trailer Alfa Romeo 147 2005 Owner handbook (in English)

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
182
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 in-
crease as resistance to rolling is higher. It
should be underscored that in these condi-
tions tyre wear increases and vehicle per-
formance is lower, therefore also its safety.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the vehicle (especially in ur-
ban traffic), and its geometry heavily affect
consumption levels and stability.
Luggage/ski racks
Remove the luggage rack or ski rack from
the roof as soon as they are no longer used.
These accessories lower air penetration and
adversely affect consumption levels. When
needing to carry particularly voluminous ob-
jects, preferably use a trailer.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy
therefore, increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels (up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.DRIVING STYLE
Starting
Do not warm the engine with the car at a
standstill or at idle or high speed: under
these conditions the engine warms up much
more slowly, increasing electrical consump-
tion and emissions. It is therefore advisable
to move off immediately, slowly, avoiding
high speeds. This way the engine will warm
faster.
Pointless manoeuvres
Avoid accelerating when waiting at traffic
lights or before switching off the engine. This
and also double declutching is absolutely
pointless on modern cars and also increase
consumption and pollution.
Gear shifting
As soon as the conditions of the traffic and
road allow, use a higher gear. Using a low
gear to obtain brilliant performance increases
consumption. In the same way improper use
of a high gear increases consumption, emis-
sions and engine wear.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
185
IMPORTANTWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the vehicle
(increased by 5%), place a notice in the pas-
senger compartment, plainly in the driver’s
view which states the maximum permissi-
ble speed of the winter tyres (as per CE Di-
rective).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four wheels
(brand and profile) to ensure higher driving
safety when braking and good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres. WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for dri-
ving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of the
car most suited to the use the Customer in-
tends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of winter
tyres, follow the instructions given in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are re-
duced considerably when the tread depth
is below 4 mm. In this case, they should be
replaced.
Due to the winter features, under normal
conditions of use or on long motorway jour-
neys, the performance of these tyres is low-
er than that of normal tyres.
It is necessary therefore to limit their use to
the purposes for which they are certified.
TRAILER TOWING
The car does not have the approval to tow
trailers.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
225
IMPORTANT
Engine oil
Should prevailing use of the car be under
one of the following specially heavy condi-
tions:
– trailer or caravan towing
– dusty roads
– frequently idling engines or long distance
low speed driving or in case of a long term
inactivity
– short distances (less than 7-8 km) re-
peated and with external temperatures be-
low zero replace engine oil more frequent-
ly than required on Service Schedule.
IMPORTANT
Air cleaner
Using the car on dusty roads change the
air cleaner more frequently than specified in
the Scheduled Maintenance Programme.
For any doubts concerning the intervals be-
tween engine oil and air cleaner replacement
in relation to how the vehicle is used, con-
tact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.IMPORTANT
Battery
It is advisable to check the battery charge,
preferably at the onset of winter, to prevent
the possibility of the electrolyte freezing.
This check should be carried out more fre-
quently if the car is used mainly for short
trips, or if it is fitted with accessories that
permanently absorb electricity even with the
ignition key removed, especially in the case
of after market accessories.
If the vehicle is used in hot climates or par-
ticularly harsh conditions it is wise to check
the level of the battery fluid (electrolyte)
more frequently than specified in the Sched-
uled Maintenance Programme.Vehicle maintenance should
be entrusted to Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. For
routine and minor maintenance op-
erations you wish to carry out your-
self, always make sure you have the
proper equipment, genuine Alfa
Romeo spares and the necessary flu-
ids;do not however carry out these
operations if you have no experi-
ence.IMPORTANT
Pollen filter
If the vehicle is used frequently in dusty or
heavily polluted environments it is advisable
to replace the filtering element more fre-
quently; in particular it should be replaced
if a reduction of the amount of air admitted
to the passenger compartment is noted.

ALPHABETICAL INDEX
281
Starting with an auxiliary
battery..................................... 189
Steering lock ............................... 15
Steering system
- adjustment lever...................... 22
- technical specifications.............. 247
Steering wheel
- adjustment lever ................ 22
Sunroof ...................................... 127
- emergency manoeuvre ............. 128
- opening-closing........................ 127
- raising at rear.......................... 128
Sun visors ................................... 125
Symbols ..................................... 5-6
Tailgate
- opening from inside ................. 128
- opening with remote
control .............................. 8-128
Technical specifications.......... 243Towing the car ............................. 217
Trailer towing............................... 185
Transmission
- specifications .......................... 246
Trip computer .............................. 72
Trip meter reset............................ 51
Tyres
- correct reading ........................ 249
- FIX&GO kit for quick
tyre repairing .......................... 191
- inflating pressure ..................... 248
- snow chains ............................ 186
- types of tyres and rims ............. 248
- winter .................................... 185Use of non-toxic material............. 174
Useful accessories ........................ 187
VDC system .............................. 136
Vehicle data plate ................... 243-244
Vehicle dimensions ....................... 252Vehicle identification ..................... 243
Vehicle inactivity .......................... 186
- using again ............................. 187
Vehicle maintenance.............. 221
Volumetric protection .................... 13
Warning lights .......................... 77
Washing the car
- engine compartment ................ 242
- exterior .................................. 241
- interior ................................... 242
Weights ...................................... 253
Wheels
- FIX&GO kit for quick
tyre repairing .......................... 191
- geometry ............................... 251
- snow chains ............................ 186
- tyre inflating pressure ............... 248
- tyres and rims.................. 249-250