Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

210CARE AND MAINTENANCE
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the maximum level. If the level is too
low undo reservoir cap E-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the fluid described in
chapter 6.
Prevent brake fluid (which is highly corrosive) from
coming into contact with painted parts. Should that
occur, immediately wash with water.
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN/HEADLIGHT
WASHING FLUID
If the level is too low undo reservoir cap D-fig. 1-2-3-4 and add the
fluid described in chapter 6.
Do not travel with the windscreen washing reser-
voir empty: the windscreen washer is fundamen-
tal to improving visibility. Some commercial wind-
screen washer additives are flammable: the engine com-
partment contains hot parts which could start a fire if they
come into contact.
The brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive.
In the event of accidental contact, wash the parts
with water and mild soap and rinse with plenty of
water. If swallowed, immediately call a doctor.
The symbol π, on the container indicates a syn-
thetic brake fluid, which is different from a min-
eral fluid. Use of a mineral-based fluid will dam-
age the special rubber seals of the braking system beyond
repair.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 210

CARE AND MAINTENANCE211
5
BATTERY
The battery F-fig. 1-2-3-4 does not require top ups of distilled water
to replenish the electrolyte. A periodic check carried out at an
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services is, however, necessary to check ef-
ficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
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 draining your battery and prolong its life, observe 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;
❍switch off all lights inside the car: the car is, however, equipped
with a system which switches all internal lights off automati-
cally;
❍do not keep accessories (e.g. sound system, 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.
AIR FILTER/POLLEN FILTER/
DIESEL FILTER
Contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to replace these
filters.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 211

212CARE AND MAINTENANCE
The battery is also more prone to the risk of freezing (e.g. al-
ready at –10
°C). Refer to the paragraph “Car inactivity” in chap-
ter 3 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 an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. They can calculate the overall electrical re-
quirement.
The battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive. Avoid
contact with the skin and the eyes. Keep naked
flames and sources of sparks away from the bat-
tery: risk of explosion and fire.
Running the battery with an excessively low liquid
level will damage the battery beyond repair and
may even cause an explosion.
Incorrect assembly of electric and electronic devices
may cause severe damage to your car. Go to an Al-
fa Romeo Authorised Services if you want to in-
stall 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 capacity bat-
tery needs to be installed.
Batteries contain substances that can be very dan-
gerous for the environment. Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services to replace the battery.
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.
When performing any operation on the battery
or near it, always protect your eyes with the spe-
cial goggles.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 212

CARE AND MAINTENANCE213
5
WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip check the tyre inflation pressure
(and small spare wheel); check the pressure with the tyres cold.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear fig. 5:
A normal pressure: evenly worn tread.
B low pressure: tread particularly worn on the edges.
C excessive pressure: tread particularly worn in the middle.
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 knocks 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
spare 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.
fig. 5A0J0136m
ABC
Remember that the road holding qualities of your
car also depend on the correct inflation pressure
of the tyres.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 213

214CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WINDSCREEN/REARSCREEN WIPERS
Avoid changing over the tyres from the right side
of the vehicle to the left side and vice versa.
Do not repaint alloy wheel rims at temperatures
higher than 150°C. The mechanical characteristics
of the wheels might be disrupted.
Driving with worn wiper blades is a serious haz-
ard, because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
BLADES
We recommend replacing the blades once a year.
A few simple precautions can reduce the possibility of damage to
the blades:
❍make sure that the rubber part does not stick to the windscreen
at sub-zero temperatures. Use an antifreeze product to release
it if required;
❍remove any snow from the window;
❍activate the windscreen/rearscreen wiper on a dry window.
If the pressure is too low the tyre will get over-
heated, with the risk of serious damage to the tyre.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 214

CARE AND MAINTENANCE215
5
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades
Proceed as follows:
❍lift the windscreen wiper arm and position the blade so that it
forms an angle of 90° with the arm;
❍press tabs (one on each side) A-fig. 6 on the attachment clip
and remove the blade from the arm;
❍fit the new blade, inserting the tab into the dedicated housing
in the arm. Make sure that the new blade is secured in posi-
tion.
Replacing the rearscreen wiper blade
Proceed as follows:
❍lift cover A-fig. 7, undo nut B and remove arm C;
❍position the new arm, fully tighten nut B and then lower
cover A.
SPRAY NOZZLES
Windscreen washer fig. 8
The windscreen washer jets are fixed.
fig. 6A0J0054m
fig. 7A0J0057m
fig. 8A0J0053m
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 215

