Dodge Charger · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Dodge Charger Maintenance Schedule
What does a Dodge Charger need, and when? Here is the scheduled maintenance from Dodge's 2026 Charger owner's manual, for gasoline models and the Charger Daytona.
10,000 mimax oil change interval, gasoline
12,000 micabin air filter
60,000 mispark plugs, gasoline
24 monthsbrake fluid change
The short answer
Dodge's 2026 Charger owner's manual has two schedules. Gasoline Chargers get an oil and filter change when the oil change indicator calls for it, never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, plus an engine air filter every 30,000 miles, spark plugs at 60,000 miles and an accessory drive belt at 150,000 miles. The Charger Daytona gets a tire rotation every 10,000 miles. Both get a cabin air filter every 12,000 miles, brake fluid every 24 months and new coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles.
Once a month or before a long trip
The manual asks owners of both versions to check the interior and exterior lights, the 12V battery terminals, cables and connections, the brake pads, rotors, brake operation and fluid level, the steering, suspension, chassis components and axle boots, the wipers, washers and washer reservoir, and the coolant reservoir. Gasoline owners also check the engine oil level, and the Daytona list adds tire pressure.
From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Mopar, PDF dated March 30, 2026), pages 229-234, read November 9, 2026.
Gasoline Charger maintenance schedule
Gasoline Chargers have an automatic oil change indicator. When “Oil Change Required” shows, the manual says to have the car serviced within the next 500 miles. The manual says frequent short trips, trailer towing and extremely hot or cold temperatures influence when the message appears. At every oil change the manual lists: change the oil and filter, rotate the tires at the first sign of irregular wear, inspect the battery, CV joints, brakes, cooling system and exhaust, and inspect the engine air filter if you drive in dusty or off-road conditions.
| Service | When (whichever comes first) |
|---|---|
| Change engine oil and filter | When the oil change indicator says so, never more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time |
| Rotate tires | At the first sign of irregular wear, and at each oil change |
| Inspect CV/universal joints | Every 10,000 miles (20,000 through 150,000) |
| Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends; inspect brake linings | 20,000, 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, 120,000 and 140,000 miles |
| Replace cabin air filter | Every 12,000 miles |
| Replace engine air cleaner filter | 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles |
| Inspect transfer case fluid | 30,000, 60,000, 90,000, 120,000 and 150,000 miles |
| Replace spark plugs | 60,000 and 120,000 miles (mileage-based only) |
| Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary | 100,000 miles |
| Change transfer case fluid, normal use | 120,000 miles |
| Change transfer case fluid, severe use (police, taxi, fleet) | 70,000 and 140,000 miles |
| Flush and replace engine coolant | 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Replace accessory drive belt; inspect belt tensioner and pulley | 150,000 miles |
| Change brake fluid | Every 24 months (time-based only) |
The manual also suggests lubricating the door hinge roller pivot joints with white lithium grease twice a year.
From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Mopar, PDF dated March 30, 2026), pages 229-234, read November 9, 2026.
Charger Daytona maintenance schedule
The Daytona schedule has no oil change, spark plug or engine air filter items, so it is shorter:
| Service | When (whichever comes first) |
|---|---|
| Rotate tires | Every 10,000 miles, or sooner if tread depth differs by 2/32 inch or more |
| Inspect CV/universal joints | Every 10,000 miles (10,000 through 150,000) |
| Inspect front suspension, tie rod ends, boot seals; inspect brake linings | 10,000, 20,000, 40,000, 60,000, 80,000, 100,000, 120,000 and 140,000 miles |
| Replace cabin air filter | Every 12,000 miles |
| Flush and replace coolant | 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first |
| Drain and fill the Electric Drive Modules (EDMs) | 150,000 miles |
| Change brake fluid | Every 24 months (time-based only) |
From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Mopar, PDF dated March 30, 2026), pages 229-234, read November 9, 2026.
Severe driving and when to come in early
For both versions, the manual says more frequent maintenance may be needed in severe operating conditions such as dusty areas and very short trips, and that inspection and service should be done any time a malfunction is suspected. Following the schedule at the stated times or mileages also protects your warranty.
From the 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (Mopar, PDF dated March 30, 2026), pages 229-234, read November 9, 2026.
Charger maintenance at Elgin CDJR
Our Dodge service center in Streamwood services every Charger, wherever it was bought. Service is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Get directions.
Dodge Charger Maintenance FAQ
How often does a Dodge Charger need an oil change?
Gasoline Chargers have an oil change indicator. Change the oil and filter when it calls for service, and the 2026 owner's manual says never go more than 10,000 miles, 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time. The Charger Daytona schedule has no oil change items.
When does the Charger need spark plugs?
The 2026 owner's manual schedule for gasoline models lists spark plug replacement at 60,000 and 120,000 miles. The interval is mileage-based only.
How often should I rotate the tires on a Charger?
For the Daytona, every 10,000 miles or when tread depth differs by 2/32 inch or more. For gasoline models, rotate at each oil change and at the first sign of irregular wear.
How often is brake fluid changed on a Dodge Charger?
Every 24 months on both the gasoline and Daytona models. The manual says the brake fluid interval is time-based only.
When is the Charger coolant replaced?
At 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, on both the gasoline and Daytona models.
Does the Charger Daytona need maintenance?
Yes. The 2026 manual lists tire rotation every 10,000 miles, regular suspension, brake and CV joint inspections, a cabin air filter every 12,000 miles, brake fluid every 24 months, coolant at 10 years or 150,000 miles and an Electric Drive Module drain and fill at 150,000 miles.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Charger to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
Maintenance items and intervals are from Dodge's 2026 Charger owner's manual, read November 9, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.
- 2026 Dodge Charger Owner's Manual (PDF dated March 30, 2026), Maintenance Plan, pages 229-234, Mopar, read November 9, 2026
- Dodge service center page: service hours and address, Elgin CDJR, read November 9, 2026