change time Alfa Romeo MiTo 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

158STARTING UP AND DRIVING
SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which may help you to save fuel and
lower the amount of toxic emissions released into the atmosphere.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled servicing plan”.
Tyres
Check tyre pressure regularly, at least once every four weeks: ex-
cessively low pressure will increase fuel consumption because rolling
resistance will be higher.
Unnecessar y loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and
its ride setting greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears cor-
rectly. For this reason, there must be no obstacles
on the floor under the pedals: ensure that any rub-
ber mats are correctly positioned, and do not interfere
with the pedals
Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear
lever, because this pressure, even if light, can wear
out the gearbox internal components over time.
IMPORTANT Reverse may only be engaged when the car is at a
standstill. With the engine on, wait at least 3 seconds with the
clutch pressed down before engaging reverse gear to prevent it
from scraping.

204CARE AND MAINTENANCE
2 If the car is mainly used in cities or travels less than 10,000 km a year, change the engine oil and filter every
12 months.
30 60 90 120 150 180
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1 For 1.4 Turbo Petrol, 1.4 Multi Air and 1.4 Turbo Multi Air versions, in order to guarantee correct operation pre-
vent serious damage to the engine, it is essential to observe the following:
- only use spark plugs specifically certified for1.4 Turbo Petrol, 1.4 Multi Air and 1.4 Turbo Multi Air engines; all spark plugs
should be of the same type and brand (see the “Engine” paragraph);
- adhere strictly to the spark plug replacement intervals detailed in the Scheduled Service Plan;
- it is advisable to have this carried out by an Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
Thousands of kilometres
Check exhaust emissions
Check engine management system operation (via diagnostic socket)
Replace auxiliary drive belt/s
Replace toothed timing drive belt (*)
Replace spark plugs 1
Replace air filter cartridge
Change engine oil and oil filter (or every 24 months) 2
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Change pollen filter (or every 24 months)
(*) Regardless of the number of kilometres covered, the timing belt should be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates,
driving in the city, idling for a long time) or in any case every 5 years.

206CARE AND MAINTENANCE
(*) Regardless of the number of kilometres covered, the timing belt should be replaced every 4 years for particularly demanding use (cold climates,
driving in the city, idling for a long time) or in any case every 5 years.
(**) The engine oil and oil filter should be changed when the warning light on the dashboard comes on, or every 24 months.
Thousands of kilometres
Replace auxiliary drive belt/s
Replace toothed timing drive belt (except 1.3 JTDM-2engine)(*)
Replace fuel filter
Replace air filter cartridge
Change engine oil and replace oil filter (diesel versions with DPF) (**)
Change brake fluid (or every 24 months)
Replace pollen filter (or every 24 months)
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If the car is mainly used in cities or travels less than 10,000 km a year, change the engine oil and filter every
12 months.

INDEX255
7
Lane Change” function ................ 77
Load limiters............................... 135
Luggage compartment
– closing ................................. 100
– extending the luggage
compartment ........................ 101
– opening ................................ 99
Main beam headlights
– activation............................. 77
– bulb replacement ................... 180
Maintenance
– demanding use of the car ........ 207
– periodic checks...................... 207
– scheduled maintenance ........... 202
– scheduled servicing plan .......... 203
Menu ........................................ 32
Menu options ............................. 32
MSR (system)............................ 110
Multifunctional display .................. 26
Navigation system (wiring) ......... 121
Number plate lights
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Oddment compartment ............... 89
Oil engine .................................. 214
S.B.R. system ............................ 133
Safe lock (device) ....................... 51
Safety ....................................... 131
Saving fuel................................. 158
Seat belts
– pretensioners........................ 135
– S.B.R. system ....................... 133
– seat belt maintenance ............ 137
– using the seat belts ................ 132
Seats
– adjustment ....................... 56-57
– cleaning ............................... 225
– Easy Entry ............................ 58
– seat warming ........................ 58
Sensors
– automatic headlights ..............76
– rain ..................................... 80
– parking ................................ 123
Service Plan ............................... 203
– regular checks....................... 207
Setting off and driving .................. 153
Side bags ................................... 149
Sidelights/daytime lights
– activation............................. 76
– bulb replacement ...............180-182
Snow chains ............................... 162Paint ........................................ 223
Parking ...................................... 156
– handbrake ............................ 156
Performance ............................... 241
Power windows ........................... 96
Pretensioners.............................. 135
Protecting the environment ........... 130
Puddle lights
– bulb replacement ................... 187
Radio transmitters and
cellular phones.......................... 123
Radio wiring system ..................... 121
Rear fog lights
– activation . ............................ 87
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Rear screen wiper
– activation............................. 79
– brushes ................................ 220
– sprays .................................. 221
Rear view mirrors ........................ 61
Reconfigurable
multifunctional display ................ 27
Reversing light
– bulb replacement ................... 183
Roof rack/ski rack ....................... 104