tyre pressure Alfa Romeo MiTo 2013 Owner handbook (in English)

Tyre pressure low(for versions/markets, where provided)
This warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on (on some
versions together with a message on the display) (together with an
acoustic signal) if the pressure in one or more tyres drops below a
preset threshold.
In this way the TPMS 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 flat tyres as
handling may be compromised. Stop the car, avoiding sharp braking
and steering. Replace the wheel immediately with the space-saver
wheel (for versions/markets, where provided) or carry out an
immediate repair using the dedicated kit (see “Changing a wheel” in
the “In an emergency” section) and contact Alfa Romeo Authorised
Services as soon as possible.TPMS failure
This warning light (or symbol on the display) switches on (on some
versions together with a message on the display) when a TPMS fault is
detected.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services 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.
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Check tyre pressure
This warning light (or symbol in the display) switches on (on some
versions together with a message in the display) to indicate that the
tyre pressure is below the value recommended to guarantee long tyre
life and low fuel consumption. It may also indicate a slow loss of
pressure.
Should two or more tyres be in the condition mentioned above, the
display will show the indications corresponding to each tyre in
sequence.
Under these circumstances you should restore the correct pressure
values (see "Technical specifications" section).
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Start&Stop system
activation/deactivation(for versions/markets, where provided)
Start&Stop system fault
Start&Stop system activation
A message will appear on the display when the Start&Stop system is
activated.
The LED on the
button (on the trim next to the steering wheel) is off
in this condition (see “Start&Stop” paragraph in this section).
Turning the Start&Stop off
❒Versions with reconfigurable multifunction display: a message
appears on the display when the Start&Stop system is deactivated.
❒Versions with reconfigurable multifunction display: the
symbol
and a message appear on the display when the Start&Stop system
is deactivated.
The LED on the
button is on when the system is deactivated.
Start&Stop system fault
If the Start&Stop system is faulty the
(versions with multifunction
display) or
(versions with reconfigurable multifunction display)
symbol flashes on the display.
For versions/markets where provided, a warning message is also
displayed.
In this case, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.

TRIP COMPUTERGENERAL INFORMATIONThe Trip computer is used to display information on car operation
when the key is turned to MAR.
This function allows you to define two separate trips called “Trip A”
and “Trip B” for monitoring the car's "complete journey" in a
reciprocally independent manner.
Both functions are resettable (reset - start of a new journey).
“Trip A” is used to display the figures relating to:
❒Range
❒Distance travelled
❒Average fuel consumption
❒Instant fuel consumption
❒Average speed
❒Trip time (driving time).
“Trip B” may be used to display the figures relating to:
❒Distance travelled B
❒Average consumption B
❒Average speed B
❒Trip time B (driving time).
The “Trip B” function may be disabled (see “Activating Trip B”).
“Range” and “Instant consumption" parameters cannot be reset.
VALUES DISPLAYEDRange
This indicates the indicative distance that may be travelled with the fuel
in the tank, assuming that driving conditions do not change.
The display will show the reading '-----' when the following events take
place:
❒range value lower than 50 km (or 30 mi)
❒car parked with engine running for a long period.
IMPORTANT The range can be affected by several factors: driving style
(see “Driving style” in the “Starting and driving” section), type of
route (motorway, towns and cities, mountain roads, etc.), conditions of
use (load, tyre pressures, etc.). Trip planning must therefore take the
above into account.
Distance covered
Shows the distance covered since the start of the new journey.
Average consumption
Shows the approximate average fuel consumption since the start of the
new journey.
Instantaneous consumption
This indicates the fuel consumption. The value is constantly updated.
The display will show “----”ifthecarisparked with the engine
running.
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MECHANICAL BRAKE ASSIST
(emergency braking assistance)(for versions/markets, where provided)
This system, which cannot be deactivated, recognises emergency
braking conditions (according to the brake pedal operation speed) and
provides an additional hydraulic braking pressure to support that
provided by the driver. This allows faster and more powerful operation
of the braking system.
IMPORTANT When the Mechanical Brake Assist intervenes, noises may
be heard from the system. This is normal. In any case, while braking
keep the brake pedal firmly depressed.
If the ABS system intervenes, this indicates that the
traction of the tyres on the road is nearing its limit.
Slow down to a speed compatible with the available
traction.
The ABS gets the most from the available grip, but it
cannot improve it; you should therefore take every
care when driving on slippery surfaces and not take
unnecessary risks.When the ABS cuts in and you feel the brake pedal
pulsating, do not remove your foot, but keep the pedal
pushed down; in doing so you, will stop in the
shortest distance possible under the road conditions at the time.
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VDC SYSTEM (Vehicle Dynamics
Control)This is an electronic system that controls car stability in the event of tyre
grip loss, helping maintain directional control.
The system is capable of recognising potentially dangerous situations
in terms of the stability and intervenes automatically on the brakes in a
differentiated manner for the four wheels in order to provide a
stabilising torque.
The VDC, in turn, includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DSTSYSTEM ACTIVATIONThe VDC system switches on automatically each time the engine is
started and cannot be switched off.SYSTEM INTERVENTIONThis is indicated by the flashing of the
warning light on the
instrument panel, to indicate that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEMThis system is an integral part of the VDC system and it is provided to
facilitate starting on slopes.
It is activated automatically in the following instances:
❒uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than 5%,
engine running, brake pedal pressed and gearbox in neutral or
gear (other than reverse) engaged;
❒downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient higher than
5%, engine running, brake pedal pressed and reverse gear
engaged.
When setting off the VDC system control unit maintains the braking
pressure at the wheels until the engine torque required for departure is
reached or for approximately 2 seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
If the vehicle has not departed after this time, the system will deactivate
automatically by gradually releasing the brake force. A sound may
be heard during this stage: this indicates that the vehicle is about
to move off.
IMPORTANT The Hill Holder system is not a handbrake. Do not leave
the vehicle without having engaged the handbrake, switched off the
engine and engaged a gear.
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❒sensor performance can also be influenced by the position of the
sensors. For example by a change in the ride setting (caused by
the wear of the shock absorbers, suspension), overloading the
vehicle and carrying out specific tuning operations that require the
vehicle to be lowered;
❒The detection of obstacles at the top part of the car may not be
guaranteed because the system detects obstacles that could cause an
impact with the car in the bottom part.
TPMS (Tyre Pressure
Monitoring System)(for versions/markets, where provided)
The car may be fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS),
which informs the driver of the tyre inflation status via the "Check
tyre pressure" and "Low tyre pressure" messages on the display.
This system comprises 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 INFORMATION ABOUT
THE TPMSThe fault indications are not stored and will therefore not be displayed
after the engine has been switched off and then on again.
If the fault conditions persist, the control unit will send the relative
indications to the instrument panel only after the car has been in
motion for a short time.
The presence of the TPMS does not permit the driver to
neglect regular checks of the tyre pressure, including
for the spare wheel.Tyre pressure must be checked with tyres rested and
cold. Should it become necessary for whatever reason
to check pressure with warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher than the prescribed value, but
repeat the check when tyres are cold.
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Should one or more wheels be fitted without sensors,
the system will no longer be available and a warning
message will be shown on the display, until 4 wheels
with sensors are fitted again.The TPMS cannot warn of sudden decreases in tyre
pressure (for example when a tyre bursts). In this case,
stop the car, braking with caution and avoiding
abrupt steering.Replacing standard tyres with winter tyres and vice
versa requires TPMS system adjustment that must only
be performed by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.Variations in outside temperature may cause tyre
pressures to vary. The TPMS may temporarily indicate
insufficient pressure. In this case, check the tyre
pressure when cold and, if necessary, restore the inflation values.
