2012 Alfa Romeo MiTo trailer

16GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Excessive engine coolant
temperature (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few seconds.
The warning light turns on when the engine is overheated. The dis-
play will show the dedicated message. If the warning light comes
on, proceed as follows:
❍during normal travel: stop the car, stop the engine and check
that the water level in the reservoir is not under the MIN line.
In this case, wait for a few minutes for the engine to cool down,
then slowly and carefully open the cap, top-up with coolant and
check that the level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the reservoir. Also check for leaks. If the warning light comes
on again at the next engine start-up, contact your nearest Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Service.
❍In the case of demanding use (e.g. towing trailers uphill or
car at full load): slow down and stop the car if the warning light
stays on. Stop for 2 or 3 minutes with the engine running and
slightly accelerated to favour better coolant circulation. Then
stop the engine. Check the correct fluid level as described pre-
viously.
IMPORTANT Over demanding routes, it is advisable to keep the
engine on and slightly accelerated for a few minutes before switch-
ing it off.
u
Electric power steering failure (red)
This warning light comes on when the ignition key is
turned to MAR, but it should go off after a few sec-
onds.
If the warning light (or symbol on the display) remains on, you will
not have steering assistance and the effort required to operate
the steering wheel will be increased. Steering is, however, possi-
ble. In this case contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice. The display will show the dedicated message.g
Start&Stop system deactivation
(amber)
The warning light comes on when the Start&Stop sys-
tem is deactivated by pressing the button on the auxil-
iary control panel next to the steering wheel. On some versions the
display shows the associated message.T

124GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
INDICATIONS ON DISPLAY
(for versions/markets where provided)
When the sensor is activated, the "Reconfigurable multifunctional
display" (for versions/markets where provided) shows the screen
illustrated in fig. 81; the information about the presence of and
distance from the obstacle is given by the buzzer and also by a
visual indication on the instrument panel display. If there are
several obstacles the closest one is indicated.
BUZZER WARNINGS
When reverse gear is engaged a buzzer warning is automatically
activated if there is an obstacle within the range of operation. The acoustic signal:
❍becomes louder as the distance between the car and the obsta-
cle decreases;
❍becomes continuous when the distance between the car and
the obstacle is less than 30 cm and stops immediately if the
distance increases;
❍is constant if the distance is unchanged; if this situation con-
cerns the side sensors, the buzzer will stop after about 3 sec-
onds to avoid, for example, warning indications in the event of
manoeuvres along walls.
IMPORTANT The volume of the audible signal can be adjusted
through the option "Warning volume" of the "Set-Up menu".
Detection distances
Central action range: 140 cm
Side action range: 60 cm
If several obstacles are detected, the control unit indicates the near-
est one.
OPERATION WITH TRAILER
Parking sensor operation is deactivated automatically when the
trailer electric cable plug is fitted into the car tow hook socket.
The sensors are automatically enabled again when the trailer ca-
ble plug is removed.
fig. 81A0J0370m

STARTING UP AND DRIVING153
3
Starting the engine................................................................................ 154
Parking ............................................................................................... 156
Using of the gearbox ............................................................................. 157
Saving fuel.......................................................................................... 158
Towing trailers...................................................................................... 160
Snow tyres .......................................................................................... 161
Snow chains ......................................................................................... 162
Car inactivity......................................................................................... 162

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.

160STARTING UP AND DRIVING
Acceleration
Sudden acceleration has a very negative effect on fuel consump-
tion and emissions: accelerate gradually and do not go over the
maximum torque ratio.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the en-
gine from reaching optimal running temperature. Consequently,
both fuel consumption (from +15 to +30% on an urban cycle )
and emissions will increase.
Traffic and road conditions
Rather high fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance
when travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in
cities with many traffic lights. Mountain and rough roads also have
a negative effect on fuel consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (level crossings) the engine should be
switched off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation
must be carried out by a specialist.
Install any specific and/or additional rear-view mirrors as specified
by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to
climb, braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer de-
pending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly
using the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the vehicle
by the same amount. Consider the weight of the fully-laden vehi-
cle weight, including accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable weight (shown on the reg-
istration certificate).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles tow-
ing trailers. In any event do not exceed 100 km/h.

STARTING UP AND DRIVING161
3
INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided
with the car: an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be able to
advise you on the best tyres for your requirements.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
The performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when the
tread depth is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving, during braking and better driveability. Re-
member that it is inappropriate to change the direction of rotation
of tyres.
The ABS system does not control the braking sys-
tem of the trailer. Take extra care when travel-
ling on slippery roads.
Never modify the braking system of the car to con-
trol the trailer brake. The trailer braking system
must be fully independent of the car’s hydraulic
system.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE207
5
PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and top up the fol-
lowing if necessary:
❍engine coolant level, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid
❍tyre pressure and condition;
❍operation of lights (headlights, direction indicators, hazard
lights, etc.);
❍operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system, position
and wear of windscreen/rearscreen wiper blades;
Every 3,000 km check the following and top-up, if necessary: en-
gine oil level.
We recommend the use of PETRONAS LUBRICANTS products, de-
signed and produced specifically for Alfa Romeo cars (see “Con-
sumables” table in chapter 6).
DEMANDING USE OF THE CAR
If you use the vehicle mainly under one of the following conditions:
❍trailer or caravan towing;
❍dusty roads;
❍repeated short distances (less than 7-8 km) and with exter-
nal temperatures below zero;
❍frequently idling the engine, travelling long distances at low
speeds or long term inactivity;
❍in cities;
perform the following inspections more frequently than shown on
the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❍check front disc brake pad condition and wear;
❍check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, and cleanliness and
lubrication of linkages;
❍visually inspect the condition of: engine, gearbox, transmission,
pipes and hoses (exhaust – fuel supply - brakes) rubber ele-
ments (gaiters – hoses - bushes etc.);

IDENTIFICATION DATA
The vehicle identification details are:
❍Identification plate;
❍Chassis marking;
❍Bodytwork paint plate;
❍Engine marking.
IDENTIFICATION PLATE fig. 1
The plate is to be found on the left side of the boot floor and it
bears the following identification data:
B Homologation number.
C Vehicle type code.
D Chassis number.
E Maximum vehicle weight fully loaded.
F Maximum vehicle weight fully loaded with trailer.
G Maximum vehicle weight on front axle.
H Maximum vehicle weight on rear axle.
I Engine type.
L Body version code.
M Spare part code.
N Smoke opacity index (for diesel engines).
fig. 1A0J0161m
228TECHNICAL DATA