2007 Alfa Romeo 166 snow chains

120
TURNING ON THE ASR
FUNCTION
The ASR function turns on automatically
each time the engine is started.
When travelling it is possible to switch the
system off and on again pressing the switch
(A-fig. 144) on the centre console.
The warning light (B-fig. 144) on the
switch turns on to indicate that the sys-
tem is off.If the function is turned off while travel-
ling, it will turn on again automatically
the next time the engine is started.
IMPORTANTWhen driving on snow,
with snow chains fitted, if may be helpful
to switch off the ASR function: in these
conditions in fact, skidding of the driving
wheels when moving off helps to obtain
better traction.
CUTTING IN OF THE VDC
SYSTEM
The cutting in of the VDC system is indi-
cated by the flashing of the warning light
(A-fig. 145) on the instrument cluster,
to inform the driver that the car is in criti-
cal conditions of stability and grip.
664PGSm
fig. 145
A0D0035m
fig. 144

133
Reading this chapter and following the advice, recommendations
and specification given in it will make it possible for you to get the
best from your vehicle in terms of safety, performance, reliability
and length of life.
This chapter mostly deals with procedures of a general nature.
However, in some cases, it may deal with exclusive and particular
operations.
Pay close attention therefore to the information given as this will
allow you to exploit your vehicle to the full.STARTING THE ENGINE............................................................................page 134
SAFE DRIVING
.........................................................................................................136
WINTER TYRES
........................................................................................................147
SNOW CHAINS
........................................................................................................147
ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY DRIVING
.................................148
TOWING TRAILERS
................................................................................................152
VEHICLE INACTIVITY
..............................................................................................155
INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
...................................156
RADIO TRANSMITTERS AND CELLULAR TELEPHONES
..............................156
GETTING THE BEST OUT OF YOUR CAR

140
– During cold weather even apparently
dry roads may be covered with occasion-
al patches of ice. Pay great attention
therefore when driving on roads which
are in the shade, or where rocks or trees
line the road and on which ice may per-
sist.
IMPORTANT To avoid damaging
tyres do not drive on bare patches of as-
phalt with snow chains fitted to the vehi-
cle. In extreme cases proceed slowly and
remove the chains as soon as possible.
When driving on snow with snow chains
fitted, it might be helpful to turn off the
ASR function of the VDC system (if pre-
sent): in fact, in these conditions, skid-
ding of the driving wheels when moving
off makes it possible to obtain higher
traction.
BRAKES
An efficient braking system is vital to
the safety of the vehicle and its passen-
gers.
To use the brakes correctly and to im-
prove their efficiency and limit wear the
following recommendations should be fol-
lowed:– Do not drive with your foot resting on
the brake pedal.
– Ensure that the brake pedal is not
blocked by the mat or other objects.
– Check the efficiency of the braking
system especially before long journeys.
– Check the handbrake and brake fluid
minimum level warning light
xon the
instrument panel. if the
xwarning light
comes on and stays on when the vehicle
is travelling check that the handbrake is
not engaged. If it is not, stop the vehicle
immediately and check the level of the
brake fluid. If the level is low the anom-
aly affecting the circuit should be rectified
immediately. If the
dwarning light
comes on when the brake pedal is
pressed, this means that the front brake
pads have reached the minimum permit-
ted thickness. Have them replaced as
soon as possible by Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services.
– The brake fluid is hygroscopic (i.e. it
absorbs humidity). To prevent the onset
of braking anomalies it should therefore
be replaced every two years regardless of
the kilometres travelled.
SERVO BRAKE
The vehicle is equipped with a servo-
braking system (active only when the en-
gine is running). When the engine is sta-
tionary a greater effort is required to de-
press the brake pedal in order to obtain
the same braking effect.
ANTI WHEEL-LOCK SYSTEM
(ABS)
The vehicle is equipped with an ABS sys-
tem with electronic braking device (EBD),
the following should be heeded:
– A slight pulsing may be felt on the
brake pedal caused by the intervention of
the ABS system.
– The performance of the system, in
terms of active safety, should not induce
the driver to take unnecessary and unjus-
tified risks.
– The conduct of the driver must always
reflect weather, road and traffic condi-
tions.
– Deceleration always depends on the
degree of grip between the tyres and the
road surface. Obviously road holding is

147
WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for
driving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of
the car most suited to the use the Cus-
tomer intends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of winter
tyres, follow the instructions given in the
“Technical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are
reduced considerably when the tread
depth is below 4 mm. In this case, they
should be replaced.
Due to the winter features, under nor-
mal conditions of use or on long motor-
way journeys, the performance of these
tyres is lower than that of normal tyres.
It is necessary therefore to limit their
use to the purposes for which they are
certified.WARNINGWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the vehi-
cle (increased by 5%), place a notice in
the passenger compartment, plainly in
the driver’s view which states the maxi-
mum permissible speed of the winter
tyres (as per CE Directive).
Fit the same type of tyre on all four
wheels (brand and profile) to ensure
higher driving safety when braking and
good handling.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations. Snow chains
should only be applied to the drive
wheels (front). The sport connotation of
the vehicle requires the use of specific
types of snow chain. Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services should first be contacted
before purchasing or using snow chains.
Check the tension of the chain after the
first few dozen metres have been driven.
IMPORTANTWhen driving on snow
with snow chains fitted, it might be
helpful to turn off the ASR function of
the VDC system (if present): in fact, in
these conditions, skidding of the driving
wheels when moving off makes it pos-
sible to obtain higher traction.

148ECONOMY AND
ENVIRONMENT-
FRIENDLY DRIVING
How you use and how you drive your
vehicle directly influence fuel consump-
tion and environmental impact.
By following a few simple guidelines
and without incising on the “liveliness”
of the vehicle, it is possible to avoid dam-
aging the environment and often, at the
same time, to limit fuel consumption.
The following helpful suggestions will al-
low you to save in running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Vehicle maintenance
The conditions of the vehicle are an im-
portant factor which affects fuel consump-
tion as well as driving tranquillity and the
life of the car itself. For this reason, care
should be given to maintenance, having
the checks and adjustments given in the
scheduled maintenance programme car-
ried out (see ... spark plugs, idle speed,
air/fuel oil filter, timing).
Tyres
Check the tyre pressure at least every 4
weeks: if the pressure is too low, consump-
tion increases as resistance to rolling is
higher. It should also be underlined that in
these conditions, tyre wear increases re-
sulting in poor handling and lower safety. Drive at a moderate
speed when snow chains
have been fitted to the
wheels. Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements, and do not drive for
long stretches on snow-free roads,
otherwise you risk damaging the
tyres, suspension and steering.
Snow chains can be fit-
ted only on wheels with
6.5J x 16” rims and
215/55 R16 tyres or 7.5J x 17”
rims and 225/45 R17 tyres.
(*) Pour versions/marchè lorsqu’il
est prèvu pneus 205/55 R16.

246
Note for one way tyres
There are arrows on the side of one-way
tyres indicating the direction of rotation.
When a wheel is changed (for example
after a puncture, the direction of the ar-
row on the spare wheel might not coin-
cide with the direction of rotation of the
wheel to be changed. Even in these con-
ditions the tyre is still safe but you are ad-
vised to have the tyre repaired and refit-
ted as soon as possible, because top per-
formance is obtained when all the wheels
turn in the direction of the arrow.NoteThe vehicles are fitted with tube-
less tyres. See chapter “Getting the best
out of your car” for indications concerning
tyres in general and the specific recom-
mendations for tubeless tyres. When re-
placing tyres and/or rims maintain the o-
riginal rim/tyre match.IMPORTANTTyre pressure should be
increased by 0.3 bars when driving at
sustained high speed. With winter tyres
the pressure should be +0.2 bar higher
than the rating specified for standard
tyres. Do not use inner tubes with tube-
less tyres.
Snow chains can be fitted
only on wheels with 6.5J x
16” rims and 215/55 R16
(*) tyres or 7.5J x 17” rims and
225/45 R17 tyres.
(*) For versions/markets where
applicable tyres 205/55 R16.

265
Radio ........................................122
Radio-frequency remote control ........251
Radio transmitters and cellular
telephones ..............................156
Rain sensor ....................................61
Rear fog guards ..............................94
Rear roof lamps ............................101
Rear seat ........................................35
Rearscreen heating ..........................86
Refuelling......................................236
Relay (replacement) ......................186
Reversing lights..............................178
RPM counter....................................71
Safeguarding the emission
control devices ..........................150
Safeguarding the environment ........129
Safety belts ....................................40
Ski compartment ............................35
Snow chains..................................147Spark plugs ..................................224
Starting device ............................26-27
Stationary vehicle ..........................138
Steering........................................242
Steering column stalks ......................57
Steering lock ..................................27
Steering wheel (adjustment lever) ......36
STR system (Sport Throttle Response) 63
Sun visors ....................................100
Sunroof ........................................103
Supply/ignition ............................238
Technical specifications..........231
Telephone (provision) ....................102
Third stop light (bulb change) ..........180
Top speeds ....................................239
Tow hook ..............................153-154
Towing the car or another vehicle......196
Towing trailers ..............................152
Transmission ................................242Travelling ......................................137
Tyres
- Correct reading ........................248
- Inflation pressure ......................247
- Winter tyres ............................147
Useful accessories ........................156
VDC (system)..............................117
VDC and ASR systems ....................117
Vehicle inactivity ............................155
Vehicle lifting ................................197
Warning lights ..............................73
Weights ........................................237
Wheel rims....................................245
Windscreen wiper ............................61
Wing mirrors ..................................37