Fiat Bravo (2015 year). Manual - part 16
BRAKE FLUID
WARNING
GETTINGTOKNOW
Check that the liquid is at the maximum level (the
Brake fluid is poisonous and highly
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fluid level in the reservoir must not exceed the MAX
corrosive. If contact accidentally occurs,
mark).
immediately wash the affected areas with
If the fluid level in the tank is too low, undo reservoir
water and a neutral detergent, and then rinse
cap D (see previous pages) and add the fluid
thoroughly with water. Call a doctor
described in the chapter "Technical Specifications".
immediately if swallowed.
Note Carefully clean the cap of the reservoir and
the surrounding surface.
WARNING
Take great care to ensure that impurities do not
enter the reservoir when the cap is opened.
The symbol on the container indicates
a synthetic brake fluid, which is
For topping-up, always use a funnel with integrated
different from a mineral fluid. Using a
filter with mesh equal to or lower than 0.12 mm.
mineral-type fluid will damage the special
rubber seals of the braking system beyond
IMPORTANT Brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
repair.
absorbs moisture). For this reason, if the car is
mainly used in areas with a high degree of
atmospheric humidity, the fluid should be replaced at
more frequent intervals than specified in the
“Scheduled Servicing Plan”.
Prevent brake fluid, which is highly
corrosive, from coming into contact with
painted parts. Should it happen,
immediately wash with water.
210
WASHER FLUID FOR WINDSCREEN/
ENGINE COOLANT
REAR WINDOW/HEADLIGHTS
GETTINGTOKNOW
The coolant level must be checked when the engine
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If the level is too low, raise reservoir cap E (see
is cold and must range between the MIN and MAX
previous pages) and add the fluid described in the
marks on the reservoir.
chapter "Technical Specifications".
If the level is too low, undo reservoir cap F (see
previous pages) and add the fluid described in the
WARNING
chapter "Technical Specifications".
Do not travel with the windscreen
washer reservoir empty: the windscreen
PARAFLUUP antifreeze is used in the
washer is essential for improving visibility. Some
engine cooling system. Use the same fluid
commercial windscreen washer additives are
as in the cooling system when topping
flammable.The engine compartment contains
up. PARAFLUUP cannot be mixed with any other
hot components which may set it on fire.
type of fluid. If this happens, do not start the
engine; contact a Fiat Dealership.
WARNING
The cooling system is pressurised. If
necessary, replace the cap with another
of equivalent quality and the same
specifications as the original, otherwise the
efficiency of the system may be adversely
affected. Do not remove the reservoir cap when
the engine is hot: you risk scalding yourself.
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AIR CLEANER/POLLEN
BATTERY
GETTINGTOKNOW
FILTER/DIESEL FILTER
The battery does not require the electrolyte to be
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For filter replacement, contact a Fiat Dealership.
topped up with distilled water. A periodic check,
which can be carried out at a Fiat Dealership is,
however, necessary to check efficiency.
REPLACING THE BATTERY
If necessary, replace the battery with another of
equivalent quality and the same specifications as the
original. Follow the battery manufacturer’s
instructions for maintenance.
USEFUL ADVICE FOR EXTENDING THE
LIFE OF YOUR BATTERY
To avoid draining your battery and make it last
longer, observe the following instructions:
❒ when you park the car, ensure that the doors,
tailgate and bonnet are closed properly, to prevent
any roof lights from remaining on inside the
passenger's compartment;
❒ switch off the internal roof lights. The car is,
however, equipped with a system which switches
the interior 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 negative battery cable;
❒ completely tighten the battery terminals.
212
IMPORTANT If the charge level remains under 50%
WARNING
for a long time, the battery is damaged by sulphation,
GETTINGTOKNOW
reducing its capacity and efficiency at start-up.
Using the battery with insufficient fluid
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irreparably damages the battery and
The battery will also be more at risk of freezing (this
may cause an explosion.
can happen as early as -10°C). Refer 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 wish to install electrical
Incorrect installation of electrical and
accessories which require permanent electrical
electronic devices may cause severe
supply (alarm, etc.) or accessories which influence
damage to your car. After purchasing your
the electrical supply requirements, contact a Fiat
car, if you wish to install any accessories
Dealership, whose qualified staff will evaluate the
(anti-theft, car phone, etc.), contact a Fiat
overall electrical consumption.
Dealership, which will suggest the most
appropriate devices for your vehicle, and will,
most importantly, advise you if a higher capacity
WARNING
battery needs to be installed.
Battery fluid is poisonous and corrosive.
Avoid contact with the skin and eyes.
Keep open flames away from the battery and
Batteries contain substances which are
do not use objects that might create sparks: risk
very dangerous for the environment. For
of explosion and fire.
battery replacement, contact a Fiat
Dealership.
