What kind of oil should be used for Zotye T500?
3 Answers
The original oil brand for Zotye T500 is Mobil. If you want to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Shell, Mobil, Castrol, or Total. The oil model recommended in the official manual of Zotye T500 is 5W-30. Any oil model that meets this specification can be used. The viscosity of the oil will change with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand low temperatures of -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the smoother the cold start of the car will be. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the value, the better it can maintain viscosity at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high temperatures. The method for changing the oil of Zotye T500 is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, and also allow the oil to flow back to the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug, and use an oil pan to catch the old oil from the drain until no more oil flows out. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to flow out; Use a special wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Generally, fill about three-quarters of a barrel of oil; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, then check for any oil leakage at the oil drain plug and oil filter. If there is any, repair it; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick and check that the engine oil is within the standard range.
My T500 has always used full synthetic 5W-30 oil during maintenance, and after three years, the engine still sounds like new. The manual clearly states that 5W-30 viscosity is recommended, especially for the turbocharged 1.5T version, where this grade is the safest bet. For summer road trips or frequent mountain driving, you might want to try 5W-40 for better high-temperature protection. A quick reminder: always check the oil cap label for the most accurate specification, as it may vary slightly between model years. Don't exceed 4 liters during oil changes - I saved half a bottle from my last service for top-ups, which is both economical and eco-friendly. Oh, and always remember to replace the oil filter simultaneously - Mann or Mahle filters work perfectly.
Choosing the right engine oil can keep your engine running smoothly for a decade without major repairs. My experience is to stick with fully synthetic oils of SN grade. Turbocharged engines run at higher temperatures, and semi-synthetic oils can lead to carbon buildup over time. Mechanics say sludge clogging the turbo can cost thousands to fix. Last time I saw Kunlun KR9 series used at the 4S shop, but buying Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil 1 yourself isn’t expensive either, with promotional prices around 200 yuan including the oil filter. In northern winters, you must use 0W-grade oil to prevent engine damage during cold starts. Change it every 8,000 kilometers—the repair shop always pushes for 5,000, but with full synthetic, it’s completely unnecessary.
