Looking for information about when to change the oil (and what oil grade to use) for a 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 TS?
On this page you’ll find accurate information about:
- Oil change intervals (both time and distance)
- Correct oil grade(s) to use
- Other important considerations
It’s critical to ensure your Alfa Romeo has the right oil, and this oil is changed to the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements.
We’ve tried to keep this as concise and easy-to-read as possible, so you can get the info you need and get on with servicing your car.
What Oil Should You Use For A 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 TS?
The recommended oil is 10W-40 – we suggest using a high-quality, synthetic oil of this grade from a reputable brand e.g. Mobil or Castrol, although any 10W-40 should be acceptable.
Alfa Romeo typically recommended Selenia-brand oil from new, but this might be difficult to find in your market so select a premium 10W-40 product that is available and within your budget.
Other suitable oil grade(s) are:
- 5W-40
5W-40 is often recommended if colder starts are a concern for your 156
How Much Oil Does Your 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 TS Need?
To complete an oil change, you’ll need 4.5L of 10W-40 (or 5W-40)
When Should You Change The Oil On Your Alfa Romeo 156 1.6 TS?
The recommended oil change interval is at 12 months OR at the following mileage (if that comes earlier than 12 months).
The official interval may differ to what is recommended, as Alfa Romeo has had issues in the past with initial service claims proving insufficient.
Recommended change interval info is based on expert advice from Alfa Romeo enthusiast forums, blogs, and specialist mechanics – it deviates from what might have originally been advised by Alfa Romeo; we strongly recommend following the Recommended change interval and not the Official one.
| Official Change Interval (KM) | 20,000km |
| Official Change Interval (Miles) | 12,000mi |
| Recommended Change Interval (KM) | 10,000km |
| Recommended Change Miles (KM) | 6,000mi |
Other Things To Consider For Servicing Your 1998 156 1.6 TS
- Remember to check your oil regularly, even if you have recently changed it. Alfa Romeos can use more oil by nature than other cars – we recommend checking your oil weekly. Some cars might not use any oil at all, but it still pays to check regularly. Familiarize yourself with the correct procedure for checking the oil on your 1998 156 1.6 TS.
- It is more important to service your car regularly (e.g. at 12 months or the recommended interval above) using a decent 10W-40 oil – or one of the other alternatives listed above – than to worry about buying the “best” oil but change less frequently.
- If you’re not confident on changing your own oil and filter, then we recommend using a specialist mechanic.
Where To Buy The Right Oil For Your 1998 156 Alfa Romeo With The 1.6 TS Engine
Most big box and specialist automotive retailers are likely to sell 10W-40 (or 5W-40) of some description, although pricing and availability can vary greatly.
Your local Alfa Romeo specialist mechanic or main dealer (if there is one near you) will be able to supply the correct oil if they are completing a service on your behalf, although may not sell it as a “retail” product.
You can also look online for more competitive pricing and options, for example Google “10W-40 for sale in [your country]” to find online suppliers – you can typically find excellent deals doing this.
If you have any suggestions, feedback, clarification requests etc, then feel free to write to info@alfafaq.com or you can leave a comment below.