FIAT Idea - Manual (Page 176)

175
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICA
TIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD AND CONTROLS
SAFETY DEVICES
CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
W
ARNING
LIGHTS AND MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the spare, every two weeks and before
long journeys. The pressure should be
checked with the tyre rested and cold.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure, see
“Wheels” in “Technical specifications”
section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear fig. 13:
A: normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
B: low pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
C: high pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread
wears down to 1.6 mm. In any case, com-
ply with the laws in the country where the
car is being driven.
IMPORTANT NOTES
❒ As far as possible, avoid sharp brak-
ing and screech starts, etc. Be careful
not to hit the kerb, potholes or oth-
er obstacles hard. Driving for long
stretches over bumpy roads can dam-
age the tyres.
❒ Periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tyre wear. If any
of these occur, have the car seen to at
a Fiat Dealership.
❒ Avoid overloading the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious dam-
age to the wheels and tyres.
❒ If a tyre is punctured, stop immediately
and change it to avoid damage to the
tyre, the rim, suspensions and steer-
ing system.
❒ Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are
a sign of ageing. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the car for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised
personnel, to see if they can still be
used. Also remember to check the
spare wheel.
fig. 13 F0H0216m
Remember that road holding
depends also on the correct
tyre inflating pressure.
If the pressure is too low the tyre
overheats and this can cause it seri-
ous damage.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from the
right of the car to the left and vice
versa.
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
treatments requiring to use tempera-
tures exceeding 150°C since the me-
chanical properties of the wheels
could be impaired.
WARNING
❒ In the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious
origin;
❒ If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve;
❒ To allow even wear between the front
and rear tyres, it is advisable to change
them over every 10-15 thousand kilo-
metres, keeping them on the same
side of the car so as to not reverse the
direction of rotation.
161-180 idea GB 1 ed 10-07-2008 8:30 Pagina 175