What each Alfa Romeo asks of a mechanic
Giulia and Stelvio. CarExpert lists the 2024 Giulia as rear-wheel drive with an 8-speed automatic, and a choice of 2.0L and 2.9L petrol engines. Say which engine you've got, because the two are very different jobs. The Stelvio is the SUV sold alongside it.
Tonale. This one comes as a 1.5L mild hybrid or a 1.3L plug-in hybrid. A plug-in has a high-voltage battery and orange cables, so ask if the mechanic is trained and equipped for them before you hand over the keys.
Giulietta. Built from 2010 to December 2020, with 1.4 and 1.75 turbo petrols and 1.6 and 2.0 MultiJet turbo diesels. Some have the 6-speed TCT, a dual-clutch automatic (in effect a manual with two clutches that shifts itself). That's a different job from a normal automatic, so say if yours has it.
How often does an Alfa Romeo need a service?
CarExpert's data for the 2024 Giulia lists 15,000 km or 12 months. Your own handbook has the final word, because the schedule changes with the model and year.
Alfa Romeo's service calculator describes its capped-price services as covering standard items for normal operating conditions. If your car does hard driving, lots of short trips or sits idle for long stretches, ask whether the handbook wants anything sooner.
What a good Alfa Romeo estimate lists
- The exact model, engine and kilometres, so the right schedule is used.
- The handbook service being followed, and the items due at that reading.
- The engine oil by name, and that it meets Alfa Romeo's specification.
- Each part by name, and whether it's genuine or aftermarket.
- Anything found that can wait, listed apart from what can't.
Your warranty and an independent Alfa mechanic
The maker's warranty pays for parts and labour to fix manufacturing faults, except the items its handbook lists as not covered. CarExpert reported roadside assistance rising from three years to five at the same time.
Using a qualified independent mechanic, to Alfa Romeo's schedule and specifications, doesn't by itself void your new car warranty. Alfa Romeo's warranty page even links to an Independent Service and Repair Information page, and under a national scheme independent mechanics can buy the same service and repair information as dealers for cars made from 2002.
On parts, RAC WA says they needn't carry the maker's badge, but must be fit for purpose. Ask for the part names on the invoice.
When you're ready, tell us the job and which Alfa it is. A local mechanic who specialises in your car.
What you can check on your Alfa
You can
- Note when the next service falls, by date and kilometres, from the handbook.
- Check the oil and tyre pressures on a cold car, on flat ground.
- Take a photo of any warning light, and note when it comes on.
Leave to the mechanic
- The handbook service, recorded in the book.
- Any TCT or automatic gearbox work.
- Anything on a Tonale plug-in's high-voltage system.
Where we'd start with an Alfa
We'd look at the sale and registration date first, because 22 April 2022 decides which warranty you're on. Then we'd find a mechanic who sees Alfas regularly, not just any European car, and ask how often they do your engine. For a Giulietta with the TCT, we'd ask that question about the gearbox as well.