116
SAFETY
WARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
STARTING
AND DRIVING
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-
ups will prevent the engine from reach-
ing optimal running temperature. Conse-
quently, both fuel consumption (from +15
to +30% on the urban cycle) and emis-
sions will increase.
Traffic and road
conditions
Heavy traffic, for instance when travelling
in a queue with frequent use of low gears
or in cities with lots of traffic lights, caus-
es fairly high fuel consumption. Mountain
roads and uneven surfaces also have a neg-
ative effect on consumption.
Traffic hold-ups
During prolonged hold-ups (e.g. at level
crossings) the engine should be switched
off. TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT NOTES
The car must be equipped with an ap-
proved tow hook and adequate electrical
system to tow caravans or trailers. Instal-
lation must be performed by specialised
personnel who will issue the required pa-
pers for travelling on roads.
Install any specific and/or additional rear
view mirrors in accordance with the high-
way code of the country in which you are
travelling.
Remember that, when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, braking dis-
tances increase and overtaking takes
longer relative to the overall weight of the
trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill,
rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight of the trailer on the car’s tow
hook will reduce the load capacity of the
car by the same amount. Consider the
weight of the trailer fully laden, including
accessories and luggage, to make sure you
do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown on the vehicle registration
document).
Top speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases
as speed increases. Keep your speed as
even as possible, avoiding unnecessary
braking and acceleration, which cause ex-
cessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects con-
sumption and emissions: acceleration
should be gradual and should not exceed
the maximum torque.
109-120 PUNTO POP 1ed EN 16-08-2011 11:35 Pagina 116
178
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTROLS
AND DEVICES
SERVICE
AND CARE
IMPORTANT If the battery’s charge stays
below 50% for a long time it becomes
damaged through sulphation, which re-
duces its capacity and ability to start
the car.
The battery will also be more at risk of
freezing (this can happen as early as
−10°C). Refer to “Car inactivity” in “Start-
ing and driving” if the car is left parked for
a long time.
If, after buying the car, you want to install
electrical devices that require a permanent
electric supply (alarm, etc.) or devices that
use a lot of electricity, contact a Fiat Deal-
ership. Their qualified personnel, in addi-
tion to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices from the Lineaccessori Fiat range,
will evaluate the overall electricity con-
sumption, checking whether the car’s elec-
tric system is capable of withstanding the
load required, or whether it should be in-
tegrated with a more powerful battery.
Since these devices continue to consume
energy even when the engine is switched
off, they gradually run down the battery.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
EXTENDING THE LIFE
OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make
it last longer, follow these instructions
closely:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the
doors, boot and bonnet are closed
properly to prevent the ceiling courtesy
lights from staying on;
❒turn off the ceiling lights, although the
car does have an automatic system for
switching off internal lights;
❒do not leave devices (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) switched on
for a long time when the engine is not
running;
❒before performing any operation on the
electrical system, disconnect the nega-
tive battery cable;
❒make sure battery terminals are fully
tightened.
Incorrect assembly of electric
and electronic devices may
cause severe damage to your
car. Go to a Fiat Dealership if
you want to install accessories (anti-
theft device, mobile phone, etc.): they
will suggest the most suitable devices
and advise you if a higher-capacity bat-
tery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances
that can be very harmful to
the environment. It is advis-
able to have the battery
changed by a Fiat Dealership, where
it will be disposed of properly and in
accordance with the law.
If the vehicle must remain
unused for a long time at
very low temperatures, remove the
battery and take it to a warm place
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
If you have to perform any
operation on the battery or
near it, always protect your eyes with
special goggles.
WARNING
165-184 PUNTO POP 1ed EN 30-09-2011 10:21 Pagina 178
