2010 Alfa Romeo MiTo tow

160STARTING UP AND DRIVING
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel consump-
tion and emissions: accelerate gradually and do not go over the
maximum torque ratio.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. Consequently,
both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30% on an urban cycle )
and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance
when travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in
cities with many traffic lights. Mountain and rough roads also have
a negative effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation
must be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as specified
by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the vehicle
by the same amount. Consider the weight of the fully-laden vehi-
cle weight, including accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on the reg-
istration certificate).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.
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STARTING UP AND DRIVING161
3
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided
with the car: an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be able to
advise you on the best tyres for your requirements.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when the
tread depth is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving, during braking and better driveability. Re-
member that it is inappropriate to change the direction of rotation
of tyres.
The ABS system does not control the braking sys-
tem of the trailer. Take extra care when travel-
ling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the car’s hydraulic
system.
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IN AN EMERGENCY163
4
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet.
You can also consult www.alfaromeo.com to find Alfa Romeo Authorised Services your nearest
Starting the engine ..................................................................... 164
Replacing a wheel ....................................................................... 165
“Fix&Go Automatic” Kit ............................................................... 173
Changing a bulb .......................................................................... 178
Replacing exterior bulbs................................................................ 180
Replacing an interior bulb.............................................................. 184
Replacing fuses ........................................................................... 187
Recharging the battery ................................................................. 196
Lifting the car ............................................................................. 199
Towing the car ............................................................................ 199
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164IN AN EMERGENCY
STARTINGTHEENGINE
If theYwarning light in the instrument panel remains on con-
stantly, contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider imme-
diately.
STA R T I NGWITH AN AUXILIARYBAT TERY
If the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
For engine starting follow the procedure below, fig. 1:
❍connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the
two batteries with a jump lead;
❍with a second lead, connect the negative terminal – of the aux-
iliary battery to an earth point
Eon the engine or the gear-
box of the car to be started;
❍start the engine; when engine has started, remove the cables
by reversing the sequence described for connection.If after several attempts the engine will not start, contact an Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service Provider.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative terminals of the two bat-
teries directly! If the auxiliary battery is installed on another car,
prevent accidental contact between metallic parts of the two cars.
BUMPSTA R T I NG
Never start the engine by pushing, towing or driving downhill.
fig. 1A0J0111m
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172IN AN EMERGENCY
REFITTINGTHEWHEEL
Following the procedure described previously, raise the car and re-
move the small spare wheel.
Proceed as follows:
❍make sure the contact surfaces between spare wheel and hub
are clean so that the fastening bolts will not come loose;
❍tighten the retaining bolts using wrench A-fig. 4;
❍lower the car and remove the jack;
❍use wrench A-fig. 4 to fully tighten the bolts, following the se-
quence shown in fig. 9;
❍for versions with steel rims: secure the wheel hub to the rim;
❍for versions with alloy rims with hub cap: align the pin on the
cap with the seat on the rim.
Aftertyre replacement:stow the small spare wheel in
the space provided in the boot; place the jack and other tools
into their container; place the container, complete with tools on
the small spare wheel; replace the luggage compartment mat.
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IN AN EMERGENCY199
4
LIFTINGTHECAR
If you need to lift the car contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services,
which will be equipped with a workshop lift.
TOWINGTHECAR
The tow ring provided with the car is housed in the tool box in
the luggage compartment.
AT TACHINGTHETOWHOOK
Release cap A, remove tow ring B from its housing in the tool box and
tighten it fully on to the front (fig. 48) or rear (fig. 49) threaded pin.
Before beginning the tow, turn the ignition key to
MAR and then to STOP, without extracting it When
the key is removed, the steering wheel lock auto-
matically activates. making it impossible to turn the wheels.
fig. 48A0J0038mfig. 49A0J0039m
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200IN AN EMERGENCY
The power brakes and the electrical power steer-
ing will not work while the car is being towed. More
effort on the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use wires for towing. Do not
jerk. Be careful not to damage parts in contact with the
car while towing. Respect the specific rules of the Highway
Code when towing the car, specifically in relation to the
towing device and conduct on the road. Do not start the
engine while towing the car. Clean the threaded seat care-
fully before fastening the hook. Make sure that the hook
is fully fastened in the seat before towing the vehicle.The front and rear tow hooks must only be used
for emergency situations on the road. THE vehi-
cle may be towed for short distances when a ded-
icated device is used in compliance with the Highway Code
(rigid bar), in order to move the vehicle on the road in
preparation for towing by a tow truck Tow hooks MUST
NOT be used to tow vehicles off the road or where there
are obstacles and/or for towing operations using cables
or other non-rigid devices. Respecting the above condi-
tions, towing must only take place with two vehicles (one
towing, the other towed) travelling as far as possible in
alignment along the same centreline.
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202CARE AND MAINTENANCE
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
Correct maintenance is essential for ensuring long car life under the
best conditions.
Alfa Romeo has prepared a series of checks and service opera-
tions to be carried out every 30,000 kilometres (for petrol ver-
sions) or every 35,000 kilometres (for diesel versions).
In between these services it is still necessary to adhere to the in-
structions in the Scheduled Service Plan (e.g. regularly check the
fluid levels and tyre pressure etc.).
Scheduled Service operations should be carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider according to a set time
schedule. If, during each operation, in addition to the ones pro-
grammed, the need arises for further replacements or repairs, these
may be carried out only with the explicit agreement of the Cus-
tomer.
If your car is used frequently for towing, the interval between one
service operation and the next should be reduced.IMPORTANT NOTES❍At 2000 km from the next service operation the display will
show a message.
❍Scheduled Service operations are required by the manufactur-
er. Failure to carry them out may invalidate the warranty.
❍It is advisable to inform your Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
Provider of any small faults without waiting for the next sched-
uled service.
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