WARNING
106) Using the levers incorrectly
(levers pushed towards the
dashboard, see fig. 137) could
break them.
107) Never leave children
unattended in the car. Always
remove the ignition key when
leaving the car and take the key
with you.
108) The Launch control function is
only available in Dynamic mode.
Regardless of what is explicitly
indicated in the description of
these modes, the ESC and ASR
systems are deactivated during
operation of the Launch Control
function. This means that vehicle
dynamic control is the sole
responsibility of the driver.
Therefore pay the utmost
attention when using the Launch
Control. Take into account traffic
and road surface conditions and
during manoeuvres make sure
there is enough room in the area
concerned.
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which can
help you to save fuel and lower harmful
emissions.
GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Checks and adjustments should be
carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see
chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressures at least once
every four 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. When transporting
particularly large objects, use a trailer
if possible.
Electrical devices
Use the electrical devices only for the
necessary amount of time. The heated
rear window, additional headlights,
screen 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 temperature outside permits.
Devices for
aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for
aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
158
STARTING AND DRIVING
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, the
braking spaces increase and overtaking
takes longer depending on the overall
weight.
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).
Do not exceed the speed limits specific
to each country you are driving in, in
the case of vehicles towing trailers.
In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.INSTALLING A TOW
HOOK
Contact an Alfa Romeo Dealership to
install a tow hook.
109) 110)
WARNING
109) The ABS with which the car is
equipped will not control the
braking system of the trailer.
Particular caution is therefore
required when travelling on
slippery roads.
110) Never modify the braking
system of the car to control the
trailer brake. The trailer braking
system must be fully independent
from the hydraulic system of the
car.
SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided with the car:
the Alfa Romeo Dealership will be able
to advise you on the most appropriate
tyre to use.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice
or snow on the roads.
111)
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of
snow tyres, follow the instructions given
in the "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
The winter performance of these tyres
is considerably reduced when the tread
thickness is less than 4 mm. Replace
them in this case.
Due to the specific characteristics of
snow tyres, in normal weather
conditions or on long motorway
journeys, the performance of these
tyres is lower than that of standard
tyres. Their usage should therefore be
restricted in accordance with their
type approval.
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety
when driving and braking as well as
making the car more responsive. It is
inadvisable to change the rotation
direction of tyres.
160
STARTING AND DRIVING
STORING THE CAR
If the car is to be left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be noted:
❒park the car in covered, dry and if
possible well-ventilated premises and
slightly open the windows;
❒check that the handbrake is not
engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the battery
charge. Repeat this check once
every three months during storage;
❒if the battery is not disconnected
from the electrical system, checks its
state of charge every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds
available commercially;
❒sprinkle talcum powder on the
windscreen and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the
glasses;
❒slightly open the windows;❒cover the car with a cloth or
perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do
not allow humidity to evaporate from
the surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the
standard prescribed pressure and
check it periodically;
❒do not drain the engine cooling
system;
❒Any time the car is left inactive for
two weeks or more, operate the
air conditioning system with engine
idling for at least 5 minutes, setting
external air and with fan at maximum
speed. This operation will ensure a
suitable lubrication to minimise
possibility of damage to the
compressor when the system is
operated again.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition
key to STOP, wait at least 1 minute
before disconnecting the electrical
supply to the battery.
162
STARTING AND DRIVING
115) Car handling is modified with
the space-saver wheel fitted.
Avoid violent acceleration and
braking, abrupt steering and fast
cornering. The overall duration
of the space-saver wheel is of
about 3000 km, after which the
relevant tyre must be replaced
with another one of the same
type. Never install a traditional
tyre on a rim designed to be used
as a space-saver wheel. Have
the wheel repaired and refitted as
soon as possible. Using two or
more space-saver wheels at the
same time is forbidden. Do not
grease the bolt threads before you
fit them, because they could
suddenly come loose.116) Use the jack only to replace
wheels on the car with which it
is supplied or on other cars of the
same model. Never use the jack
for other purposes, such as lifting
other car models. Never use it
for repair operations under the
car. Incorrect positioning of the
jack may cause the car to fall. Do
not use the jack for loads higher
than those shown on the label.
Never install snow chains on the
space-saver wheel; if a front tyre
(driving wheel) is punctured and
you need to use snow chains, use
a standard wheel from the rear
axle and install the space-saver
wheel on the rear axle. In this
way, with two normal front drive
wheels, it is possible to use snow
chains.
117) Incorrect hub cap assembly
may cause it to come off when the
car is moving. Never tamper with
the inflation valve. Never
introduce tools of any kind
between rim and tyre. Regularly
check the inflation pressure of the
tyres and space-saver wheel
(see chapter "Technical
specifications").
IMPORTANT
26) Contact an Alfa Romeo
Dealership as soon as possible to
have the correct tightening of
the wheel bolts checked.
169
"Fix&Go Automatic"
kit
This is located in the luggage
compartment (the kit container may
vary according to version - see fig.
149).
The kit also contains a screwdriver and
a tow hook.
