2010 FIAT PUNTO EVO Owners Manual

224
F0U0288mfig. 210
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture. For this rea-
son, if the car is mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in the “Scheduled
Servicing Plan”. BRAKE FLUID fig. 210
Undo the cap A and check that the liquid contained in the
reservoir is at the maximum level.
Fluid level in the reservoir must not exceed the MAX
mark.
If you do need to top up, use the brake fluid shown in the
“Fluids and lubricants” table (see “Technical Specifica-
tions”).
NB Carefully clean the reservoir cap A and the sur-
rounding surfaces.
When opening the cap, make sure that no dirt gets into
the reservoir.
For topping up, always use a funnel with integrated filter
that has a mesh inferior or equal to 0.12 mm.KNOWING
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Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corro-
sive, from coming into contact with paint-
ed parts. Should this occur, immediately
wash with water.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts immediately with water and mild
soap, then rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing, immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol πon the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid
will damage the special rubber seals of the brak-
ing system beyond repair.
WARNING
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225
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AIR FILTER
Have the air filter replaced by a Fiat Dealership.
POLLEN FILTER
Have the pollen filter replaced by a Fiat Dealership.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corro-
sive. In the event of accidental contact,
wash the parts immediately with water and mild
soap, then rinse with plenty of water. In case of
swallowing, immediately call a doctor.
WARNING
The symbol πon the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is different
from a mineral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid
will damage the special rubber seals of the brak-
ing system beyond repair.
WARNING
BATTERY
The battery is of the “limited maintenance” type: under
normal conditions of use, the electrolyte does not need
topping up with distilled water.
CHECKING THE CHARGE
AND THE ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
Inspection operations must be carried out only by spe-
cialised personnel, following the prescriptions contained
in this Owner Handbook. Any top-up operations must
be carried out only by specialised personnel at a Fiat Deal-
ership.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corro-
sive. Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Keep naked flames or possible sources of sparks
away from the battery: risk of explosion or fire.
WARNING
Using the battery when the fluid is too low
can damage it irreparably and generate
a risk of explosion.
WARNING
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REPLACING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with an original spare part
with the same specifications.
If a battery with different specifications is fitted, the ser-
vice intervals given in the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” will
no longer be valid.
For battery maintenance, you should therefore refer to
the instructions provided by the battery manufacturer.
226
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Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic
devices may cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Fiat Dealership if you want to
install accessories (alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they
will suggest the most suitable devices and advise you
if a higher capacity battery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances that are very
harmful to the environment. It is advisable
to have the battery changed by a Fiat Deal-
ership, where it will be disposed of properly and in
accordance with the law.
If the vehicle must remain unused for
a long time at very low temperatures, re-
move the battery and take it to a warm place to
avoid freezing.
WARNING
If you have to perform any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect your
eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last longer, fol-
low these instructions closely:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the doors, boot and
bonnet are closed properly to prevent the ceiling cour-
tesy lights from staying on;
❒turn off the ceiling lights, although the car does have
an automatic system for switching off internal lights;
❒do not leave devices (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 sys-
tem, disconnect the negative battery cable;
❒ make sure battery terminals are fully tightened.
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IMPORTANT If the battery remains with the charge be-
low 50% for a long time it becomes damaged through sul-
phation and its starting capacity is reduced.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this can
happen as early as -10°C). Refer to “Car inactivity” in
“Starting and driving” if the car is left parked for a long
time.
If, after buying the car, you want to install electrical devices
that require a permanent electric supply (alarm, etc.) or
devices that use a lot of electricity, contact a Fiat Dealer-
ship. Their qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting
the most suitable devices from the Lineaccessori Fiat range,
will evaluate the overall electricity consumption, check-
ing whether the car’s electrical system is capable of with-
standing the load required, or whether it should be inte-
grated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue to consume energy even
when the engine is switched off, they gradually run down
the battery.WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including 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 wear fig. 211:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges.
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less than
1.6 mm thick. In all cases, follow the laws in force in the coun-
try where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Where possible, avoid braking suddenly, wheel-spinning
and crashing into kerbs, potholes or other obstacles. Long
distances on uneven roads can damage the tyres;
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228
F0U0289mfig. 211
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Remember that the car’s road holding de-
pends on correct tyre pressures
WARNING
If the pressure is too low, the tyre will over-
heat and could be seriously damaged.
WARNING
Avoid switching the tyres from the right
side of the vehicle to the left side and vice
versa.
Do not re-spray alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteris-
tics of the wheels may be compromised.
WARNING
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear. Go to a Fiat Dealership if re-
quired;
❒avoid overloading the car when travelling: 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 kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side of the car so
as not to reverse the direction of rotation.
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229
RUBBER TUBES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber hoses are con-
cerned, stick closely to the “Scheduled Servicing Plan” in
this section.
Ozone, high temperatures and a prolonged lack of fluid
in the system may cause hardening and cracking of the
tubes, which could result in leaks.
Careful inspections are therefore necessary.
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WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Clean the rubber part regularly using special products;
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC35 is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is misshapen or
worn. In any event, it is advisable to replace them ap-
proximately once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of dam-
age to the blades:
❒make sure that the rubber part is not frozen to the
windscreen in sub-zero temperatures. Use an antifreeze
product to release it if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to pro-
tecting the blades, this prevents the electric motor from
overheating;
❒ 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
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F0U0291mfig. 213
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 214
If the jet is not coming out, firstly check that there is flu-
id in the reservoir (see “Checking levels” in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged; use
a needle to unblock them if necessary.
230
F0U0290mfig. 212
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades fig. 212
How to remove the blade:
❒lift the arm A off the windscreen;
❒turn blade B 90° around pin C, located at the end of the
wiper arm;
❒ remove the blade from the pin C.
How to insert the blade:
❒fit pin C into the hole located in the middle of the
blade B;
❒refit the arm with the blade on the windscreen.
Changing the rear window wiper blade fig. 213
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the cover A and remove the arm from the car,
slackening the nut B that fastens it to the pivot pin;
❒fit the new arm, positioning it correctly, and fully tight-
en the nut;
❒ lower the cover.
KNOWING
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231
F0U0293mfig. 215
F0U0292mfig. 214
Rear window washer fig. 215
The rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is located above the rear window.KNOWING
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BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas or hot and humid
climates);
❒seasonal environmental conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust and
sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other cars is al-
so not to be underestimated.
Fiat used the best manufacturing technologies on your car
to effectively protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which give the car par-
ticular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
❒use of galvanised (or pre-treated) steel sheets with high
resistance to corrosion;
❒spraying the underbody, engine compartment, wheel-
house internal parts and other elements with highly pro-
tective wax-based products;
❒spraying protective plastic materials in the most exposed
areas: underdoor, inner mudguard parts, edges, etc.;
❒using “open” boxed sections to prevent condensation
and pockets of moisture from triggering rust inside.
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