Why Follow a Maintenance Schedule?
You may be wondering why it's a good idea to set a maintenance schedule for your Ram in the first place. The simplest answer is that it makes your life easier! Your Ram will require different services at different points in its lifetime, so keeping track of a schedule, even if it's just a rough idea, is a great way to stay organized and make sure your truck gets exactly what it needs. As you'll see below, we've arranged this maintenance schedule by mileage rather than time, meaning that you can tailor this schedule to your truck's unique needs. As always, keep in mind that this is an example of some of the routine maintenance your truck may need, but you should always feel free to perform any maintenance or repairs that your truck requires, and always ask your mechanic for advice or guidance if needed. Our technicians here at Gary Miller are happy to help!
Maintenance Schedule for Your Ram
8,000 Miles
The first checkpoint we're looking at is the 8,000-mile mark. Once your Ram's odometer reads 8,000 miles, it's time for service! If you're starting with a brand-new truck, it will take most drivers around 6 months to accumulate 8,000 miles, depending on your daily driving needs. The services you get at this point of your ownership will set the foundation for all future Ram 1500 service appointments. The two main services at this point are a tire rotation, and an oil change. During the oil change, your mechanic will also change out the oil filter. Getting a regular oil change will keep your engine in great condition, and help you avoid more costly repairs!
20,000 Miles
Once you hit 20,000 miles, it's time for another maintenance appointment! As we go along, keep in mind that tire rotations and oil changes can be repeated roughly every 7,500 miles, so you may find yourself scheduling those services in the meantime. At 20,000 miles, your mechanic will end up repeating the services that were performed at 8,000 miles. Additionally, they will inspect your brakes, to check for any wear on your brake linings. They will also inspect your suspension, and may recommend a wheel alignment or balance. This is a great time to spot any potential issues and nip them in the bud!
30,000 Miles
At 30,000 miles, you'll start out once again by getting an oil change and a tire rotation! A tire rotation is essential for maintaining the health and performance of your tires, as it allows all four tires to get an equal amount of wear. Once your odometer reads 30,000 miles, your mechanic will go ahead and inspect the transfer case of your Ram 1500, and replace the transfer case fluid. They'll also check on your axles, as well as the CV and Universal joints. These joints are what help deliver torque to your wheels, so you'll want to make sure they're in great condition for optimal towing performance!
60,000 Miles
We'll jump ahead to the next checkpoint, which is 60,000 miles! Keep in mind that since you've added another 30,000 miles to your Ram, you'll want to get an oil change and tire rotation or two in the meantime. At this point, however, your service appointment will feature the same services as the 30,000-mile appointment, including inspecting your transfer case and suspension, replacing your transfer case fluid, and performing a wheel alignment if need be. They'll also replace other fluids in your truck, like engine coolant, windshield wiper fluid, and more.
100,000 Miles and More!
Once you reach the 100,000-mile mark, bringing your Ram into the service center for regular maintenance will be second nature! One of the great things about following a maintenance schedule is that it helps you form habits around caring for your vehicle, so that you can easily fit your appointment into your daily routine. Once your Ram 1500 reaches 100,000 miles, your mechanic will check on your battery and transmission, replacing the battery if necessary. They'll also replace your spark plugs, and of course, take care of another oil change and tire rotation. By this point, you'll also want to replace your tires if you haven't already, to avoid getting a flat, or losing too much traction.
Ram 1500 Service Near Me
Now that you know the best way to care for your Ram 1500 pickup truck, you may be wondering how to get started. Here at Gary Miller CDJR, we have a team of certified mechanics who know just how to care for your truck in order to keep it running its best! With regular maintenance, your Ram can last well beyond 100,000 miles, so that you can continue to enjoy it for years to come. You can make your appointment with Gary Miller CDJR by giving us a call, or by filling out the request form here on our website. Then, come visit us at our dealership in Erie, Pennsylvania to keep your Ram running smoothly! From all of us here at Gary Miller, we look forward to working with you soon!