2007 Alfa Romeo 8C Owner handbook (in English)

135
5
USING THE VEHICLE
ANTI-POLLUTION
DEVICES Even if the vehicle is equipped with anti-pollution
devices, the environment deserves the greatest
respect from every one of us.
By following a few simple rules, the vehicle
driver can avoid damaging the environment and
very often can reduce fuel consumption as well.
In this regard, some useful information is listed
here below; please read it carefully.
The correct operation of the anti-pollution devices
not only assures respect for the environment, but
also has an impact on vehicle performance.
So, keeping these devices in good working
conditions is the first rule for driving that is both
ecologically sound and economical.
The first precaution is to follow the Scheduled
Maintenance plan scrupulously. Always use unleaded fuel.
If starting is difficult, do not make prolonged
attempts.
Especially avoid push starts, towing or hill starts:
these are all manoeuvres that can damage
catalytic converters.
Use an auxiliary battery only when making an
emergency start.
While driving, if the engine does not run
smoothly, you may continue driving but reducing
engine performance to a minimum; you should
then contact an Authorised Service Centre
of the Manufacturer’s Network as soon as
possible.
Never run the engine, even if only for testing,
with one or more spark plugs disconnected.
Do not warm up the engine letting it idle before
starting off, except in the event of very low
outside temperatures and, even then, for no
longer than 30 seconds.
CAUTION
During normal operation the
catalyst converter generates high
temperatures. Do not, therefore, park
the vehicle on flammable materials
(e.g. grass, dry leaves, pine needles,
etc.): risk of fire!
Do not install heat guards and do not remove
those already fitted to the catalytic converter and
to the exhaust manifold.
Do not spray anything on the catalytic converter,
lambda probe and exhaust manifold.
CAUTION
Failure to comply with these
rules can lead to fire hazards.

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5
OTHER ADVICE
- Do not warm up the engine when the
vehicle is stationary: in these conditions
the engine heats up much more slowly and
increases fuel consumption and emissions.
It is much better to move off slowly,
avoiding high engine RPM.
- As soon as traffi c conditions and the route
permit it, use a higher gear.
- Avoid depressing the accelerator repeatedly
during stops at traffi c lights or before
turning off the engine.
- Keep your speed as regular as possible,
avoiding unnecessary brake applications
and accelerations, which cause fuel wastage
and strongly increase exhaust emissions.
- Turn the engine off if the vehicle remains
stationary for a long time. - Check the tyre pressure regularly: if the
pressure is too low, fuel consumption
increases and the tyres are damaged.
- Do not transport unnecessary objects in
the luggage compartment. The weight
of the vehicle affects fuel consumption
considerably.
- Use the electrical devices only as long as
necessary. The power required increases
fuel consumption.
PARKINGPull the electric parking brake, straighten the
wheels and turn off the engine.
Never leave the ignition key in position MAR.
Always remove the key when getting out of the
vehicle.
CAUTION
Never leave children
unattended in the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not park the vehicle on
paper, grass, dry leaves or other
flammable materials. They could catch
fire if they come into contact with hot
parts of the exhaust system.
CAUTION
Do not leave the engine running
with the vehicle unattended.

137
5
A
USING THE VEHICLE
ELECTRIC PARKING
BRAKE
The vehicle is equipped with an automatic
parking brake EPB (Electric Parking Brake).
It is automatically engaged when the engine
is turned off and it is disengaged when, with
the engine running, the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
When the electric parking brake is engaged and
the key is turned to STOP, the warning light

illuminates on the instrument panel.During engagement and disengagement, the
warning light
flashes until the maximum
engagement force and full release have been
reached.
In the above conditions, the automatic activation
function can be deactivated/activated by
pressing the button A on the dashboard.
CAUTION
During engagement or
disengagement of the electric parking
brake, always hold the brake pedal
depressed.

138
5
B
Engagement
The electric parking brake is automatically
applied when the engine is turned off and the
vehicle is stationary.
It can only be disengaged when the engine is
restarted.
When the key is removed or set to STOP it
cannot be disengaged.
The electric parking brake can also be manually
engaged when the vehicle is moving or the key is
turned to MAR by pulling up the lever
B.
If the engine was turned off with the automatic
engagement device deactivated, you can
reactivated it simply by pulling lever B.
CAUTION
Always check that the vehicle is
actually locked before leaving it.
CAUTION
When the EPB button is
activated while driving, the vehicle
slows down with strong deceleration
(Dynamic Braking). It is therefore
advisable to use this function only
in case of an emergency. The vehicle
stability is in any case ensured by the
VDC system, which is always active.
Disengagement
The parking brake automatically disengages
when the accelerator pedal is depressed.
The electric parking brake can also be manually
disengaged when the vehicle is moving or the
key is in position MAR by manually pulling up
lever
B and simultaneously depressing the brake
pedal.
WARNING: In certain conditions it is however
advisable to manually disengage the electric
parking brake and brake the starting manoeuvre
slightly using the service brake. This is advisable
when there are obstacles very close to the
vehicle in the direction in which you intend to
move.

