Alfa Romeo Repair: Spider Relays Common Failure Points, electrical relays, ground failures

Question
1984 Spider.  Lots of new parts, original wiring.  Running very well at this point (many thanks to your advice), but always interested in preventative maintenance.  What electrical relays (e.g. fuel pump) are common failures?  They are easy to replace - and easy is good.

Also, when I hear "clean all the grounds" I think that's too vague.  What are some of the most important, common ground failures I should inspect/clean?  Battery terminals are new.  Thanks.

Answer
Grounds that are directly exposed to the elements have the most trouble. But, unless a problem develops the only grounds that should be cleaned at least every 6 months are the battery terminals, even if they look good. That is because of all the solid state components that do not like surges and a corroded battery terminal is the first place an unintended surge will occur. I say unintended because there are known surges that are protected against, such as the surge when a relay is shut down.  Cleaning the battery terminals frequently is the single best way to keep the electronics functioning a long time. The second is to have a battery in very good condition--no sulfating or dead cells.

As for relays. In the last century I encountered quite a few relay failures, but, now they seem really reliable. It is vital to be sure that the new relay has surge protection with either a resister or (best) a diode between the coil terminals of the relay.