How To Prepare RAM 2500 for Winter?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: July 10, 2023

With the chill of winter on the way, we all begin to pile on the layers to fend off the frosty temperatures. For those piloting a RAM 2500, this seasonal shift also signifies it's time to get their beast of a vehicle winter-ready, bracing it (and themselves) for any potential winter hurdles.

Winterizing a RAM 2500 is a straightforward process, but it calls for a fair bit of diligence and patience.

It's always better to prep your vehicle for winter early rather than dealing with an unexpected hiccup without the appropriate tools or know-how.

RAM 2500 Pre-Winter Checklist

Winter weather can be a bit of a wild card, often posing potential threats. Ice-slicked and snow-covered roads along with freezing temperatures call for drivers to be extremely cautious. Consequently, your RAM 2500 also needs to be sufficiently equipped to tackle any winter hurdles head-on.

Tires

Much like we need a sturdy pair of boots for winter, trucks require winter "tires" to sustain suitable traction on snow-dusted roads. It's advised to swap your summer treads for winter-specific ones when the mercury drops to about +7 Celsius (+44 Fahrenheit).

Inspect your winter tires' tread depth, rubber state, and air pressure to ensure they're ready for the job. Throughout winter, tire pressure should be monitored more often as tires can lose pressure faster due to cold temperatures. A rough guide: for every 10-degree fall, there's a 1 PSI drop.

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The key here is to get your RAM 2500 tires swapped out ahead of time. After all, no one wants to be queuing up at the last minute. It'll save you both time and potential headaches.

Brakes

Beyond guaranteeing solid winter traction and power, it's vital to keep an eye on your stopping capability, particularly on treacherous surfaces like ice and snow. Check your RAM 2500 brake pads and rotors to ensure they're in tip-top shape and can deliver peak braking performance.

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Battery

The deep freeze of winter can significantly impact the efficiency of your RAM 2500's battery. In intense cold snaps, such as -30 degrees, the battery's typical power level can drop by 30% or more.

This might not be enough to kick-start your RAM. During the winter months, if your RAM 2500 isn't used regularly, say less than every couple of days, you might discover that your battery has essentially gone flat. In these situations, you might have to rope in a friendly passer-by or take the battery home for a bit of juice.

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Oils

Before the first frost hits, it's important to change the RAM 2500's oil and oil filter. The oil is the lifeblood of the engine, lubricating its metal bits and pieces, keeping them safe from harm. The oil's viscosity - or its thickness - has a big role in how the engine performs.

If the oil is too thick, it will move like treacle over the parts, which could lead to the engine running too hot.

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When winter rolls around, with temperatures falling, the oil tends to thicken. However, this issue can be sorted by using oil with a lower viscosity (low viscosity index oil) specially designed for winter conditions.

Coolant

As winter approaches, it's time to swap out your usual coolant for an antifreeze solution. Antifreeze doesn't just protect your RAM 2500's engine in frosty weather, but it also inhibits the corrosion of components. 

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Keeping an adequate level of antifreeze is essential. A 50:50 ratio hits the spot and keeps the fluid from freezing even under extremely cold temperatures (-40 degrees).

If the quantity of antifreeze isn't up to scratch, the coolant could freeze, which might lead to engine overheating and the need for one or more gasket replacements.

Consumables

Your spark plugs, wires, cables, belts, and hoses all need a good look-over before you hit the snowy roads. Don't be shy to pop the bonnet and give everything a detailed check. Spotting an issue now lets you sort it out in good time.

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It's always better to deal with possible problems now rather than finding them unexpectedly on a road covered in the white stuff.

Fuel Level

Running on fumes can spell trouble for your RAM 2500 at any time of the year, as you run the risk of being left high and dry with nowhere to refuel. Driving with a near-empty tank in the winter is an even bigger gamble.

The frigid temperature and its constant ups and downs can cause condensation to appear on the walls of a half-empty tank, which can lead to water making its way into your fuel.

Water is denser than petrol or diesel, so it will settle at the bottom, causing a bit of a headache: if water gets into the fuel line, it can freeze, blocking the fuel supply to the engine and throwing a spanner in your plans. Fixing this kind of fault can leave a big dent in your wallet.

So, even with occasional jumps in fuel prices, keeping your tank brimming will both protect your vehicle and save you a few quid in the long run.

Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

With the less-than-ideal visibility that comes with the harsh winter weather, it's vital that your RAM 2500 wipers are on their A-game.

Picture this: you're navigating the road at night when an unexpected flurry of snow and rain starts pelting your windscreen. You flick on the wipers for better visibility, but instead of giving you a clear view, they just smear your windscreen with their worn-out rubber blades.

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Wiper blades are made of rubber, which can become brittle and wear out over time. It's a good idea to swap out your wiper blades every 6-12 months.

And don't forget about your RAM 2500 windscreen washer fluid level - it plays a big part in clearing snow and ice from your windscreen. Be sure to switch out the regular fluid for one that's up to the task of winter conditions. You can pick these up at any petrol station.

Emergency Kit

The only sure thing about the road, especially in the winter, is its unpredictability. But that doesn't mean you can't be ready for most situations.

One of the smartest things you can do is keep a well-stocked emergency kit in your RAM 2500. Make sure your kit has the following items:

• Jump leads;
• First aid kit;
• Ice scraper and brush;
• Compact shovel;
• Warm clothes;
• Pocket-sized torch with batteries;
• Extra coolant or antifreeze;
• Car door lock defroster;
• Silicone grease for seals;

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Wrapping Up

As you can see, getting your vehicle ready for winter isn't all that tricky. Sure, it'll take a bit of your time and some essentials in your boot, but it's much better to be ready for any potential winter scenario than to find yourself stranded without a way out.