Rain sensor

Preventive safety means being assured of excellent visibility at all times. This is why the Grande Punto offers a rain sensor as standard equipment, because it keeps the windscreen clear even in bad weather. The system is applied in the upper part of the passenger compartment, behind the rear-view mirror, and automatically activates the windscreen wipers, adjusting frequency according to the intensity of the rain. It is activated by moving the right-hand lever of the control stalk to the first position (intermittent). It is based on the principle of the refraction of infrared rays through the glass and the drops of water. The optical part of the sensor (lens) sends the infrared light to the windscreen. The latter reflects it and sends it back to the sensor. Because the luminous energy sent to the windscreen is constant, the value measured on reception decreases proportionally to the increase in the quantity of water and other impurities on the glass. Changes in the signal are elaborated by the electronic part of the sensor, which activates the appropriate wiper frequency.

Because the wet surface of the windscreen bothers the human eye more at night than during the day, the sensor also regulates the windscreen wiper on the basis of the ambient light. It recognises the streaking caused by worn blades and compensates for the effects of the ageing of the windscreen and the electronic elements. In particular situations it uses special wiping cycles, for example when there are sparse drops of water or other impurities on the windscreen (salt deposits, dirt, etc.).

The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be adjusted using the two-position ring nut on the right lever of the stalk. If the engine is stopped with the system running, it will be automatically deactivated. To start it again, when he restarts the engine, the driver can either turn the lever on the stalk to zero and then return it to the first position, or adjust the sensitivity of the sensor.

To indicate that it has been reactivated, the system gives one pass of the wipers, even if the windscreen is dry. The sensor is activated automatically after the window washer pump is used, for the time necessary to remove the drops on the windscreen.


Tyre pressure sensor

The new Fiat model also offers a tyre pressure sensor, which signals any anomalies with both a beep and a telltale on the display. The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) monitors two conditions: insufficient inflation pressure and a puncture. If one of the thresholds is passed, the signalling telltale is activated and a message appears on the display. In the event of a puncture, the control panel also emits a beep.


'Small' devices for great comfort

With Fiat Grande Punto the quality of the way we live and travel in our cars changes. The merit goes to various systems such as the 'Follow me home' function which keeps the headlights on for a few seconds, the new FIX&GO system that repairs a punctured tyre, or darkened glass for greater privacy. And on the 5-door versions, the electric rear windows are available with an anti-pinch sensor incorporated into the upper seal. If the device detects the presence of an obstacle between the seal and the upper edge of the glass, it immediately inverts the movement of the window winder.

Another interesting feature of the new model is the deadlock, a technical feature that allows the inside door handle and all the levers connected to the lock to be put in neutral. This is an important step forward in protecting cars against theft: the deadlock makes any effort on the part of a thief to force the lock or its internal mechanism completely ineffective. The device must be activated deliberately (so as not to lock anyone inside the car). After the first turn of the key in one of the front doors or after the first impulse on the remote control, a second turn, or second impulse, must be given, and this engages the deadlock.

Fiat Grande Punto also offers a supplementary heater and a cargo box. The former is an electric heater incorporated in the climate system which heats the air rapidly - without having to wait for the engine fluid to heat up - so that the passengers have an immediate perception of warmth. In addition to this advantage, driving in winter climates is safer because the warmer air means that the windscreen demists faster. And the cargo box raises the loading floor so that small personal items can be stored underneath, and produces a single level floor when the rear seat is folded down.
 
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