2012 Alfa Romeo Giulietta technical specifications

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BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap F-fig. 161-162-163-164 and add the flu-
id described in the “Technical Specifications” chapter.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corrosive, from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should this
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW/
HEADLIGHT WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 161-162-163-
164 and add the fluid described in the “Technical Specifications”
chapter.
IMPORTANT The headlight washer system will not work when
the liquid level is low although the windscreen/rear window wash-
er will still work. For versions/markets where provided (see pre-
vious pages), a reference line E-fig. 161, 162, 163, 164 is pro-
vided: ONLY the windscreen/rear window washer will work un-
der this line.
Some commercial windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment contains hot
parts which could cause a fire if they come into con-
tact with these additives.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact, wash the parts im-
mediately with water and neutral soap, then rinse
with plenty of water. In case of swallowing, immediately
call a doctor.
The symbol πon the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid will damage
the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond re-
pair.
Do not travel if the windscreen washer reservoir is
empty: using the windscreen washer is essential
for improving visibility. Repeated operation of the
system when it is empty could damage or rapidly deteri-
orate some of its parts

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BATTERY
The electrolyte of the battery G-fig. 161-162-163-164 does not
need to be topped up with distilled water. A periodic check carried
out at Alfa Romeo Authorized Services is, however, necessary to
check efficiency.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When necessary, replace the battery with another original battery
with the same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
ADVICE FOR PROLONGING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining your battery and to prolong its life, ob-
serve the following indications:
❍when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly in order to avoid the courtesy lights re-
maining on for longer than necessary;
❍turn off the ceiling lights, although the car does have an au-
tomatic system for switching off internal lights;
❍do not leave devices (e.g. car radio, hazard lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
❍before performing any operation on the electrical system, dis-
connect the battery negative terminal.
IMPORTANT The steering system will need to be initialised after dis-
connecting the battery. A warning light
gwill come on to indi-
cate this. Simply turn the steering wheel all the way to one end
or simply drive on a straight line for a few hundred metres.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to replace these
filters.

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IMPORTANT If the battery remains with the charge below 50%
for a long time it becomes damaged through sulphation 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 “Storing the car” in “Starting and
driving” if the car is left parked for a long time.
If after having purchased your car you decide to add accessories re-
quiring permanent electrical power (alarm etc.) or accessories that
require large amounts of power, please consult Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services. They can calculate the overall electrical require-
ment.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid
contact with the skin and the eyes. Keep naked
flames or possible sources of sparks away from the
battery: risk of explosion or fire.
Using the battery when the fluid is too low dam-
ages it irreparably and can cause an explosion.
Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic devices
may cause severe damage to your car. Go to an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider if you want
to install accessories after having purchased your car
(alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they will be able to suggest
the most suitable devices and advise you if a higher ca-
pacity battery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances that are very dan-
gerous for the environment. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to replace the battery.
If the car must remain unused for a long time at
very low temperatures, remove the battery and
take it to a warm place, to avoid freezing.
When performing any operation on the battery
or near it, always protect your eyes with spe-
cial goggles.

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WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip, and every two weeks, check the
tyre inflation pressure (and space-saver wheel); check the pressure
with the tyres 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. 165:
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.IMPORTANT NOTES
Take the following precautions to prevent damage to the tyres: ❍avoid braking suddenly, racing starts and violent impact 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
space-saver 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.
❍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 personnel if they have been
fitted for longer than six years. Remember to check the space-
saver wheel very carefully;
❍when replacing the tyres, always fit new tyres, avoiding those
of dubious origin;
❍If a tyre is replaced, you should also change the inflation valve.
fig. 165A0K0023m

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Remember that the road holding qualities of your
car also depend on the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPERS
Avoid switching the tyres from the right side of the
vehicle to the left side and vice versa.
Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteristics
of the wheels might be compromised.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious haz-
ard, because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
BLADES
We recommend replacing the blades once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of damage to
the blades:
❍make sure that the rubber part is not frozen to the windscreen
in sub-zero temperatures. Use a de-icing product to release it
if required;
❍remove any snow from the window;
❍do not activate the windscreen/rear window wiper on a dry
window.
If the pressure is too low, the tyre will overheat and
could be seriously damaged.

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Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❍lift the windscreen wiper arm, press the tab A-fig. 166 of the
fastening clip and extract the blade from the arm;
❍fit the new blade, inserting the tab into the dedicated housing
in the arm. Make sure that the new blade is secured in posi-
tion.
❍lower the windscreen wiper arm on the windscreen.
Lifting the wiper blades
When the wiper blades have to be lifted from the windscreen (i.e.
in the event of snow), proceed as follows:
❍turn the ignition key to the MAR position;
❍operate the lever to the right of the steering wheel to activate
a windscreen wiper stroke (see paragraph "Window wash-
ing" in chapter "Getting to know your car");
❍turn the ignition key to the STOP position when the driver's
side wiper blade reaches the windscreen side pillar and lift the
windscreen wiper to the rest position;
❍bring the wiper blades back into contact with the windscreen
before activating the windscreen wiper.
fig. 166A0K0144m
Do not operate the windscreen wiper with the
blades lifted from the windscreen.

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SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 168
The window washer jets are fixed.
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, firstly check that there is fluid in the
reservoir: see “Checking fluid levels” paragraph in this section).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged, if necessary us-
ing a needle.
fig. 167A0K0101mfig. 168A0K0139m
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
❍lift cover A-fig. 167, undo nut B and remove arm C;
❍correctly position the new arm, fully tighten nut B and then
lower cover A.

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Rear window washer fig. 169
The nozzle holder is located above the rear window. The rear win-
dow washer jets are fixed.
HEADLAMP WASHERS fig. 170
(on request for versions/markets, where provided)
These are located within the front bumper. They are activated when
the dipped beam and/or main beam headlights are on and the
windscreen washer is activated.
Check the condition and cleanliness of nozzles at regular intervals.
fig. 169A0K0102mfig. 170A0K0138m