Dodge has been building automobiles since 1914 and in 1928 became a part of the Chrysler. Through various fits, stops and starts, they are now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobile (FCA) family, and have a proud performance reputation surrounding their latest vehicles. Whether they are Hemi-powered or derive their motivation from the Pentastar V6 engine, they will provide you with years and miles of reliable service if properly maintained according to the recommended Dodge vehicle service schedule.

Dodge Maintenance Guidelines

The guidelines surrounding your Dodge vehicle center around the automatic oil change indicator that alerts you when it’s time for oil changes. It may be as soon as 3,500 miles or as far out as 10,000 miles, depending on your driving habits. For instance, if you drive on many short trips, tow a trailer, use E85 fuel, or routinely travel through extreme cold or hot ambient temperatures, the oil change indicator will alert you, via an indicator light that it’s time for service. Regardless of what the indicator says, a synthetic oil and oil filter change should occur no later than 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

Dodge recommends that in addition to an oil and filter change, service technicians should inspect the battery, rotate the tires and inspect the brake pads, rotors, hoses and parking brake system. At the same time, they should check the engine cooling system and exhaust, as well as inspect the engine air cleaner, if you routinely drive in dusty, dirty off-road conditions.

10,000-Mile Intervals

Combining with the automatic oil change indicator system, your vehicle will require servicing at 10,000-mile intervals. During these visits, and in addition to the necessary oil and oil filter changes, your mechanic will inspect the vehicle’s suspension components, braking systems, air filters, spark plugs, and other components as needed and listed in your Dodge vehicle owner’s manual. These will continue to 100,000-miles, when the company recommends a change in spark plugs, coolant and transmission fluids.

Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plans

Dodge vehicles are covered by a standard 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive vehicle warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage of your Dodge. That combines with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty protecting parts relating to the engine, transmission, axles and other “motivational” components.

Mopar Vehicle Protection Plans

FCA offers owners the chance to expand the coverage of their Dodge vehicle through the company’s Mopar Vehicle Protection program. Offered in Added Care Plus and Maximum Care expanded warranty programs, they cover 850 and 5,000 critical components, respectively. Deductibles can range from $200, $100, and $0 levels, depending on the plan and term chosen. Vehicles with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are eligible within 48 months/48,000 miles, but if the plan is bought at the same time as the vehicle is purchased, it can be rolled into the total cost being financed. Other plan benefits include Rental vehicles, Roadside Assistance, Key Fob repair/replacement, Trip Interruption insurance, and personalized service plan provisions.