178
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA-
TIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN
EMERGENZA
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
Running the battery with
an excessively low liquid
level will damage the battery be-
yond repair and even cause an ex-
plosion.
WARNING
CHANGING THE BATTERY
If required, replace the battery with a
genuine spare part having the same
specifications.
If a battery with different specifica-
tions is fitted, the service intervals
given in the “Service schedule” in this
section will no longer apply.
Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.Batteries contain very dan-
gerous substances for the
environment. You are rec-
ommended to go to a Lan-
cia Dealership to have the battery
replaced where the old battery will
be disposed of respecting both the
environment and the laws in force.Incorrect assembly of elec-
tric and electronic devices
may cause severe damage
to your car. Go to a Lancia
Dealership if you want to install ac-
cessories (alarms, mobile phone,
etc.): they will suggest the most suit-
able devices and advise you if a
higher capacity battery needs to be
installed.USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the following
indications:
❒when the car is parked, make sure
that the doors, bonnet and tailgate
are closed properly to make sure
that the lights inside the passenger
compartment go out;
❒switch off all lights inside the vehi-
cle: the car is however equipped
with a system which switches all in-
ternal lights off automatically;
❒do not keep devices (e.g. sound sys-
tem, hazard lights, etc.) on for a
long time with the engine off;
❒before performing any operation on
the electrical system, disconnect the
battery negative cable;
❒battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.
If the car is left for long
periods in very cold envi-
ronments, remove the battery and
store it in a warm place to prevent
freezing.
WARNING
Always wear the proper
protective eyewear when
working on the battery or near it.
WARNING
179
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA-
TIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
IMPORTANT A battery which is kept
at a charge of less than 50% (optical
indicator with dark colour without
green area in the middle) for any
length of time will be damaged by sul-
phation leading to a reduction in
cranking power.
The battery will also be more at risk
of freezing (e.g. already at -10°C).
In case of prolonged halt, refer to the
“Storing the car” paragraph in the
“Starting and driving” chapter.
If after buying the car, you want to in-
stall electric accessories which require
permanent electric supply (alarm,
etc.) contact Lancia Dealership whose
qualified personnel, in addition to
suggesting the most suitable devices
from Lineaccessori Lancia, will eval-
uate 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 bat-
tery.
Since these devices continue absorb-
ing energy even when the ignition key
is off, they gradually run down the
battery.WHEELS AND
TYRES
Check the pressure of each type, in-
cluding the spare, approximately once
every two weeks and before starting a
long journey: this check must be per-
formed with the tyre rested and cold.
It is normal for pressure to increase
when the car is used. For the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels”
in “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wearfig. 15:
A: normal pressure: evenly worn
tread.
B: low pressure: tread particularly
worn on the edges.
C: excessive pressure: tread particu-
larly worn in the middle.
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, burning
starts and violent knocks against
the curb, potholes or other obsta-
cles if possible. Long distances on
rough roads may damage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on
the sides, swelling or irregular tread
wear. Go to a Lancia Dealership if
required.
❒Do not overload your vehicle: this
may cause serious damage to
wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and charge it to
avoid damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system;
fig. 15L0D0216m
