What type of coolant does the Ram 1500 use?
Choosing the right coolant for your Ram 1500 is essential to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity. Coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a critical role in regulating your engine's temperature, preventing overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. In this article, we’ll explore the type of coolant recommended for the Ram 1500 and why it matters.
Recommended Coolant for the Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 typically requires an OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, which is often orange or purple in color. This type of coolant is specifically designed to provide long-lasting protection for modern engines, including those with aluminum components. Always check your vehicle's owner manual to confirm the exact specifications for your model year, as coolant requirements can vary slightly depending on the engine type and year of manufacture.
Why OAT Coolant Is Important
OAT coolant is preferred for the Ram 1500 because it offers several advantages over traditional coolants:
- Extended Lifespan: OAT coolant typically lasts up to 5 years or 150,000 miles, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Corrosion Protection: It provides superior protection against rust and corrosion, especially for aluminum engine components.
- Compatibility: Designed for modern engines, OAT coolant is compatible with the materials used in the Ram 1500's cooling system.
How to Check and Replace Your Coolant
Maintaining the correct coolant level and quality is crucial for your Ram 1500's performance. Follow these steps to check and replace your coolant:
- Ensure the engine is cool before opening the radiator cap to avoid burns from hot coolant.
- Locate the coolant reservoir and check the fluid level against the "MIN" and "MAX" markers.
- If the coolant is low, top it off with the recommended OAT coolant. Avoid mixing different types of coolant, as this can reduce effectiveness.
- For a full coolant replacement, drain the old coolant, flush the system with distilled water, and refill with fresh OAT coolant.
Final Thoughts
Using the correct coolant for your Ram 1500 is vital for maintaining engine health and performance. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations and consult a trusted auto service professional if you’re unsure. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your vehicle maintenance needs, including coolant checks and replacements. Contact us today to keep your Ram 1500 running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Prestone coolant in my Dodge Ram 1500?
Prestone® MAX antifreeze + coolant uses Advanced Original Equipment Technology to provide MAXIMUM ENGINE PROTECTION in all Jeep, Ram, Dodge & Chrysler vehicles from 2000 & newer, guaranteed.
What coolant should I put in my Ram 1500?
It's a good idea to have an extra PREMIXED 1.5 liter of OAT MS. 90032 Ram coolant type on hand to top up your coolant system. Before topping off Ram coolant, you'll want the engine to be lukewarm or cold.
What happens if you put the wrong coolant in your truck?
Putting the Wrong Engine Coolant in Your Car
Degraded cylinder heads. Head gasket breakage. Marred hoses. Reduction in vehicle performance.
What color is Mopar antifreeze?
Green-colored coolant formulated as an ethylene glycol-based product for long-lasting protection. Provides corrosion and rust protection for aluminum and all other cooling system components.
What color is Ram 1500 coolant?
What color coolant does 2021 Ram 1500 use? It's cooperative to understand that color doesn't matter. While most Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolants are mostly orange, yellow, red or purple, Hybrid Organic Acid Technology (HOAT) coolants are orange and yellow.
Does it matter what coolant you put in your truck?
What Coolant Does Your Car Need? Different vehicles require different coolants. There are varieties for every type of vehicle, from diesel engines to American, Asian and European vehicles. Each one is specifically formulated to keep its designated engine type running in extreme temperatures.
Does Dodge use orange coolant?
Prime Orange antifreeze+coolant is designed to work with these specific vehicles: All GM ® vehicles 1995 & newer/GM approved (GMC, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Pontiac, Saturn, Oldsmobile, Hummer), most Ford ® vehicles 2011 – 2018 (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury) and most Chrysler ® vehicles 2013 & newer (Ram, Dodge, Jeep, ...
What color is Mopar antifreeze coolant?
Developed for new vehicle technologies. Green-colored coolant formulated as an ethylene glycol-based product for long-lasting protection. Provides corrosion and rust protection for aluminum and all other cooling system components.
Does Dodge use special antifreeze?
Every vehicle manufacturer, including Dodge has developed its own coolant or requires a apparent coolant that is unique to individual years and models.
Can I drive with low coolant?
What happens if I drive my car with no coolant? If you ignore these signs and continue to drive your car without coolant, your engine parts will get badly damaged – maybe even permanently – due to overheating. That is why it is very dangerous to drive your car when you are low on coolant.
