2008 Alfa Romeo GT tyre pressure

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
Always take due care when braking on
bends, even with the help of the ABS.
The most important advice of all, howev-
er, is this:
When the ABS cuts in, and
you feel the pulsing on the
pedal, do not lighten the
pressure, but keep the pedal firm-
ly pressed with no fear; this way
you will stop in the least space
possible, compatibly with the con-
ditions of the road surface.
Following these instructions you will be
in the best braking condition under all cir-
cumstances.
IMPORTANTCars fitted with ABS may
only be fitted with the wheel rims, tyres and
brake linings of type and brand approved by
the Manufacturer.
The system is completed by the EBD (Elec-
tronic Brake Distributor) which distributes
the braking action through the control unit
and the ABS system sensors. The car is fitted with an
electronic braking distribu-
tor (EBD). If the
>andx
warning lights turn on simultane-
ously with the engine running, this
indicates an EBD system failure; in
this case with sharp braking the
rear wheels might lock too early,
with the possibility of skidding. Dri-
ving extremely carefully, go to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vice to have the system checked.
The turning on of only the
>warning light with the
engine running normally in-
dicates a fault to the ABS system
only. In this case the braking sys-
tem is still efficient, though with-
out the aid of the anti-lock device.
Under these conditions perfor-
mance of the EBD system may be
reduced. In this case too, you are
advised to go immediately to the
nearest Alfa Romeo Authorised
Service to have the system checked
over, driving in such a way as to
avoid sharp braking.
If the low brake fluid lev-
el
xwarning light turns
on, stop the car immedi-
ately and contact the nearest Alfa
Romeo Authorised Service. Any
loss of fluid from the hydraulic sys-
tem will negatively affect the op-
eration of the braking system be it
of the conventional type or of the
type with ABS.
If the compact spare
wheel is used, operation of
the ABS system is cut off
and the
>warning light on the in-
strument cluster turns on.
IMPORTANTIf the battery is run down
the
>andxwarning lights might turn on
when starting the engine and go off after
starting. This should not be considered as
a fault but as a warning that during start-
ing the ABS is not active. The turning off
of the warning lights ensures normal system
operation.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
172
Never leave children un-
attended in the car. Al-
ways remove the ignition
key when leaving the car and take
it with you.To avoid useless con-
sumption of power and
possible draining of the
battery, never leave the ignition
key in the MAR position when the
engine is not running.
PARKING
When the car is parked, proceed as fol-
lows:
– Switch off the engine.
– Engage the handbrake.
– Engage first gear if the car is faced up-
hill or reverse if the car is facing downhill.
– Turn the front wheels so that the car will
immediately come to a halt if the handbrake
slips.
REDUCING
RUNNING COSTS
AND ENVIRONMENT
POLLUTION
By following a few simple guidelines, it
is possible to save car running costs and re-
duce harmful emissions.
GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Car maintenance
To take care of the car maintenance have
the checks and adjustments carried out in
accordance with the “Scheduled Mainte-
nance Programme”.
Tyres
Check the pressure of the tyres routinely
at an interval of no more than 4 weeks: if
the pressure is too low consumption levels
increase as resistance to rolling is higher.
Useless loads
Never travel with an overload in the boot.
The weight of the car (especially in urban
traffic), and its geometry heavily affect con-
sumption levels and stability.Electric services
Use electric devices only for the amount of
time needed. Rearscreen heating, addition-
al headlights, windscreen wipers and heater
fan need a considerable amount of energy,
therefore increasing the requirement of cur-
rent increases fuel consumption (up to
+25% in the urban cycle).
Climate control system
The climate control system is a further load
bearing heavily on the engine inducing high-
er consumption levels(up to +20% on av-
erage). Outside temperature permitting,
preferably use the air vents.
Aerodynamic items
The use of non-certified aerodynamic items
may adversely affect air drag and con-
sumption levels.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
177
It is necessary therefore to limit their use
to the purposes for which they are certified.
IMPORTANTWhen winter tyres are
used with a maximum speed index below
the one that can be reached by the car (in-
creased by 5%), place a notice in the pas-
senger’s compartment, plainly in the driver’s
view, which states the maximum permissi-
ble speed of the winter tyres (as per EC Di-
rective).
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.WINTER TYRES
These tyres are specially designed for dri-
ving on snow and ice, to be fitted in re-
placement of those fitted on the car.
Use winter tyres of the same size as nor-
mal tyres provided on the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services will be
pleased to advise you on the choice of the
tyre most suited to the use the Customer in-
tends to make of it.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and specifications of winter tyres,
follow the instructions given in the “Tech-
nical Specifications” chapter.
The winter features of these tyres are re-
duced considerably when the tread depth
is below 4 mm. In this case, they should be
replaced.
Due to the winter features, under normal
conditions of use or long motorway jour-
neys, the performance of these tyres is low-
er than that of normal tyres.
SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
For 1.8 T. SPARK, 2.0 JTS and 1.9
JTD versions, tyre 195/60 R15 can be
fitted with chains (use snow chains with re-
duced size with max protrusion beyond the
tyre profile of 12 mm). Tyres 205/60 R15
- 205/55 R16 - 205/55 ZR16 - 215/45
R17 - 215/45 ZR17 - 225/40 ZR18 can-
not be fitted with snow chains.
For 3.2
V6version, only use spider type
chains on tyres 215/45 R17” and
215/45 ZR 17”. Tyres 225/45 ZR17 -
225/40 ZR18 cannot be fitted with snow
chains.
Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo provides SPIKES
SPIDER COMPACT chains (model: 17003
compact) with 9 spikes, 16 mm adjustable
length and 17 inch wheel cap adapter.
Snow chains should only be applied to the
drive wheels (front).
Before purchasing or using snow chains,
you are recommended to contact Alfa
Romeo Authorised Services.
Check the tensions of the chain after the
first few metres have been driven.

