SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE
❒Always use the seat belt well stretched and never twisted; make sure
that it is free to run without obstructions;
❒replace the belt after an accident of a certain severity even if it does
not appear to be damaged. Always replace the belt if the
pretensioners were deployed;
❒hand wash the seat belts with water and neutral soap, rinse and
leave to dry in the shade. Never use strong detergents, bleach,
paints or any other substance which could damage the belt fibres;
❒prevent the retractors from getting wet: their correct operation is only
guaranteed if water does not get inside;
❒replace the seat belt when there is wear or cuts.
CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY
For optimal protection in the event of an impact, all occupants must be
seated and wearing adequate restraint systems, including newborn
and other children!
This prescription is compulsory in all EC countries according to EC
Directive 2003/20/EC.
Compared with an adult, a child's head is larger and heavier in
proportion to his/her body and the child's muscular and bone
structures are not fully developed. Therefore, correct restraint systems
other than adult seat belts are necessary to reduce as much as possible
the risk of injuries in case of accident, braking or sudden manoeuvre.
Children must be seated safely and comfortably. As far as the
characteristics of the child restraint systems used allow, you are
advised to keep children in rear facing restraint systems for as long as
possible (at least until 3–4 years old), since this is the most protected
position in the event of an impact.
The choice of the most suitable child restraint device depends on the
weight of the child; there are various types of child restraint systems
and you are advised always to choose the one that is most suitable for
the child.
When over 1.50 m in height, from the point of view of restraint
systems, children are considered as adults and wear seat belts
normally.
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In Europe the characteristics of children restraint systems are ruled by
the regulation ECE-R44, dividing them into five weight groups:
Group Weight groups
Group0 upto10kg
Group 0+ up to 13 kg
Group 1 9-18 kg
Group 2 15-25 kg
Group 3 22-36 kg
All restraint devices must bear the type-approval data along with the
control mark on a label firmly secured to the child seat which must
never be removed.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo includes child restraint systems for each
weight group. These devices are recommended having been
specifically tested for Alfa Romeo cars.
SEVERE DANGER. When an active passenger airbag is fitted,
DO NOT install rear facing child restraint systems on the
front seat. Deployment of the airbag in an accident could
cause fatal injuries to the baby regardless of the severity of
the impact. It is advisable to always carry children in a
child restraint system on the rear seat, which is the most protected
position in the event of a collision.
On the sun visor there is a label with suitable symbols
remembering that it is compulsory to deactivate the
airbag if a rear facing child restraint system is fitted.
Always comply with the instructions on the passenger's side sun
visor (see the "Front airbag" paragraph).
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FITTING “UNIVERSAL” CHILD
SEAT (with seat belts)
GROUP 0 and 0+
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
Infants up to 13 kg must be carried with a child seat facing backwards
of a type as shown in fig. 96 which, supporting the head, does not
induce stress on the neck in the event of sudden decelerations.
The child seat is secured by the car seat belts, as shown in fig. 96 and
it must restrain the child in turn with its own belts.
GROUP 1
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
Children of weight from 9 to 18 kg may be carried in child seats
facing forwards fig. 97.
Child seats with Isofix attachments are available,
which allow them to be secured to the seat safely
without using the car seat belts.
fig. 96A0J0097fig. 97A0J0371
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SUITABILITY OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR UNIVERSAL CHILD SEAT USE
According to the European Directive 2000/3/EC the suitability of each passenger seat position for the fixing of universal child seats is shown in
the following table:
Group Weight groups Front passengerRear side and central
passenger
Group 0, 0+ up to 13 kg
UU
Group 1 9-18 kgUU
Group 2 15-25 kgUU
Group 3 22-36 kgUU
U= Suitable for child restraint systems in the "Universal" category, according to European Standard EEC-R44 for the specified "Groups".
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PREPARATION FOR “ISOFIX”
CHILD SEAT
The car is equipped with ISOFIX anchorages, a new standard which
makes fitting a child seat quick, simple and safe.
Isofix systems can be fitted alongside conventional child seats on
different seats in the same car.
An example of a Universal Isofix child seat for weight group 1 is
shown in fig. 100.
The diagram is indicative and for assembly purposes
only. Fit the child seat according to the instructions,
which must be included.
The other weight groups are covered by specific Isofix child seats,
which can be used only if specifically tested for this car (see list of cars
provided with the child seat).
IMPORTANT The central rear seat is not approved for any type of Isofix
child seat.
fig. 100A0J0093
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SUITABILITY OF PASSENGER SEATS FOR ISOFIX CHILD SEAT USE
The table below shows the various installation possibilities for Isofix child seats on seats fitted with Isofix attachments in accordance with European
standard ECE 16.
Weight group Child seat position Isofix size classRear passenger
left side right side
Group 0 up to 10 kg Facing backwards E
XX
Group 0+ up to 13 kgFacing backwards E
XX
Facing backwards DXX
Facing backwards CXX
Group 1 from 9 up to 18
kgFacing backwards D
XX
Facing backwards CXX
Facing forwards BIUF IUF
Facing forwards BIIUF IUF
Facing forwards AXX
X: Isofix position not suitable for child seats in this weight group and/or size class.
IUF: Suitable for Isofix restraint systems to be positioned facing forwards, universal class (fitted with third upper mounting), type-approved forthe relevant weight
group.
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SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which can help you to save fuel and lower
harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every 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 car and its
arrangement 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 lower aerodynamic penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. It is better to use a trailer to transport particularly
bulky objects.
Electrical devices
Only use electrical devices for the time needed. The heated rear
window, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan
require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the current uptake
increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an urban cycle).Climate control system
Using the climate control system will increase consumption: use the air
vents when the external temperature allows it.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when the vehicle is
stationary; this causes the engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable to
move off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds: in this way the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when at traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, like double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear when traffic and road conditions allow it. Using a
low gear for faster acceleration will increase consumption. In the same
way improper use of a high gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
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Maximum speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.
CONDITIONS OF USE
Cold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the engine from
reaching optimal running temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in large towns
with many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) switch the engine off.
TOWING TRAILERS
IMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation must
be carried out by a specialist.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances 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 reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
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