What Oil Should You Use in Your Dodge Ram 1500?

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If you own a Dodge Ram, you would have probably asked yourself, what oil should you use in your Dodge Ram? Or how much oil would be needed? Though Dodge RAM is a compelling vehicle, it needs proper care like any other potent car.

Here we will enlighten you about all the facts you need to learn to keep your Dodge Ram.

By the end of this write-up, you will be able to make a well-informed decision about your truck.
Read the content until the end to enlighten yourself about the minor and significant details you should be aware of.

So, without any further ado, let’s begin.

What Type of Oil Does a Dodge Ram Use?

The type of oil used in the Dodge Ram 1500 depends on the truck’s engine, but 5W-30 or 0W-40 is usually used. You should check the vehicle’s service manual to see what type (and possibly brand) of oil the manufacturer recommends for that particular model.

Depending entirely on what is under the hood of your 2020 RAM 1500, you’ll need to fill it with the proper oil. Let’s look at the oil requirements for the 3.6L and 5.7L engines.

• Mopar SAE 0W-20 engine oil certified to FCA Material Standard MS-6395 is recommended for all operating temperatures in the 3.6L engine. Engine oil improves vehicle stability at low temperatures and fuel efficiency.
• At all operating temperatures, Mopar SAE 5W-20 engine oil approved to FCA Material Standard MS-6395 (such as Pennzoil, Shell Helix, or equivalent) is recommended. Engine oil improves vehicle stability at low temperatures and fuel efficiency.

When using synthetic oils, you can use any recommended viscosity weight. Synthetic oils should be used consistently and changed regularly.

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Recommended Oil for Dodge Ram 1500

Synthetic oils are relatively expensive, but they are specially formulated to last longer and keep your engine running smoothly. If the Dodge Ram 1500 has a 3.0-liter eco-diesel engine, it should use 5W-40 synthetic oil instead.

Synthetic oils have many advantages over conventional engine oils, such as:

• It is resistant to oil deterioration and lasts longer than conventional oil.
• It can withstand higher temperatures than conventional oils, allowing your engine to run longer.
• It runs cold and reduces engine wear during cold starts.

Though synthetics generally last longer, regular oil changes are still necessary, and you should not exceed the time interval specified by the manufacturer every six months or a year.

Using synthetic in these situations will extend the life of your oil and require fewer changes. This is also a significant environmental benefit, as used motor oil is a major source of toxic waste in the water.

Related: When Should I Switch My New Car or Truck Over to Synthetic Oil?

What is Synthetic Oil?

Even though it is man-made, synthetic oil is still oil. Synthetic oil is composed of base oil, powder additives, and carrier oil that ensures the additives are evenly distributed.

Both conventional and synthetic motor oils are derived from refining oil. The majority of synthetics begin with highly refined crude oil extracted from deep underground. This is the same as conventional oil.

As a base oil, other synthetic oils use artificially made compounds or synthetic oil. The primary distinction between synthetic and conventional oil is the level of refinement.

Synthetic oil can last longer than conventional oils or synthetic blends because it is gentler on your engine and contains fewer impurities.

Plan regular intervals. It is recommended that conventional oil be tracked twice a year. For average cars, every 7,500 miles is recommended for better tracking. You should also replace your oil filter with each oil change.

However, if you don’t regularly push your car hard or endure extreme conditions, every other oil change is sufficient, especially if you use synthetic oil.

Consult your owner’s manual. Newer vehicles may be able to travel 10,000 miles or require only one oil change per year. Turbo engines and older vehicles may still necessitate oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Full Synthetic Oil

The purest type of synthetic oil is fully synthetic oil. However, there isn’t a set standard for grading synthetic oils. Each manufacturer has its own set of proprietary ingredients and processes. As a result, the term “full synthetic” is merely a marketing term.

For the most part, the type of synthetic oil available in the United States for your household automobiles is likely to be Group III synthetic oil. This tends to mean the full synthetic you buy at the auto store isn’t full synthetic.

Group III mineral oil is highly processed mineral oil. Hydrocracking is a process that refines mineral oil beyond simple extraction.

Synthetic Blend vs. Full Synthetic

Full synthetic oils are better understood as motor oil grades. Semi-refined oils, also known as synthetic blends, are less refined than full synthetic oil. Semi-synthetic oil combines traditional and technologically advanced oils.

You benefit from additives and increased refinement. At lower concentrations, however, conventional motor oil’s impurities and varying molecular size remain in the blend.

The advantage of synthetic blends is essentially a cost-benefit analysis. Synthetic blends are less expensive than full synthetic motor oil but perform better than conventional oil.

Differences Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil:

• Better gas mileage will not make a noticeable difference in your short-term budget.
• The additional engine protection may result in cost savings overall.
• The cost of synthetic oil is 6x to 10x that of traditional oil.
• Switching to synthetics can help clean deposits by plugging leaks (you shouldn’t have bad seals, to begin with).
• You can switch between synthetic and conventional oil without consequence.
• Synthetic oil additives benefit all vehicles.

Why is Synthetic Oil Better than Regular?

Synthetic oils are way superior in terms of performance. Because of the lower levels of friction, it protects the engine. Additives aid in the removal of deposits from the engine.

Furthermore, fewer impurities mean it burns cleaner, thickens much more slowly, and has fewer deposits, to begin with.

• Reduced emissions
• Improved fuel and oil economy
• Lower friction increases engine protection and wear.
• Oil changes at longer intervals
• Reduced engine drag as a result of increased resistance to thickening
• Oil effectiveness/quality is more consistent and predictable.
• Improved all-weather protection
• Faster engine start-up
• Cleans engine sludge and deposits.

Synthetic oil is widely regarded as the best oil. It is meant to perform. However, the same manufacturing process raises the price.

Related: How to Prolong Engine Life?

How to Select the Best Motor Oil for Your Vehicle?

Choose a full synthetic oil if you can afford it since it is the best engine oil available. Synthetic oil eliminates the hassles and oversights associated with frequent oil changes and deposits.
If synthetic oil is prohibitively expensive, use a blend or alternate between fully synthetic and non-full synthetic oil every other oil change. Changing the oil in your car will not harm it. Keep a record of the mileage, next oil change date, and oil type.
Check your user manual or check the following:

• Viscosity class
• oil specification

A mechanic, oil changer, or auto parts store employee can advise you on the best oil for your specifications.

Wrapping Up

Dodge’s collection of automobiles illustrates its commitment to providing the best driving experience. You should treat such a powerful and efficient piece of machinery with care and respect. A routine oil change is essential if you want your truck to last a long time.

Furthermore, using the best oil available will ensure that the truck operates properly and without problems.

To give your gooseneck trailer the best protection possible, only use 5W-20 full synthetic oil that meets API specifications (classifications SM/CC). For optimal performance, consider using a 5w-40 full synthetic oil in the EcoDiesel engine.

We hope now you know what oil you should use in your Dodge Ram. Do not forget to consult your dealer and avoid doing any self-service unless you are 100% sure about it.