Awarded the best full-size truck for its money, the 2014 Ram 1500 is a solid truck that any lucky owner will want to keep on the road for as long as possible. Being aware of its engine oil capacity and doing DIY oil changes is the best way to keep your Ram going strong.

Drivers looking for creative ways to save money have started doing their own oil changes and are surprised by how easy they are to accomplish. Considering a DIY oil change can save you almost $100 each time, now is the time for you to learn too! Before getting started, check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and engine oil capacity.

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2014 Ram 1500 engine oil capacity

The first step toward oil changes is knowing the engine oil capacity or how much oil you need. This can depend on your engine size and whether you have a V6 or V8. For this example, we will assume your Ram 1500 is the 5.7-liter V8, so you need to purchase seven quarts of engine oil.

Don't let all the liter numbers fool you; the 5.7-liters refers to the engine displacement, meaning how much volume the cylinders take up. The oil capacity (how much oil the engine can hold) is what you are looking for. These numbers are not interchangeable.

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How to test an oil pump

What kind of oil does a 2014 Ram 1500 engine need?

To keep your Ram in award-winning condition, only follow the manufacturer's recommendation, Mopar SAE 5W-20.

Each manufacturer designs its engine, assuming drivers use engine oil with the recommended viscosity or thickness. So let's break down this oil code.

The W means winter, which indicates cold weather and the engine start-up temperature. The 20 is the viscosity grade of the oil when it hits 212°F. So 5W-20 is one of the thinnest overall engine oils on the market.

Please keep in mind that many truck owners experiment with different oil grades depending on the climate in their region. Using oil outside the manufacturer's recommendation will void your warranty if there is engine trouble down the line.

For best results, stick with

Mopar SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Max Pro OEM

MORE: How to pick the right Dodge Ram 1500 rear differential fluid

How often to change oil on a 2014 Ram 1500

Changing your oil

every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is recommended, but you may not need to. If you go with full synthetic oil designed for high mileage, you can get away with every 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.

One of the benefits of DIY oil changes is getting to know your Ram 1500! You will save money simply by changing the oil when needed, not by some arbitrary number. Also, make it routine to check your oil quality every time you stop for gas. Here is what to look for:

Dirty motor oil is dark brown or black and gritty (Clean oil is a translucent light brown or amber, like a cup of tea)

Unknown sounds coming from the engine

Burning oil smells

Changes in your vehicle's performance

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Dodge Ram 1500 towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

You've checked your oil and learned that your instincts were right; your Ram is ready for an oil change. Here is what you need to have on hand:

Seven quarts of synthetic 5W-20 engine oil

Socket wrench

Filter wrench

Drain pan

Replacement filter

Replacement washer

Changing the oil is faster when the oil is at its thinnest, so drive your Ram around for about five minutes and park it on level ground. Then, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Locate and remove the oil fill cap

Wiggle yourself under the truck and slide the draining pan under the engine

Remove the oil drain bolt, washer, and filter

Let the oil drain entirely and install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Wiggle out from under your truck, and you have just saved yourself $100! Let your truck run for a few minutes to give your check engine or maintenance light time to shut off and keep an eye out for oil leaks.

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.

Now, what do you do with the old oil? Recycle it! The safest way to dispose of the old oil is to carefully pour it back into the empty oil containers from the drain pan. Then, drop it off at your local recycling center or check with your local dealership,

AutoZone

, or

Advance Auto Parts

. Most locations have an oil recycling program.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Don't forget regular insurance policy maintenance

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