216CARE AND MAINTENANCE
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, if necessary us-
ing a needle.
Rearscreen washer fig. 9
The nozzle holder is located above the rear window. Rear win-
dow washer jets are fixed.
HEADLIGHT WASHERS (where provided)
fig. 10
These are located within the front bumper. They are activated when
the dipped beam and/or main beam headlights are on and the
windscreen washer is activated.
Check the correct operation and cleanliness of nozzles at regular
intervals.
fig. 9A0J0055mfig. 10A0J0029m
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 216

CARE AND MAINTENANCE217
5
BODYWORK
PROTECTION FROM
ATMOSPHERIC AGENTS
The vehicle is equipped with the best available technological solu-
tions to protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These are the most important:
❍paint products and systems which give the car resistance to cor-
rosion and abrasion;
❍use of galvanised (or pre-treated) steel sheets, with high re-
sistance to corrosion;
❍spraying of plastic parts, with a protective function, in the most
exposed points: underdoor, inner wing parts, edges, etc.;
❍use of “open” boxed sections to prevent condensation and
pockets of moisture from triggering rust inside.
❍use of special films to protect against abrasion in exposed ar-
eas (e.g. rear wing, doors, etc.).
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.
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to prevent the for-
mation of rust.
Normal maintenance of paintwork consists of washing the car: the
frequency depends on the conditions and environment where the
car is used. For example, it is advisable to wash the car more of-
ten in areas with high environmental pollution or salted roads.
To correctly wash the car:
❍remove the aerial from the roof when using a carwash;
❍if high pressure water jets are used to wash the car, make sure
they are at least 40 cm away from the bodywork to avoid caus-
ing damage. It should be remembered that a build up of wa-
ter could cause damage, in the long term, to the car;
❍wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
❍wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over the body-
work, frequently rinsing the sponge;
❍rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or leather pad.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 217

218CARE AND MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT NOTES
Avoid parking under trees; the resin dropped by trees makes the
paintwork go opaque, increasing the possibility of corrosion.
Bird droppings must be washed off immediately and thoroughly as
the acid they contain is particularly aggressive.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to prevent scratching.
Front headlights
Use a soft, damp cloth soaked in water and detergent for wash-
ing cars
IMPORTANT Do not use solvents: this may cause the lens to be-
come opaque.
IMPORTANT When cleaning the car with a pressure washer, keep
the water jet at least 2 cm away from the headlights.
Engine compartment
At the end of the winter the engine compartment should be care-
fully washed, without directing the jet against electronic control
units. Have this operation performed at a specialised workshop.
IMPORTANT Perform this operation on a cold engine and with the
key removed from the ignition.
Detergents cause water pollution. The car should
be washed in areas equipped for collecting and pu-
rifying the liquid used in the washing process.
When drying take care to dry the least exposed parts where the
water could collect most easily. Do not wash the car after it has
been parked in the sun or when the engine is bonnet is hot: this
could take the shine off the paint.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the same way as the rest
of the car.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 218

CARE AND MAINTENANCE219
5
INTERIORS
Periodically check for water puddles under the mats that could cause
the panels to rust.
CLEANING SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. It is advis-
able to use a moist brush on velvet upholstery. Rub the seats with
a sponge moistened with a solution of water and neutral detergent.
LEATHER SEATS (provided on request for
versions/markets where available)
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp cloth, with-
out exercising too much pressure.
Remove liquid or oil stains using a dry absorbent cloth, without rub-
bing. 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 instruc-
tions carefully.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the cleaning prod-
ucts used contain no alcohol or alcohol derivatives, even in small
quantities.
INTERIOR PLASTIC PARTS
Clean interior plastic parts with a moist cloth and a solution of
water and mild soap. To clean oily or persistent stains, use specif-
ic products free from solvents and designed to maintain the origi-
nal colour of the components.
IMPORTANT Never use spirit or petrol to clean the glass of the in-
strument panel or other plastic parts.
197-220 Alfa MiTo GB 12-11-2008 15:42 Pagina 219