175
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
SERVICE
AND CARE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the spare, every two weeks and before
long journeys. The pressure should be
checked with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct tyre
inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in the
“Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wearfig. 8:
Anormal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In all cas-
es, follow the laws in force in the coun-
try where you are driving.
fig. 8F0M0160m
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Where possible, avoid braking sudden-
ly, wheel-spinning and crashing into
curbs, potholes or other obstacles.
Long distances on uneven roads can
damage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the
sides, swelling or irregular tread wear.
Go to a Fiat Dealership if required.
❒avoid overloading the car when travel-
ling: this may cause serious damage to
the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle
immediately and change it to avoid
damage to the tyre, the rim, and the
suspension and steering systems;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much.
Cracks in the tread and on the sidewalls
are a sign of ageing. In any event, have
the tyres checked by specialised per-
sonnel if they have been fitted for longer
than 6 years. Remember to check the
spare wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those with an unknown
origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, you should also
change the inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to switch
them every 10–15 thousand kilometres,
keeping them on the same side of the
car so as not to reverse the direction
of rotation.
Remember that the road
holding qualities of your car
also depend on correct tyre pressures.
WARNING
161-180 ACTUAL 1ed EN 28-08-2009 8:19 Pagina 175
176
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
SERVICE
AND CARE
WINDSCREEN/REAR
WINDOW WIPERS
BLADES
Regularly clean the rubber part using ap-
propriate products; TUTELA PRO-
FESSIONAL SC 35is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is
misshapen or worn. In any event, it is ad-
visable to replace them approximately
once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the
possibility of damage to the blades:
❒make sure that the rubber part is not
frozen to the windscreen in sub-zero
temperatures. Use an antifreeze prod-
uct to release it if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in ad-
dition to protecting the blades, this pre-
vents the electric motor from over-
heating;
❒do not operate the windscreen wipers
on dry glass.
Driving with worn wiper
blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
WARNING
RUBBER TUBES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber
hoses are concerned, stick closely to the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” in this section.
Ozone, high temperatures and a pro-
longed lack of fluid in the system may
cause hardening and cracking of the tubes,
which could result in leaks. Careful in-
spections are therefore necessary.If the pressure is too low, the
tyre will overheat and could
be seriously damaged.
WARNING
Avoid switching the tyres
from the right side of the ve-
hicle to the left side and vice versa.
WARNING
Do not re-spray alloy wheel
rims at temperatures higher
than 150 °C. The mechanical char-
acteristics of the wheels may be
compromised.
WARNING
161-180 ACTUAL 1ed EN 28-08-2009 8:19 Pagina 176
