Maintaining Your 2017-2018 Ram 2500/3500: Key Tips for Optimal Performance and Longevity

Not surprisingly, the 2017-2018 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks have been engineered to the max in order to deliver power and durability in the harshest elements found on the roads of America. Obviously, with a working life as rough and rugged as these heavy-duty vehicles undergo, reliable maintenance is imperative if you want to keep your Ram truck performing at its best. This guide serves as a maintenance how-to that will keep your truck running and roads safer for drivers handling the load.

 

Why Regular Maintenance is Critical

 

• Safety: Regular checks and services help prevent malfunctions that could lead to accidents.
  
• Performance: Proper maintenance ensures your truck runs smoothly and efficiently.
  
• Longevity: Keeping up with maintenance can significantly extend the life of your vehicle.
  

 Cost savings: catch things before they become expensive.

Essential Maintenance Tasks for Your Ram 2500/3500

Engine Care:

 Oil Changes: Replace the oil and oil filter every 3,000-5,000 miles according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Fresh oil lubricates moving parts of your engine, reducing wear and tear.

 Check on the coolant level every few days, and top it off as needed. Replace the coolant at specified intervals to prevent overheating.

 

Transmission Maintenance:

 

 Fluid Checks: Check your transmission fluid levels and condition at least once a month, and replace the fluid at 30,000 miles – whenever it appears dirty. 

Brake System:

 Brake Pads and Rotors: Every 12,000 miles inspect brake pads and rotors, replace as necessary.

 Brake Fluid:  Check your brake fluid level before every trip and replace with new fluid every 30,000 miles.

Tires and Wheels:

 The message Tire Pressure: Check monthly and keep within manufacturer’s recommended range for best fuel efficiency and safety has been paraphrased into human-sounding text while retaining the same length. 

 Rotate Tires: Rotating your tires is good for the life of the tyre. Make sure you do rotate the tyres for even wear. So do it after 6,000 - 8,000 miles or 10,000 - 15,000 kilometres.

 Check And Fill Fluids: Check and fill your oil, coolant, brake fluid and clutch fluid. 

Top off windscreen washer fluids. Change Oil: Get an oil change every 6 months.Front Brake Pads And Rear Brake Shoes: Replace brake pads and shoes if they look thin or when there are squealing or grinding noises.

Check And Add Power Steering Fluid: While you’re at it, check and fill power steering fluid. Also check other vital fluids, ball joints, and bracket bolts.

Steering: Check your steering alignment annually (or if you notice a pull to either side or unusual vibration through your steering wheel and seat).

Cables: Cars with air conditioning require desiccant and bleed of the vacuum or vapour cables (tubes).

Check Head Lamp And Brake Light Bulbs: Check all bulbs.Check Indicators (Absent Or Dull Bulbs): Check indicators.Lane Change, Front Brake And Night Bulbs: If bulbs are absent or dull, replace them.Check Mirrors: A dirty interior mirror is really annoying.Windscreen Wipers: Check wipers and top up windscreen washer fluid.Wheels And Tyres: Have your wheels checked and aligned annually, or if you notice uneven tyre wear, feeble steering or vehicle pulling to one side.

 

Suspension and Steering:

 

 Shock Absorbers and Struts: Check them every 15,000 miles in order to ensure your ride quality and handling are at their best.Replace as needed when they are worn and leaking.

 

 Steering Components: Inspect steering parts regularly for wear and replace any that shows signs of wearing.

 

Battery Maintenance:

 Battery Condition: Look for pits or scaly corrosion on the battery terminal or short posts. Clean terminals with a brush dipped in battery cleaner. Replace the battery if the voltage is low (below 12.4 volts) or if the battery seems weak.

Fluid Levels:

 Fluid Checks: Check all fluids – engine oil, trans fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid – on a regular basis, and top off or refill and replace fluids as needed.

Filter Replacements:

 Air Filter: For better performance and efficiency, replace the engine’s air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles, preventing dirty air from reaching the engine.

 Fuel Filter: Change every 30,000 miles to prevent contaminants from building up in the fuel system.

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

Preparing your truck for different seasons ensures it performs optimally year-round.

Winter Preparation:

•  Battery Check: Cold weather can affect battery performance. Please fully charge battery prior to using. Replace. 
•  Antifreeze: Check your coolant level and be sure your cooling mix is set for the low temperatures. 
• Tires: Consider winter tires for better traction on snow and ice.
•  Wipers and Washer Fluid: Replace worn wiper blades with winter blades and use windshield washer fluid that is rated for cold-weather operation. 

Summer Preparation:

 Cooling System: Check the radiator and hoses for obstructions or leaks, which can cause overheating. Check the level of your coolant.

Air Conditioning: Ensure the A/C system is functioning properly for comfortable summer driving.

Tire Pressure: Monitor tire pressure as high temperatures can increase it, affecting handling.

Creating a Maintenance Schedule

 Keeping up with a maintenance schedule will keep your truck in good condition. Here is an example schedule for a Ram 2500/3500:

Monthly:

Check tire pressure and tread depth.

 

Inspect all lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Check and top off all fluids.

Every 3,000-5,000 miles:

Change the engine oil and replace the oil filter.

Inspect brakes and replace pads if necessary.

Check the battery and clean terminals if needed.

Every 15,000 miles:

Replace the air filter.

Inspect the suspension and steering components.

Rotate tires and check alignment.

Every 30,000 miles:

Replace the fuel filter.

Change the transmission fluid and filter.

Inspect and replace spark plugs if necessary.

Annually:

Comprehensive inspection by a professional mechanic.

Check the exhaust system for leaks or damage.

Conclusion

 Keep your Ram 2500/3500 truck in prime condition all year round by diligently adhering to regular maintenance procedures. Stay on top of things with routine maintenance, prompt repairs, and tweaking your maintenance plan as the seasons change, and your workhorse is sure to provide you with reliable, top-performing service for many years to come. Make time for routine maintenance, and your Ram will reward you with years of faithful, high-performing service.