The kit also contains:❒bottle A fig. 150 containing sealant
and fitted with: filling tube B and
adhesive label C with the wording
“max. 80 km/h” to be placed in
a clearly visible position (e.g. on the
dashboard) after repairing the tyre;
❒a compressor D complete with
pressure gauge and connectors;
❒an information leaflet fig. 151,
providing instructions for using the kit
correctly. This booklet should be
given to the persons charged with
handling the tyre treated with this kit;
❒a pair of gloves located in the side
compartment of the compressor;
❒adapters for inflating different
elements.
2)
118) 119) 121)
IMPORTANT The sealing liquid is
suitable for use at temperatures in the
range from –20°C to +50°C. The
sealant has an expiry date.
INFLATION PROCEDURE
120) 122) 123) 124) 125) 126)
Proceed as follows:
❒engage the handbrake, unscrew the
tyre valve cap, take out filler hose A
fig. 152 and tighten ring nut B on the
tyre valve;
❒make sure that switch A for the
compressor is in position0(off), start
the engine, insert the plug into the
luggage compartment power socket
(see fig. 154) or on central tunnel
(see fig. 155) and switch on the
compressor by bringing switch A to
positionI(on);
149A0K0515
150A0K0516
151A0K0517
170
IN AN EMERGENCY
❒inflate the tyre to the pressure
indicated in the “Wheels” paragraph
in the “Technical data” chapter. In
order to obtain a more precise
reading, check the pressure value on
pressure gauge B fig. 153 with the
compressor off;
❒if after five minutes it is still impossible
to reach at least 1.8 bar, disengage
the compressor from the valve and
power socket, then move the car
forwards by approx. ten metres
in order to distribute the sealing fluid
inside the tyre evenly, then repeat
the inflation operation;
❒if you still cannot obtain a pressure of
at least 1.8 bar within 5 minutes from
the compressor switching on, do
not drive off and contact an Alfa
Romeo Dealership;❒after having driven for about 10
minutes, stop and recheck the tyre
pressure; remember to engage
the handbrake;
❒if a pressure value of at least 1.8 bar
is detected, restore the correct
pressure (with the engine running and
the handbrake engaged), resume
driving and drive with great care to an
Alfa Romeo Dealership.
CHECKING AND
RESTORING TYRE
PRESSURE
The compressor can also be used to
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre
pressure.
Release quick coupling A fig. 157 and
connect it directly to the valve of the
tyre to be inflated.
152A0K0518
153A0K0519
154A0K0520
155A0K0128
156A0K0521
171
REPLACING THE BOTTLE
Proceed as follows:
❒release coupling A fig. 157 and
disconnect tube B;
❒turn the bottle to be replaced
anticlockwise and raise it;
❒fit the new bottle and turn it
clockwise;
❒insert coupling A and tube B in
position.
IMPORTANT
27) In the event of a puncture
caused by foreign bodies, the kit
may be used to repair tyres
showing damages on the tread or
shoulder up to max. 4 mm
diameter.
IMPORTANT
2) Dispose of the bottle and the
sealant properly. Dispose of the
components in compliance with
national and local regulations.
WARNING
118) Give the booklet to the
technicians who will be handling
the tyre that was treated using
the "Fix&Go Automatic" kit.
119) Punctures on the sides of the
tyre may not be repaired. Do not
use the kit if the tyre is damaged
due to travelling when flat.
120) Wear the protective gloves
provided with the kit.
121) Apply the adhesive label where
it can be easily seen by the driver
as a reminder that the tyre has
been treated with the quick repair
kit. Drive carefully, particularly
on bends. Do not exceed 80 km/h.
Do not accelerate or brake
suddenly.
122) If the pressure has fallen below
1.8 bar, do not drive any further:
the Fix&Go Automatic kit cannot
guarantee proper hold because
the tyre is too damaged. Contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
157A0K0041
172
IN AN EMERGENCY
SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct servicing is essential in
guaranteeing a long life for the car
under the best conditions.
For this reason, Alfa Romeo has
planned a series of checks and services
at fixed distance intervals and, for
versions/markets, where provided, at
fixed time intervals, as described in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan.
Regardless of the above, it is always
necessary to carefully follow the
instructions in the Scheduled Servicing
Plan (e.g. periodically check level of
liquids, tyre pressure, etc.).
Scheduled Servicing is offered by all
Alfa Romeo Dealerships according to
fixed time or kilometres/miles intervals.
If, during each operation, in addition
to the ones scheduled, the need arises
for further replacements or repairs,
these may be carried out only with your
explicit agreement. If your car is used
frequently for towing, the interval
between one service operation and the
next should be reduced.WARNING
The Scheduled Services intervals are
set out by the Manufacturer. Failure
to comply with the schedule may
invalidate the warranty.
It is advisable to inform the Alfa Romeo
Dealership of any small operating
irregularities without waiting for the next
service.
For versions equipped with specific
supply (e.g. LPG) and/or trim level, in
addition to what is described in the
following Scheduled Servicing Plan,
refer to the relevant additional items in
the dedicated supplements.
196
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE