Abarth 500 & 595 Oil Change Guide: MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 10W-50 and the Service Parts You Need

Servicing an Abarth 500 or 595 isn't complicated, but the 1.4 T-Jet is a small turbocharged engine that works hard, and it rewards getting the basics right. The single most important part of any service is the oil — and for these cars, there's an oil developed specifically for the job: MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 10W-50.

Here's why it's the oil we recommend for the T-Jet, how much you'll need, and the other service parts worth having on the bench before you start.

Why MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 10W-50?

The "0101" in the name is the Abarth specification. MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 was developed to meet it, and Motul specifically recommends it for the 1.4 T-Jet turbocharged petrol engine in the Abarth 595, 595C and Grande Punto. Rather than a general-purpose oil that happens to be the right grade, it's built around what this engine needs.

• 100% synthetic — full synthetic base oils for strong film strength and thermal stability.
• 10W-50 viscosity — the "50" hot rating holds a thicker protective film at high temperature, which matters on a small-capacity turbo engine that spends a lot of time on boost.
• Abarth 0101 OEM performance, ACEA C3 and API SN — the C3 rating means it's a mid-SAPS oil, compatible with catalytic converters and particulate filters.
• Suits all conditions — Motul rates it for everything from urban driving to hard use, so it's as happy on the school run as it is on a spirited back road.

The technical bit

For those who like the numbers, these are Motul's published typical properties:

The figure that matters most for a turbo engine is the HTHS (high-temperature high-shear) viscosity of 4.6 mPa.s. It measures how well the oil holds its film under heat and load — exactly the conditions in the turbo bearings and on the crank and cam bearings when the engine is working hard. Download the full Motul technical data sheet (PDF).

How much oil do you need?

Allow 3–4 litres for an oil and filter change on the 1.4 T-Jet. MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 is sold in 1 litre bottles, so 3–4 bottles covers a full change with some left for topping up. Fill a little under, run the engine, let it settle, then top up to the maximum mark on the dipstick.

The oil change essentials

An oil change on the T-Jet needs three parts. They're all low-cost, but skipping any of them is a false economy:

• MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101 10W-50 Engine Oil — 3–4 × 1 litre for a full change.
• Abarth 500/595 Oil Filter — change it every time. A clogged or old filter goes into bypass and lets unfiltered oil reach the turbo and bearings.
• Abarth Sump Plug Washer — the sealing washer crushes when the plug is torqued, so a reused washer is the most common cause of a weeping sump plug. For pennies, fit a new one every time (it's worth keeping a couple in the toolbox).

While you're under the bonnet

An oil change is the perfect time to look at the rest of the service items. These are the parts we'd keep in mind, depending on your car's mileage and service history:

Ignition

• Abarth OEM Spark Plug (NGK) — the factory-specification plug for the 1.4 T-Jet. Sold individually, and you'll need 4. Worn plugs on a turbo engine show up as misfires and hesitation under boost.
• Bosch Motorsport P65 Ignition Coil — a popular upgrade for tuned cars, or a replacement for a failing coil.
• Abarth 500 595 Coil Connector — brittle, cracked coil plugs are a common cause of intermittent misfires on older cars.

Cooling

• Motul AUTO COOL G12 EVO -37°C Coolant (5L) — ready-to-use coolant, no mixing required.
• Thermostat & Coolant Sensor — Magneti Marelli — worth replacing if the car is slow to warm up or the temperature gauge behaves oddly.
• Abarth 500 595 Coolant Hose Kit — silicone hoses in red, yellow or black to replace tired rubber hoses.

Timing belt

• Dayco Timing Belt Kit & Water Pump — the cambelt is a time-and-mileage item, and a belt failure can cause serious engine damage. Replace the water pump at the same time, as it's driven by the belt.
• Reinzosil Water Pump & Sump Sealer — the correct sealant for the water pump fitting.
• Front Crank Seal and Cam Gear Cover Gasket — cheap to replace while everything is apart, and a common source of oil leaks.

Brake fluid

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which lowers its boiling point. Fresh fluid every couple of years keeps the pedal firm:

• Motul RBF 660 — a high-boiling-point racing fluid for fast road and track use.
• Motul RBF 700 — a step up within Motul's racing range for sustained track work.

Crankcase breather

Under hard use the T-Jet can push oil vapour through the crankcase breather into the intake. Our Catch Can Breather Delete Kit and Silicone Oil Breather Hose are popular with owners who track their cars or run higher boost.

Quick oil change checklist

1. Warm the engine briefly so the oil drains freely, then switch off.
2. Remove the sump plug and drain the old oil into a suitable container.
3. Remove the old oil filter and lightly oil the seal on the new one before fitting.
4. Refit the sump plug with a new washer, tightened to the correct torque.
5. Fill with around 3 litres of MOTUL SPECIFIC 0101, run the engine for a minute, switch off and wait.
6. Check the level on the dipstick and top up to the maximum mark.
7. Check the filter and sump plug for leaks, and dispose of the old oil at your local recycling centre.

Shop the full range

You'll find the engine parts above in our Abarth Engine Bay Parts collection, and our full Motul line-up — engine oil, coolant and brake fluid — on our Motul brand page. For more performance oils and fluids, browse Oils & Lubricants.

Not sure which parts your car needs? Get in touch at [email protected] and we'll help you put the right service together. Free UK delivery on orders over £150.