The 2021 Ram 1500 has a powerful engine fit for heavy towing, farmwork, or highway cruising. Whatever you use your truck for, you’ll want to know its oil capacity so you can keep it performing for years to come.

Truck ownership can often be more demanding than owning a sedan or even an SUV. You’ll have to maintain it more regularly, especially if you’re using it for heavy-duty hauling. You can save on some of the maintenance costs by changing your Ram’s oil in your own garage. You’ll just need to know your Ram’s oil capacity and type before you start.

Unsure about what your Ram’s oil capacity is and where to find it? Don’t worry—

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2021 Ram 1500 oil capacity

Before getting into what type of oil your Ram needs or how often you’ll need to change it, we need to answer the big question—how much oil does a 2021 Ram 1500 need?

A 2021 Ram 1500’s 5.7L engine's oil capacity is 7 quarts, or 6.6 liters.

The 3.6L engine, however, has an oil capacity of only 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters.

Note that your truck’s oil capacity is different from its engine’s displacement, or the volume its cylinders occupy under the hood (e.g., the 3.6 in “3.6L V6”). Keep this in mind when changing your oil!

What kind of oil does a 2021 Ram 1500 need?

Now that we’ve covered your Ram’s oil capacity, it’s time to discuss the type of oil your truck needs to function properly. Every vehicle needs a different kind of oil depending on its engine specifications, and the 2021 Ram 1500 is no exception.

To ensure your Ram is functioning ideally, fill it with full-synthetic 5W-20 engine oil. That’s what Ram recommends you fill your truck with, and it’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

It’s great to know what kind of oil your truck needs, but it doesn’t mean much if you can’t understand the string of numbers and letters that make the oil type.

The 5 at the front of the oil type means this type of engine oil has a low viscosity (thickness) at its starting temperature. The W directly after the 0 stands for winter and indicates that this oil type performs well in colder temperatures.

Finally, the 20 means this oil retains its low viscosity at your engine’s running temperature, allowing the oil to move through its parts quicker and creating less friction inside your engine.

With full synthetic oil, you can typically go longer between oil changes, which is one reason why many drivers opt for synthetic over conventional oil these days.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2021 Ram 1500

Even though your truck runs on long-lasting synthetic oil, its powerful engine needs more frequent maintenance than the average mass-market vehicle.

You should aim to change your 2021 Ram 1500’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or once every six months to keep your engine oil fresh and your engine running optimally.

If you consistently use your Ram for tasks that require more horsepower, you may need to change your engine oil more frequently than this range.

It’s a good idea to check on your truck’s oil every few times you fill up at the gas station. This lets you keep tabs on its oil quality and levels. When checking your Ram’s oil, inspect under your hood for these warning signs:

Dark brown or black oil instead of a lighter, translucent amber

Oil looks grainy instead of smooth

You hear strange sounds coming from under the hood

Unfamiliar smells, especially oil, smoke, or burning smells

Vehicle performance has declined

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How to change your oil and filter

Now you know your Ram’s oil capacity, the type of oil it needs, and how often to change it, it’s time to learn how to change your engine’s oil from the comfort of your own garage or driveway. Before getting started, make sure you have the following tools and materials handy:

13mm wrench

Oil filter

Funnel

Oil drain pan

Clean rag

Full-synthetic 5W-20 oil

Once you have what you need, follow these simple steps for a DIY oil change:

Make sure your truck is parked on flat, even ground. Start the engine and allow it to get to its normal operating temperature.

Pop the hood and take the engine oil fill cap off.

Using your 13mm wrench, take out the oil drain plug. Place your drain pan under the plug hole so it catches all of the old engine oil.

Remove your current oil filter. You can find the oil filter on the right side of the crank pulley at the front of the engine.

After you’ve cleaned off the filter fittings, put the new engine oil filter in.

Screw on the oil drain plug. Make sure it’s tightened according to the specifications in your owner’s manual to avoid leaks.

Using your funnel, pour 7 quarts of new engine oil into the oil reservoir. Replace the cap.

Start your engine again to let the new oil flow through your engine. Check the ground for any leaks while it’s running. Shut your engine off after a few minutes of letting it run.

Use your dipstick to make sure the engine oil level is where it should be. Put more oil in your engine if needed, but don’t overfill it!

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.

And that’s all there is to it! You’ll need to dispose of the oil properly, however, by gathering it in a sealed container and dropping it off at an auto parts store or local recycling center.

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Performing

regular maintenance

on your Ram 1500 is one of the best ways to keep your truck running optimally for years while saving money. Keep the savings rolling by ensuring you get the best insurance rate on your truck.

Experts recommend that you

shop for insurance every six months

to guarantee you’re getting the most affordable

Ram car insurance costs

. If that sounds like a hassle, have no fear—

Jerry

is here to help!

As a

licensed broker

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The average Jerry user saves over $800 annually on car insurance. That’ll cover your oil change costs for years to come!

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