spare wheel Alfa Romeo MiTo 2009 Owner handbook (in English)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR23
1
Insufficient tyre inflation pressure
(where provided)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on
(on some versions together with a message on the dis-
play) (together with the sounding of a buzzer) if the tyre infla-
tion pressure of one or more tyres goes below a preset value. In
this way the T.P.M.S. system warns the driver that one or more
tyres may be dangerously flat and liable to puncture.
IMPORTANT Do not continue driving with one or more tyres flat
as vehicle driveability may be compromised. Stop the car, avoid-
ing harsh braking or steering manoeuvres. Replace the wheel im-
mediately with the spare wheel (where provided) or carry out a
repair using the dedicated kit (see the paragraph on “Replacing
a wheel” in chapter 4) and contact an Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice as soon as possible.n
T.P.M.S. system failure
(where provided) (amber)
This warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) when a fault is
detected in the T.P.M.S tyre inflation pressure monitoring system:
if this occurs, contact your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Service
as soon as possible.
Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors, the display
will show a warning message until initial conditions are restored.
Check tyre inflation pressure
(where provided)
If this warning light (or symbol in the display) comes on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) this indicates that
the tyre pressure is below the optimum value recommended to
guarantee long tyre life and low fuel consumption. It may also in-
dicate a slow loss of pressure.
Should two or more tyres be discovered to be in the above men-
tioned condition, the display will show the indications corresponding
to each tyre in sequence. Under these circumstances you should
restore the correct pressure values (see chapter 6).
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR109
1
ASR SYSTEM (AntiSlip Regulation)
This is an integral part of the VDC system. It automatically cuts in
in the event of one or both drive wheels slipping, loss of grip on
wet roads (aquaplaning) and acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy
roads etc.
According to slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❍if slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR function inter-
venes by reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❍if the slipping involves only one drive wheel, the ASR system
intervenes by automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
If the spare wheel is in use the ASR system does
not work. in this case the
áwarning light will come
on in the instrument panel.
In order for the ESP and ASR systems to operate
correctly, it is essential that the tyres are of the
same brand and type on all wheels, in perfect con-
dition and, above all, of the specified type, brand and size.
If the spare wheel is used, the VDC system keeps
operating. Be aware however that the spare wheel,
being smaller than the original wheel, provides less
grip.
The performance of the VDC and ASR systems
should not encourage the driver to take unneces-
sary risks. Your driving style should always take
road conditions, visibility and traffic into account. The dri-
ver is ultimately responsible for road safety.
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120GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
T.P.M.S. SYSTEM (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)
(where provided)
The vehicle can be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system
(T.P.M.S.), which informs the driver of the tyre inflation pressure
via the “Check the tyre inflation pressure” and “Insufficient tyre in-
flation pressure” warning messages.
This system comprises of a radio frequency transmitter fitted to
each wheel (on the wheel rim inside the tyre), which is able to
send information on the tyre inflation pressure of each wheel to
the control unit.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT
THE T.P.M.S. SYSTEM
The fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be dis-
played after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send fault infor-
mation to the instrument panel only after the vehicle has been in
motion for a short time.
Take the greatest of care when checking and top-
ping up the tyre inflation pressure. Excessive pres-
sure compromises road holding, increases the stress
on the suspension and wheels as well as increasing the risk
of the tyres wearing out un-evenly.
The tyre inflation pressure should be measured
with the tyres at rest and cold; if for any reason
the pressure is checked when the tyres are warm,
do not reduce the pressure if it is excessive but rather wait
until the tyres have cooled down and carry out the check
again.
The presence of the T.P.M.S. system does not mean
the driver should not carry out regular checks on
the tyre inflation pressure and spare wheel.
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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR123
1
–
NO
NO
YES
YES
YESYES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NOContact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service
Repair damaged
wheel
Contact an Alfa Romeo
Authorised Service
–
–
–
(*) Given as an alternative in the Owner Handbook and available in Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
(**) Not cross switched (tyres must stay on the same side).
In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
Operation Presence of sensor Indication fault Operation
Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service
–
Wheel change
with small spare wheel
Wheel change
with winter tyres
Wheel change
with winter tyres
Wheel change
with others of different size (*)
Wheel cross switching
(front/rear) (**)
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158STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains should be in compliance with local regu-
lations. The snow chains may be applied only to the front wheel
tyres (drive wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the first few metres have been
driven.
Use reduced bulk snow chains: for 195/55 R16” and 205/45
R17” tyres. Use reduced bulk snow chains with a maximum pro-
trusion from the tyres of 9 mm.
IMPORTANT The spare wheel cannot be fitted with snow chains.
If a front (drive) wheel is punctured and snow chains must be used,
you must remove a normal wheel from the rear and replace this
one with the small spare wheel. In this way, with two normal dri-
ve wheels, it is possible to use snow chains.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for longer than a month, the following
precautions should be noted:
❍park the vehicle in a dry, covered and, if possible, ventilated
area; engage a gear and check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged;
❍disconnect the negative battery terminal and check battery
charge. Repeat this check once every three months during stor-
age;
❍clean and protect painted areas using protective wax;
❍clean and protect the shiny metal areas using special com-
mercially-available products;
❍sprinkle talcum powder on the rubber windscreen and rear win-
dow wiper blades and lift them off the glass;
❍slightly open the windows;
❍cover the car with a fabric or perforated plastic sheet. Do not
use compact plastic sheets which do not allow humidity to evap-
orate from the surface of the car.
