A Fiat 500’s engine oil needs to be replaced every 8,000 miles. Here’s everything you need to know to replace it yourself, including the oil capacity and type.

Written by Annette Maxon

Reviewed by Melanie Reiff

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

Fiat 500 engine oil capacity
How often to change the oil on a Fiat 500
How to maintain your Fiat 500 insurance policy

Your Fiat 500’s engine oil capacity is 4 quarts, or 3.8 liters. This vehicle uses 5W-30 engine oil and requires an oil change every 8,000 miles.

Staying on top of your car’s maintenance can feel like a chore, not to mention a drag on your wallet. Whether you’re a first-time Fiat owner or simply looking for ways to save on pricey car expenses, changing the oil for your Fiat 500 is an easy maintenance task that you can do yourself.

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Fiat 500 engine oil capacity

If you’re wondering how much engine oil a Fiat 500 needs, you’ve come to the right place.

The Fiat 500 is equipped with a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. When you go to change the oil, your car needs 4 quarts (1 gallon) of engine oil, or 3.8 liters.

Remember that your engine oil capacity is not the same thing as your engine displacement, or the 1.4 liters mentioned in the engine type.

These numbers indicate completely different things and are not interchangeable. The displacement refers to the volume that the engine’s cylinders take up, whereas the oil capacity is the amount needed for each oil change.

What kind of oil does a Fiat 500 need?

The owner’s manual recommends 5W-40 engine oil for a Fiat 500. But what exactly does that mean?

Since engine oils aren’t all created equal, only certain oils will meet the needs of your vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of how to decode engine oil types:

You can determine the oil’s viscosity (thickness) by the numbers in the oil type—the “5” in 5W-40 means that the oil has a low viscosity at 0°F, whereas the “30” means that it can also retain its viscosity at scorching temperatures.

“W” stands for “winter,” meaning that the oil is suitable for cold-weather climates.

When shopping for engine oil, it’s important to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation. In the case of your Fiat 500, you can use regular or synthetic oil as long as it meets the same requirements. If you find a comparable 5W-40 synthetic engine oil, know that it’s safe to use on your car!

MORE:

What does the check engine light mean?

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How often to change the oil on a Fiat 500

Fiat recommends that you change your engine oil every 8,000 miles. However, it’s a good idea to regularly check your oil levels, especially if you do a lot of long or demanding driving. Some common signs that your engine oil needs to be changed are:

Strange noises coming from the engine

Uncommon smells such as oil, smoke, or burning

Worsening performance

How to change your oil and your oil filter

Now that you know everything about the type of oil your Fiat 500 needs, it’s time to change your oil! Start by gathering a 27-mm socket wrench, drain pan, and filter wrench, the latter of which will help with removing the old oil filter. You’ll also need a replacement filter and enough 5W-30 engine oil for your Fiat.

Get started by running your car’s engine to get it to normal operating temperature. Once it’s reached this optimal temperature, turn the engine OFF and pop the hood open.

Then, follow these steps to change the oil:

Remove the oil fill cap.

Get underneath the engine to access the oil drain bolt and washer. Remove these pieces and drain the old oil into the drain pan.

Remove the old oil filter and let the oil continue to drain into the pan.

Install the new oil filter.

Reattach the oil drain bolt and use a new washer to tighten it—the cap should be tightened to 20-ft lb.

Now, from the top of the engine, you can refill the engine with new oil.

Use your dipstick to make sure you added enough oil.

Replace the oil fill cap. Then, run the engine for a few minutes and keep an eye out for any leaks. If the oil has been filled correctly, the oil pressure light on your dashboard will turn off.

And you’re done! As you’re cleaning up, do not dispose of the dirty oil by pouring it on the ground or in your garbage can. To dispose of it safely, pour the oil into a sealed container and take it to your local recycling center.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

MORE: How to do summer car maintenance

How to maintain your Fiat 500 insurance policy

Now that your oil is properly changed, it’s time to move on to other maintenance tasks! Staying on top of your car’s regular maintenance schedule is important to keep it running smoothly for years to come.

One of the most important (but often overlooked) maintenance tasks is checking on your

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