FIAT 600 - Manual (Page 116)

115
CAR MAINTENANCE
Incorrect assembly of
electric and electronic de-
vices may cause severe
damage to your car. Go to a Fiat
Dealership if you want to install
accessories (alarms, mobile
phone, etc.): they will suggest the
most suitable devices and advise
you if a higher capacity battery
needs to be installed.
Batteries contain sub-
stances that can be very
dangerous for the envi-
ronment. t is advisable to have the
battery changed by a Fiat Dealer-
ship where it will be disposed of
according to the law.
If the vehicle must re-
main unused for a long
time at very low temper-
ature, remove the battery and
carry it to a warm place, to avoid
freezing.
When you must perform
any operation on the bat-
tery or near it, always pro-
tect your eyes with the special
goggles.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR
LENGTHENING THE LIFE OF
YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and
lengthen its life, observe the follow-
ing indications:
– when you park the car, ensure the
doors, tailgate and bonnet are closed
properly;
– switch off all 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 battery negative cable;
– battery terminals shall always be
perfectly tightened.
IMPORTANT If the charge level re-
mains for a long time under 50%, the
battery is damaged by sulphation, re-
ducing its capacity and starting atti-
tude.
The battery will also be more at risk
of freezing (e.g. already at -10°C). Re-
fer to the paragraph “Car inactivity” in
“Starting and driving” if the car is left
parked for a long time.
If after buying the car, you want to
install electric accessories which re-
quire permanent electric supply
(alarm, etc.) contact Fiat Dealership
whose qualified personnel, in addition
to suggesting the most suitable de-
vices, will evaluate the overall electric
absorption, checking whether the car’s
electric system is capable of with-
standing the load required, or whether
it should be integrated with a more
powerful battery.
Since these devices continue ab-
sorbing energy even when the ignition
key is off, they gradually run down the
battery.
105-123 Seicento GB 22-11-2007 10:51 Pagina 115