2008 Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider spare wheel

101
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARTURNING THE VDC SYSTEM
ON/OFF
The VDC system is automatically acti-
vated when the engine is started. When
travelling, to turn the VDC off press the
ASR/ VDC button on the central console
for 2 seconds fig. 85. Turning off the
VDC will also turn off the ASR. Both func-
tions can be reactivated by pressing the
ASR/VDC button.
VDC system deactivation is indicated
by the dedicated message on the dis-
play.
If the VDC has been turned off when
travelling, at next engine start-up it will
turn on again automatically.
A0F0026mfig. 85
Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare wheel
(where provided), the VDC
system carries on working.
However, you must remind
that the space-saver spare
wheel has dimensions smaller
than the standard tyre and
therefore its grip is reduced as
to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS
In the event of failure, the VDC system
is automatically disconnected and the
warning light
ácomes on with fixed
light on the instrument panel (together
with a message on the display) (see sec-
tion “Warning lights and messages”). In
this case contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.

109
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
TYRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM -
T.P.M.S. (where provided)
(optional for versions/markets
where applicable)
The car can be equipped with the
T.P.M.S. (Tyre Pressure Monitoring Sys-
tem). This system consists of a radio-fre-
quency sensor, installed on each wheel
(on the rim inside the tyre) that sends
pressure information to the control unit.IMPORTANT NOTES
Failure indications will not be stored and
therefore will not be displayed when
turning the engine off and on again. If
failure persists, the control unit will send
warning indications to the instrument
panel only after a few seconds when the
car is moving.
Tyre pressure should be checked with
tyres cold. Should it become necessary
for whatever reason to check pressure
with hot tyres, do not reduce pressure
although it is higher than the prescribed
value but repeat the check when tyres
are cold (see section “Wheels” in sec-
tion “Technical Specifications”).T.P.M.S. cannot indicate sudden tyre
pressure drops (e.g.: tyre burst). In this
event, brake the car cautiously and
avoid sudden steering.
The T.P.M.S. system requires special
equipment. Consult Alfa Romeo Autho-
rized Services to know what type of ac-
cessories are compatible with the sys-
tem (wheels, wheel caps, etc.). Using
other accessories could cause system
malfunctioning. Due to inflation valve
special characteristics, use only tyre re-
pair sealants approved by Alfa Romeo;
other sealants could cause system mal-
functioning.
The T.P.M.S. does not
exempt the driver from
checking tyre pressure, includ-
ing the space-saver spare
wheel (where provided) at
regular intervals.
WARNING

111
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
Failure Indication
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NOAlfa Romeo Authorized
Services operation
Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
Repair damaged
wheel
Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
–
–
– Sensor presence
–
NO
NO
YES
YES
YES
(*) Given as an alternative on the owner's manual and to be found in Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
(**) Not crossed (tyres shall remain on the same side).
Operation
–
Wheel change
with space-saver spare wheel
Wheel change
with snow tyres
Wheel change
with snow tyres
Wheel change
with others of different
size (*)
Wheel cross switching
(front/rear) (**)

151
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTSnow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver spare wheel
(where provided). So, if a front (drive)
wheel is punctured and chains are need-
ed, a rear wheel should be fitted to the
front of the car and the spare wheel should
be fitted to the rear (adjust tyre pressure
to the specified value as soon as possi-
ble). This way with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted to them
to solve an emergency.SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
Snow chains should only be applied to
the driving wheels (front wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the
first few metres have been driven.
Use snow chains with reduced size: for
tyres 215/55 R16” use snow chains
with reduced size with max protrusion
beyond the tyre profile of 12 mm.
Use of snow chains may be compulso-
ry also for cars with four-wheel drive.
On tyres 225/50 R17”
only “spider” type
chains can be used.
Keep your speed down
when snow chains are
fitted. Do not exceed
40 km/h. Avoid pot-
holes, steps and pave-
ments and avoid also to drive
for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to prevent
damaging the car and the
roadbed.
WARNING
Disengage the ASR sys-
tem when snow chains
are fitted. Press button
ASR/VDC (see paragraph “ASR
system” in section “Dashboard
and controls”).
Tyres 235/45 R18”
cannot be fitted with
snow chains due to in-
terference with fender. On 3.2 JTS version
snow chains shall be fit-
ted to FRONT wheels.

