Additional operations

IMPORTANT:

Perfect operation and long working life of a car is strictly related to its good use and, above all, to the care with which regular service is performed. Considering product evolution, new service schedules have been adopted. The scheduled service coupons are planned at 20,000 km. It is, however, important to note that the car requires ordinary precautions, such as systematic fluid checks and topping up, tyre pressure checks, etc. In any case, remember that the correct car maintenance is certainly the best way to ensure performance, safety, environmental friendliness and low running costs in time.

Additional operations

The following precautions are required in addition to the operations shown in the Service Schedule to ensure good operation of the car:

Every 1000 km or before long trips, check and top up if required:

• engine oil
• engine coolant
• brake/clutch fluid
• power steering fluid
• battery electrolyte
• tyre pressure
• windscreen washer fluid.

Engine oil

If the car is mainly used in one of the following especially demanding conditions:

• towing trailers
• dusty roads
• short, repeated trips (less than 7-8 km) with temperature below zero degrees centigrade
• engine frequently idling or long distances at slow speed (or after a long storage period)

we recommend changing the engine oil more frequently than shown in the Service Schedule.

Air cleaner

Replace the air cleaner more frequently than prescribed if the car is mainly used on dusty roads.

Brake pads

The brake pads are subject to different use and wear, according to conditions of use and to driving style. Have the pad thickness checked at an Alfa Romeo Dealership as soon as the front brake pad warning light comes on.

As the car is equipped with front brake pad wear sensors only, check the rear pads when the front pads are replaced. According to the car use, the rear brake pads may not need to be replaced immediately. We recommend in this case to check them later.

Brake/clutch fluid

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs moisture. To prevent faulty braking, change the brake fluid every two years, regardless of the mileage (see the Service Schedule).

Battery

Check the battery charge status, preferably at the beginning of winter, to prevent the electrolyte from freezing. Perform this check more frequently if the car is mainly used for short trips or if permanent intake devices also running when the key is removed are fitted, especially those fitted after market.

Climate control system

To keep the system in perfect shape, simply turn it on once every fortnight - also in winter - and run the compressor for a few minutes. Furthermore, we recommend having the system checked before the summer, when the system will be used.

Dust/pollen filter (cars with climate control only)

Have the filter checked once a year, preferably at the beginning of summer, by an Alfa Romeo Dealership. If the car is frequently used in dusty or very polluted environments, we recommend you have the filtering element checked more frequently than shown in the Service Schedule. The filter should be replaced in particular if decreased air intake into the passenger compartment is noticed.

Anti-freeze

We recommend topping up with Climafuid Super Permanent -40°C Alfa Romeo to preserve the protective features of the mixture.

Rubber hoses

The rubber hoses in the brake, power steering, fuel feed lines, etc. should be carefully checked at the frequency shown in the Service Schedule.

Wheels

Periodically and before long trips, check the pressure of each tyre, including the spare. Check pressure on cold tyres. Periodically check that the depth of the tread complies with the minimum legal prescriptions. Periodically check that the tyres are not cut, swollen or present irregular wear. If this is so, go to an Alfa Romeo Dealership.

If a tyre is punctured, stop immediately and replace it to prevent damage to the tyre, the rim, the suspension and the steering.

The factory fitted wheels (rims and tyres) are suited to the features of the car and ensure maximum safety and comfort in all normal conditions of use. Before replacing the rims or tyre fitted on the car, check the allowed type table. However, observe the rim-tyre coupling of the original fitting. Always fit new tyres. Avoid tyres from unknown sources.