2008 Alfa Romeo 8C brake

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5
USING THE VEHICLE
USING THE
ENGINEBREAKING-IN
The latest methods of production provide high
precision in the construction and coupling of
components. However, the moving parts do
undergo a settling process, basically in the first
hours of vehicle operation.
ENGINE AND
TRANSMISSION
Avoid exceeding 5000 RPM for the first 1000
km.
After starting the vehicle, do not exceed 4000
RPM until the engine has warmed up sufficiently
(water temperature: 65, 70 °C).
Do not let the engine run at a constantly high
RPM for a prolonged time.WHILE DRIVING
Never travel with the Rev. Counter indicator
approaching the peak RPM - not even downhill.
When the revolution counter indicator is
approaching the peak RPM, drive carefully to
avoid exceeding this limit.
WARNING: In normal conditions all the red
warning lights on the instrument panel and on
the display must be off. When they illuminate,
they indicate a problem in the relative system.Ensure proper operation of the various devices by
checking the relative control gauges.
WARNING: Continuing to drive when a red
warning light is on could cause serious damage
to the vehicle and affect performance.
CAUTION
Never turn the engine off
while driving downhill as the vacuum
decrease prevents the servo brake
from functioning correctly. After a few
braking attempts, the system will
become almost completely inefficient.
The power steering will also loose its
efficiency in these condition.

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5
Engine control system (EOBD)
The EOBD (European On Board Diagnosis)
system fitted on the vehicle is compliant with the
2003/76B/EC Directive (EURO 4).
This system continuously monitors the
components of the vehicle related to emissions;
it also indicates, when the warning light

illuminates on the instrument panel, that the
components in question are in poor condition.
The objective is the following:
- monitor the system effi ciency
- indicate when a problem causes an
increase in emissions exceeding the limits
established by European regulations
- indicate the need for replacement of worn
components.In addition, the system includes a diagnostics
connector that can be interfaced with suitable
instruments. This makes it possible to read the
error codes stored in the control unit, together
with a set of specific parameters for engine
operation diagnostics.
WARNING: If when turning the ignition key
to MARthe warning light
does not
illuminate or if it illuminates while driving,
contact an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network as soon as possible.
WARNING: After correcting the malfunction, the
entire system must be tested by the personnel
of an Authorised Service Centre of the
Manufacturer’s Network that must perform
tests on the bench and, if necessary, the road
test the vehicle: this might require travelling long
distances.
CONSTANT SPEED
REGULATOR (CRUISE CONTROL)GENERAL
The Cruise Control function allows the driver
to maintain the desired vehicle speed constant
without pressing the accelerator pedal. This
reduces driver fatigue on highways, especially
long trips, as the set speed is automatically
maintained.WARNING: The device can only be activated at
speeds exceeding 30 km/h and it deactivates
automatically when the brake pedal is
depressed.

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5
A
B
C
USING THE VEHICLE
CAUTION
Cruise Control must only
be activated when traffic and the
route permit a constant speed to be
maintained safely, for a sufficiently
long distance.
CONTROLS
The Cruise Control function is controlled by
means of the switch
A, the dial
B and the button
C (RCL).
Switch
A can be set to two positions:
- OFF the device is deactivated;
- ON the device is active. When the device
is activated, the symbol
illuminates on
the instrument panel display.The dial
B is used to store and maintain the
vehicle speed, or to increase or decrease the
speed stored.
Rotate the dial
B to position (+) to save the
speed reached or to increase the speed stored.
Rotate the dial B to position (–) to decrease the
stored speed.
Each turn of the dial
B increases or decreases the
speed by about 1 km/h. Rotate and hold the
dial to vary the speed continuously. When a new
speed is reached, it will automatically remain
constant.
Button
C (RCL) allows you to reset the stored
speed.
WARNING: When the ignition key is turned to
position STOP or the switch A to position OFF,
the stored speed is deleted and the system
deactivated.STORING A SPEED
Set the switch
A to ON and bring the vehicle up
to the desired speed. Rotate the dial
B to (+)
for at least three seconds, then release it. The
vehicle speed is saved and the accelerator pedal
can then be released.
The vehicle will proceed at the constant speed
stored in the memory until the brake pedal is
pressed.
If necessary, (for example, to pass another
vehicle), you can accelerate by simply pressing
the accelerator pedal. Afterwards, when you
release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle will
return to the speed saved previously.

