2012 Abarth Punto Evo ABS

191
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F0U174Abfig. 170
IMPORTANT Brake fluid absorbs moisture. For this
reason, if the vehicle 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. 170
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.
Use the brake fluid shown in the “Fluids and lubricants”
table (see “Technical Specifications”).
Note Carefully clean the cap of the reservoir A and the
surrounding surface.
Take great care that impurities do not enter the
reservoir when the cap is opened.
For topping up always use a funnel with integrated filter
that has a mesh inferior or equal to 0.12 mm.
Prevent brake fluid which is highly
corrosive from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should this occur,
immediately wash with water.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. In the event of accidental
contact, immediately wash the affected parts
with water and neutral soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. If swallowed call a doctor
immediately.
WARNING

195
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
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EMERGENCY
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TECHNICAL
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CONTENTS
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;

203
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SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is
advisable to use a moist brush on velvet upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened with a solution
of water and neutral detergent.
The fabric upholstery of your car is
designed to withstand normal wear and
tear for a long time. Some precautions
are however needed. Avoid prolonged rubbing
against clothing accessories, such as metal
buckles, Velcro strips and the like, which by
applying a high pressure on the fabric in a small
area could cause the breakage of some threads
and damage the upholstery.
LEATHER SEATS
(for versions/markets where provided)
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp
cloth, without exercising too much pressure.
Remove any liquid or grease stains using an absorbent
dry cloth, without rubbing. Then clean with a soft cloth
or buckskin cloth dampened with water and neutral
soap.
If the stain persists, use specific products and observe
the instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the
cleaning products used contain no alcohol or alcohol
derivatives, even in small quantities.

259
KNOWING
YOUR VEHICLE
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING LIGHTS
AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
– maintenance ............................. 193
– recharging ................................. 177
– replacement ............................. 193
– tips for extending
battery life .................................... 194
Bi-zone automatic climate
control system ............................ 44
Body
– body version codes ................ 207
– cleaning, care and
maintenance ................................ 200
– maintenance ............................. 202
Bodywork codes ........................... 207
Bodywork paint
identification plate ...................... 206
Bodywork versions ...................... 207
Bonnet
– opening/closing ........................ 81
Boot ................................................. 76
– closing the tailgate ................... 77
– expanding the boot ................ 78– opening the boot in
an emergency .............................. 77
– removing the parcel shelf ...... 80
– tailgate opening ....................... 76
Boot courtesy light ....................... 57
– bulb replacement .................... 169
Boot
– closing the tailgate .................. 77
– expanding the boot ................ 78
– opening the tailgate ................ 76
– opening the tailgate in
an emergency .............................. 77
– removing the parcel shelf ...... 80
Brake Assist (system) .................. 87
Brake Assist system ..................... 87
Brake fluid
– checking levels and
topping up .................................... 191
– specifications ............................ 218
Brake lights
– bulb replacement .................... 165ABS ................................................. 85
– Brake Assist ............................. 87
ABS system .................................... 85
– Brake Assist ............................. 87
Accessories purchased by
the owner .................................... 105
Additional brake light
(third brake light)
– bulb replacement .................... 166
Air filter .......................................... 192
Air recirculation ........................43-46
Air vents ......................................... 38
Airbag deactivation ....................... 126
Alarm .............................................. 9
Ashtray ............................................. 65
ASR (system).................................. 89
Battery
– checking the charge and
the electrolyte level ................... 193
– jump starting ............................ 151
CONTENTS