Alfa Romeo MiTo 2015 Owner's Manual

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long journeys, check and restore the
following if necessary:
❒engine coolant, brake fluid and windscreen washer fluid level;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system (headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of window washer/wiper system and positioning/wear of
windscreen/rear window wiper blades
Check and top up, if required, the engine oil level every 3,000 km.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF THE CAR
If you use the car mainly under one of the following conditions:
❒towing a trailer or caravan;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than 7-8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long distances at low speeds or long
periods of idleness;
the following checks must be performed more frequently than indicated
in the Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check front disc brake pad conditions and wear;
❒check cleanliness of bonnet and boot locks, cleanliness and
lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine, gearbox, transmission, pipes
and hoses (exhaust - fuel system - brakes) and rubber elements
(boots - sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the accessory drive belts;
❒check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace pollen filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner.
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CHECKING LEVELS
When topping up, take care not to mix up the various types
of fluids: they are not compatible with each other and
could seriously damage the car.
Never smoke while working in the engine
compartment: gas and inflammable vapours may be
present, with the risk of fire.
Be very careful when working in the engine
compartment when the engine is hot: you may get
burned. Remember that the fan may start up if
the engine is hot: this could injure you. Scarves, ties and other
loose clothing might be pulled by moving parts.
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F
E
CD
B
A
fig. 161 - Turbo TwinAir versionsA0J0380179
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fig. 162 - 1.4 Petrol versionsA0J0300
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fig. 163 - 1.4 Turbo MultiAir versionsA0J0283
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fig. 164 - 1.3 JTDM-2versionsA0J0411
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fig. 165 - 1.6 JTDMversionsA0J0200183
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ENGINE OIL
Check that the oil level is between the MIN and MAX references on the
dipstick A.
If the oil level is near or under the MIN reference, add oil through the
filler B until it reaches the MAX reference.
The oil level must never exceed the MAX reference.
1.4 Petrol, 1.4 Turbo MultiAir, 1.3 JTDM-2, 1.6 JTDMversions
Take out the engine oil dipstick A, clean it with a lint-free cloth and
reinsert it. Extract it again and check that the level is between the MIN
and MAX marks on the dipstick.
Turbo TwinAir versions
The engine oil dipstick A is integral with plug B. Undo the plug, clean
the dipstick with a cloth that does not leave traces, reinsert the dipstick
and re-tighten the plug.
Unscrew the plug again and check that the engine oil level is between
the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick.
Engine oil consumption
The maximum engine oil consumption is usually 400 grams every
1,000 km. When the car is new, the engine needs to be run in;
therefore the engine oil consumption can only be considered stabilised
after the first 5,000 - 6,000 km.
Do not add oil with specifications other than those of the oil
already in the engine.
Used engine oil and oil filters contain substances which are
harmful to the environment. We recommend having the
oil and filters replaced by Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
ENGINE COOLANT
If the level is too low, unscrew reservoir cap C and add the fluid
described in the "Technical Specifications" section.
PARAFLUUPanti-freeze is used in the engine cooling
system. Use the same fluid as in the cooling system when
topping up. PARAFLU
UPcannot be mixed with any other
type of fluid. If this accidentally occurs, do not start the engine under
any circumstances. Contact Alfa Romeo Authorised Services.
The cooling system is pressurised. If necessary, only
replace the cap with another genuine one or the
operation of the system may be adversely affected. Do
not remove the reservoir cap when the engine is hot: you risk
scalding yourself.
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WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WASHER FLUID
If the level is too low, lift reservoir cap D and add the fluid described in
the chapter "Technical Specifications".
Do not travel if the windscreen washer reservoir is
empty: using the windscreen washer is essential for
improving visibility. Some commercial windscreen
washer additives are flammable. The engine compartment
contains hot components which may set it on fire.
BRAKE FLUID
Check that the fluid is at the max. level.
If the fluid level in the reservoir is too low, undo reservoir cap E and
add the fluid described in the chapter "Technical Specifications".
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly corrosive, from coming
into contact with painted parts. Should it happen, wash
immediately with water.
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly corrosive. In the
event of accidental contact, immediately wash the
affected parts with water and mild soap. Then rinse
thoroughly. Call a doctor immediately if swallowed.
Symbolon the container identifies synthetic brake
fluids, distinguishing them from the mineral type.
Using a mineral-type fluid will damage the special
rubber seals of the braking system beyond repair.
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AIR CLEANER/POLLEN
FILTER/DIESEL FILTER
Contact Alfa Romeo Authorized Services to replace the filters.
BATTERY
Battery F (see previous pages) does not require the electrolyte to be
topped up with distilled water. A periodic check carried out at Alfa
Romeo Authorized Services is, however, necessary to check efficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If necessary, replace the battery with another genuine battery with the
same specifications. Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery rapidly and maintain its efficiency over
time, carefully observe the following instructions:
❒when you park the car, ensure that the doors, bonnet and flaps are
closed correctly, to prevent any roof lights from remaining on inside
the passenger compartment;
❒switch off all roof lights inside the car: the car is however equipped
with a system which switches all internal lights off automatically;
❒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, disconnect
the negative battery pole;
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under 50% for a long time, the
battery is damaged by sulphation, reducing its capacity and
efficiency at start-up.
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The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this can happen as
early as –10°C). Refer to “Storing the car” in “Starting and driving” if
the car is left parked for a long time.
If after having purchased your car you decide to add accessories
requiring permanent electrical power (alarm etc.) or accessories that
require large amounts of power, contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services. They can calculate the overall electrical requirement.