213
WHEELS AND TYRES
WARNING
GETTINGTOKNOW
If the car will be unused for an extended
Before long trips, and every two weeks, check the
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period of time in extremely cold
tyre and space-saver wheel inflation pressure (for
weather conditions, remove the battery and
versions/markets, where provided). Check the tyres
store it in a heated area to prevent it from
when cold.
freezing.
While driving the car, the pressure increases under
standard conditions: for the correct tyre inflation
pressure, see "Wheels" paragraph in the "Technical
specifications" chapter.
WARNING
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre wear
Always wear appropriate goggles when
fig. 178:
working on or near the battery.
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly worn at the edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly worn in the
centre.
The tyres must be replaced when the tread is less
than 1.6 mm thick. In any case, follow the laws
in force in the country where you are driving.
fig. 178
F0W0018
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IMPORTANT
❒ change the position of the tyres every 10-15
thousand kilometres, keeping them on the same
GETTINGTOKNOW
Take the following precautions to prevent damage to
side of the car to avoid inverting the rotation
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the tyres:
direction;
❒ avoid braking suddenly, racing starts and violent
❒ In the case of replacement, always fit new tyres,
impact against the curb, potholes or other
avoiding those of dubious origin;
obstacles and driving for extended periods on
uneven road surfaces;
❒ if a tyre is changed, also change the inflation valve.
❒ periodically check that the tyres have no cuts in
the side wall, abnormal swelling or irregular tyre
WARNING
wear;
The road holding qualities of the car
❒ avoid travelling with the car overloaded. If you
also depend on the correct inflation
have a puncture, stop immediately and change the
pressure of the tyres.
tyre;
❒ tyres age even if they are not used much. Cracks in
the tread rubber and at the sides are a sign of
WARNING
ageing. In any case, if the tyres have been on the
car for over 6 years, they should be checked
If the pressure is too low the tyre
by specialised personnel. Also remember to check
overheats and can be seriously
the space-saver wheel very carefully (for
damaged.
versions/markets, where provided);
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WINDSCREEN/REAR WINDOW
WARNING
GETTINGTOKNOW
WIPER
Do not cross switch the tyres, moving
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them from the right of the car to the
BLADES
left and vice versa.
Periodically clean the rubber part using special
products; TUTELA PROFESSIONAL SC 35 is
recommended.
WARNING
Replace the blades if the rubber edge is deformed or
Never submit alloy rims to repainting
worn. In any case, it is advisable to replace them
treatments requiring the use of
approximately once a year. A few simple precautions
temperatures exceeding 150°C.The mechanical
can reduce the possibility of damage to the blades:
properties of the wheels could be impaired.
❒ if the temperature falls below zero, make sure that
ice has not frozen the rubber against the glass. Use
an antifreeze product to release it if required;
❒ remove any snow from the glass: in addition to
protecting the blades, this prevents effort on
the motor and overheating;
❒ do not operate the windscreen/rear window
wipers on dry glass.
WARNING
Driving with worn windscreen/rear
window wiper blades is a serious hazard,
because visibility is reduced in bad weather.
216
Replacing the wiper blades
Replacing the rear window wiper blade
GETTINGTOKNOW
Proceed as follows:
Proceed as follows:
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❒ lift up the windscreen wiper arm and position the
❒ raise cover A fig. 180 and remove the arm from
blade so that it forms a 90° angle with the arm;
the car undoing the nut B that fastens it to the
pivot pin;
❒ press tab A fig. 179 of the coupling spring and
remove the blade to be replaced from the arm;
❒ correctly position the new arm and tighten the nut
fully;
❒ fit the new blade by inserting the tab into the
special slot in the arm. Make sure that the new
❒ lower the cover.
blade is secured in position.
fig. 179
F0Q0662
fig. 180
F0Q0663
217
NOZZLES
Rear window (washer)
GETTINGTOKNOW
The rear window washer nozzles are fixed.
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Windscreen (washer)
The nozzle holder is on the rear window fig. 182.
If the jet is not coming out, firstly check that there is
fluid in the reservoir (see “Checking levels” in this
chapter). Then check that the nozzle holes, marked
by arrows in Fig. fig. 181, are not clogged; if
necessary use a needle. The window washer nozzles
are fixed.
fig. 181
F0Q0661
fig. 182
F0Q0660
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BODYWORK
These are the most important:
❒ Painting products and systems which give the car
GETTINGTOKNOW
PROTECTION FROM ATMOSPHERIC
particular resistance to corrosion and abrasion;
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AGENTS
❒ Use of galvanised (or pretreated) steel sheets, with
The main causes of corrosion are the following:
high resistance to corrosion;
❒ atmospheric pollution
❒ spraying the underbody, engine compartment,
wheel arch interiors and other parts with highly
❒ salty air and humidity (coastal areas, or hot humid
protective wax products;
climates);
❒ spraying of plastic parts, with a protective function
❒ seasonal environmental conditions.
in the more exposed points: underdoor, inner
The abrasive action of wind-borne atmospheric dust
wing, edges, etc;
and sand, as well as mud and gravel raised by other
❒ Use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
vehicles is also not to be underestimated.
condensation and pockets of moisture from
On your car, Fiat has adopted the best manufacturing
triggering rust inside.
technologies to effectively protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
BODY AND UNDERBODY WARRANTY
Your car is covered by warranty against perforation
due to rust of any original element of the structure
or body.
