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CAR MAINTENANCE
233
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear:
(A): normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
(B): low pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
(C): high pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres should be changed when the tread
thickness is reduced to 1.6 mm.
In any case follow local regulations.
You are also reminded that services with
high current absorption switched on by the
user, such as for example: baby bottle warm-
ers, vacuum cleaner, mobile phone, mini
fridge, etc., quicken the battery drain-
ing processif they are turned on with the
engine off or running at idle speed.
IMPORTANTWhen installing addition-
al systems on the car, bear in mind that im-
proper branches on connections of the car
wiring are dangerous, particularly if safety
devices are involved.
WHEELS AND TYRES
TYRE PRESSURE
Check the tyre pressure of every wheel, in-
cluding the spare, every two weeks and be-
fore a long journey. The pressure should be
checked with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is in use; for the correct tyre
inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
Battery
60 Ah
70 AhMaximum permissible
loadless absorption
36 mA
42 mA
The maximum absorption of all the ac-
cessories (standard and fitted afterwards)
should be 0,6 mA x Ah (of the battery), as
shown in the following table:
fig. 16
A0A0225b
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CAR MAINTENANCE
236
HEADLIGHT WASHERS
(fig. 19)
Regularly check that the spray jets are in-
tact and clean.
If it is necessary to direct the jet, contact
an Alfa Romeo Authorized Service.
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are:
– atmospheric pollution
– salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or
hot humid climates)
– seasonal environment conditions.
Not to be underestimated is also the abra-
sive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
and sand and mud and gravel raised by oth-
er cars.
On your car, Alfa Romeo has implement-
ed the best manufacturing technologies to
effectively protect the bodywork against cor-
rosion.
fig. 19
A0A0704b
These include:
– Painting products and systems which
give the car particular resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
– Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel
sheets, with high resistance to corrosion.
– Spraying of the underbody, engine com-
partment, wheel arches and other parts with
highly protective wax products.
– Spraying of plastic parts, with a protec-
tive function, in the more exposed points:
underdoor, inner wheel arch linings, etc.
– Use of “open” boxed sections to pre-
vent condensation and pockets of moisture
from triggering rust inside.
CAR EXTERIOR AND
UNDERBODY WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against
perforation due to rust of any original ele-
ment of the structure or body. For the gen-
eral terms of this warranty, refer to Alfa
Romeo Warranty booklet.
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CAR MAINTENANCE
238
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine com-
partment should be carefully washed, with-
out directing the jet against electronic con-
trol units. Contact a specialised workshop to
have this done.
Detergents cause water
pollution. Therefore the en-
gine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid
used in the washing process.
IMPORTANTThe car should be washed
with the engine cold and the ignition key at
STOP. After washing make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
various covers) have not been damaged or
removed. Windows
Use specific products to clean the windows.
Use clean cloths to avoid scratching or al-
tering the transparency of the glass.
IMPORTANTThe inside of the
rearscreen should be wiped gently with a
cloth in the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device.
Front headlights
IMPORTANTDo not use aromatic sub-
stances (e.g. petroleum) or ketones (e.g.
acetone) to clean the front headlight plas-
tic transparents.
Never use inflammable
products like fuel oil ether
or rectified petrol for clean-
ing inside the car. The electrostat-
ic charges generated when rubbing
to clean may cause fire.
INTERIOR FITTINGS
Periodically check that water is not trapped
under the mats (due to water dripping off
shoes, umbrellas, etc.) which could cause
oxidisation on the sheet metal.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC
AND VELVET PARTS
– Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to
remove dust. Velvet is cleaned better if the
brush is moistened.
– Rub the seat with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral deter-
gent.
Page 262 of 271

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
260
I I
N N
D D
E E
X X
ABS system .............................. 134
Accessories purchased by the user .. 127
Additional stop light (third stop) .... 200
Air bags ..................................... 38
Air cleaner .................................. 229
Alfa Romeo CODE ........................ 6
Armrest
- front ..................................... 17
- rear ...................................... 22
Ashtray
- front ........................................ 124
- rear ......................................... 125
ASR (system) ............................. 138
Battery
- advice for preserving
the charge ............................. 232
- checking the charge ........... 212-231
- replacement ........................... 232
Body (maintenance) ................... 236
Body versions ............................. 241 Bonnet ...................................... 131
Boot
- extension .............................. 19
- lighting ................................. 129
- luggage net ........................... 22
- opening from inside ................ 128
- opening with remotecontrol ..8-128
- restraining the load ................. 130
- tailgate closing ....................... 129
- warnings for carrying luggage ... 130
Boot light
- changing bulbs ....................... 204
Brakes ....................................... 245
Braking lights (third stop)
- changing bulbs ....................... 199
Bulbs
- general instructions ................. 193
- replacement ........................... 192
- type of bulbs .......................... 193
Card and glass holder ................. 125
Car maintenance.................... 216
Cell phones (provision) ................ 126
Changing a wheel .................. 181-183 Changing bulbs
- general instructions ................. 192
- types of bulbs ........................ 193
Checking levels ........................... 222
Cigar lighter ............................... 124
Cleaning and maintenance
- body ..................................... 236
- car interior ............................. 238
- engine compartment ............... 238
- windows ............................... 238
Climate control system ................. 81
Climate control system,
automatic two-zone .................. 89
Clock ......................................... 68
Controls ..................................... 106
CO
2emissions ............................ 256
CODE card .................................. 7
Correct use of the car........... 169
Courtesy light
- changing bulbs ....................... 203
Cruise Control ............................. 49