Fiat 500 Classic – Maintenance Scheme

Introduction #

• The following paragraphs describe in detail what routine maintenance needs to be carried out. This work has two important functions. Firstly, there is adjustment and lubrication to minimise wear and tear and ensure optimum performance. The second aspect is perhaps even more important. By inspecting the car from top to bottom, you have the opportunity to check that everything is in good condition.
• Every part must be checked; systematically inspect the entire car. A crack in the dirt near a nut or flange indicates something is loose, and leaks will also be noticeable. Electrical wires whose insulation is worn through by friction and rust coming through the paintwork will be found and repaired before they cause a fault on the road or necessitate a major, expensive repair. Even a small Fiat 500 Classic is deadly if it is unsafe.
• The maintenance tasks that need to be done are mainly those recommended by the manufacturer. We have added a few more. For someone who has their car serviced by a garage, it is often cheaper to have parts replaced after a slightly shorter service life in order to save on maintenance costs, but this is not the case for the home mechanic. The manufacturer specifies what work needs to be done after carefully considering a number of factors. Leaving a part in place for too long carries the risk of a defect between two services. Having a service too often carries the risk that the owner will skip services, so that certain tasks are not carried out on time.
• If you are checking the car and you see something that seems wrong, solve the issue first before driving the car.
• Always take a test drive after a repair and check the work afterwards. Check that the bolts etc. are still tight. Check again after about 250 km.
• All parts required for proper maintenance can be purchased from the Fiat van der Laan webshop.

500 km or every week #

• Tyre pressure
• Engine oil level
• Brake fluid level
• Check all lights

2500 km or every month #

• 500 km tasks and:
• Battery fluid level
• Windscreen washer fluid level

5000 km #

• 500 km, 2500 km tasks and:
• Check the underside (loose parts and leaks)
• Lubricate the steering knuckles
• Check the tension of the V-belt

10000 km or every 6 months #

• 500 km, 2500 km, 5000 km tasks and:
• Replace the engine oil
• New air filter for the engine
• Clean the spark plugs
• Lubricate the distributor
• Check the contact points
• Check the ignition timing
• Check the gearbox oil level
• Oil the hinges and cables
• Adjust the free play of the clutch pedal
• Check the valve clearance
• Check the brake linings
• Check the steering for wear, fill the steering box with oil
• Check tyre wear
• Check the engine idling speed
• Check the bodywork for rust

20000 km or annually #

• All of the above tasks and:
• Replace the gearbox oil
• Check the toe-in of the front wheels
• Clean the crankcase ventilation
• Clean the centrifugal oil filter
• Clean the fuel filters of the oil pump and carburettor
• Check bolts and nuts for tightness
• Charge the battery properly in the middle of winter

30000 km #

• All common tasks except for the 20000 km tasks and:
• Lubricate the alternator and replace the carbon brushes
• Replace the V-belt
• Check the starter motor
• Replace the grease in the wheel bearings

Source: Haynes Owners Workshop Manual