CORRECT USE OF THE CAR
178
Keep your speed
down when snow
chains are fitted.
Do not exceed 50 km/h. Avoid
potholes, steps and pavements and
avoid also to drive for long dis-
tances on roads not covered with
snow to prevent damaging the car
and the roadbed.
CAR INACTIVITY
If the car is to be left inactive for long pe-
riods, the following precautions should be
noted:
– House the car under cover in a dry and
possibly ventilated place.
– Engage a gear.
– Check that the handbrake is not en-
gaged.
– Clean and protect the paintwork by pro-
tective wax.
– Clean and protect the metal polished
parts with marketed products.
– Cover the rubber windscreen and
rearscreen wiper blades with talcum powder
and raise them off the glass.
– Open the windows slightly.
– Inflate the tyres to a pressure of 0.5 bars
above normal. If possible rest the tyres on
wooden planks and periodically check the
pressure.
– Do not turn on the electronic alarm sys-
tem.– Disconnect the battery negative termi-
nal from the battery and check the battery
charge. This check should be repeated
every three months during stowage.
Charge the battery if the indicator (where
provided) shows a dark colour in the central
green area.
– Do not empty the engine cooling sys-
tem.
– Cover the car with a fabric or perforat-
ed plastic cover. Do not use compact plas-
tic covers which prevent the humidity on the
surface of the car from evaporating. Snow chains cannot be
fitted 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 (adjust tyre pressure to the
specified value as soon as possi-
ble) and the space-saver 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.
Deactivate the ASR sys-
tem when snow chains are
fitted. Press the ASR-OFF
button, button led turned on.

IN AN EMERGENCY
182
The spare wheel has a
sticker that summarises
the main cautions for use
and limitations. The sticker should
never be removed or covered. The
sticker contains the following in
four languages:
CAUTION! FOR TEMPORARY USE
ONLY! MAX 80 km/h! REPLACE BY
NORMAL WHEEL AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE. DO NOT COVER THIS
LABEL IN USE.
Never fit a wheel cap on a com-
pact spare wheel.
The car will handle differently
with the spare wheel fitted: avoid
heavy braking and accelerating,
sharp corners and fast bends.The life of the spare
wheel is approx. 3000 km,
after this distance it should
be replaced with another of the
same type.
Never attempt to fit a conven-
tional tyre on a rim designed for
use as a compact spare wheel.
Have the punctured wheel repaired
and refitted as soon as possible.
Two or more compact spare
wheels should never be used to-
gether.
Do not grease the threads of bolts
before installing them; they might
slip out.
The jack only serves for chang-
ing wheels on the car with which it
is provided or on cars of the same
model. It must not be used for oth-
er 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 ca-
pacities than stated on its label.Snow chains cannot be
fitted on the compact spare
wheel, so, if a front wheel
is punctured and chains need to be
used, the front axle should be fit-
ted with normal wheels and the
compact spare wheel fitted to the
rear. This way, with two normal
wheels at the front, snow chains
can be fitted thereby solving the
emergency situation.
Never tamper with the inflation
valve.
Do not insert tools of any kind be-
tween the rim and the tyre.
Check, and if necessary, restore
the pressure of the tyres and of the
compact spare wheel to the values
given in the “Technical Specifica-
tions” chapter.

