Keeping your 2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY running at its peak requires more than just routine maintenance; it demands precision fluid selection tailored to its specific engineering needs. This compact commercial van is built for versatility, moving goods through crowded city streets or navigating highways with a 2.4L DOHC 16-valve inline-4 engine. To maximize the life of this powertrain, owners should prioritize high-quality synthetic lubricants that offer superior protection against wear, extreme temperatures, and sludge formation. Proper fluid maintenance ensures that critical components, from the turbocharger to the transmission, operate with reduced friction and optimal efficiency.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the 2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, AMSOIL offers a complete lineup of synthetic lubricants designed to meet or exceed factory specifications while providing extended service intervals. Whether you are performing a standard oil change or a comprehensive fluid service, selecting the right products is crucial for longevity.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier choice offering up to 25,000 miles of protection, 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss, and superior performance in extreme temperatures. This oil provides the ultimate defense for the engine’s turbocharger and high-stress components.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for up to 20,000 miles between changes. It features enhanced cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly and includes protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), making it ideal for modern turbocharged engines.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – This filter works in tandem with any AMSOIL motor oil to ensure maximum protection. It captures 99% of contaminants as small as 20 microns, allowing for lower restriction and keeping engine parts fully lubricated to reduce wear.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – Designed for a wide variety of vehicles, this 50/50 pre-mix formulation protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. Its unique OAT chemistry is free from phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, ensuring compatibility and long-term stability.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. This fluid provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse, ensuring smooth shifting and transmission longevity.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – This fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring reliable braking performance in all weather conditions.
The engine lubrication requirements for the 2.4L engine are specific, utilizing a 0W-20 viscosity grade that accommodates all ambient temperatures. With a capacity of 5.5 quarts when including a filter change, it is vital to ensure the oil level is checked immediately after refill. The drain plug should be torqued to 30 ft/lbs, and a new washer must be installed on the drain bolt to prevent leaks. AMSOIL offers four distinct motor oil options for this application: the flagship AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20, the extended-life XLZ variant, the AMSOIL OE 0W-20 for OEM-equivalent performance, and a High-Mileage version for engines exceeding 75,000 miles. Each of these formulations utilizes 100% synthetic base stocks and advanced additive packages to fight sludge, reduce wear, and maintain viscosity stability. For the filter, the AMSOIL Oil Filter ensures optimal flow and cleanliness. Alternatively, owners can use a WIX Oil Filter for standard OEM replacement needs.
Beyond the engine, the automatic transmission in the 2018 PROMASTER CITY requires a fluid capable of handling thermal stress. The 948TE transmission system benefits from the use of a high-quality synthetic automatic transmission fluid, which resists breakdown and maintains proper friction characteristics for smooth shifting. The capacity for an initial fill is approximately 6.3 quarts. Owners looking for a more budget-friendly transmission fluid option can also consider the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid, which is formulated to protect against wear while meeting fuel economy targets.
Cooling system maintenance is equally critical for this vehicle, which operates in varying climates. The system requires 7.2 quarts of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant. AMSOIL provides both a ready-to-use Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze and a concentrated Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant. The concentrated option allows owners to mix their own solution using distilled water, offering maximum control over freeze protection and boiling points while achieving a service life of up to 150,000 miles. Both options are compatible with all other antifreeze colors and are designed to be safe for gaskets and hoses.
Maintenance for Safety and Efficiency
While engine and transmission fluids keep the vehicle moving, brake and steering fluids ensure it stops and turns safely. The 2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY specifies the use of MOPAR DOT 4 AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. AMSOIL’s 100% Synthetic DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid is an excellent alternative that outperforms conventional fluids in terms of boiling point and viscosity stability. This synthetic fluid ensures that the braking system responds quickly and consistently, a crucial factor for a commercial vehicle carrying heavy loads. Additionally, the power steering system benefits from AMSOIL’s 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid. This fluid reduces friction, helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, and offers strong anti-wear protection even at high temperatures.
About the 2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY
The 2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY represents a distinct segment of the commercial van market, offering a blend of compact agility and robust utility. Derived from the Fiat Ducato platform, this vehicle is designed specifically for city driving, maneuvering through tight alleys and congested traffic where larger vans struggle. Despite its smaller footprint compared to the full-size PROMASTER, the City version does not compromise on cargo capacity, making it a favorite among courier services, delivery drivers, and tradespeople.
Under the hood, the 2018 model year is powered by the 2.4L inline-4 engine, often referred to as the “ED6 B” engine code. This powerplant is known for its efficiency and reliability, providing sufficient torque for urban stop-and-go driving without the fuel consumption penalties of larger V6 engines. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to handle the rigors of daily commercial use, balancing a comfortable ride for the driver with the ability to haul significant weight. The interior is utilitarian, featuring durable surfaces designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily loading and unloading, while still offering essential modern amenities for the operator.
For vehicle owners, one of the key selling points is the ease of maintenance and the availability of parts, which has contributed to its reputation as a dependable workhorse. However, like any vehicle subjected to severe service, there are common issues that can arise over time. High-mileage owners often report engine sludge buildup as a result of frequent short-trip driving, which prevents the oil from reaching optimal operating temperatures. Using a high-performance synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 can significantly mitigate this issue, keeping the engine cleaner for longer. Another common challenge involves cooling system corrosion, particularly in older vehicles or those that have experienced neglect; using a high-quality antifreeze like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze can prevent rust and corrosion in the radiator and heater core, extending the life of the cooling system.
Transmission shifting irregularities can also occur, often attributed to degraded transmission fluid losing its frictional properties. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is specifically engineered to restore smooth shifting and protect against wear, addressing this common complaint effectively. Finally, brake fade under heavy load can be a concern for commercial users who frequently haul full payloads. The synthetic brake fluid’s higher boiling point helps prevent vapor lock and fade, ensuring consistent braking performance even after repeated hard stops, which is a vital safety enhancement for a vehicle used in demanding commercial applications.