Formerly part of the Dodge, Ram was spun off to form its own division in 2010, capitalizing on the popular name of the pickup truck lineup. Now part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) portfolio, the family consists of 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, Hemi V8, and diesel-powered engines, they will provide years of reliable service if properly maintained according to the Ram recommended vehicle service schedule.

Ram Maintenance Guidelines

Between 4,000 Miles and 10,000 Miles, or 12 Months

The guidelines for your Ram truck center around the automatic oil change indicator, a system that alerts you when it’s time to change your oil. It may be as soon as 4,000 miles or as long as 10,000 miles. The system learns, then adapts to your driving habits. For instance, if you drive on many short trips, or use E85 fuel, tow a trailer, or routinely travel through extreme heat or cold temperatures, the oil change indicator will alert you, via an indicator light on the dashboard, that it’s time for a change. Regardless of what the indicator says, a synthetic oil and oil filter change should occur no later than 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever occurs first.

Based on the oil change interval, your Ram owner’s manual will recommend that in addition to an oil and filter change, your Ram service technician should inspect, and then rotate the tires, check the brake components including brake pads, rotors, hoses and the parking brake system and finally inspect the battery and its terminals and connections. The engine cooling and exhaust system should be checked at the same time, as should the engine air cleaner, if you routinely drive in dusty, dirty off-road conditions.

10,000-Mile Service Intervals

Your vehicle will require additional servicing in 10,000-mile intervals. During these services, and in addition to the very critical oil and oil filter changes, your Ram mechanic will inspect air filters, spark plugs, suspension components, braking systems and other parts listed as vital and necessary in the vehicle owner’s manual. These will continue to 100,000-miles, when the Ram division suggests it’s a good time to change the spark plugs, coolant and transmission fluids.

Extended Warranty and Maintenance Plans

Ram trucks are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile comprehensive vehicle warranty that provides bumper-to-bumper coverage of your Ram-branded vehicle. That combines with a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty protecting parts relating to the engine, transmission, axles, 4-wheel drive and other power components.

Mopar Vehicle Protection Program

FCA offers owners the chance to expand the coverage of their Ram vehicle through the company’s Mopar Vehicle Protection program. Offered in Added Care Plus and Maximum Care expanded warranty programs, they cover 850 and 5,000 critical components, respectively. Deductibles can range from $200, $100, and $0 levels, depending on the plan and term chosen. Vehicles with a 5 year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty are eligible within 48 months/48,000 miles, but if the plan is bought at the same time as the vehicle purchase, it can be rolled into the total cost being financed. Other plan benefits include Rental vehicles, Roadside Assistance, Key Fob repair/replacement, Trip Interruption insurance, and personalized service plan provisions.