Hi all!

** First time Fiat owner and forum poster here **

Backstory:
I purchase a 2006 Panda (1.2) 4x2 yesterday in exceptional condition with 54 000km on the clock (I know the owner, it is genuine milage).

The previous owner had a general service done just before I took ownership (last week) - suspecting the workshop took a chance I asked them to confirm the oil make and grade. Turns out they used Havoline 20w50. I get the feeling they used high milage oil because of the age of the vehicle without checking the odometer -_- .

From what I've read on the 2006 generation Pandas, the factory recommendation seems to be 10w40.

My question is:
Being such a low milage and well looked after car, I obviously want to give it the best. Should I replace the oil with a 10w40 fully synthetic, or perhaps a thinner fully synthetic (0w30 etc.) for best fuel economy and startup protection? I plan on driving this car indefinitely.

I live in South Africa, my seasonal temperature variations are roughly:
Summer 14*C <-> 38*C
Winter 2*C <-> 22*C

Any advice would be appreciated!

Anyone...?

The handbook will make a recommendation as to viscosity dependent upon your typical annual temperatures. I suspect the stock 10w40 will do, but I too recommend that the handbook spec is followed. And if it specifies a semi-synthetic, I'd personally stick with that, as some engines don't like oil that it too 'slippery' (my Renault Sport Spider for one).

But above all change both oil and filter EVERY YEAR, regardless of mileage.

In a hot climate don't go for thin oils. 5W/40 or 10W/40 is correct for the car, the latter would probably be semi-synth so any decent brand will give good protection.

20W/50 Havoline will probably be a quality mineral oil, not really suitable for modern engines (fumes and residues) and of course not good for economy but good protection in hot or harsh conditions. Presumably the garage had reasons for using it. I'd run it for 6 months and then change it.

Thanks for everyone's input, much appreciated.

In the meantime I managed to get hold of the regional Fiat maintenance workshop manager.

For the benefit of other he states (rather succinctly ):

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Synthetic based - SAE 10W-40, ACEA A3, API SL/CF

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Thanks again!

bluejohn125 said:

20W/50 Havoline will probably be a quality mineral oil, not really suitable for modern engines (fumes and residues) and of course not good for economy but good protection in hot or harsh conditions. Presumably the garage had reasons for using it. I'd run it for 6 months and then change it.

Click to expand...

On a side note, if I were to change my oil in the next few weeks, could I re-use the oil filter (since it is only a week old) by tipping out the old oil and buying a new crush-ring/washer?

Yes you can drain and reuse the oil filter, and the rubber washer should be fine too assuming they smeared some oil on the surfaces before tightening so it doesn't get twisted or stretched.

Do the change with the oil and engine nice and hot and don't crush the filter.

10W/40 would be my choice in your country.

Personally if I were you I would give the car some hard driving for a few weeks before changing the oil.. the previous owner was very gentle with the car and small Fiat engines like to be worked hard. The new oil will help to clear any deposits inside the engine and an "Italian tune-up" will make sure everything has loosened up nicely. Also older, basic oils are better for brand new engines because they offer a bit less protection, so the mechanical bits loosen up nicely.

If you get a bit of colour out when you drain your oil you will know that it has done some good!

bluejohn125 said:

Personally if I were you I would give the car some hard driving for a few weeks before changing the oil.. the previous owner was very gentle with the car and small Fiat engines like to be worked hard. The new oil will help to clear any deposits inside the engine and an "Italian tune-up" will make sure everything has loosened up nicely. Also older, basic oils are better for brand new engines because they offer a bit less protection, so the mechanical bits loosen up nicely.

If you get a bit of colour out when you drain your oil you will know that it has done some good!

Click to expand...

Thanks BlueJohn, on a side note, what do you consider hard driving? 3500-5000rpm between shifts?

Yes that sounds about right... whatever you feel really, I don't know if you've got a rev counter and what it is red-lined at but just enjoy it when you're out of town etc. You can avoid 5th gear and just let it sing in fourth whenever you fancy..

Then when you get your proper oil in you can be confident that it will be perfectly happy with spirited driving combined with a little TLC.