coolant types. Mixing coolant types is not recommended and can result in cooling system damage. If HOAT and OAT coolant are mixed in an emergency, have an authorized dealer drain, flush and refill with OAT coolant as soon as possible.
• Freeze protection. It is the owner's responsibility to maintain the proper level of protection against freezing for the temperatures where the vehicle is operated. Check the freeze point in the radiator and in the coolant expansion bottle.
• Do not overfill. When coolant is needed to maintain the level, only OAT coolant meeting MS.90032 should be added to the coolant bottle. Do not overfill the coolant expansion bottle.

The manual also notes that vapor coming from the front of the compartment after a few miles of driving is normally moisture from rain, snow or high humidity on the radiator; if there is no evidence of radiator or hose leaks, the vehicle may be safely driven. Used ethylene glycol-based coolant is a regulated substance requiring proper disposal; check with your local authorities, and do not leave it in open containers or puddles where animals or children could reach it.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Cooling System — Drain, Flush And Refill; Selection Of Coolant; Adding Coolant, page 246; Disposal Of Used Coolant; Coolant Level; Cooling System Notes, page 247), read October 29, 2026.

When to replace Charger coolant

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Scheduled Maintenance — Daytona Models, pages 229 and 231; Scheduled Maintenance — Gasoline Models, pages 232 and 233; Coolant Checks, page 245; Adding Coolant, page 246), read October 29, 2026.

Charger coolant warning lights

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Warning Lights, page 100), read October 29, 2026. The manual's cooling system section also warns that continued loss of coolant can cause damage to the high voltage battery, which can create a risk of fire (page 245).

If your Charger overheats

The 2026 manual lists these potential signs of overheating: the temperature gauge is at HOT (H), a strong smell of coolant, white smoke coming from the engine or exhaust, and bubbles in the coolant in the coolant bottle. It says an overheating vehicle will need to be serviced by an authorized dealer.

If the temperature gauge is moving towards or close to HOT (H), the manual says you can reduce the potential for overheating: on highways, slow down; in city traffic, while stopped, place the transmission in NEUTRAL (N), but do not increase the engine idle speed while preventing vehicle motion with the brakes; turn the A/C off, since it adds heat to the engine cooling system; and turn the temperature control to maximum heat with the blower on high, so the heater core acts as a supplement to the radiator.

If the gauge reads HOT (H), pull over and stop, and idle the vehicle with the A/C turned off until the pointer drops back into the normal range. If the pointer remains on HOT (H) and you hear continuous chimes, turn the engine off immediately and call for service. Never try to open a cooling system pressure cap when the radiator or coolant bottle is hot: you or others can be badly burned by hot coolant or steam. Keep hands, tools, clothing and jewelry away from the radiator cooling fan when the hood is raised; the manual says the fan may start operating at any time, including during charging.

From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (If Your Engine Overheats, page 224; Cooling System warnings, page 245), read October 29, 2026.

Charger cooling system service at Elgin CDJR

Our Mopar service department services every Dodge, wherever it was bought, including routine maintenance, Express Lane oil changes, brakes, tires, batteries, recalls and warranty repairs. If your Charger's coolant looks dirty, the level keeps dropping, a coolant warning light comes on or the temperature gauge climbs, schedule a visit and tell us what you are seeing.

Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.

Schedule service online, or see our Dodge service center page.