2011 Alfa Romeo MiTo stop start

STARTING UP AND DRIVING159
3
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories decrease aerodynamic penetration of the car and have
a negative effect on fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer,
particularly for transporting bulky objects.
Electric devices
Use electric devices only for the amount of time needed. The heat-
ed rear windscreen, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and
heater fan require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the
current uptake increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an
urban cycle).
Climate control
Using the climate control system increases fuel consumption: use
the air vents when outdoor temperature permits.
Spoilers
The use of non-certified spoilers may adversely affect air drag and
fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine up with the car at a standstill and do not
use excessive engine speeds: the engine warms up very slowly in
these conditions, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is
advisable to start off immediately and slowly, keeping the engine
speed down: the engine will warm up much faster this way.
Unnecessar y actions
Avoid revving up when starting at traffic lights or before stopping
the engine. The latter action, like double-declutching, is unneces-
sary and causes increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
When traffic and road conditions allow, use a high gear. Using a
low gear for faster acceleration will increase fuel consumption. In
the same way improper use of a high gear increases consump-
tion, emissions and engine wear.
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking
and acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and in-
creased emissions.

196IN AN EMERGENCY
RECHARGING THE BATTERY
IMPORTANT The battery recharging procedure is provided as an ex-
ample only. Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to carry
out this operation.
We recommend recharging the battery slowly for approximately
24 hours at low amperage. A prolonged recharge might damage
the battery.
VERSIONS WITHOUT Start&Stop SYSTEM
(for versions/markets, where provided)
Charge the battery as follows:
❍disconnect the battery negative terminal;
❍connect the charger leads to the battery terminals, observing
the polarity;
❍turn on the charger;
❍when you have finished, turn the charger off before discon-
necting the battery;
❍reconnect battery negative terminal.

IN AN EMERGENCY197
4
VERSIONS WITH Start&Stop SYSTEM
(with dummy pole) fig. 46
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To charge, proceed as follows:
❍disconnect the quick-release negative terminal A from the nega-
tive dummy pole B because the battery negative pole C has a sen-
sor D monitoring the battery conditions, that should never be
disconnected from the negative pole C (unless the battery is re-
placed);
❍connect the battery charger positive cable to the battery posi-
tive pole E and the negative cable to the dummy pole B;
❍switch on the battery charger. At the end of the charging
process, switch the charger off before disconnecting it;
❍after disconnecting the battery charger, reconnect the quick-
release negative terminal A to the dummy pole B.
fig. 46A0J0337m

198IN AN EMERGENCY
VERSIONS WITH Start&Stop SYSTEM
(without dummy pole) fig. 47
(for versions/markets, where provided)
To charge, proceed as follows:
❍disconnect the connector A (pressing the button B) from the
sensor C monitoring the battery conditions, on the negative
pole D of the battery;
❍connect the battery charger positive cable E and the negative
cable to the terminal of sensor D, according to figure;
❍turn on the battery charger. At the end of the charging process,
switch the battery charger off;
❍after disconnecting the battery charger, reconnect the connec-
tor A to the sensor C according to figure.
fig. 47A0J0338m

CARE AND MAINTENANCE219
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. 7:
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. 7A0J0136m
ABC
Remember that the road holding qualities of your
car also depend on the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.

256INDEX
Spark plugs ........................231-232
Starting the engine ..................154-164
Start-up device ............................ 55
START&STOP system .................... 114
Steering ..................................... 235
Steering lock.............................. 56
Steering wheel (adjustment) ......... 60
Storing the car ............................ 162
Sun visors .................................. 91
Supplementary heater .................. 75
Suspension ................................. 235
Symbols .................................... 46
Storing the car ............................ 158
Sun visors .................................. 91
Supplementary heater ................... 75
Suspension ................................. 228
– Dynamic Suspension ............... 119
Symbols .................................... 46
T.P.M.S. (system) ....................... 125
Technical data............................. 228
Third brake light.......................... 183
Top speeds ................................. 241
Towing the car ............................ 199
Towing trailers............................ 160
Transmission ............................... 234Trip Computer ............................. 42
– TRIP button ........................... 45
Tyre marking .............................. 236
– inflation pressures.................. 239
Tyres
– standard ............................... 238
– snow tyres ............................ 161
– correct reading of ................... 236
Universal Isofix child restraint
assembly setup......................... 139
VDC (system)........................... 108
Warning lights on panel .............. 12
Weights ..................................... 242
Wheel replacement...................... 165
Wheel rims
– correct reading ...................... 237
Wheels
– “Fix&Go” automatic .............. 173
– technical specifications ........... 236
– tyres pressure ........................ 239
– wheels and tyres ................... 219
Window Bag .............................. 149Window washing
– rain sensor ............................ 80
– rearscreen wiper/washer ........ 81
– “smart washing” function ....... 79
– windscreen wiper/washer ....... 79
Windows (cleaning).................... 224
Windscreen wiper
– activation............................. 79
– brushes ................................ 220
Wiring for navigation system ......... 122