139
5
A
USING THE VEHICLE
Malfunction indication
In the event of electric parking brake system
failures, the warning light
! on the display
will come on.
Depending on the message displayed, it signals
the following failures of the EPB system:
- Parking brake failure
If the message warning you to go to the
nearest Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network is displayed,
drive slowly and remember that the electric
parking brake device is not functioning.
- Excessive temperature. If after leaving the engine off (key turned
to STOP) for about 15 minutes without
using the parking brake, the warning
light illuminates again when the engine
is started, slowly drive to an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network. If the brake failure is accompanied by the
message “Mechanical release only”, the
manual emergency deactivation procedure
must be performed to release the parking
brake.
Deactivating the PARK OFF automatic
operation
To deactivate manual operation of the electric
parking brake, with the engine on, press the
button
A on the dashboard. The words PARK OFF
will appear on the display for 5 seconds and then
the page that was active previously will reappear.
To reactivate automatic operation, press the
button A again, the words PARK ON appear on
the display for 5 seconds.
WARNING: In certain conditions, when the
battery voltage is low, the electric parking brake
activation/deactivation system may temporarily
be deactivated for safety reasons. Therefore,
typically during engine starting when the battery
voltage drops, the message PARK OFF may
temporarily appear on the display indicating that
automatic operation is temporarily disabled.
WARNING: In the case of performance
starting, check that the electric parking brake is
disengaged.

140
5
D
- Parking brake system overhaul
The EPB system requires maintenance,
therefore contact an Authorised Service
Centre of the Manufacturer’s Network to
have the system corrected.
CAUTION
In the event of an electric
parking brake failure, contact an
Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network as soon as
possible.
Emergency disengagement
In the event that the electric parking brake locks
with a total system failure, you need to manually
release the parking brake using the special tool
provided in the toolkit.
Proceed as follows:
- Move the left-hand seat fully forward and
fully tilt the backrest.
- Using a screwdriver remove the cover
D by
prising on its left-hand side.- Insert the special tool in the just uncovered
pipe.
- Turn the handle clockwise until it is
released.
- Remove the tool from the pipe and refi t the
cover.
CAUTION
After each manual emergency
release, the electric parking brake
system will be inefficient until its
operation is corrected by an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.

141
5
USING THE VEHICLE
TYRESTYRE INFLATION
PRESSURE WHEN COLD
The tyre inflating ratings shown in this manual
must be read as values applicable with cold
tyres.
CAUTION
When winter tyres are fitted,
it is advisable not to exceed a speed
of 220 km/h. Always observe the
regulations in force in the country
where you are driving and follow
the instructions provided by the tyre
manufacturer.
CAUTION
When using the spare wheel
(emergency wheel) do not exceed 80
km/h. Avoid driving at full throttle,
braking sharply and cornering at high
speeds.
WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for driving on
snow and ice and are fitted to replace the ones
supplied with the vehicle.
CAUTION
Only use winter tyres having
the same dimensions as those provided
with the vehicle or as indicated on
page 186.
The Authorised Service Centres of the
Manufacturer’s Network are available to
provide suggestions as to the types of tyres most
suited to the use foreseen by the Customer.
For the type of tyres to use, inflation pressures
and relative specifications for winter tyres,
carefully follow the indications found in the
section “Capacities and technical specifications”.
The features of these tyres are markedly reduced
in winter when tread depth is less than 4 mm. In
this case, they should be replaced.The specific features of the winter tyres lead to
lower performance under normal environmental
conditions or on long highway trips, compared to
the standard tyres.
Therefore, they should only be fitted for
their intended use, for which they have been
approved.
CAUTION
Fit identical (manufacturer and
tread) tyres on all four wheels, in
order to ensure safe driving, braking
and good manoeuvrability.
CAUTION
Remember that the direction of
tyre rotation should not be reversed.

142
5
SNOW CHAINS
The use of snow chains is subject to the
regulations in force in each country.
Use snow chains of reduced dimensions, with
a maximum protuberance of 9 mm beyond the
tyre tread.
The chains should be fitted only on the driving
wheel tyres (rear wheels).
Check chain tension after driving for a distance of
about 50 meters with the chains fitted.
Deactivation of the system is advised when
chains are fitted on the tyres. Press the ASR-OFF
button - LED on the same button is on. Snow chains: brand/type
KONIG SUPERMAGIC
Rear tyre
285/35 ZR20
WARNING: Before purchasing or using snow
chains, we recommend that you contact
an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network for information.
WARNING: Keep a moderate speed, when
chains are fitted on the tyres. Do not exceed
50 km/h. Avoid holes in the road, do not drive
over steps or sidewalks and do not drive on long
sections of roads without snow. This will prevent
damage to the vehicle and the road surface.
USEFUL
ACCESSORIES
TO KEEP IN THE
VEHICLERegardless of applicable legislation, we
recommend that you keep the following in the
vehicle:
- fi rst aid kit containing alcohol-free
disinfectant, sterile gauze pads, gauze rolls,
bandages, etc. (provided with vehicles
manufactured for the German market);
- electric fl ashlight;
- blunt-tipped scissors;
- heavy-duty gloves.
The objects described as well as other essential
objects can be purchased from an Authorised
Service Centre of the Manufacturer’s
Network.