For the general terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.
219
ADVICE FOR PRESERVING THE
To correctly wash the vehicle, proceed as follows:
BODYWORK
GETTINGTOKNOW
❒ remove the aerial from the roof to prevent damage
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to it if the car is washed in an automatic system;
Paint
❒ if high pressure jets or cleaners are used to wash
Paintwork does not only serve an aesthetic purpose,
the vehicle, keep a distance of at least 40 cm
but also protects the underlying sheet metal.
from the bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
It should be remembered that the build up of
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately to
water can damage the car over a period of time;
prevent rust formation. Use only original paint
products for touch-ups (see “Bodywork paint
❒ wash the body using a low pressure jet of water;
identification plate” in the “Technical specifications”
❒ wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy solution over
section).
the bodywork, frequently rinsing with the sponge;
Normal maintenance of paintwork consists in
❒ rinse well with water and dry with a jet of air or a
washing the car: the frequency depends on the
chamois leather.
conditions and environment where the car is used.
Dry the less visible parts particularly carefully, such
For example, in highly polluted areas, or if the roads
are spread with salt, it is advisable to wash the car
as the door frames, bonnet and the headlight frames,
more frequently.
where water may stagnate more easily. The car
should not be taken to a closed area immediately,
but left outside so that residual water can evaporate.
Do not wash the car after it has been left in the
sun or with the bonnet hot: this may alter the shine
of the paintwork.
220
External plastic parts must be cleaned in the same
Engine compartment
way as the rest of the car.
GETTINGTOKNOW
IMPORTANT The washing should take place with the
Where possible, do not park under trees; the
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engine cold and the ignition key in the STOP
resinous substance that many species release give the
position. After the washing operation, make sure
paint a dull appearance and increase the possibility
that the various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
of triggering rusting processes.
guards) have not been removed or damaged.
IMPORTANT Bird droppings must be washed off
Front headlights
immediately and thoroughly as the acid they contain
is particularly aggressive.
IMPORTANT Never use aromatic substances (e.g.
petrol) or ketenes (e.g. acetone) for cleaning the
plastic lenses of the front headlights.
Detergents pollute the environment.
Therefore the engine compartment should
be washed in areas equipped for
collecting and purifying the liquid used in the
washing process.
Glasses
To clean glasses, use specific window cleaner
products.
Also use clean cloths to avoid scratching the glass or
damaging the transparency.
IMPORTANT Wipe the rear window inside gently
with a cloth in the direction of the filaments to avoid
damaging the heating device.
221
INTERIORS
WARNING
GETTINGTOKNOW
Periodically check for water puddles under the mats
Never use flammable products, such as
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that could cause the panels to rust.
petrol ether or rectified petrol to clean
the inside of the car.The electrostatic charges
Replace the worn carpet mats, if present, with
which are generated by rubbing during the
genuine products and make sure they remain
cleaning operation may cause a fire.
securely fastened to the passenger compartment
carpet. It is not advisable to use non genuine mats
that could move whilst driving.
WARNING
Do not keep aerosol cans in the car:
they might explode. Aerosol cans must
not be exposed to a temperature exceeding
50°C.When the car is exposed to sunlight,
internal temperature can greatly exceed this
value.
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
Rub the seats with a sponge and a solution of water
and mild soap.
222
LEATHER SEATS
PLASTIC AND COATED PARTS
GETTINGTOKNOW
Remove the dry dirt with a buckskin or slightly damp
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp cloth (if
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cloth, without exercising too much pressure.
possible made from microfibre), and a solution
Remove any liquid or grease stains using an
of water and neutral, non-abrasive detergent. To
absorbent dry cloth, without rubbing. Then clean
clean oily or persistent stains, use specific products
with a soft cloth or buckskin cloth dampened with
free from solvents and designed to maintain the
water and neutral soap.
original appearance and colour of the components.
If the stain persists, use specific products and
Remove any dust using a microfibre cloth, if
observe the instructions carefully.
necessary moistened with water. The use of paper
tissues is not recommended as these may leave
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol. Make sure that the
residues.
cleaning products used contain no alcohol or alcohol
derivatives, even in small quantities.
IMPORTANT Never use alcohol, petrols and
derivatives to clean the instrument panel lens.
The fabric upholstery of your car has
been designed to withstand wear deriving
from common use of the car.You are
however recommended to avoid strong and/or
continuous scratching with clothing accessories
such as metal buckles, studs,Velcro fastenings and
the like, as these items cause stress of the cover
fabric that could lead to yarn breaking and
damage the upholstery.
223