167
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
CHECK TYRE
PRESSURE
(where provided)
On certain versions the display will show
a warning message + symbol (amber)
to indicate the flat tyre.
Should two or more tyre be flat, the dis-
play will show the indications corre-
sponding to each tyre in sequence.
Restore proper inflation pressure values
as soon as possible (see paragraph
“Cold inflation pressures” in section
“Technical Specifications”).
n
LOW TYRE
PRESSURE
(where provided)
On certain versions the display will show
a warning message + symbol (red) (and
buzzer will sound) when the pressure of
one or more tyres falls below the preset
threshold. In this way the T.P.M.S. sys-
tem warns the driver that tyre/s is/are
dangerously flat; possible puncture.
IMPORTANTStop immediately with
one or more tyres flat, avoid braking
sharply and abrupt turns. Replace im-
mediately the punctured tyre with the
space-saver spare wheel (where provid-
ed) or repair the puncture tyre using the
proper kit (see paragraph “If a tyre is
punctured” in section “In an emer-
gency”) and then contact Alfa Romeo Au-
thorized Services as soon as possible.
TYRE PRESSURE
UNSUITABLE
FOR SPEED
(where provided)
Should it be required to journey at a
speed higher than 160 km/h, inflate
tyres at full load pressures (see paragraph
“Cold inflation pressures” in section "Tech-
nical Specifications").
On certain versions, if the T.P.M.S. sys-
tem detects that the pressure of one or
more tyres is unsuitable for the current
speed the display will show a message +
symbol (amber) that will stay on until the
car speed slow downs below the preset
threshold.
nn

171
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IF A TYRE
IS PUNCTURED
The car is equipped with the “Quick tyre
repair kit Fix&Go automatic“. Opera-
tions required to change a wheel are de-
scribed in the following section.
As an alternative to the “Kit Fix & Go
automatic”, the car can be provided (up-
on request) with space-saver spare
wheel: wheel changing and correct use
of the jack call for some precautions as
listed below.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (by push-
ing, towing, or coasting downhill) as this
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.
Remember that the
brake booster and the
power steering system are not
operating until the engine is
started, a greater effort will
therefore be required to press
the brake pedal or turn the
steering wheel.
WARNING
Alert other drivers that
the car is stationary in
compliance with local regula-
tions: hazard warning lights,
warning triangle etc. Any pas-
sengers on board should leave
the car, especially if it is heav-
ily laden. Passengers should
stay away from oncoming
traffic while the wheel is be-
ing changed on. If the wheel is
being changed on a steep or
badly surfaced road, place the
wedges or other suitable ma-
terial under the wheel to stop
the car. Never start the engine
when the car is jacked up. If
you were towing a trailer, un-
couple the trailer before jack-
ing the car.
WARNING

172
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The space-saver spare
wheel (for ver-
sions/markets where applica-
ble) is specific to your car; do
not use it on other models, or
use the spare wheel of other
models on your car. The space-
saver spare wheel shall only
be used in an emergency. It
shall only be used for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a ser-
vice point and the car speed
shall not exceed 80 Km/h. The
spare wheel has a sticker that
summarises the main cautions
for use and limitations. The
sticker should never be re-
moved or covered!
WARNING
When driving with a
space-saver spare
wheel fitted, the driving per-
formance of the car changes.
Avoid accelerating or braking
sharply, abrupt turns or fast
cornerings. The life of the
spare wheel is approx. 3000
Km, after this distance it
should be replaced with an-
other of the same type. Nev-
er attempt to fit a conven-
tional tyre on a rim designed
for use as a space-saver spare
wheel. Have the punctured
wheel repaired and refitted as
soon as possible. Two or more
space-saver spare wheels
should never be used togeth-
er. Do not grease the threads
of bolts before installing them:
they might slip out.
WARNING
The jack shall only be
used for changing
wheels on the car with which
it is provided or on cars of the
same model. It must not be used
for other purposes such as for
instance raising cars of other
models. In no case should it be
used for repairs under the car.
Incorrect positioning of the jack
may cause the jacked car to fall.
Do not use the jack for higher
capacities than stated on its la-
bel. Snow chains cannot be fit-
ted to the space-saver spare
wheel. So, if a front (drive)
wheel is punctured and chains
are needed, a rear wheel should
be fitted to the front of the car
and the spare wheel should be
fitted to the rear. This way with
two normal drive wheels, snow
chains can be fitted to them to
solve an emergency.
WARNING

173
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Please note:
❒the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❒the jack requires no adjustment;
❒the jack cannot be repaired. If it
breaks it must be replaced with a
new jack;
❒no tool other than its cranking de-
vice may be fitted on the jack.To change a wheel proceed as follows:
❒Stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic
where you can change the wheel
safely. The ground should be flat and
adequately firm;
❒Turn the engine off, pull up the hand-
brake and engage first gear or re-
verse;
❒Using handle A-fig. 2, lift the stiff
coverB;
Never tamper with the
inflation valve. Never
place tools between the rim
and tyre. Check and restore, if
required, the pressure of tyres
and spare wheel to the values
given in section “Technical
Specifications”.
WARNING
A0F0132mfig. 2
❒remove the box as shown in fig. 3;
❒for versions fitted with “quick tyre
repair kit Fix&Go” take the tool con-
tainerfig. 4out of the boot;
A0F0007mfig. 3
A0F0134mfig. 4