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5
RESTORING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
If the device has been deactivated after braking,
the speed saved previously can be restored as
follows:
- gradually accelerate until you reach a speed
close to that stored;
- engage the gear selected when the speed
was stored (4
th, 5th or 6
th gear);
- press button
C (RCL).INCREASING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
The speed stored in the memory can be
increased in two ways:
- Depressing the accelerator pedal and then
storing the new speed reached (holding the
dial
B turned for more than three seconds)
or
- momentarily turning the dial
B to (+): each
impulse transmitted by the dial will cause
a slight increase in speed (about 1 Km/h),
whereas a constant pressure on the same
dial will cause a continuous increase in
speed. When the dial
B is released, the new
speed will automatically be stored.REDUCING THE SPEED
STORED IN THE MEMORY
The speed stored in the memory can be reduced
in two ways:
- Deactivating the device by depressing the
brake pedal and then storing the new speed
(turning the dial
B to (+) for at least three
seconds).
or
- Holding the dial turned
B to (–) until
reaching the new speed, which will
automatically be stored.

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5
TRAVELLING
- Caution is the fi rst rule for safe driving.
Being careful also means being in a position
to be able to predict the driving behaviour
of other drivers, that may be wrong or
careless.
- Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front
of you, adjusting this distance in accordance
to the vehicle speed and traffi c conditions.
- Strictly follow the traffi c regulations
applicable in each country and above all,
respect the speed limits.
- Long trips should be started in optimal
physical condition.
CAUTION
Drunk driving, or driving
under the influence of drugs or certain
medicines is extremely dangerous for
the driver and for others.CAUTION
Always fasten the seat belts.
Travelling without your seat belt
fastened increases the risk of serious
injury in the event of a collision.
- Make regular stops to loosen up your limbs
and refresh yourself, and avoid driving for
hours on end.
- Ensure that the air inside the passenger
compartment is changed constantly.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off:
the braking action requires greater effort on
the pedal due to the absence of the engine
brake and the power braking system. DRIVING AT NIGHT
The main guidelines to follow when driving at
night are set out below:
- Drive with the greatest caution: at night the
driving conditions are more demanding.
- Reduce your speed, especially on roads with
no street lights.
- At the fi rst signs of drowsiness, stop: to
continue driving would be a risk for yourself
and for others. Continue only after you have
had a rest.
- Keep the vehicle at a greater distance from
vehicles in front of you than you would
during the day: it is diffi cult to assess the
speed of other vehicles when you can only
see the lights.
- Make sure that the headlights are aimed
correctly: if they are too low, they reduce
visibility and strain the eyes. If they are too
high, they may bother the drivers of other
cars.

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5
Sound the vehicle horn rhythmically if you hear
another vehicle approaching.
- When you get out of the vehicle, put on the
high-visibility vest.DRIVING IN THE
MOUNTAINS
On downhill roads, use the engine brake,
engaging low gears so as not to overheat the
brakes.
- Never coast downhill with the engine off or
in neutral, and never with the ignition key
removed.
- Drive at a moderate speed and avoid
“cutting” corners.
- Remember that passing other vehicles when
driving uphill is slower and thus requires
more free distance on the road. If you are
being overtaken on a hill, slow down and
allow the other vehicle to pass. DRIVING ON SNOW OR
ICE
Below is some general advice for driving in these
conditions:
- Keep a very moderate speed.
- Fit snow chains or specifi c tyres if the road
is covered with snow: see the chapters
“Snow chains” and “Winter tyres” in this
section.
- Mainly use the engine brake and avoid
sharp braking.
- We recommend that you activate “Low
grip” mode (see page 122).
- Avoid sudden acceleration and sharp
changes in direction.
- During the winter season, even apparently
dry roads can have icy sections. Be careful
when crossing bridges, viaducts and roads
that have little exposure to the sun and are
bordered by trees and rocks. They may be
icy.
- Keep a safety distance from the vehicles in
front.

136
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.