technical specifications Abarth Punto 2014 Owner handbook (in English)

194
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Batteries contain substances that can be
very dangerous for the environment. It is
advisable to have the battery changed by
an Abarth Dealership, where it will be disposed
of correctly and in accordance with nature and
the law.
If the vehicle must remain unused for a
long time at very low temperatures,
remove the battery and take it to a warm place
to avoid freezing.
WARNING
If you have to perform any operation on
the battery or near it, always protect
your eyes with special goggles.
WARNING
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 flaps are closed properly, to prevent any
light from switching on inside the passenger’s
compartment;
❒the courtesy lights must be off. The car is however
provided with an automatic system for switching off
internal lights;
❒do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, hazard
warning lights, etc...) switched on for a long time
when the engine is not running;
❒before performing any operation on the electric
system, disconnect the negative battery cable;
❒make sure that the battery terminals are fully
tightened.
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195
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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
(e.g. already at -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 want to install electrical
accessories which require permanent electrical supply
(alarm, etc.) or accessories influencing the electrical
supply requirements, contact an Abarth Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition to suggesting the
most suitable devices available in Lineaccessori Abarth,
will evaluate 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 battery.
Since these devices continue absorbing energy even with
the engine off, they gradually run down the battery.WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, including the space-saver,
every two weeks and before long journeys. The pressure
should be checked with the tyre rested and cold.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under
standard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see “Wheels” in the “Technical specifications”
chapter.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 171:
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 all cases, follow the laws in force in the
country where you are driving.
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196
F0U175Abfig. 171
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Remember that road holding also
depends on the correct tyre inflation.
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. Never submit alloy rims to
repainting treatments requiring the use of
temperatures exceeding 150°C.
The mechanical properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒Avoid braking suddenly, high-powered starts and
violent impacts against curbs, potholes or other
obstacles if possible. Driving for long stretches over
bumpy roads can damage the tyres;
❒check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling
or irregular tread wear;. Contact an Abarth Dealership
if required;
❒avoid overloading the car when travelling: this may
cause serious damage to the wheels and tyres;
❒if a tyre is punctured, stop the vehicle immediately and
change it to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim, the
suspensions and the steering system;
❒a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in the
tread and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. Have
the tyres checked by skilled personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than six years. Also remember
to check the space-saver wheel very carefully;
❒in case of replacement, always fit new tyres, avoiding
those with an unknown origin;
❒if a tyre is replaced, also change the inflation valve;
❒to allow even wear between the front and rear tyres,
it is advisable to change them over every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same side
of the car so as not to reverse the direction of
rotation.
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197
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel rubber hoses are
concerned, follow the “Scheduled Servicing Programme”
in this chapter carefully.
Ozone, high temperatures and prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and cracking of the
hoses, with possible leaks.
Careful inspections are therefore necessary.
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WINDSCREEN WIPER
BLADES
Periodically clean the rubber part using special products;
TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is recommended.
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed or
worn. In any case, it is advisable to replace them
approximately once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of
damage to the blades:
❒make sure that the rubber part is not stuck to the
windscreen at sub-zero temperatures. Use a de-icing
product to release it if required;
❒remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents effort from the
motor and overheating;
❒do not operate the windscreen wipers on dry glass.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a
serious hazard, because visibility is
reduced in bad weather.
WARNING
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F0U177Abfig. 173198
F0U176Abfig. 172
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades fig. 172
How to remove the blade:
❒lift the arm A off the windscreen;
❒turn blade B 90° around pin C, located at the end of
the wiper arm;
❒remove the blade from the pin C.
How to insert the blade:
❒fit pin C into the hole located in the middle of the
blade B;
❒refit the arm with the blade on the windscreen.
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Changing the rear window blade fig. 173
Proceed as follows:
❒raise the cover A and remove the arm from the car,
slackening the nut B that fastens it to the pivot pin;
❒position the new arm correctly and tighten the nut;
❒lower the cover.
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199F0U179Abfig. 174F0U178Abfig. 175
Rear window washer fig. 175
Rear window washer jets are fixed.
