2011 Abarth Punto Evo wheel

180
KNOWING
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The power brakes and power steering
will not operate while the vehicle is
being towed. More effort on the brake pedal
and steering wheel will therefore be required.
Do not use flexible cables when towing and
avoid jerky movements. While towing, make
sure not to damage parts in contact with the
car. When towing the vehicle, be sure to respect
the specific rules of the highway code in
relation to the towing device and the behaviour
to maintain on the road.
WARNING
Clean the threaded housing throughly
before fastening the tow ring. Make sure
that the ring is securely fastened before towing
the car.
WARNING
During towing, do not start the engine.
WARNING

181
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Before towing, switch off the steering
lock (see “Starting device” paragraph in
the “Knowing your car” section). The power
brakes and power steering will not operate
while the vehicle is being towed. More effort on
the brake pedal and steering wheel will
therefore be required. Do not use flexible cables
when towing and avoid jerky movements. While
towing, make sure not to damage parts in
contact with the car. Respect the rules of the
highway code when towing the car, specifically
in relation to the towing device and road
conduct.
WARNING
The front and rear tow hooks should be
used only for emergency operations on
the road. You are allowed to tow the car for
short distances using an appropriate device in
accordance with the highway code (a rigid bar),
to move the vehicle on the road in readiness for
towing or transporting via a breakdown vehicle.
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 conditions,
towing must take place with the two vehicles
(one towing, the other towed) aligned as much
as possible along the same centre line.
WARNING

195
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IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under 50% for
a long time, the battery is damaged by sulphation,
reducing its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (e.g.
already at -10°C). Refer to the paragraph “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
accessories which require permanent electrical supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories influencing the electrical
supply requirements, contact an Abarth Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices available in Lineaccessori Abarth,
will evaluate the overall electric absorption, checking
whether the car’s electric system is capable of
withstanding the load required, or whether it should be
integrated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing energy even with
the engine off, they gradually run down the battery.WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the space-saver,
every two weeks and before long journeys. The pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested and cold.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under
standard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in the “Technical specifications”
chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 171:
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
country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Avoid braking suddenly, high-powered starts and
violent impacts against curbs, potholes or other
obstacles if possible. Driving for long stretches over
bumpy roads can damage the tyres;

196
F0U175Abfig. 171
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CONTENTSRemember that road holding also
depends on the correct tyre inflation.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the tyre
overheats and this can cause it serious
damage.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the tyres, moving
them from the right of the car to the left
and vice versa.
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of temperatures
exceeding 150°C.
The mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear;. Contact an Abarth Dealership
if required;
❒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, the
suspensions and the steering system;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in the
tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have
the tyres checked by skilled personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than six years. Also remember
to check the space-saver wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, also change the inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to change them over every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same side
of the car so as not to reverse the direction of
rotation.

200
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation due
to rust of any original element of the structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.
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 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
also not to be underestimated.
Abarth has used the best manufacturing technologies on
your car to effectively protect the bodywork against
corrosion.
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 the underbody, engine compartment,
internal wheel housing parts and other parts with
highly protective wax products;
❒spraying of protective plastic material in the more
exposed points: underdoor, inner mudguard parts,
edges, etc...
❒Use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture which could
cause rust inside.

204
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REAL LEATHER STEERING WHEEL/GEAR
LEVER KNOB
These components must be cleaned with mild soap and
water only.
Never use alcohol and/or alcohol-based products.
Before using off-the-shelf products designed for cleaning
vehicle interiors, make sure that they do not contain
alcohol and/or alcohol-based substances.
If window cleaner accidentally drips onto the steering
wheel or gear lever knob, wipe away immediately and
then wash the affected area with mild soap and water.
IMPORTANT Be careful when using a steering wheel
lock device, where applicable, to prevent damaging the
leather upholstery by rubbing. INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
It is advisable to clean interior plastic parts with a
microfibre cloth, if possible, moistened with a solution
of water and non-abrasive mild soap. Use specific
products for cleaning plastic, without solvents and
specifically designed to prevent damage to the
appearance and colour of the treated parts to remove
grease and tough stains.
Remove dust using a microfibre cloth, if necessary
moistened with water. The use of paper tissues is not
recommended as these may leave residues.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol or petroleum to clean
the instrument panel.

Rack and pinion with electric power steering
11
self-ventilated discs
discs
Controlled by hand lever, acting on the rear brakes
209
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Torsion beam with interconnected wheels
Independent wheel MacPherson-type with anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Service brakes: front
rear
Parking brake
IMPORTANT Water, ice and antifreeze salt sprinkled on the roads may deposit on the brake discs reducing braking efficiency
the first time the brakes are applied.
SUSPENSION
Front
Rear
STEERING
Type
Turning circle (kerb to kerb) m

F0U183Abfig. 179
WHEELS
RIMS AND TYRES
Pressed steel or alloy rims. Radial type
tubeless tyres. The vehicle registration document also
lists all type-approved tyres.
IMPORTANT In the event of discrepancies between the
information provided in this “Owner Handbook” and the
“Vehicle registration document”, only the latter is valid.
For safe driving, the car must be fitted with tyres of the
same make and type on all wheels.
IMPORTANT Do not use inner tubes in the case of
tubeless tyres.
WHEEL GEOMETRY
Total front toe in: + 1 ± 1 mm
Total rear toe in: + 1.7 ± 2 mm
The values refer to the car in running order.READING TYRE CODE fig. 179Example: 205/45 R17” 88V
205 = Nominal width (S, distance between sidewalls in
mm).
45 = Height/width ratio (H/S) in percentage.
R = Radial tyre.
17 = Rim diameter in inches (Ø).
88 = Load rating (capacity).
V = Maximum speed index.
210
KNOWING
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