Oil Change Confusion!!!!!!

[Robin]

I've recently purchased an "M" reg Tempra 1.9 Turbo Diesel Estate. I've slick 50'ed it and put Castrol Magnatech in it after flushing it out. In my booklet it recommends changing the oil at 4,500, but I'm still confused as I've heard mention that that this model can run longer service intervals. To add to the confusion in March issue of Diesel Car a reader has a Punto1.9 JTD HLX asking the same question. I presume that these are the same engines? According to this owners book it also recommends oil changes at 4,500. Fiat originally said that it was 6,000 miles, but have recently changed there minds to 12,000. I don't mind which service interval it is I just would like it to be correct. Any advice?

 

[L. Dias]

Service intervals

Hi Robin,

The engine of the Tempra and the Punto JTD are quite different. As the Bravo TD100 is different from the Bravo JTD105.
While the first is "regular" turbo-diesel, the last has the common-rail features (less noise, less smoke, lower consuption and more power).
I had a Punto TD70 before I bought the Bravo, and was quite (positively) surprised to find that the maintenance is "lighter" (??) in the Bravo. While the Punto had to change oil every 7500km/4600mi, and got an "overall" check at 15000km/9300mi intervals, the Bravo JTD goes to Fiat every 20000km/12400mi. Both of them use the same oil: Selénia TD.
Why is that? Well I really can't say for sure, but the fact is that I find the Bravo more "stable" (brakes, consumption, oil level/colour, etc) than the Punto.
Be that as it may, bear in mind that the oil exchange should reflect the use you give to your car: if you drive usually on the "open" road then the oil often lasts longer in good shape. If you usually drive in the urban traffic (or "sportly") consider changing the oil more often.
I found that checking the oil (level and colour) very often and adding little amounts, as needed, results in better response from the engine and less smoke (and this was a problem with the Punto...)

HTH
Best regards,
L. Dias

 

[Nick]

Oil change

My Brava 100TD (which I think has the same engine as yours) requires its oil changed every 6000 miles.

 

[Chris]

I don't understand you

Youv'e put in slick 50 and magnatex so that's a right mess. Castrol have brewed their best and youv'e stuck slick 50 on top.
All this expense for what. Just spend your money on more regular oil changes.