The Dodge Charger has various engine options for the daily driver and adrenaline junkies. So, does that mean it needs premium or regular gas? First, let's take a look at the proper fuel for your Dodge Charger engine.
For the 3.6 L V6 and 5.7 L Hemi engine, use regular unleaded fuel [87 octane]. However, the high-performance engines, R/T Scatpack, Daytona 392, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat, require premium fuel [91 octane] or higher. So be sure to double-check your owner's manual for the proper octane level for your Dodge Charger engine.
Using the correct type of fuel is vital for your engine's performance. That's why in this article, we will discuss why some Dodge Chargers require regular unleaded fuel while others require premium. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the Dodge Charger, so read on!
Can I put premium gas in Dodge Charger?
Yes, you can. Your Dodge Charger engine will be able to burn regular unleaded fuel or premium gas. The octane number describes how the fuel behaves when ignited under compression, similar to how a spring stores an applied force.
For example, if the spring is compressed and released, it will stretch back out to its normal length. However, the more force you apply to compress it, the more energy is released. The octane rating of fuel is how much compression it can withstand before igniting.
If the fuel has a high octane number, it resists ignition, and if it has a low number, it ignites easily under compression. Premium gas typically has higher octane than regular unleaded, and using it in your Dodge Charger will not harm your engine.
While you can use premium fuel in the 3.6 L V6 and Hemi engine, it may not make a huge difference in performance or fuel economy. You will be spending more money putting the premium fuel in your Dodge Charger. Thus, you may be better off sticking to regular unleaded fuel for these two engines.
We've already mentioned that the high-performance SRT 392, SRT Hellcat, R/T Scatpack, and Daytona 392 require premium fuel. These engines typically have higher compression, which requires higher octane fuel for optimum performance.
Using premium gas ensures the engine runs with maximum power output without damaging or prematurely wearing out parts. If you put regular unleaded fuel in these engines, you may lack performance and fuel mileage. In addition, you could pose a risk of engine knock or pinging, which could later damage your pistons.
Why do some cars need premium gas?
Some cars require premium gas because they have higher compression engines. High compression means the fuel has to withstand greater pressure when ignited under compression.
It can be very beneficial for your engine if you are willing to pay the extra money for premium fuel in high-performance vehicles with higher compression engines.
Since the fuel must withstand greater pressure, it requires higher-octane fuel to avoid knocking or pinging. The knock is usually caused by too little octane in the gas, which causes premature ignition under compression before your engine can reach maximum compression.
In addition to the high-performance Dodge Chargers mentioned earlier, vehicles with turbochargers usually require premium fuel. For example, sports cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Nissan GT-R require high-octane fuel due to their high horsepower and fast spooling turbos.
Turbos produce even more combustion, so they need the fuel that can handle it. In addition, premium fuel can withstand detonation or preignition, so most consumers use 91 or even 93 octane.
Does Dodge Charger use a lot of gas?
Dodge Chargers use a good share of gas due to their weight and horsepower. If you want a Dodge Charger but want better fuel mileage, you are better off getting the V6 engine. The V6 Charger has a lower horsepower and only gets about 19 miles per gallon [mpg] in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The more horsepower your car has, the more gas it will use up. The Hemi V8 engine, for example, gets about 16 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The high-performance 6.4 L engine will get about 15 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. However, this also depends on your driving habits. If you drive with a heavy foot, then expect lower fuel mileage, but if you drive normally and avoid using the gas pedal as much as possible, then your Charger will get better mileage.
Is premium gas leaded?
Premium gas is similar to 87 octane gas in the sense that it is unleaded and made from crude oil. The main difference between the two is that 87 octanes will burn faster than premium gas. Also, premium gas is more expensive than regular unleaded gas.
Leaded fuel is mainly used for racing cars. However, there are still some leaded gas stations. In addition, leaded fuel was even used for WWII airplanes, such as the P-51 Mustang. Pretty cool!
How expensive is it to maintain a Dodge Charger?
The annual maintenance cost of a Dodge Charger is $652. However, this can vary depending on the year, mileage, and repair shop location.
Maintenance schedules are vital to your vehicle. If you don't stick to the recommended schedule, then the annual costs can go up significantly.
For example, not changing your oil as often as recommended can reduce your engine's lifespan. Also, using the incorrect oil for your engine can wear down parts quicker, posing risks of high engine repairs.
It is also important to have your tires rotated every 7,500 miles. Rotating your tires regularly can help increase their lifespan. Tires aren't an inexpensive purchase, so the better you take care of them, the less frequently you need new ones.
Lastly, it is good to regularly check your other fluids. The oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels should be monitored frequently. If you notice that there is a problem with your car, then it is best to take it in for service quickly.
How do you know if the fuel pump is bad?
A bad fuel pump will not startup or make a loud, weird hum. If your car is having issues after you have put gas in it, then chances are the fuel pump is bad. Also, if your engine isn't starting on the first try, then there might be an issue with the fuel pump.
It is also possible you have a clogged fuel filter or fuel lines. This will restrict your fuel flow and can cause it to back up into your gas tank. If this happens, then you may need to replace your fuel pump.
Lastly, if you smell gas near your car, there is a leak somewhere. The most commonplace for gas leaks are on/around the fuel lines under the hood or in your gas tank.
What should I do if I accidentally put diesel in my car?
The best thing to do is immediately turn off your car, open the hood, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Diesel gas in your car can damage your engine. You should also not drive too far in this situation since diesel fuel burns slower than gasoline.
Instead, you should call a tow truck right away and have the vehicle taken to a mechanic shop. The mechanic will flush the fuel system and check for any damage caused by the diesel fuel.
How often should I change the fuel filter?
You should change the fuel filter every five years or 50,000 miles for the Dodge Charger, whichever comes first. However, you should still have it checked and possibly cleaned every oil change.
A fuel filter is a device used to clean the fuel before it enters the engine. The filter removes any dirt, rust, or other particles from the fuel.
This helps keep the engine running smoothly and prevents any damage from occurring. In addition, by having it cleaned or changed regularly, you can extend the life of your car.
Final Thoughts
The Dodge Charger is different from other cars because it has a variety of engine options. It is better to stick to regular unleaded fuel for the daily driver engine. However, if you have a high-performance engine, it is recommended to use premium fuel to ensure the engine is performing correctly.
If you enjoyed this article, then you should also read:
How Long Should A Dodge Charger Last?