2012 Ram 1500: Oil Type and Capacity

Lauren K
Feb 9, 2021

Red 2012 Ram 1500 With White Background

The 2012 RAM 1500 is a reliable pickup that offers an aggressive design, high power, and tons of interior space and features.

However, this means nothing if you end up stranded on the side of the road because you forgot to top off the oil.

What is the oil type and capacity for a 2012 RAM 1500 truck?  

  • API Approved 5W-20 Motor oil is recommended by RAM  
  • Top capacity is 7 quarts of oil for the 2012 RAM 1500  

Though this might seem somewhat straightforward, it’s crucial to know why this type of oil is recommended and how often to replace it. Let’s look at this a little more closely.

Why Are Oil Changes So Important?

Mechanic Checking Car Oil Level

Oil changes are a huge part of the overall maintenance and care of your vehicle. You can take care of every other issue that pops up, but if you don’t stick to the right oil change schedule and put the right volume and type, the engine likely won’t run right.

What Do Oil Changes Really Do for Your Vehicle?

An engine is full of moving parts that move against one another to keep the vehicle running smoothly. These moving parts are necessary to make sure that the entire process keeps going. The oil is used to help keep these moving parts properly lubricated so that the engine can keep moving without too much friction.

What Does Oil Weight and Variety Mean?

There are many different types of oil. The weight of oil has to do with the overall viscosity of the oil or the thickness.

This means that the heavier weight the oil, the thicker it is. For a 2012 RAM 1500, it’s suggested to use 5W-20 engine oil. This variety of oil is a thinner oil that is great for those engines that tend to create a lot of friction.

So why is 5W-20 so important? This is a great all-weather oil. It will flow freely in both high temperatures and low temperatures — a good thing if you live in an area where temperatures fluctuate up and down with the seasons.

This is an oil weight that is also very common and easy to find, making it a great choice if you have a RAM and want to get the oil changed when you are out and about.

A 2012 RAM 1500 holds up to 7 quarts of oil, but your mechanic and your technicians can tell you just how much oil your engine needs and what type of oil will work well for your vehicle. Taking the time to change your engine oil will make a big difference in how well your vehicle runs.

How Often Should You Change Your Oil?

How often you change your oil depends on several different factors. The first is, of course, how much you drive. Most conventional oil changes are going to last for three months or up to three thousand miles, whichever comes first. If you drive a lot, you may consider getting your oil changed sooner.

Many problems can stem from not changing your oil. The first and most serious is that the engine may lock up and stop running. If this happens, you’ll need to have it repaired or rebuilt. Getting your oil changed regularly will help your engine last longer and keep it working as it should.

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