The 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 combines a powerful engine and peak performance with a luxurious interior that makes you feel like you’re driving a luxury SUV instead of a truck. But to keep your Ram 1500 in top shape, you need to know about its engine oil capacity.

From regular maintenance and repair costs to insurance premiums, the expenses that come with owning a truck can add up quickly. Fortunately,

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Change your own oil with help from our guide to the Dodge Ram 1500's oil capacity, complete with tips on how to change the oil and even how to save on your

Dodge Ram 1500 insurance costs

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2017 Dodge Ram 1500 engine oil capacity

First things first – before heading to your nearest auto store and picking up some engine oil, you need to know exactly how much your 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 needs.

Your Dodge Ram 1500 5.7L engine needs 7 quarts of oil or a little over 6.6 liters. Most stores sell engine oil in 1-quart or 5-quart bottles, so make sure you get enough to completely fill your oil reservoir. You might have a little left over, but not adding enough oil back to your engine can cause some serious damage.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500 need?

Next, you need to choose the best kind of oil for your Ram 1500. Different types will affect the performance of your truck, so it’s best to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the best results.

Dodge recommends an SAE 5W-20 engine oil for the 2017 Ram 1500. The letters and numbers tell you the oil’s viscosity – basically how thick or thin it is at different temperatures. A 5W oil remains thin even at extremely low temperatures, while the 20 means it can remain thin at fairly high temperatures as well.

You can choose synthetic or conventional oil for your engine depending on your budget. Conventional oil will get the job done, but if you want an oil that will better prevent rust and sludge, opt for a synthetic or synthetic blend.

When looking for a brand of oil to buy, Dodge recommends the use of Mopar, Pennzoil, or Shell Helix SAE 5W-20 engine oil.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2017 Dodge Ram 1500

Now that you know what kind of oil your Ram 1500 needs and how much you need to purchase, you’ll need to figure out if your truck is due for an oil change.

Dodge recommends including an oil change in your

basic car maintenance schedule

every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil. This keeps the oil clean and cuts down on sludge in your engine.

Synthetic blend and full synthetic oils can last a little longer between oil changes. You can go between 7,000 and 10,000 miles with synthetic oil before needing a change. But a good rule of thumb is to check your oil levels regularly and make sure your oil is clean to keep your engine performing well.

Sometimes your oil might need to be changed sooner than you think. If you notice any of the following signs, go ahead and change your oil:

Oil is a dark brown or black color. Clean oil is a light amber color, and it gets darker the dirtier it gets

Oil feels gritty or coarse if you rub it between your fingers

Engine is making weird noises

Smokey or burning smells coming from the engine

Vehicle performance changes

MORE:

Dodge Ram 1500 towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once your vehicle is ready for an

oil and filter change

, grab your 7 quarts of new engine oil, a new air filter, and the tools you need to get started. You’ll want to have a socket wrench, a pan to catch the old oil, and a filter wrench to get your old air filter off.

You’ll want to run your engine for a little while to warm the oil up. This will make draining it easier. Let the engine warm up for about five minutes then shut it off and follow these steps:

Find the oil fill cap and remove it

Position your pan under the vehicle and remove the oil drain bolt and washer

While the oil is draining, remove the old oil filter

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt and washer once the old oil has drained completely

Refill the oil reservoir with new engine oil and replace the cap

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary. The

oil pressure light

on your dashboard should go off if you've done everything correctly.

Once your oil reservoir is filled up, run your engine again to cycle the new oil through and to watch for any leaks. Then you can clean up – just be sure you put your dirty engine oil in a sealed container and take it to a recycling facility. Don’t dump oil on the ground or throw it away in your trash can!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

A lot of vehicle maintenance tasks are easy enough that you can do them yourself, which can

save you money on your car expenses

! Doing some regular maintenance on your car insurance policy can help save you money too, and it’s easier than ever with the

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