The 2016 Ram 1500 has an engine oil capacity of seven quarts. This is how much fresh oil you can pour into your truck’s engine during an oil change.

Oil changes are a reality of car ownership—if you don’t keep up with your oil changes, you’ll be faced with poor car performance and more expensive maintenance in the future. If you want to find some savings on your car ownership costs, changing your oil at home is a smart way to save a bit of cash. But to change your oil at home, you need to know your 2016 Ram 1500 engine oil capacity.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has created this comprehensive guide to your 2016 Ram 1500 oil capacity, along with other important information to help you change your oil. We'll also help you find the best

Ram 1500 car insurance costs

2016 Ram 1500 engine oil capacity

The 2016 Ram 1500 has an engine oil capacity of six quarts. That means you'll need seven quarts of fresh oil every time you

change the oil and filter

in your pickup truck

The 2016 Ram 1500 comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine. The 3.6-liter refers to the engine displacement of your Ram, which is the volume its cylinders take up. This number is not related to the engine oil capacity, so be sure not to get these two numbers confused.

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What kind of oil does a 2016 Ram 1500 need?

The next question is what kind of oil should you purchase for your oil change. With many different types of oil on the market, it's crucial you choose the right type for the health of your truck.

The 2016 Ram 1500 owner’s manual recommends SAE 5W-20 full synthetic engine oil. Let’s break down what that means. When it comes to

synthetic and conventional oil

, full synthetic is entirely manmade to provide the best for your truck. It is usually more expensive than conventional oil, however. The numbers on the oil name indicate the oil’s viscosity (thickness) at certain temperatures. This determines how it flows through the engine.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2016 Ram 1500

You also need to know how often to change your oil per your

basic car maintenance schedule

. While the 2016 Ram 1500 uses synthetic oil, which can reportedly go 7,5000 to 10,000 miles between changes, the 2016 Ram 1500 owner’s manual still recommends an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Adhering to this recommended interval can keep your engine healthy and happy.

There are some signs that indicate you need to change your oil earlier, regardless of how much time has elapsed since you last had an oil change. Keep an eye out for these warning signs:

The oil in your engine is dark brown or black

The oil feels coarse

Strange noises are coming from your engine

Oil or burning smells emit from your engine

Your vehicle’s performance has worsened

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Dodge Ram 1500 towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

With the above information, you’re ready to actually change your engine oil. We should also take the time to replace your oil filter—this component helps keep your oil clean as it runs through your engine.

To complete this job, you’ll want to have a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a replacement filter, and a bottle of engine oil.

The first step is to let your Ram run for a few minutes. If it is closer to the normal operating temperature, the oil will drain easier. Turn off the engine and (as long as the engine isn’t too hot) pop the hood. It’s time to change your oil.

Remove the fill cap first—if it's stuck after you drain your oil, your car will be trapped

Place the drain pan under the drain bolt

Remove the drain bolt and let the oil drain

While your oil drains, replace your oil filter

Replace the drain bolt using a new washer

Pour fresh oil into the engine

Once full, replace the fill cap and close the hood

Changing the oil shouldn't take too long, but 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.

That’s it! Once you’ve finished, let your car run for a few minutes to make sure there are no leaks or dashboard lights.

Your final step is to dispose of the old engine oil. Don’t just dump it—you need to put it in a sealable container and bring it to a recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Now that you’ve started changing your 2016 Ram 1500's engine oil at home, you're on track to save more money on your car expenses!

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