tyre pressure Alfa Romeo MiTo 2015 Owner's Manual

Right direction indicator
(green)
The warning light switches on when the direction indicator stalk is
moved upwards or when the hazard warning light button is pressed.
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.
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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VALUES DISPLAYED
Range
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.Average speed
This shows the average car speed as a function of the overall time
elapsed since the start of the new journey.
Trip time
The time elapsed since the start of a new journey.
Indications on display
Each time a value is displayed, the following information is shown:
❒animated icon in the upper part fig. 11;
❒the word “Trip” (or “Trip A” or “Trip B”) (B);
❒the name, value and unit of measurement of the selected parameter
(e.g. “Range 1500 km”) (C).
fig. 11A0J1223
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ABS SYSTEM
The car is fitted with an ABS braking system, which prevents the wheels
from locking when braking, makes the most of road grip and gives
the best control when performing emergency braking under difficult
road conditions.
The EBD system (Electronic Braking Force Distribution) completes the
system allowing the brake force to be distributed between the front and
rear wheels.
IMPORTANT To obtain the maximum efficiency of the braking system,
a bedding-in period of about 500 km is needed: during this period
it is better to avoid sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It can be detected because the brake pedal pulsates slightly and the
system gets noisier: it means that the car speed should be altered
to suit the type of road surface.
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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ESC (Electronic Stability
Control) SYSTEM
This is an electronic system that controls vehicle 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 ESC system also includes the following systems:
❒Hill Holder
❒ASR
❒Brake Assist
❒MSR
❒CBC
❒“ELECTRONIC Q2” (“E-Q2”)
❒DST
SYSTEM ACTIVATION
The ESC system switches on automatically when the engine is started
and cannot be switched off.
SYSTEM INTERVENTION
It is signalled by the blinking of the warning lighton the instrument
panel, to inform the driver that the car is in critical stability and grip
conditions.
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates starting
on slopes.
It is automatically activated in the following conditions:
❒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 ESC 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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ASR (AntiSlip Regulation) SYSTEM
It is an integral part of the ESC system. It automatically operates 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.
Depending on the slipping conditions, two different control systems are
activated:
❒if the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR intervenes
reducing the power transmitted by the engine;
❒if the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, the ASR
intervenes automatically braking the wheel that is slipping.
For the ESC and ASR systems to function correctly, all
four tyres must be the same brand and type, must
be in excellent condition and, above all, must be of the
prescribed type and size.
The ESC system operates even when the space-saver
wheel is being used. Always remember that the
space-saver wheel, being smaller than the original
wheel, provides less grip.
The performance of the ESC and ASR systems must not
encourage the driver to take unnecessary risks. Driving
style must always be adapted to road conditions,
visibility and traffic. The driver is, in any case, responsible for
safe driving.
BRAKE ASSIST (emergency braking
assistance)
The system, which cannot be turned off, recognises emergency braking
(on the basis of the brake pedal operating speed) and speeding up
the response of the braking system. The Brake Assist device is
deactivated if there is a ESC system failure.
MSR (Motor Schleppmoment
Regelung) SYSTEM
This system is an integral part of the ABS, that intervenes, if there is a
sudden downshifting, restoring torque to the engine, thereby
preventing excessive drive at the drive wheels which, especially in poor
grip conditions, could lead to a loss in stability of the car.
CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
SYSTEM
This function improves the distribution of the braking pressure at the
four wheels (to fully exploit the grip available on the ground) when
braking on bends if the ABS intervenes. This improves stopping
distances and above all vehicle stability when cornering.
“ELECTRONIC Q2” SYSTEM (“E-Q2”)
The “Electronic Q2” system uses the braking system to create an effect
similar to a limited slip differential.
The front braking system, when accelerating around a curve, acts on
the inside wheel to increase the drive to the outside wheel (increased
load), dynamically and continuously distributing the torque between
the front drive wheels according to driving and road conditions.
The system, combined with MacPherson front suspension, allows
particularly effective and sports driving to be achieved.
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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 TPMS
The 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.
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.
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SAVING FUEL
Here are some suggestions which can help you to save fuel and lower
harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car 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 STYLE
Starting
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.
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INSTALLING A TOW HOOK
Contact 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 TYRES
Use 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.
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SNOW CHAINS
The 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 CAR
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 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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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").
JACK
Please 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. 116 and lift up the
mat;
fig. 116A0J0104
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