145
KNOWING
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
F0N0073mfig. 154
HANDBRAKE fig. 154
The handbrake lever is located to the left side of the
driver’s seat. Pull the lever upwards to engage the
handbrake and ensure that the vehicle does not move.
Four or five notches are normally sufficient to brake the
vehicle on flat ground, while nine or ten may be
necessary on a steep slope with the vehicle loaded.
IMPORTANT If this is not the case, contact a Fiat
Dealership to have the handbrake adjusted.
When the handbrake lever is pulled up and the ignition
key is at
MAR-ON, the instrument panel warning light
xwill turn on. Proceed as follows to release the
handbrake:
❒slightly lift the handbrake and press the release
button
A;
❒keep button Apressed and lower the lever.
The warning light
xon the instrument panel will
turn off.
Press the brake pedal when carrying out this operation
to prevent the vehicle from moving accidentally.
IMPORTANT Apply the handbrake lever only when
the vehicle is at a standstill or with the vehicle in
motion only in the event of a fault in the hydraulic
system. If exceptional use is made of the handbrake
with the vehicle in motion, moderate traction is
advisable in order not to cause locking of the rear end
with consequent swerving of the vehicle.
PARKING THE VEHICLE
Proceed as follows:
❒stop the engine and engage the handbrake;
❒engage a gear (on a slope, engage first gear if the
vehicle is faced uphill or reverse if it is faced
downhill) and leave the wheels steered.
If the vehicle is parked on a steep slope, it is advisable
to block the wheels with a wedge or stone. Do not
leave the key in the ignition switch to prevent draining
the battery. Always remove the key when you leave
the vehicle.
Never leave children unattended in
the vehicle. Always remove the ignition
key when leaving the vehicle and take it out
with you.
WARNING
155
KNOWING
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with
local regulations. The snow chains may be applied only
onto the front wheel tyres (drive wheels). Use of
Lineaccessori Fiat snow chains is recommended. Check
the tension of the snow chains after the first few metres
have been driven.
IMPORTANT With snow chains, use the accelerator
with extreme care to prevent or to limit as much as
possible slipping of the drive wheels which could cause
the chains to break resulting in damage to the car body
or mechanical components.
IMPORTANT Use reduced-size snow chains.
SNOW TYRES
Fiat Dealerships will be happy to provide advice
concerning the most suitable type of tyres for the
customer’s requirements. The performance of these
tyres is considerably reduced when the tread depth is
less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case. Due to snow
tyre features, under normal conditions of use or on long
motorway journeys, the performance of these tyres is
much lower than that of standard tyres. Limit
performance according to the use for which they were
certified.
IMPORTANT When using snow tyres with a maximum
speed index below the one that can be reached by the
vehicle (increased by 5%), place a notice in the
passenger compartment, plainly in view, which states the
maximum speed allowed by the snow tyres (as per EC
Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to
ensure greater safety when driving and braking and better
driveability. Remember that it is inappropriate to change
the rotation direction of tyres.
The max speed for snow tyres with “Q”
marking is 160 km/h; 190 km/h for tyres
with “T” marking and 210 km/h for tyres with H
marking. The Highway Code speed limits must
however be always strictly observed.
WARNING
Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted. Do not exceed
50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and also avoid driving long
distances on roads not covered with
snow in order to prevent damaging the vehicle
and the roadbed.
WARNING
