VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
265
Alloy rim painting
involving temperatures
exceeding 150 °C should
be avoided since wheel mechani-
cal characteristics could be
impaired.Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them from
the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.Excessive low pressure
causes overheating of the
tyre with the possibility
of serious damage to it.Remember that vehicle
road holding also depends
on correct tyre inflation
pressure.
RUBBER HOSES
As far as the brake system and fuel sup-
ply rubber hoses are concerned, carefully
follow the Scheduled Maintenance
Programme. Indeed, ozone, high temper-
atures and the prolonged lack of fluid in
the system may cause hardening and
cracking of the hoses, with possible leaks.
Careful control is therefore necessary. IMPORTANTS
– Where possible, avoid sudden brak-
ing, tyre squealing starts, violent bumps
against kerbs, potholes or obstacles of var-
ious kinds. Prolonged driving on rough
roads may damage the tyres;
– Routinely check the tyres for cuts on
the sides, swellings or uneven tread wear.
If necessary contact Alfa Romeo
Authorised Services;
– Avoid overloading the vehicle when
travelling: this may cause serious damage
to the wheels and tyres;
– If a tyre is punctured, stop immedi-
ately and change it to avoid damage to
the tyre itself, the rim, suspensions and
steering system;
– Tyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a
sign of aging. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the vehicle for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised per-
sonnel, to see if they can still be used.
Also remember to check the compact
spare wheel;
– In case of replacement, always fit new
tyres, avoiding those of dubious origin;
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
275
Service brakes:– front
– rear
Parking brake
BRAKES
Front
Rear
Type
Turning radius
(between pavements) m1.8 T. SPARK - 2.0 JTS - 3.2
V6 - JTD16V
rack and pinion with hydraulic power steering
11.5
SUSPENSIONS
STEERING SYSTEM
1.8 T. SPARK - 2.0 JTS - 3.2 V6- JTD16V
Disk
Disk
Controlled by hand lever, acting on the rear brakes
1.8 T. SPARK - 2.0 JTS - 3.2
V6 - JTD16V
quadrilateral system with stabiliser bar
Mc Pherson type
INDEX
295
Steering lock .............................. 15
Steering system
- adjustment lever ..................... 22
- technical specifications ............. 275
Steering wheel
- adjustment lever ..................... 22
- horn control ........................... 52
Sun visors .................................. 143
Suspensions (specifications) ......... 275
Tailgate
- opening from inside .......... 124-145
- opening with remote control 8-145
Technical specifications......... 271
Tools ......................................... 214
Towing the car ............................ 244
Towing trailers ............................ 205
Transmission ............................... 274
Tyres
- correct reading ....................... 276
- FIX&GO automatic .................. 217
- in the event of a puncture ........ 212
- inflating pressure .............. 279-304
- snow chains ........................... 208- types of tyres and rims ............ 278
- wear ..................................... 264
- winter ................................... 208
VDC system .............................. 152
Vehicle maintenance............. 247
Volumetric protection ................... 13
Warning lights .......................... 85
Washing the car
- engine compartment ............... 269
- exterior ................................. 268
- interior .................................. 270
Weights ..................................... 280
Wheels
- FIX&GO automatic .................. 217
- geometry .............................. 276
- replacement ........................... 214
- snow chains ........................... 208
- tyre inflating pressure ........ 279-304
- tyres and rims ........................ 278
- warnings ......................... 212-213
Windscreen washer
- operation ............................... 47- spray jets .............................. 267
Windscreen wiper
- blade replacement .................. 266
- operation ............................... 47
- rain sensor ............................. 48
- spray jets .............................. 266