121
SPARK PLUGS
The cleanness and soundness of the
spark plugs
fig. 19 are very important
for keeping the engine efficient and
polluting emissions down.
The appearance of the spark plug, if
examined by an expert eye, is a good
way of pinpointing a problem even if it
has nothing to do with the ignition sys-
tem. Therefore, if the engine has prob-
lems, it is important to have the spark
plugs checked at a
Fiat Dealership.
The spark plugs must be
changed at the times
specified in the Service
Schedule. Only use the type of
plugs indicated. If the heat ratio is
less than required or the life spec-
ified is not guaranteed, problems
can arise.
Spark plug (type)
1.2
Champion RC7BMCChampion RC8BYC
1.6NGK BKR5EZ
Champion RC10YCC
Bosch FR8DE
fig. 19
P4E01444
WHEELS AND
TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Every two weeks and before long
journeys, check the pressure of each
tyre including the spare.
The pressure must be checked when
the tyre is rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to rise
when you are driving. If you have to
check or to restore the pressure
when the tyres are warm, remember
that the pressure value must be 0.3
bar above the specified value.
Tyre pressure must be
correct to ensure good
road holding.
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122
Do not change the tyres
over in criss-cross fashion
by moving a tyre from the
left hand side of the car to the
right and vice versa.
Wrong tyre pressure causes uneven
wear of the tyres
fig. 20:
A- Correct pressure: tyre wears
evenly
B- Under inflated tyre: shoulder
tread wear
C- Over inflated tyre: centre tread
wear. Tyres must be replaced when the
tread wears down to 1.6 mm. In any
case, comply with the laws in the
country where the vehicle is being dri-
ven.
IMPORTANT
As far as possible avoid sharp brak-
ing, screech starts etc.
Be careful not to hit the kerb, pot-
holes or other obstacles hard. Driving
over bumpy roads can damage the
tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the car seen to at
a
Fiat Dealership.
Avoid overloading your car: this can
seriously damage wheels and/or tyres.
If you get a flat tyre, stop immediately
and change it so as not to damage the
tyre, the wheel, the suspension and
the steering.
Tyres age even if they are not used
very much. Cracking of the tread rub-
ber and the side walls are a sign of age-
If the pressure is too low
the tyre overheats and
this can cause serious
damage.
fig. 20
P4E01445
ing. In any case, if the tyres have been
fitted for more than six years they
should be examined by an expert who
can judge whether they are still fit for
use. Remember to check the spare
tyre particularly carefully.
If a replacement is necessary, always
use new tyres and avoid using ones the
origin of which you are not certain
about.
If you replace a tyre, it is necessary
to check the inflation valve condition
and, as necessary, to change it too.
To ensure the front and rear tyres all
wear evenly, you are advised to change
the tyres over every 10-15 thousand
kilometres keeping them on the same
side of the car so as not to reverse the
direction of rotation.
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