Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles

When to do the service on vintage Fiat 500s

Model: Fiat 500 Epoca - Years: 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
Part: Checks and maintenance

See other generations:
Video tutorial

In this video we talk about the maintenance of vintage Fiat 500s, with an indication of what to check on the Fiat 500 Classic: we should replace the engine oil every 5,000 km with 20W50 oil (or 15W40 in winter). Pay attention to the oil filter, which must be unscrewed by hand: it is located near the fan. We should also change the oil in the differential, using SAE 80W90 oil (about 1 liter is needed), but check for leaks from the half shafts.

The air filter should be changed, but if it is foam, simply wash it with water and soap. The recommended spark plugs are Champion L87YC or equivalent.

Adjust the valve clearances to 0.15 mm (when the engine is cold). Check the brake shoes and adjust the handbrake.

If the coolant is not original, use a 50% water and 50% antifreeze mixture, without modern additives. The fan belt should have about 1 cm of play, and check the brushes of the starter motor and the condition of the spark plugs.

Lubricate the hinges with lithium grease, check the gaskets to prevent leaks.


Posted on 20 July 2025 by ScegliAuto


Related tutorials

Fiat 500 (1957-1975 / Epoca) There are some things about vintage Fiat 500s that we should know. For example: there is a kind of air conditioning vent on these cars. If we remove …
Fiat 500 (1957-1975 / Epoca) Those who are passionate about vintage cars but were born after the 1980s may dream of owning a Fiat 500 before 1975, but are definitely not prepared…
Fiat 500 (1957-1975 / Epoca) When talking about vintage Fiat 500s, every detail is important. In this case, we are talking about the chrome moldings under the doors. They may see…

Other guides you may be interested in

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • 500 2007-2022 - What does the parking assistance not available on the Fiat 500 mean? Read answer
    • 500 2007-2021 - Why is the ESC not available on the Fiat 500? Read answer
    • 500 2007-2022 - Where is the inertia switch located in the Fiat 500? Read answer
    • 500 2007-2024 - Why is the USB port of the Fiat 500 not working? Read answer
    • 500 2007-2024 - What does the message "Start & Stop not available" mean in the Fiat 500? Read answer
    • 500 2012-2023 - What does "Anomaly P2930" mean on a Fiat 500L? Read answer
    • 500 2007-2024 - Why does the Fiat 500 Start & Stop not work? Read answer

How to open the bonnet on a Volkswagen Golf?

In this tutorial, you will see how to open the bonnet on a Volkswagen Golf MK4. This is a very simple operation that follows the standard procedure. First, open the driver's door, then locate the lever in the lower left area and pull it. Next, move to the front of the vehicle, lift the bonnet slightly, and find the second lever located just above the Volkswagen logo. At this point, simply pull it towards you, fully open the bonnet, and secure it with the prop rod. To close it, gently push it down.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos