Alfa Romeo MiTo 2014 Owner's Manual

On models with 6 gears, to engage 6
thgear, press the lever slightly to
the right to avoid changing into 4
thby mistake. The same applies to the
shift from 6
thto 5
thgear.
To engage reverse (R) from neutral position, raise ring A underneath
the knob and, at the same time:
❒on 1.4 Turbo MultiAir 170 HP Quadrifoglio Verde and 1.6 JTD
M
versions, move the lever to the left and then forwards fig. 111;
❒on Turbo TwinAir, 1.4 Petrol, 1.4 Turbo MultiAir and 1.3 JTD
M-2
versions, move the lever to the right and then backwards fig. 110
and fig. 112.IMPORTANT Reverse can only be engaged when the car is completely
stationary.
Press the clutch pedal fully to change gears correctly. It
is therefore essential that there is nothing under the
pedals: make sure the mats are lying flat and do not
get in the way of the pedals.Do not drive with your hand resting on the gear lever as
the force exerted, even if slight, could lead over time to
premature wear of the gearbox internal components.
fig. 112
A0J0267
137GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

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.
DRIVING STYLEStarting
Do not warm up the engine at low or high revs when the vehicle is
stationary; this causes the engine to warm up more slowly, thereby
increasing fuel consumption and emissions. It is therefore advisable to
move off immediately, slowly, avoiding high speeds: in this way the
engine will warm up more quickly.
Unnecessary actions
Avoid revving up when at traffic lights or before switching off the
engine. The latter action, like double-declutching, is unnecessary and
causes increased fuel consumption and pollution.
Gear selection
Use a higher gear when traffic and road conditions allow it. Using a
low gear for faster acceleration will increase consumption. In the same
way improper use of a high gear increases consumption, emissions
and engine wear.
138GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

Maximum speed
Fuel consumption considerably increases as speed increases. Keep
your speed as even as possible, avoiding unnecessary braking and
acceleration which cause excessive fuel consumption and increased
emissions.
Acceleration
Accelerating violently severely affects consumption and emissions:
acceleration should be gradual and should not exceed the maximum
torque.CONDITIONS OF USECold starting
Short distances and frequent cold start-ups will prevent the engine from
reaching optimal running temperature. This results in a significant
increase in consumption levels (from +15 to +30% on the urban cycle)
and emissions.
Traffic and road conditions
High fuel consumption is caused by heavy traffic, for instance when
travelling in a queue with frequent use of low gears or in large towns
with many traffic lights. Winding mountain roads and rough road
surfaces also adversely affect consumption.
Stops in traffic
During prolonged stops (e.g. level crossings) switch the engine off.
TOWING TRAILERSIMPORTANT
The vehicle must be provided with a type-approved tow hook and
adequate electrical system to tow caravans or trailers. Installation must
be carried out by a specialist.
Fit any specific and/or additional rear view mirrors as specified by the
Highway Code.
Remember that, when towing a trailer, steep hills are harder to climb,
braking distances increase and overtaking takes longer relative to
the overall weight of the trailer.
Engage a low gear when driving downhill, rather than constantly using
the brake.
The weight of the trailer reduces the load capacity of the car by the
same amount. Consider the weight at full load, including accessories
and luggage, to make sure you do not exceed the maximum towable
weight (shown in the registration document).
Respect the speed limits specific to each country for vehicles towing
trailers. In any case do not exceed 100 km/h.
139GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

INSTALLING A TOW HOOKContact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services to install a tow hook.
The ABS with which the car is equipped will not control
the braking system of the trailer. Particular caution is
therefore required on slippery roads.Do not, under any circumstances, modify the vehicle's
braking system to control the trailer breaking system.
The towing breaking system must be completely
independent of the vehicle's hydraulic system.
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.
140GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

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.
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.
141GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETYSTARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

IN AN EMERGENCY
In an emergency we recommend that you call the freephone number found in the Warranty Booklet. You can also
consult www.alfaromeo.com to find your nearest Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.STARTING THE ENGINEIf the
warning light on the instrument panel remains on constantly,
contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services immediately.
JUMP STARTINGIf the battery is flat, the engine may be started using an auxiliary
battery with the same capacity or a little higher than the flat one.
Proceed as follows to start the vehicle:
❒connect the positive terminals (+ sign near the terminal) of the two
batteries with a jump lead fig. 113;❒with a second cable, connect the negative terminal(–)ofthe
auxiliary battery to an earthing point
on the engine or the
gearbox of the car to be started;
❒start the engine; afterwards, follow the sequence above in reverse
order to remove the cables.
For versions with Start&Stop system, to carry out the jump starting
procedure, refer to the paragraph “Start&Stop system” in the “Getting
to know your car” section.
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services if you cannot start the engine
after several attempts.
IMPORTANT Never connect the negative terminals of the two batteries
directly! If the auxiliary battery is installed on another car, prevent
accidental contact between metallic parts of the two cars.
Never use a fast battery-charger to start the engine as this
could damage the electronic systems of your car,
particularly the ignition and fuel supply control units.
fig. 113
A0J0392
142GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

This starting procedure must be performed by expert
personnel because incorrect actions could cause
electrical discharge of considerable intensity.
Furthermore, battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive: avoid
contact with skin and eyes. Keep naked flames and lighted
cigarettes away from the battery and do not cause sparks.
BUMP STARTINGNever start the engine by pushing, towing or coasting downhill.
REPLACING A WHEELGENERAL INSTRUCTIONSThe car is equipped with the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit”: see the
paragraph “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” for how to use this device.
As an alternative to the “Fix&Go Automatic Kit” the car may be
equipped with a space-saver wheel: see the instructions on the
following pages for changing the tyre.
The spare wheel is specific for your car. Do not use it
on cars of different models. Do not use spare wheels of
different models on your car. The space-saver wheel
must only be used in case of emergency. It must only be used for
the distance necessary to reach a service point and the car speed
must not exceed 80 km/h. The space-saver wheel has an orange
sticker that summarises the main cautions for use and limitations.
Never remove or cover the label. Never apply any hub cap to
the space-saver spare wheel.Alert other drivers that the car is stationary in
compliance with local regulations: hazard warning
lights, warning triangle, etc. Any passengers on board
should leave the car, especially if it is heavily laden. Passengers
should stay away from on-coming traffic while the wheel is
being changed. In case of steep slopes or rough slopes, place
wedges or other materials suitable to stop the vehicle under the
wheels.
143GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

The vehicle's driving characteristics will be modified
with the space-saver wheel fitted. Avoid violent
acceleration and braking, sharp steering and fast
cornering. The total life of a space-saver wheel is approximately
3,000 km, after which it must be replaced by another wheel of
the same type. Never attempt to fit a conventional tyre on a rim
designed for use as a space-saver wheel. Repair and refit the
standard wheel as soon as possible. Two or more space-saver
wheels should never be used together. Do not grease the threads
of bolts before fitting them: they might slip out.The jack provided is only intended to be used for
replacing tyres on the vehicle with which it is supplied,
or on same-model vehicles. Never use the jack for
other purposes, such as lifting other car models. Never use it for
repair operations under the vehicle. Incorrect positioning of the
jack may cause the car to fall. Do not use the jack for loads
higher 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 standard
wheel from the rear axle and install the small spare wheel on the
rear axle. In this way, with two normal front drive wheels, it is
possible to use snow chains.Incorrectly fitting the hubcap may cause it to fall off
when the vehicle is in motion. Never tamper with the
inflating valve. Never introduce tools of any kind
between rim and tyre. Regularly check the inflation pressure of
the tyres and space-saver wheel (see chapter "Technical
specifications").
JACKPlease note that:
❒the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❒the jack requires no adjustment;
❒the jack cannot be repaired and in the event of a fault it must be
replaced by another original one;
❒no tool other than its cranking device may be fitted on the jack.
To change a wheel proceed as follows:
❒stop the car in a position that is not dangerous for oncoming traffic
where you can change the wheel safely. The ground must be flat
and sufficiently compact;
❒switch off the engine, pull up the handbrake and engage 1
agear or
reverse; put on the high visibility jacket (required by law) before
leaving the vehicle;
❒open the luggage compartment, pull tab A fig. 114 and lift up the
mat;
fig. 114
A0J0104
144GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒unscrew locking device Afig. 115, take toolbox B and bring it next
to the wheel to replace. Then take the space-saver wheel C;
❒for versions with steel rims: insert the screwdriver in the
opening A fig. 116 in order to trigger the hub cap retaining clip B;❒for versions with alloy rims: shake the car to facilitate
detachment of the rim from the wheel hub. Some versions may be
fitted with alloy wheels with a hub cap (fig. 117). To remove the hub
cap, insert the screwdriver into housings A in order to access the
fixing bolts. Replace the wheel as described previously;
❒take wrench A fig. 118 and loosen the fixing bolts by about one
turn;
❒position the jack under the car, near the wheel to be changed. On
versions where this is fitted, be careful not to damage the plastic
aerodynamic guard;
❒operate the device A fig. 119 so as to extend the jack, until the
upper part B fig. 120 is inserted correctly inside the side member C;
❒alert any bystander that the car is about to be raised; all persons
should be kept away from the car and nobody must touch it until
it has been lowered;
❒fit handle D fig. 119 into the housing in device A, operate the jack
and raise the car until the wheel is a few centimetres from the
ground;
fig. 115
A0J0105
fig. 116
A0J0236
fig. 117
A0J0238
145GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVINGIN AN
EMERGENCYSERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX

❒make sure the contact surfaces between space-saver wheel and hub
are clean so that the fastening bolts will not come loose;
❒fit the space-saver spare wheel by inserting the first bolt for two
threads into the hole closest to the valve;❒take the wrench A fig. 118 and fully tighten the fixing bolts;
❒operate the jack handle D fig. 119 to lower the vehicle. Then extract
the jack;
❒use the wrench A fig. 118 provided to fully tighten the bolts in a
criss-cross fashion as per the numerical sequence illustrated in
fig. 121;
❒when replacing an alloy wheel it is advisable to place it upside
down, with the aesthetic part facing upwards.
Visit Alfa Romeo Authorized Services as soon as possible to
check the correct tightening of the main wheel bolts.
Restore the standard wheel as soon as possible, because, once placed
in the associated compartment, the luggage compartment load
platform is rendered uneven as the standard wheel is larger than the
space-saver wheel.
fig. 118
A0J0106
fig. 119
A0J0062
fig. 120
A0J0061
146GETTING TO KNOW
YOUR CAR
SAFETY
STARTING AND
DRIVING
IN AN
EMERGENCY
SERVICING AND
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX