23
TIRE & WHEEL MAINTENANCE
NOTE: Due to a wide range of driving conditions and techni ques, tire maintenance will vary.
Ariel Atoms are equipped with ultra high performan ce, wet/dry (not all-season) tires. Tire sizes are:
Front 195/50R/15 or 205/50R15 Rear 225/45R16 or 225/45R16
Front tire pressures of 18 PSI, and rear tire pressu res of 20 PSI are the recommended tire pressures for
most applications. Minimum and maximum tire pressures ar e listed on the sidewall of the tires.
Drivers should inspect tires for proper pressure and tre ad wear before every track event. A wide range of
wear patterns are possible due to different driving co nditions.
If you are losing traction it may be time to change t he tires.
Suspension settings may affect tire wear patterns.
Grainy tread may indicate a suspension issue.
Tires may last up to 20,000 miles (32,000 km) under conservative driving conditions or as little as 300
miles (480 km) for track conditions.
The wheels should be re-torqued before every track eve nt. The lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs.
Most Atoms have different size tires on the front an d the back, and cannot be rotated. If you car’s tires a re
the same size, rotate them every 500-1,000 miles (800- 1600 km). Dismount the tires from the wheels
before rotating them.
40
ADDING & CHANGING ENGINE COOLANT
The engine coolant tank is located above the engine in the center of the engine compartment, under the air
intake cover.
WARNING: the system is pressurized at up to 15 PSI, and can cause severe burns! Only open the cap
when the engine is at ambient temperature and there is no pressure in the cooling hoses.
At the factory we use a vacuum device to pull the coolan t through the system, then a coolant pressurizing
system to apply 15 PSI to it. By the time this is done , there are virtually no air bubbles left in the system. You
will have to bleed the system very carefully using the following procedures:
1. Refer to the Fluid Levels & Types section on pages 35 & 36 for your engine’s specifications. Dilute coolant
50:50 coolant to water if the product comes un-diluted.
2. Carefully remove the 1/8 in. bronze pipe plug locate d at the top of the radiator. NOTE: if coolant rushes
out of this fitting, the engine may not need bleedin g.
3. Fill the coolant exchange tank over the engine unti l it will not hold any more coolant.
4. Start the engine and let it idle until the tempe rature at the thermostat housing reaches about 150 deg rees.
5. Check the radiator by touch to ensure it is warm. If it is not warm, turn engine off and let set. Restart.
6. Shut down the engine.
NOTE: The coolant temperature indicator on the SPA dash is no t reliable until the system is completely bled,
so do not depend on it for accurate readings yet.
54
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE ARIEL ATOM 2
SCHEDULE I: GENERAL REFERENCE
Component Service/Operation
Engine Oil
Check before every track event or every 1,000 miles (1,600 km). Change as necessary. Engine Oil Filter
Replace during every oil change. Engine Coolant
Check before every track event. Replace every 30,0 00 miles (48,000 km). Supercharger
Aftercooler Coolant Check before every track event. Replace every 30,0
00 miles (48,000 km). Air Filter Check before every track event. Clean and oil ever
y 5,000 miles (8,000 km). The Filtercharger®
element must be cleaned and serviced with K&N clean er and air filter oil per the prescribed routine
maintenance procedures as outlined in the product l iterature that accompanies the Filtercharger®. Spark Plugs
Inspect before every track event and change if nece ssary. Transmission Fluid
Inspect for leaks before every track event; change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km). Brake Fluid
Inspect levels, condition, and any leakage before e very track event. Brake Rotors Replace when thickness decreases to 19mm, when puls
ation is noted, or if cracking or other physical
damage is found during inspection. Refer to the br ake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Pads Inspect for pad damage, thickness issues or deterio
ration before every event. Replace brake pads
when brake rotors are replaced. Refer to the brake bedding procedures on page12. Brake Hoses &
Lines Inspect brake lines for rubbing, scraping, or any d
amage. Fuel Lines &
Connections Inspect lines for rubbing or scraping before every
track event. Exhaust System Use a wrench to inspect flange bolts for tightness
every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), check gaskets at
this time. Tires
Inspect tires for proper pressure and tread wear be fore and after every track event. Wheels Check wheel nut torque after the first 50 miles (80
km) of operation and before every track event
thereafter. Ensure lug nut torque is 80 ft-lbs. Drive Belt
Check belt for cracking or abnormal wear every 3,00 0 miles (4,800 km). Rod Ends Inspect rods ends on Push Rods, Steering Rods, and
A-Arms for any signs of fatiguing or wear,
replace if parts appear worn. Verify that all chec k nuts are tight on all rod ends.