IN AN EMERGENCY
189
– make sure the compressor switch A-
fig. 16is set to 0(off), start the engine
and fit plug A-fig. 17into the cigar lighter
outlet and then turn on the compressor by
setting switch A-fig. 16toI(on);
fig. 16
A0A1100b
– inflate the tyre to the correct pressure
value. Check tyre pressure on gauge B-fig.
16with compressor off to obtain precise
reading;
– if after 5 minutes it is still impossible
to reach at least 1.5 bar, disengage com-
pressor from valve and current outlet, then
move the car forth for approx. ten metres in
order to distribute the sealing fluid inside the
tyre evenly, then repeat the inflation oper-
ation;– if after this operation it is still impossi-
ble after 5 minutes to reach at least 1.8 bar,
do not start driving since the tyre is exces-
sively damaged and the quick tyre repair kit
cannot guarantee suitable sealing, contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services;
– once the correct tyre pressure has been
reached, start driving immediately;
fig. 17
A0A0647b
Apply the sticker in a vis-
ible position for the driver
to indicate that the tyre
has been treated with the quick
tyre repair kit. Drive carefully es-
pecially when cornering. Do not ex-
ceed 80 km/h. Avoid heavy brak-
ing and accelerating.

IN AN EMERGENCY
190
– after driving for about 10 minutes stop
and check again the tyre pressure; pull up
the handbrake;
fig. 18
A0A1101b
fig. 19
A0A1102b
If the pressure falls below
1.8 bars, do not drive any
further: the quick tyre re-
pair kit Fix & Go automatic cannot
guarantee proper hold because the
tyre is too much damaged. Contact
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services.
– drive with the utmost care to the near-
est Alfa Romeo Authorized Service.
It is of vital importance to
communicate that the tyre
has been repaired using the
quick tyre repair kit. Hand the in-
struction brochure to the personnel
charged with treating the tyre re-
paired with the kit.FOR CHECKING AND
RESTORING PRESSURE ONLY
The compressor can be also used just for
restoring pressure. Disconnect the quick con-
nectionA-fig. 18and connect it directly
to the tyre valve fig. 19; in this way the
cylinder is not connected to compressor and
the sealing fluid will not flow into the tyre.
– if at least 1.8 bar pressure is read, re-
store proper pressure (with engine running
and handbrake on) and restart;

It is however wise to remember that Pro-
grammed Maintenance does not complete-
ly cover all the car’s requirements: also in
the initial period before the 20,000 km ser-
vice coupon and later, between one coupon
and another, ordinary care is still necessary
such as for example routinely checking and
topping up the level of fluids, checking the
tyre pressure, etc...
IMPORTANTThe Programmed Mainte-
nance coupons are specified by the Manu-
facturer. The failure to have them carried out
may invalidate the warranty.
The Programmed Maintenance service is
carried out by all Alfa Romeo Authorised Ser-
vices, at pre-established times.If during each operation, in addition to the
ones programmed, the need arises for fur-
ther replacements or repairs, these may be
carried out only with the explicit agreement
of the customer.
IMPORTANTYou are advised to contact
Alfa Romeo Authorised Services in the event
of any minor operating faults, without wait-
ing for the next service coupon.SCHEDULED
SERVICING
Correct maintenance is determined in en-
suring long car life under the best conditions.
This is why Alfa Romeo has programmed
a series of checks and maintenance opera-
tions every 20,000 km.
IMPORTANTOn versions fitted with re-
configurable multifunction display, at 2000
km from the maintenance deadline, the dis-
play will show “REFER TO SERVICE MANU-
AL” which is shown again turning the igni-
tion key to MAR, every 200 km. For fur-
ther details, see “Service” in the “Recon-
figurable multifunction display”.
C C
A A
R R
M M
A A
I I
N N
T T
E E
N N
A A
N N
C C
E E
CAR MAINTENANCE
216