Fiat Barchetta Owner's Handbook Manual - Containing Running Costs

76

Here are some suggestions which

may help you to keep the running

costs of your vehicle down and low-

er the amount of toxic emissions re-

leased into the atmosphere.

GENERAL

CONSIDERATIONS

Car maintenance

The overall state of the car is an im-

portant factor which has a marked in-

fluence over fuel consumption and dri-

ving comfort and on the life span of

your car. For this reason care should

be taken to maintain your car by car-

rying out the necessary checks and

regulations in accordance with the

specifications given in the Scheduled

Maintenance Programme (see sec-

tions... spark plugs, idle, air filter, tim-

ing).

CONTAINING RUNNING COSTS 

AND POLLUTION

Tyres

Tyres should be checked at least

every four weeks: if the pressure is

too low fuel consumption increases as

the resistance to the rolling movement

of the tyre is greater. In this state, tyre

wear is increased and car handling suf-

fers which will affect safety.

Unnecessary loads

Do not travel with too much luggage

stowed in the boot. The weight of the

vehicle (especially when driving in

town) and its trim greatly affects con-

sumption and stability.

To get the most out of ABS:

– During emergency stops or when

grip conditions are poor, you will feel

a slight pulsation on the brake pedal.

This is the sign that the ABS is in ac-

tion. Do not release the brake pedal

but continue to press so as not to in-

terrupt the braking action.

– ABS prevents the wheels from

locking but it does not increase actu-

al grip conditions between tyre and

road. Therefore, even if your car is fit-

ted with ABS, respect the safety dis-

tance from the car in front of you and

keep your speed down when driving

into bends.

– ABS serves to increase the con-

trollability of the car, not to enable you

to go faster.