Car Inactivity; Towing Trailers - Alfa Romeo 147 Owner's Manual

CAR INACTIVITY

If the car is to be left inactive for long
periods, the following precautions should
be noted:
– house the car under acover in a dry
and possibly ventilated place;
– engage a gear;
– check that the handbrake is not
engaged;
– disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal from the battery and check the battery
charge. This check should be repeated
every three months during stowage.
Charge the battery if the indicator shows
(where provided) a dark colour in the cen-
tral green area;
– clean and protect the paintwork by
protective wax;
– clean and protect the metal polished
parts with marketed products;
– cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum pow-
der and raise them off the glass;
– open the windows slightly;
– cover the car with a fabric or perforat-
ed plastic cover. Do not use compact plas-
tic covers which prevent the humidity on
the surface on the car from evaporating;
– inflate the tyres to a pressure of +0.5
bars above normal and check it periodical-
ly;
– if the battery is not disconnected from
the electric system, check its charge every
thirty days and if the indicator shows a
dark colour in the green area, charge the
battery;
– do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.

TOWING TRAILERS

WARNINGS
For towing caravans or trailers the car
must be fitted with a certified tow hook
and an adequate electric system.
Installation should be carried out by spe-
cialised personnel who release a special
document for circulation on the road.
Install any specific and/or additional
rearview mirrors as specified by law.
Remember that when towing a trailer,
steep hills are harder to climb, the braking
spaces increase and overtaking takes
longer depending on the overall weight.
Engage a low gear when driving down-
hill, rather than constantly using the brake.
The weight the trailer exerts on the car
tow hook reduces by the same amount
the actual car loading capacity.
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