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148
KNOWING
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SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS
Here are some suggestions which may help you to keep
the running costs of your vehicle down and lower the
amount of toxic emissions released into the
atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance
with the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely at an interval
of no more than 4 weeks: if the pressure is too low,
consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is
higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of
the vehicle (especially when driving in town) and its
geometry greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof
after use. These accessories decrease aerodynamic
penetration of the vehicle and have a negative effect on
fuel consumption. It is better to use a trailer, particularly
for transporting bulky objects. In addition to these general precautions, some simple
precautions can improve driving safety, travelling
comfort and vehicle durability:
❒distribute the load evenly over the floor: if it is
necessary to concentrate it in a single area, choose
an area mid-way between both axles;
❒remember that the lower the load, the lower the
vehicle’s centre of gravity, making for a safer drive:
therefore always position the heaviest goods lower
down;
❒lastly, remember that the vehicle’s dynamic
behaviour is affected by the weight transported:
in particular, the stopping distances are longer,
especially at high speed.
If you wish to carry petrol in a reserve
tank, observe the legal restrictions and
only use a tank that is type approved and
properly secured to the load anchorage
eyebolts. However, the risk of fire in the event
of an accident increases.
WARNING
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206
KNOWING
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PLAN
Thousands of miles 27 54 81 108 135
Thousands of kilometres 48 96 144 192 240
Months 24 48 72 96 120
Check battery charge status and possibly recharge
Check tyre condition/wear and adjust pressure, if necessary
Check operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, luggage compartment, passenger compartment,
glove compartment, instrument panel warning lights, etc.)
Check operation of windscreen wiper/washer system and adjust jets, if necessary
Check the position/wear of the windscreen/rear window wiper blades
Check cleanliness of bonnet and tailgate locks and cleanliness
and lubrication of linkages
Visually inspect condition of: exterior bodywork, underbody protection,
pipes and hoses (exhaust, fuel system, brakes), rubber elements
(boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.)
Check condition and wear of front disc brake pads and operation
of pad wear indicator
Check condition and wear of rear disc brake pads and operation
of pad wear indicator (for versions/markets where provided)
Check and, if necessary, top-up fluid levels (engine cooling, hydraulic
clutch/brakes, windscreen washer, battery, etc.)
Visual check of accessory drive belt(s) (versions without automatic tensioner)
(130-150-180 Multijet versions)
Check tension of accessory drive belt (versions without automatic tensioner) (▲)
Check tension of accessory drive belt (versions without automatic tensioner)
(115 MultiJet versions) (▲)
(
▲)When the engine oil is changed for the first time, check the tension of the accessories drive belt .
Page 212 of 287

208
KNOWING
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND
DRIVING
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
MAINTENANCE
AND CARE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DEMANDING VEHICLE USE
If the vehicle is mostly used in one of the following
conditions:
❒trailer or caravan towing;
❒dusty roads;
❒short distances (less than 7-8 km) and with external
temperatures below zero;
❒frequently idling engine or long distance low speed
driving or in the case of long term inactivity;
the following checks must be carried out more often
than indicated in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks and lever
cleanliness and lubrication;
❒visually inspect the conditions of: engine, gearbox,
transmission, pipes and tubes (exhaust – fuel
– brakes), rubber parts (boots, sleeves, bushes, etc.);
❒check battery charge and liquid level (electrolyte);
❒visual check on various drive belt conditions;
❒check and if necessary change engine oil and oil filter.
PERIODIC CHECKS
Before long journeys, check and, if necessary, restore:
❒engine coolant fluid level;
❒brake fluid level;
❒windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre pressure and conditions;
❒operation of lights (headlights, direction indicators,
hazard lights, etc.);
❒operation of the windscreen wiper/washer system,
position and wear of the windscreen and rear
window wiper blades.
To ensure that the vehicle is always efficient and well
maintained, it is advisable to make sure that you carry
out the above operations regularly (approximately
every 1000 km and every 3000 km for checking and
topping up engine oil is advisable).