❍inflate tyres to a pressure of +0.5 bar above the normal spec-
ified pressure and check the pressure at regular intervals;
❍if you have not disconnected the battery, check the battery
charge every thirty days;
❍do not drain the engine cooling system.
Keep your speed down when snow chains are fit-
ted. Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps
and pavements and also avoid driving long dis-
tances on roads not covered with snow to prevent dam-
aging the car and the roadbed.
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IN AN EMERGENCY161
4
The small spare wheel is specific to the vehicle: do
not use it on different vehicle models or use spare
wheels from other models on your car. The small
spare wheel must only be used in an emergency. Never
use it longer than strictly necessary and never exceed 80
km/h. On the small spare wheel there is a label, sum-
marizing the main warnings about the small spare wheel
usage restrictions. Never remove or cover the label. Nev-
er apply any hub cap to the small spare wheel.
REPLACING A WHEEL
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The vehicle is equipped with the“Fix&Go automatic kit”: to use
this device see the paragraph entitled “Fix&Go Automatic Kit”.
As an alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the vehicle can be
provided with a small spare wheel: see the instructions on the fol-
lowing pages for changing the wheels.
Indicate that the car is stationary according to the
laws in force: emergency lights, refracting warn-
ing triangle, etc. Passengers should leave the car,
particularly if it is heavily loaded, and wait for the wheel
to be changed away from on-coming traffic. In the event
of a wheel change on a slope or on unsurfaced roads,
chock the rear wheels.
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162IN AN EMERGENCY
The jack may only be used to replace wheels on
the car to which it is fitted or other cars of the same
model. Never use the jack for other purposes, such
as lifting other car models. Never use the jack to carry out
repairs under the car. Incorrect positioning of the jack may
cause the car to fall. Do not use the jack for loads greater
than those shown on the label. Never install snow chains
on the small spare wheel; if a front tyre (driving wheel)
is punctured and you need to use snow chains, use a stan-
dard wheel from the rear axle and install the small spare
wheel on the rear axle. This way, with two normal front
driving wheels, you can install the snow chains on them.
If the hub cap is not installed properly, it can de-
tach itself when the vehicle is running. Never tam-
per with the inflation valve. Never introduce tools
of any kind between rim and tyre. Regularly check the in-
flation pressure of the tyres and small spare wheel (see
chapter 6).
Vehicle handling is modified with the small spare
wheel fitted. Avoid violent accelerations and brak-
ing, sharp steering and fast cornering. The over-
all lifetime of the small spare wheel is about 3000 km,
after which the relevant tyre must be replaced with an-
other one of the same type. Never install a traditional tyre
on a rim designed to be used as a small spare wheel. Re-
pair and refit the standard wheel as soon as possible. Us-
ing two or more small spare wheels at the same time is
forbidden. Do not apply grease to the bolt threading be-
fore assembly: they might loosen spontaneously.
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IN AN EMERGENCY163
4
JACK
Important notes:
❍the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❍the jack requires no adjustment;
❍the jack cannot be repaired; if it breaks it must be replaced with
a new jack;
❍no tool other than the cranking device may be fitted on the
jack.Replace the wheel as follows:
❍stop the car in a position where it does not endanger on-com-
ing traffic and where you can replace the wheel safely. The
ground must be flat and compact;
❍switch off the engine, pull up the handbrake and engage 1st
gear or reverse; put on the high visibility jacket (required by
law) before leaving the vehicle;
❍open the luggage compartment, pull tab A-fig. 2 and lift up the
mat;
❍undo locking device A-fig. 3, remove tool box B and place it
next to the wheel to be replaced; remove small spare wheel C;
fig. 2A0J0104mfig. 3A0J0105m
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IN AN EMERGENCY165
4
❍operate device A-fig. 7 to extend the jack, until the upper part
B-fig. 8 inserts correctly into device C;
❍warn anybody nearby that the car is about to be lifted. They
must stay clear and not touch the car until it is back on the
ground;
❍insert handle D-fig. 7 into the housing on device A, operate the
jack and lift the vehicle until the wheel is several centimetres
off the ground;
❍make sure that the contact surfaces on the small spare wheel
are clean and free of impurities which may subsequently cause
the retaining bolts to loosen;
❍fit the small spare wheel by inserting the first bolt for two
threads into the hole closest to the inflation valve;
❍use wrench A-fig. 5 to fully tighten the retaining bolts;
❍operate jack handle D-fig. 7 to lower the vehicle. Remove the
jack;
fig. 7A0J0062mfig. 8A0J0061m
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166IN AN EMERGENCY
fig. 9A0J0271mfig. 10A0J0180m
❍use wrench A-fig. 5, to fully tighten the retaining bolts, tight-
ening first one bolt and then the diametrically opposite bolt,
following the sequence shown in fig. 9;
❍when replacing an alloy wheel it is advisable to place it upside
down, with the aesthetic part facing upwards.
REMOVING THE SUBWOOFER (versions with
HI-FI bose system, where provided)
IMPORTANT The following procedure only applies to vehicles
equipped with Bose Hi-Fi systems with Subwoofer (where provid-
ed).
On these versions the tools for replacing the wheel are found in a
dedicated bag in the luggage compartment.
Subwoofer and small spare wheel
Proceed as follows to remove the Subwoofer:
❍open the luggage compartment, pull tab A-fig. 2 and lift up the
mat;
❍undo locking device A-fig. 10 and lift up the Subwoofer. Then re-
move connection cable B from Velcro attachment C;
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