Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2011 Owner handbook (in English)

207
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
CHECKING LEVELS
Be careful not to confuse the various types of flu-
ids while topping up: they are all incompatible with
each other and may severely damage your car.
Never smoke while working in the engine com-
partment: flammable gases may be present. Risk
of fire.
Proceed very carefully inside the engine compart-
ment when the engine is hot: risk of burns. Re-
member that the fan may start up if the engine is
hot: this could injure you. Make sure that scarves, ties and
other loose fitting garments do not get caught up in mov-
ing parts.

208
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
fig. 161 - 1.4 Turbo Petrol versionsA0K0335m

209
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
fig. 162 - 1.4 Turbo Multi Air versionsA0K0336m

210
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
fig. 163 - 1750 Turbo Petrol versionsA0K0337m

211
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
fig. 164 - 1.6 JTDM– 2.0 JTDMversionsA0K0338m

ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references
on the dipstick A-fig. 161-162-163-164.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN line, add oil through the
filler A until it reaches the MAX line.
Do not add oil with different characteristics to those
of the existing engine oil.
Used engine oil and the replaced oil filter contain
substances that are harmful to the environment.
We recommend having the oil and oil filter re-
placed by Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap C-fig. 161-162-163-164
and add the fluid described in “Technical Specifications” chapter.
PARAFLUUPanti-freeze is used in the engine cool-
ing system. Use the same fluid as in the cooling
system when topping up. PARAFLU
UPmay not be
mixed with any other type of fluid. If this accidentally
occurs, do not start the engine. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
The engine cooling system is pressurised. If the cap
needs replacing, do so with another original or the
effectiveness of the system may be compromised.
Do not remove the cap from the reservoir when the en-
gine is hot: you may get burned
212
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
The oil level must never exceed the MAX line.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams every
1000 km. During the initial period of use the engine oil consumption
conditions should be considered as having stabilised after the first
5000 - 6000 km.
If the engine oil is being topped up, wait for the
engine to cool down before loosening the filler plug,
particularly for vehicles with aluminium plug (for
versions/markets where provided). CAUTION: risk of burns!

213
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap F-fig. 161-162-163-164 and add the flu-
id described in the “Technical Specifications” chapter.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corrosive, from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should this
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW/
HEADLIGHT WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 161-162-163-
164 and add the fluid described in the “Technical Specifications”
chapter.
IMPORTANT The headlight washer system will not work when
the liquid level is low although the windscreen/rear window wash-
er will still work. For versions/markets where provided (see pre-
vious pages), a reference line E-fig. 161, 162, 163, 164 is pro-
vided: ONLY the windscreen/rear window washer will work un-
der this line.
Some commercial windscreen washer additives are
flammable. The engine compartment contains hot
parts which could cause a fire if they come into con-
tact with these additives.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive. In
the event of accidental contact, wash the parts im-
mediately with water and neutral soap, then rinse
with plenty of water. In case of swallowing, immediately
call a doctor.
The symbol πon the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Using a mineral-type fluid will damage
the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond re-
pair.
Do not travel if the windscreen washer reservoir is
empty: using the windscreen washer is essential
for improving visibility. Repeated operation of the
system when it is empty could damage or rapidly deteri-
orate some of its parts

214
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
BATTERY
The electrolyte of the battery G-fig. 161-162-163-164 does not
need to be topped up with distilled water. A periodic check carried
out at Alfa Romeo Authorized Services is, however, necessary to
check efficiency.
BATTERY REPLACEMENT
When necessary, replace the battery with another original battery
with the same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer’s in-
structions for maintenance.
ADVICE FOR PROLONGING
THE LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid rapidly draining your battery and to prolong its life, ob-
serve the following indications:
❍when you park the car, ensure the doors, tailgate and bonnet
are closed properly in order to avoid the courtesy lights re-
maining on for longer than necessary;
❍turn off the ceiling lights, although the car does have an au-
tomatic system for switching off internal lights;
❍do not leave devices (e.g. car radio, hazard lights, etc.)
switched on for a long time when the engine is not running;
❍before performing any operation on the electrical system, dis-
connect the battery negative terminal.
IMPORTANT The steering system will need to be initialised after dis-
connecting the battery. A warning light
gwill come on to indi-
cate this. Simply turn the steering wheel all the way to one end
or simply drive on a straight line for a few hundred metres.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to replace these
filters.

215
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
IMPORTANT If the battery remains with the charge below 50%
for a long time it becomes damaged through sulphation and its
starting capacity is reduced.
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this can happen
as early as –10°C). Refer to “Storing the car” in “Starting and
driving” if the car is left parked for a long time.
If after having purchased your car you decide to add accessories re-
quiring permanent electrical power (alarm etc.) or accessories that
require large amounts of power, please consult Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services. They can calculate the overall electrical require-
ment.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid
contact with the skin and the eyes. Keep naked
flames or possible sources of sparks away from the
battery: risk of explosion or fire.
Using the battery when the fluid is too low dam-
ages it irreparably and can cause an explosion.
Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic devices
may cause severe damage to your car. Go to an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Service Provider if you want
to install accessories after having purchased your car
(alarms, mobile phone, etc.): they will be able to suggest
the most suitable devices and advise you if a higher ca-
pacity battery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances that are very dan-
gerous for the environment. Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services to replace the battery.
If the car must remain unused for a long time at
very low temperatures, remove the battery and
take it to a warm place, to avoid freezing.
When performing any operation on the battery
or near it, always protect your eyes with spe-
cial goggles.

216
GETTING
TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING
AND DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
CONTENTS
WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip, and every two weeks, check the
tyre inflation pressure (and space-saver wheel); check the pressure
with the tyres cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase when the car is used; for
the correct tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in the “Technical
specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 165:
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.IMPORTANT NOTES
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 unsurfaced roads;
❍check the tyres regularly for cuts on the sides, swelling or ir-
regular tread wear;
❍avoid travelling with the vehicle overloaded. If you puncture a
tyre, stop immediately and replace it;
❍have the tyres checked by specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years. Remember to check the
space-saver wheel very carefully;
❍change the position of the tyres every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same side of the vehicle to avoid
inverting the direction of rotation.
❍a tyre will age even if it is not used much. Cracks in the tread
and on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing. In any event, have
the tyres checked by specialised personnel if they have been
fitted for longer than six years. Remember to check the space-
saver wheel very carefully;
❍when replacing the tyres, always fit new tyres, avoiding those
of dubious origin;
❍If a tyre is replaced, you should also change the inflation valve.
fig. 165A0K0023m