The nozzle holder is located above the rear window. SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 174
If the jet of fluid is inadequate, 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.
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200
BODY AND UNDERBODY
WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation due
to rust of any original element of the structure or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.
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BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
AGENTS
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
❒atmospheric pollution;
❒salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or hot humid
climates);
❒seasonal environmental conditions.
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust and
sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other cars is
also not to be underestimated.
Abarth has used the best manufacturing technologies on
your car to effectively protect the bodywork against
corrosion.
These include:
❒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,
internal wheel housing parts and other parts with
highly protective wax products;
❒spraying of protective plastic material in the more
exposed points: underdoor, inner mudguard parts,
edges, etc...
❒Use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture which could
cause rust inside.
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201
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Detergents pollute the environment. The
vehicle should be washed in areas
equipped for collecting and cleaning the
liquid used in the washing process.
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Paintwork does not only serve an aesthetic purpose, but
also protects the underlying sheet metal.
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
prevent rust formation. Use only original paint products
for touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint identification plate”
in the “Technical specifications” section).
Normal maintenance of paintwork consists in washing
the car: the frequency depends on the conditions and
environment where the car is used. For example, in
highly polluted areas, or if the roads are sprayed with
salt, it is wise to wash the car more frequently.
To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed as follows:
❒remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
❒rif high pressure water jets are used to wash the car,
make sure they are at least 40 cm away from the
bodywork to avoid causing damage. It should be
remembered that a build up of water could cause
damage, in the long term, to the car; dy using a low
pressure jet of water;
❒wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over the
bodywork, frequently rinsing with the sponge;
❒rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
chamois leather.Dry the less visible parts, such as the door frames,
bonnet and the headlight frames with special care, as in
these areas water may stagnate more easily. The car
should not be taken to a closed area immediately, but
left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left in the sun or
with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork. Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the
same way as the rest of the car.
Where possible, do not park under trees; the resinous
substance that many species release give the paint a dull
appearance and increase the possibility of triggering
rusting processes.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain is
particularly aggressive.
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202
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INTERIORS
Periodically check that water is not trapped under the
mats (due to water dripping off shoes, umbrellas, etc.)
which could cause oxidisation of the sheet metal. Glasses
To clean glasses, use specific window cleaner products.
Also use clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or
altering the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window inside gently with
a cloth in the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
Engine compartment
Wash the engine compartment thoroughly at the end of
every winter. Be careful not to direct the jet of water
onto electronic control units. Adequately protect the
upper air vents to prevent damage to the windscreen
wiper motor. Have this operation performed at a
specialised workshop.
IMPORTANT The washing should take place with the
engine cold and the ignition key in the STOP position.
After the washing operation, make sure that the various
protections (e.g. rubber caps and guards) have not been
removed or damaged.
Front headlights
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic substances (e.g.: petrol)
or ketenes (e.g.: acetone) for cleaning front headlight plastic
lens.
Never use flammable products, such as
petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car. The electrostatic charges
which are generated by rubbing during the
cleaning operation may cause a fire.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cylinders in the
vehicle: risk of bursting. Aerosol cylinders
must not be exposed to a temperature
exceeding 50°C. When the car is exposed to
sunlight, the internal temperature can greatly
exceed this value.
WARNING
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203
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SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is
advisable to use a moist brush on velvet upholstery.
Rub the seats with a sponge moistened with a solution
of water and neutral detergent.
The fabric upholstery of your car is
designed to withstand normal wear and
tear for a long time. Some precautions
are however needed. Avoid prolonged rubbing
against clothing accessories, such as metal
buckles, Velcro strips and the like, which by
applying a high pressure on the fabric in a small
area could cause the breakage of some threads
and damage the upholstery.
LEATHER SEATS
(for versions/markets where provided)
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp
cloth, without exercising too much pressure.
Remove any liquid or grease stains using an absorbent
dry cloth, without rubbing. Then clean with a soft cloth
or buckskin cloth dampened with water and neutral
soap.
If the stain persists, use specific products and observe
the instructions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the
cleaning products used contain no alcohol or alcohol
derivatives, even in small quantities.
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