Page 233 of 315

IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
absorbs moisture). For this reason, if the car
is mainly used in areas with a high degree
of atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be
replaced at more frequent intervals than specified
in the “Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact
with painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
corrosive. If contact accidentally
occurs, immediately wash the affected areas
with water and a neutral detergent, and
then rinse thoroughly with water. Call
a doctor immediately if swallowed.
WARNING
The symbol
on the container
indicates a synthetic brake fluid,
distinguishing it from the mineral kind.
Using a mineral-type fluid will damage the
special rubber seals of the braking system
beyond repair.
229GETTING TO KNOW
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AIR CLEANER/POLLEN
FILTER/DIESEL FILTERFor filter replacement, contact a Lancia
Dealership.
Page 234 of 315

BATTERYBattery F (see previous pages) does not require the
electrolyte to be topped up with distilled water. A
periodic check carried out at a Lancia Dealership
is, however, necessary to check efficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If necessary, replace the battery with another
original battery with the same specifications.
Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions for
maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, observe the following instructions:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the doors,
tailgate and bonnet are closed properly, to
prevent any roof lights from remaining on inside
the passenger's compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the car: the car is
however equipped with a system which switches
all internal lights off automatically;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system,
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 negative
battery cable;
❒completely tighten the battery terminals.
230
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IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under
50% for a long time, the battery is damaged
by sulphation, reducing its capacity and efficiency
at start-up.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing
(this can happen as early as -10°C). Refer to
the paragraph "Car inactivity" in "Starting and
driving" if the car is left parked for a long time.
If, after buying the car, you wish to install
electrical accessories which require permanent
electrical supply (alarm etc.) or accessories which
influence the electrical supply requirements,
contact a Lancia Dealership, whose qualified staff
will evaluate the overall electrical consumption.
WARNING
Battery fluid is poisonous and
corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin
and eyes. Keep open flames away from the
battery and do not use objects that might
create sparks: risk of explosion and fire.
WARNING
Using the battery with insufficient
fluid irreparably damages the battery
and may cause an explosion.
Page 235 of 315

Incorrect installation of electrical and
electronic devices may cause severe
damage to your car. After purchasing
your car, if you wish to install any accessories
(car alarm, car phone etc.), contact a Lancia
Dealership, which will suggest the most
appropriate devices for your vehicle and will,
most importantly, advise you if a
higher-capacity battery needs to be installed.Batteries contain substances which are
very dangerous for the environment.
For battery replacement, contact a
Lancia Dealership.
WARNING
If the car will be unused for an
extended period of time in extremely
cold weather conditions, remove the battery
and store it in a heated area to avoid it
freezing.
WARNING
Always wear appropriate goggles
when working on or near the battery.
231GETTING TO KNOW
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BRAKESThe car is equipped with 4 mechanical wear
detection systems for brake pads: one for each
wheel assembly.
When the brake linings are about to wear out,
pressing the brake pedal, a light hiss is heard: this
indication lasts around 100 km (depending on
the driving style and the route type).
In these circumstances it is still possible,
proceeding with caution, to carry on driving.
In any case, contact a Lancia Dealership as soon
as possible to have the worn brake pads replaced.
Page 236 of 315

WHEELS AND TYRESBefore long trips, and every two weeks, check the
tyre and space-saver wheel inflation pressure
(for versions/markets, where provided). Check the
tyres when cold.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under
standard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear
fig. 164:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the
edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the
centre.The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less
than 1.6 mm thick. In any case, follow the laws
in force in the country where you are driving.
IMPORTANT
Take the following precautions to prevent damage
to the tyres:
❒avoid braking suddenly, racing starts and
violent impact against the curb, potholes or
other obstacles and driving for extended periods
on uneven road surfaces;
❒periodically check that the tyres have no cuts in
the side wall, abnormal swelling or irregular
tyre wear;
❒avoid travelling with the car overloaded. If you
have a puncture, stop immediately and change
the tyre;
❒tyres age even if they are not used much. Cracks
in the tread rubber and at the sides are a sign of
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have been on
the car for over 6 years, they should be checked
by specialised personnel. Also remember to
check the space-saver wheel very carefully (for
versions/markets, where provided);
❒change the position of the tyres every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same
side of the car to avoid inverting the direction
of rotation;
fig. 164
L0F0018
232
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❒
avoiding those of dubious origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the inflation
valve.i n the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
Page 237 of 315

WARNING
The road holding qualities of the car
also depend on the correct inflation
pressure of the tyres.
WARNING
If the pressure is too low the tyre
overheats and this can cause it
serious damage.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the tyres, moving
them from the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.
WARNING
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C. The
mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WIPERBLADES
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed
or worn. In any event, it is advisable to replace
them approximately once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the
possibility of damage to the blades:
❒if the temperature falls below zero, make sure
that ice has not frozen the rubber against the
glass. Use an antifreeze product to release it
if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents effort on
the motor and over-heating;
❒do not operate the windscreen/rear window
wipers on dry glass.
WARNING
Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious
hazard, because visibility is reduced in bad
weather.
233GETTING TO KNOW
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Page 238 of 315
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the wiper arm, press tab A fig. 165 of the
attachment spring and remove the blade from
the arm;
❒fit the new blade, inserting the tab into the
special slot in the arm, making sure that it
is locked.
❒lower the windscreen wiper arm on the
windscreen.
Do not operate the windscreen wiper
with the blades lifted from the
windscreen.Replacing the rear window wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
❒raise cover A fig. 166, undo nut B and remove
arm C;
❒correctly position the new arm, fully tighten nut
B then lower cover A.
fig. 165
L0F0186
fig. 166
L0F0222
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Page 239 of 315
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer
The window washer jets A fig. 167 are fixed. If
there is no jet of fluid, firstly check that there
is fluid in the reservoir (see "Checking fluid
levels" in this chapter).
Then check that the nozzle holes are not clogged;
use a needle to unblock them if necessary.
IMPORTANT In versions with a sun roof, make
sure that the sun roof is closed before operating
the window washer jets.Rear window washer
The rear window washer jets are fixed. The nozzle
holder is on the rear window fig. 168.
fig. 167
L0F0221
fig. 168
L0F0223
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Page 240 of 315

HEADLIGHT WASHERS
(for versions/markets, where provided)
They are located inside the front bumper fig. 169.
They are activated when the dipped beam and/or
main beam headlights are on and the windscreen
washer is activated.
Check the correct condition and cleanliness of
nozzles at regular intervals.
BODYWORKPROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The car is equipped with the best available
technological solutions to protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❒painting products and systems which give the
car particular resistance to corrosion and
abrasion
❒use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel sheets,
with high resistance to corrosion
❒spraying the underbody, engine compartment,
wheel arch interiors and other parts with highly
protective wax products
❒spraying of plastic parts, with a protective
function in the more exposed points: underdoor,
inner wing, edges, etc.
❒use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture from
triggering rust inside.
fig. 169
L0F0023
236
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