Abarth Servicing: How Often, What's Involved, and When Is the Cambelt Due?
How often does an Abarth need a service? When is the cambelt due on the 1.4 T-Jet? What oil does it use? Answers from Abarth specialists in Hampshire.
3 min read
Abarths are small cars that get driven hard, and their owners love them for it. That little 1.4 T-Jet turbo engine does a lot of work, so keeping on top of maintenance is the best way to keep it fast and reliable.
These are the questions Abarth owners ask most, answered by our Abarth specialists in Bishop's Waltham.
How often does an Abarth 500, 595 or 695 need a service?
For most UK cars, Abarth recommends a service every 12 months or around 9,000 miles, whichever comes first. Check your handbook or service book for the exact figure for your model and year.
If you drive enthusiastically, do track days or run a remap, we'd suggest an extra oil change halfway between services. It's a small cost compared with the price of a turbo.
When does the cambelt need changing on an Abarth?
The 1.4 T-Jet uses a timing belt (cambelt), not a chain. The manufacturer's interval is roughly every 4 to 5 years or around 75,000 miles, whichever comes first. Earlier cars carry the shorter time limit.
Because most Abarths do low mileage, time is usually what makes the belt due, not miles. A 2016 car with 30,000 miles on the clock may already be due.
The T-Jet is an interference engine. If the belt snaps, the valves and pistons can hit each other, which often means serious engine damage. We always recommend replacing the water pump and tensioner at the same time, as they're driven by the belt and it's the same labour.
Don't know when yours was last done? If there's no invoice to prove it, treat it as due.
What oil does an Abarth use?
Abarth specifies a fully synthetic oil to a particular manufacturer standard. The correct grade depends on the model year. Using the right oil matters: the turbo relies on it for cooling and lubrication. We use the correct specification for your exact car at every service.
What's included in an Abarth service at AR Autos?
A typical annual service includes:
Engine oil and filter change
Air filter and cabin/pollen filter check or replacement (per schedule)
Spark plug inspection, with replacement at the scheduled interval, which comes around sooner on remapped cars
Brake inspection, including pads, discs, pipes and fluid condition
Suspension, steering and tyre checks
Boost system checks for leaks from hoses and intercooler pipework
Diagnostic scan for stored fault codes
Service indicator reset and a stamp in your service book
How much does an Abarth service cost?
It depends on the model, the age and whether it's an annual or major service with cambelt. As an independent specialist, we're typically well below main-dealer prices for the same work and parts. Contact us for a quote for your car.
Does a remap change how I should service my Abarth?
Yes. A tuned T-Jet runs higher boost and higher combustion temperatures, so we recommend:
Shorter oil change intervals
Colder or fresh spark plugs sooner
Regular checks of the clutch, turbo and intercooler hoses
As remapping specialists ourselves, we'll set up a maintenance plan that suits your car's power level.
Book your Abarth in with the specialists. More than 30 years of combined dealership experience, dealer-level diagnostic equipment and fair independent prices. Call 01489 328405 or get in touch.
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