2008 Dodge Nitro Oil Type & Capacity
The 2008 Dodge Nitro oil type depends on the engine: the R/T, 4WD takes 10W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the R/T, RWD takes 10W-30 (6.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, 4WD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SLT, RWD takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SXT, 4WD, Automatic takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SXT, 4WD, Standard takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SXT, RWD, Automatic takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SXT, RWD, Standard takes 5W-20 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- R/T, 4WD: 10W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- R/T, RWD: 10W-30, 6.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, 4WD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SLT, RWD: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SXT, 4WD, Automatic: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SXT, 4WD, Standard: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SXT, RWD, Automatic: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SXT, RWD, Standard: 5W-20, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R/T, 4WD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| R/T, RWD — 4.0L Eng | API - SAE 10W-30 | 6.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SLT, 4WD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SLT, RWD — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SXT, 4WD, Automatic — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SXT, 4WD, Standard — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SXT, RWD, Automatic — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
| SXT, RWD, Standard — 3.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-20 | 5.00 QTS. | — | Refer to the engine oil fill cap for the correct SAE grade. |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Nitro
🛞 2008 Dodge Nitro Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2008 Dodge Nitro Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2008 Dodge Nitro Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2008 Dodge Nitro Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
14.0 quarts (13.24 L) — MOPAR Antifreeze/Coolant 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT (Hybrid Organic Additive Technology) or equivalent. Includes: heater and coolant recovery tank filled to "max" level.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2008 Dodge Nitro take?
It depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD uses 10W-30; R/T, RWD uses 10W-30; SLT, 4WD uses 5W-20; SLT, RWD uses 5W-20; SXT, 4WD, Automatic uses 5W-20; SXT, 4WD, Standard uses 5W-20; SXT, RWD, Automatic uses 5W-20; SXT, RWD, Standard uses 5W-20.
What is the oil capacity of a 2008 Dodge Nitro?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: R/T, 4WD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; R/T, RWD holds 6.0 quarts with filter; SLT, 4WD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SLT, RWD holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SXT, 4WD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SXT, 4WD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SXT, RWD, Automatic holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SXT, RWD, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2008 Dodge Nitro?
Most 2008 Dodge Nitro owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Dodge recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2008 Dodge Nitro?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2008 Dodge Nitro. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.