When a tyre is removed, it is advisable to replace the
rubber valve seal as well: contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services. Tyre and rim fitting/removal
operations require specific precautions; to avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly, tyre and wheel fitting/removal
operations should only be carried out by specialised staff.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.Intense radio-frequency interference may prevent the
correct operation of the TPMS. This condition will be
indicated by a message on the display. The message
will disappear automatically as soon as the interference ceases to
affect the system.
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SAVING FUELHere are some suggestions which can help you to save fuel and lower
harmful emissions.GENERAL CONSIDERATIONSCar maintenance
Have checks and adjustments carried out in accordance with the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan” (see chapter “Maintenance and care”).
Ty r e s
Check the tyre pressure at least once every 4 weeks: if the pressure is
too low, consumption levels increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Unnecessary loads
Do not travel with an overloaded boot. The weight of the car and its
arrangement greatly affect fuel consumption and stability.
Roof rack/ski rack
Remove the roof rack or the ski rack from the roof after use. These
accessories lower aerodynamic penetration and adversely affect
consumption levels. It is better to use a trailer to transport particularly
bulky objects.Electrical devices
Only use electrical devices for the time needed. The heated rear
window, additional headlights, windscreen wipers and heater fan
require a considerable amount of energy; increasing the current uptake
increases fuel consumption (by up to +25% in an urban cycle).
Climate control system
Using the climate control system will increase consumption: use the air
vents when the external temperature allows it.
Devices for aerodynamic control
The use of non-certified devices for aerodynamic control may adversely
affect air drag and fuel consumption.
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SNOW TYRESUse snow tyres of the same size as the normal tyres provided with the
car: Alfa Romeo Authorized Services will be able to advise you on
the most appropriate tyre to use.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice or snow on the roads.
For the type of snow tyre to be used, inflation pressures and the
specifications, strictly follow the instructions given in the "Wheels"
paragraph in the "Technical specifications" section.
The winter performance of these tyres is considerably reduced when
the tread thickness is less than 4 mm. Replace them in this case.
Due to their specific features, the performance of snow tyres is much
lower than that of normal types in normal conditions or long motorway
stretches. Their usage should therefore be restricted in accordance
with their type approval.
All four tyres should be the same (brand and track) to ensure greater
safety when driving and braking and good driveability. Remember
that it is inadvisable to change the rotation direction of tyres.
The maximum speed for snow tyres marked “Q” is
160 km/h, while it is 190 km/h for “T” tyres and 210
km/h for "H" tyres. The highway code speed limits
must however always be complied with.
SNOW CHAINSThe use of snow chains should be in compliance with local regulations.
The snow chains may be applied only onto the front wheel tyres (drive
wheels).
Check the tension of the snow chains after the first few metres have
been driven.
Use reduced size snow chains: on all versions, for 195/55 R16" and
205/55 R16" size tyres use low-clearance snow chains with a
maximum projection beyond the tyre profile of 9 mm.
IMPORTANT The space-saver 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 space-saver wheel. In this way, with two normal drive wheels,
it is possible to use snow chains.
Keep your speed down when snow chains are fitted; do not
exceed 50 km/h. Avoid potholes, steps and pavements
and avoid driving long distances on roads not covered with
snow to avoid damaging the car and the roadbed.
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STORING THE CARIf 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 engaged;
❒disconnect the negative battery terminal and check the battery
charge. Repeat this check once every three months during storage;
❒if you have not disconnected the battery, check the battery charge
every thirty days;
❒clean and protect the painted parts using protective wax;
❒clean and protect the shiny metal parts using special compounds
available commercially;❒sprinkle talcum powder on the windscreen and rear window wiper
rubber blades and lift them off the glass;
❒slightly open the windows;
❒cover the car with a cloth or perforated plastic sheet. Do not use
compact plastic sheets which do not allow humidity to evaporate
from the surface of the car.
❒inflate tyres to +0.5 bar above the standard specified pressure and
check it at intervals;
❒do not drain the engine cooling system.
IMPORTANT After turning the ignition key to STOP, wait at least 1
minute before disconnecting the battery power supply.
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