The 2017 Ram 2500 is just as much a beast as you imagine. A heavy-duty truck that takes on any task you need it for and tackles any terrain while packing plenty of power and a surprisingly comfortable and sophisticated cabin? We’ll take two, please!

But even big hulking trucks like this need to follow a

basic car maintenance schedule

—and that means performing regular oil changes. If you’re someone who’s trying to

change the oil

in your 2017 Ram 2500 on your own for the first time, you might not even know what the oil capacity of your truck is.

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back, so here’s everything you need to know.

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2017 Ram 2500 engine oil capacity

So, how much engine oil does a 2017 Ram 2500 need?

The 2500 comes with a 383.0-hp, 5.7-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine and its oil capacity is 7 quarts or 6.6 liters. This is the capacity of oil that you need to put in each time you change it and is different from the engine’s displacement. That’s how much volume the cylinders take up, and getting the two mixed up could end up in a mess. Literally.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Ram 2500 need?

It’s important to know how much oil your truck needs, of course, but that’s not all you need to know to make sure you’re keeping it running smoothly. There’s more than one kind of engine oil—from synthetic to conventional oil—and not all of them will work well with your Ram 2500.

The manufacturer-recommended oil for the 2500 it’s SAE 0W-20. The viscosity (which means how thick it is) of the oil is key. The first number in the oil name shows that its viscosity at 0°F is 0, while the second number shows that it has a viscosity of 20 at 212°F.

So that’s how viscous your oil needs to be to keep your truck’s engine running well, and any oil with that designation is what you’re looking for. Here are our top three suggestions for the 2017 Ram 2500:

The genuine article: Ram recommends using Pennzoil SAE 0W-20 and who are we to say they’re wrong? It’s their truck after all.

For high-mileage vehicles: However, there are plenty of other good options available and if you get a lot of mileage out of your truck, API Certified SAE 5W-20 Engine Oil will help you keep the costs down.

A high-quality synthetic blend: Synthetic oil can be better for your engine because it comes without impurities so you can try a 5W-20 full synthetic oil with your 2017 Ram 2500.

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How to pick the right Dodge Ram 2500 rear differential fluid

How often to change the oil on a 2017 Ram 2500

So, changing your oil is important, but how do you actually do it? And, crucially, how do you know when to change it?

As with the oil type, it’s usually a good idea to listen to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Ram says that you should be changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if using conventional oil. If you are using synthetic oil it can be as much as every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

But those are general guidelines and you should keep an eye on your oil at least once a month or even every time you refuel. If the oil is dark brown or black, or coarse or gritty, this can be a sign that it needs to be changed.

You can also identify this from warning signs like unfamiliar noises, changes in performance, or a smell of oil, smoke, or burning.

MORE: How to build a custom Dodge Ram 2500

How to change your oil and oil filter

oil change doesn’t take too long

, and doing it yourself is an easy way to

save money on your car expenses

! It might sound scary but it’s actually simple.

All you need is a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, and a replacement filter, as well as the new oil, of course. Then simply follow these steps:

Run the engine for about five minutes

Shut the engine off and pop the hood.

Remove the oil fill cap

Put the drain pan underneath the engine

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer

Remove the old oil filter and let the oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer

Tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

When all this is done, run the engine for a few minutes to check for any leaks and make sure your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

goes off. If that’s all good, you’ve completed your oil change.

Then it’s a case of disposing of the old oil carefully. It can’t go in a bin or down the drain, so put it in a sealed container and take it somewhere like a local recycling center where they will have containers for you to pour it into.

MORE:

Dodge Ram 2500 towing capacity

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