The 2012 Ram 1500 5.7 is a beast of a pickup truck that is well-suited for just about any job or activity you can throw at it. Its roomy interior and ingenious storage spaces make this truck comfortable for work or play. But if you want to keep your Ram pickup in prime condition, it’s useful to know its engine oil capacity—which is seven quarts.

Car ownership isn't cheap, and owning a truck is even less so. While your primary expenses as a car owner are related to fuel costs and insurance premiums, routine

car maintenance

can hit your wallet hard if you're not prepared. You can save a little cash by completing your own oil changes, but you'll need to check your owner's manual for the oil capacity first.

If you've lost your manual or just want a step-by-step guide to your 2012 Ram 1500 5.7 engine oil capacity, you're in the right place.

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2012 Ram 1500 5.7 engine oil capacity

The 5.7-liter V8 engine in your Ram 1500 holds seven quarts or 6.6 liters of motor oil.

When you're looking at oil capacities, it's important not to mistake your

engine's displacement

—the 5.7-liter space that the motor's cylinders take up—and its oil capacity, which is how much oil it stores for lubrication.

Engine oil capacity and displacement are two entirely separate numbers that aren’t interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2012 Ram 1500 5.7 take?

After learning the proper amount of oil to put in your Ram, it's time to discuss the oil type. That's right, not all motor oils are the same, and it's critical that you add the correct kind to your Ram 1500.

When you're in the auto parts store, look for SAE 5W-20. This is what Ram recommends using in your 1500 5.7, and purchasing the manufacturer's recommendation is always a wise decision.

If those numbers and letters look confusing, don't worry. Here’s what they mean.

First, the "SAE" stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, the organization tasked with creating these engine oil viscosity codes. The numbers explain the thickness or viscosity of your engine oil at various temperatures.

The first number—in this case, "5"—indicates the oil’s thickness when the engine is cold. This one is easier to remember because it's next to the "W," which means winter. The second number—here, "20"—represents the oil's viscosity at normal engine operating temperatures.

Thinner oils have smaller numbers and are ideal for automotive engine use because they can circulate more smoothly through the engine.

When you get ready to purchase your oil, look for SAE 5W-20 motor oil certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API)—you’ll be able to spot an API certification seal on the oil container.

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How often should you change the oil in a 2012 Ram 1500 5.7?

Ram recommends changing your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or every six months. In the meantime, it's critical that you occasionally monitor your oil level and its condition to avoid excess wear and tear and engine damage.

We recommend pulling the dipstick and checking the oil every other refuel. At the very least, it’s a good idea to check your oil monthly.

When inspecting the oil's level and condition, look for these symptoms that it might be time for an oil change:

The oil has become dark brown or black (the color of clean oil looks like dark honey and is slightly transparent)

The oil has a sludgy consistency

The oil has become

gritty or grainy in texture

Foul scents, like oil, smoke, or burning are coming from the engine

Your engine performance declines suddenly

The engine starts to make strange or unfamiliar sounds, like knocking

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How to change your Ram 1500 5.7 oil and oil filter

After learning your Ram 1500's oil capacity and type, the only thing left to do is dive in and start replacing it. These are the tools you'll need:

A ratchet wrench with a 13-millimeter socket

A torque wrench

An oil filter wrench

Fresh oil

A replacement oil filter

A drain pan

A funnel

A rag or towel for cleanup

Jack and jack stands, ramps, or something to lift the vehicle

Once you've gathered your gear, it's time to get started. But don't slide under the truck just yet. First, start your pickup and allow the engine to run for about five minutes—this warms up the engine, which will help the oil drain more efficiently.

Once the motor is warm, turn the truck off and begin following the steps below.

Remove the oil fill cap.

Slide under your Ram 1500 and remove its oil drain plug and let the drain pan collect the old oil as it empties out.

While you wait for that old oil to drain, loosen and remove the old oil filter.

Lubricate the new filter by applying a thin layer of oil to the gasket before installing it. Don’t over-tighten it—just screw the filter on until it feels snug.

Put the oil drain bolt back in place and tighten it to 25 lb-ft.

Fill the engine with fresh 5W-20 oil

Replace the oil fill cap.

After you finish these steps, start the truck once more and allow it to run for around 30 seconds. Then, use your dipstick to check the level and add more oil if necessary.

Finally, you’ll need to recycle your old oil. An easy way to do this is to funnel the dirty oil into the new oil container and return it to an auto parts store or recycling center that accepts it for proper disposal.

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