2009 Alfa Romeo MiTo Owner handbook (in English)

208CARE AND MAINTENANCE
A0J0200mfig. 4 - 1.6 JTDMversions
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE209
5
ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the dipstick A-fig. 1-2-3-4.
If the oil level is near or even under the MIN line, add oil using
the filler B-fig. 1-2 to reach the MAX line. The oil level should nev-
er exceed the MAX line.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams every
1000 km. During the initial period of use the engine oil consumption
conditions should be considered as having stabilised after the first
5000 - 6000 km.
Don’t add any oil with different characteristics to
those of the existing engine oil.
Used engine oil and the replaced oil filter contain
substances that may be dangerous for the envi-
ronment. We recommend having the oil and oil fil-
ter replaced by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap C-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the
fluid described in chapter 6.
PARAFLU UP antifreeze is used in the engine cool-
ing system. Use fluid of the same type contained
in the cooling system for top-ups. PARAFLU UP may
not be mixed with other types of fluids. If this accidentally
occurs, do not start the engine. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services.
The engine cooling system is pressurised. If re-
quired, replace the cap with an original spare part
so as not to compromise system efficiency. Do not
remove the cap from the reservoir when the engine is hot:
risk of burns.
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210CARE AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap E-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the fluid described in
chapter 6.
Prevent brake fluid (which is highly corrosive) from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should that
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the
fluid described in chapter 6.
Do not travel with the windscreen washing reser-
voir empty: the windscreen washer is fundamen-
tal to improving visibility. Some commercial wind-
screen washer additives are flammable: the engine com-
partment contains hot parts which could start a fire if they
come into contact.
The brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive.
In the event of accidental contact, wash the parts
with water and mild soap and rinse with plenty of
water. If swallowed, immediately call a doctor.
The symbol π, on the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Use of a mineral-based fluid will dam-
age the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond
repair.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE211
5
BATTERY
The battery F-fig. 1-2-3-4 does not require top ups of distilled water
to replenish the electrolyte. A periodic check carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services is, however, necessary to check ef-
ficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
When necessary, replace the battery with another original battery
with the same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
ADVICE FOR PROLONGING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and prolong its life, observe the
following indications:
❍when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly in order to avoid the courtesy lights re-
maining on for longer than necessary;
❍switch off all lights inside the car: the car is, however, equipped
with a system which switches all internal lights off automati-
cally;
❍do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
❍before performing any operation on the electrical system, dis-
connect the battery negative terminal.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to replace these
filters.
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212CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The battery is also more prone to the risk of freezing (e.g. al-
ready at –10
°C). Refer to the paragraph “Car inactivity” in chap-
ter 3 if the car is left parked for a long time.
If after having purchased your car you decide to add accessories re-
quiring permanent electrical power (alarm etc.) or accessories that
require large amounts of power, please consult an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. They can calculate the overall electrical re-
quirement.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid
contact with the skin and the eyes. Keep naked
flames and sources of sparks away from the bat-
tery: risk of explosion and fire.
Running the battery with an excessively low liquid
level will damage the battery beyond repair and
may even cause an explosion.
Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic devices
may cause severe damage to your car. Go to an Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services if you want to in-
stall accessories after having purchased your car (alarms,
mobile phone, etc.): they will be able to suggest the most
suitable devices and advise you if a higher capacity bat-
tery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances that can be very dan-
gerous for the environment. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services to replace the battery.
If the vehicle must remain unused for a long time
at very low temperatures, remove the battery and
take it to a warm place, to avoid freezing.
When performing any operation on the battery
or near it, always protect your eyes with the spe-
cial goggles.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE213
5
WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip check the tyre inflation pressure
(and small spare wheel); check the pressure with the tyres cold.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 5:
A normal pressure: evenly worn tread.
B low pressure: tread particularly worn on the edges.
C excessive pressure: tread particularly worn in the middle.
The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less than 1.6 mm
thick.IMPORTANT NOTES
Take the following precautions to prevent damage to the tyres:❍avoid braking suddenly, racing starts and violent knocks against
the curb, potholes or other obstacles and driving for extended
periods on unsurfaced roads;
❍check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling or ir-
regular tread wear;
❍avoid travelling with the vehicle overloaded. If you puncture a
tyre, stop immediately and replace it;
❍have the tyres checked by specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years. Remember to check the
spare wheel very carefully;
❍change the position of the tyres every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side of the vehicle to avoid
inverting the direction of rotation.
fig. 5A0J0136m
ABC
Remember that the road holding qualities of your
car also depend on the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.
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214CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN WIPERS
Avoid changing over the tyres from the right side
of the vehicle to the left side and vice versa.
Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteristics
of the wheels might be disrupted.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious haz-
ard, because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
BLADES
We recommend replacing the blades once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of damage to
the blades:
❍make sure that the rubber part does not stick to the windscreen
at sub-zero temperatures. Use an antifreeze product to release
it if required;
❍remove any snow from the window;
❍activate the windscreen/rearscreen wiper on a dry window.
If the pressure is too low the tyre will get over-
heated, with the risk of serious damage to the tyre.
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CARE AND MAINTENANCE215
5
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❍lift the windscreen wiper arm and position the blade so that it
forms an angle of 90° with the arm;
❍press tabs (one on each side) A-fig. 6 on the attachment clip
and remove the blade from the arm;
❍fit the new blade, inserting the tab into the dedicated housing
in the arm. Make sure that the new blade is secured in posi-
tion.
Replacing the rearscreen wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
❍lift cover A-fig. 7, undo nut B and remove arm C;
❍position the new arm, fully tighten nut B and then lower
cover A.
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 8
The windscreen washer jets are fixed.
fig. 6A0J0054m
fig. 7A0J0057m
fig. 8A0J0053m
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