Motoring

ENGINE OIL
Always keep an eye on your engines oil level, routinely checking it weekly or every 250 miles and specifically before long journeys.


If your vehicle is used mainly for towing, short repetitive journeys (less than 5 miles), or frequent stop start driving it is recommended that you change the oil more frequently than specified in the service schedule.

To check the oil level park the vehicle on level ground and leave to stand for five minutes before checking the dipstick level. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Top up as necessary using the recommended oil and allow the vehicle to tick over and stand before re-checking the level.

Fiat and Alfa Romeo engines are designed to run on Selenia oil. The synthetic base oil was developed to enhance the characteristics of the engine and enhance its performance whilst affording maximum protection.

Selenia oil improves fuel consumption by up to 2%, improves both cold starting and catalytic efficiency whilst maintaining maximum stability at high temperatures. (Click to order..)

"If the engine is hot, be very careful when you put your hands under the bonnet as you risk burning yourself. Remember that while the engine is hot, the electric fan can start up and cause injury."

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ENGINE COOLANT
The coolant level in your engine should be checked weekly or every 250 miles. Paraflu antifreeze coolant is designed to give protection at minus 35C when mixed with distilled water.

When the engine is cold the level should fall between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. If the level is low a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and paraflu liquid should be used to bring the level back up to the maximum mark.

"The coolant system works under pressure. Do not take the cap off when the engine is hot as you run the risk of scalding yourself. When changing the cap you should ensure you only use genuine parts to avoid long term damage to the system."

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POWER STEERING FLUID
The power steering fluid level should be checked every 500 miles.

To check the level park your vehicle on level ground and, with the engine cold, remove the reservoir cap and ensure the level is between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick attached to the cap. Clean the dipstick, re-tighten the cap and unscrew to ascertain the actual level.

When topping up the fluid level it is important ensure the oil is of the same specification as the fluid presently in the reservoir.

"Power steering fluid is highly flammable. Do not let it come into contact with hot engine parts. Oil consumption should be extremely low - if it needs topping up after short journeys arrange for a system line check"

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BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid level should be regularly checked to ensure it is at the maximum level. If you need to add fluid you should top up using Tutela TOP 4 fluid, the same type originally fitted to your vehicle.

In addition to this the warning light circuit should be checked by pressing the reservoir cover (with the ignition key in the MAR position), the instrument panel warning light should come on.

"Brake fluid is highly corrosive, make sure it does not drip onto the paintwork of your vehicle. If it does, wash it off immediately with water. The (0) symbol on the container indicates synthetic type brake fluid is present, distinguishing it from the mineral kind. Using mineral based fluids will damage the special rubber gaskets in the system beyond repair. Please note that TOP4 fluid is specifically formulated for use with ABS brake systems but can be used instead of TOP3 whereas TOP3 cannot be used in place of TOP4". 

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WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID

Check the level frequently and ensure you have sufficient fluid prior to going on long journeys.

To refill, undo the cap and pull out the telescopic filler until it snaps into place. Top up with a mixture of screen washer liquid and water, using stronger mixture of screenwash liquid during winter months.

"Should the temperature drop below -20C the washer fluid should be used undiluted."

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AIR & POLLEN FILTERS
If you drive in dry or dusty climates you should periodically check both the air filter and pollen filters and replace more frequently than indicated in the servicing schedule to ensure maximum efficiency.

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TYRES
Every two weeks, and before long journeys, you should check the tyre pressures of every tyre, including the spare.

You should also periodically check the sidewalls for signs of damage, abnormal swelling or irregular wear, matters than can all arise as part of day in day out driving. Tyres can also be affected by ageing - even with no road use. Cracking of tread rubber and sidewalls are signs of this.

The pressures should be checked when the tyre is rested and cold. Pressure rises when you are driving so if the check is carried out when the tyres are warm remember to add 0.3 bar to the levels specified in your handbook.

To ensure the front and rear tyres wear evenly you are advised to change the tyres over every 6 to 10 thousand miles whilst keeping them on the same side of the car so as not to reverse the direction of rotation.

="Remember that road holding and safety depends upon having the correct tyre pressures. Incorrect pressures also lead to uneven or early tyre wear. Under inflated tyres lead to shoulder tread wear whilst over inflation leads to central tread wear. If the pressure is too low the tyre can overheat causing irreparable damage"

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