2015 Alfa Romeo 4C inflation pressure

TPMS (Tyre
Pressure
Monitoring System)
(for versions/markets, where provided)
DESCRIPTION
The tyre pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) warns the driver of low tyre
pressure on the basis of the cold
inflation pressure prescribed for the car.
Changes in outside temperature may
cause tyre pressure to vary. This means
that a decrease in the outside
temperature corresponds to a decrease
in the tyre pressure.
Tyre pressure must always be adjusted
according to the cold inflation pressure.
Cold tyre inflation pressure is the tyre
pressure after letting the car at a
standstill for at least three hours or a
travel shorter than 1.6 km after an
interval of three hours.
The cold tyre inflation pressure must
not exceed the maximum inflation
pressure value printed on the side of
the tyre.
The tyre pressure also increases while
driving the car: this is a normal
condition and does not require any
adjustment of the pressure.The TPMS continues to advise the
driver of the low tyre pressure condition
until this is corrected; the warning
continues until the pressure
corresponds or exceeds the pressure
prescribed for the cold tyres. When the
tyre low pressure control warning
light
switches on constantly, the
inflation pressure must be adjusted until
it reaches the pressure prescribed for
cold tyres. After the automatic update
of the system, the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the TPMS to receive this
information.
NOTE
❒The TPMS does not replace the
normal tyre maintenance service and
does not indicate any fault in a tyre.
❒Therefore, the TPMS should not be
used as pressure switch while
adjusting the tyre inflation pressure.
❒Driving with insufficient tyre pressure
causes their overheating and can
result in tyre failure. The low inflation
pressure reduces fuel efficiency
and tyre tread life and may also affect
handling and braking performance
of the car.❒The TPMS does not replace the
correct tyre maintenance. It is up to
the driver to maintain the correct tyre
pressure level measuring it with a
suitable pressure switch. This is
necessary even if the decrease in the
inflation pressure value does not
cause the tyre pressure control
warning light to switch on.
❒The TPMS warns the driver of any
condition of insufficient tyre pressure
If this drops below the insufficient
pressure limit for any reason including
low temperature and normal
pressure loss of the tyre.
❒The seasonal temperature changes
affect tyre pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless devices with
electronic sensors mounted on the
wheel rims to constantly monitor the
value of tyre pressure. The sensors
mounted on each wheel as part of the
valve stem transmit various information
of the tyres to the receiver module, in
order to calculate the pressure.
IMPORTANT Monitoring and
maintaining the correct pressure in all
four tyres are particularly important.
54
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR

Tyre pressure
monitoring system low
pressure warnings
46) 47) 48) 49) 50) 51) 52) 53) 54)
The system warns the driver if one or
more tyres are flat by the dedicated
warning light
continuously on in the
instrument panel and by displaying
dedicated messages.
In this case, stop the car as soon as
possible, check the inflation pressure of
each tyre and inflate to the cold tyre
pressure value prescribed for the car.
The system will automatically update
and after receiving the tyre pressure
update the tyre pressure control
warning light switches off. You may
need to drive the car for about 20
minutes at a speed higher than 20
km/h to allow the system to receive this
information.TPMS operation faults
The system fault is indicated by the
dedicated warning light
which first
flashes for 75 seconds and then stays
on steadily. This can occur in any of the
following situations:
❒interference caused by electronic
devices or radio frequency emissions
similar to those of the TPM sensors.
❒Application of tinted films which
interfere with the signals of the radio
waves.
❒Presence of snow or ice on the
wheels or the wheel arches.
❒Use of snow chains.
❒Use of wheels/tyres not equipped
with TPM sensors.
55A0L0113
55

WARNING
46) The presence of the TPMS does
not permit the driver to neglect
regular checks of the tyre
pressure, including for the spare
wheel.
47) Tyre pressure must be checked
with tyres rested and cold. Should
it become necessary for whatever
reason to check pressure with
warm tyres, do not reduce
pressure even though it is higher
than the prescribed value. Repeat
the check when the tyres are
cold.
48) Should one or more wheels be
fitted without sensors, the system
will no longer be available and,
in addition to the TPMS warning
light flashing for less than one
minute before becoming constant,
a warning message will be shown
on the display, until 4 wheels
with sensors are fitted again.49) The TPMS cannot warn of
sudden decreases in tyre pressure
(for example when a tyre bursts).
In this case, stop the car, braking
with caution and avoiding abrupt
steering.
50) Replacing standard tyres with
winter tyres (and vice versa)
requires TPMS adjustment that
must only be performed by a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
51) Changes in outside temperature
may cause tyre pressures to vary.
The TPMS system may
temporarily indicate insufficient
pressure. In this case, check the
tyre pressure when cold and, if
necessary, restore the inflation
values.
52) When a tyre is removed, it is
advisable to replace the rubber
valve seal as well: contact a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
Tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations require specific
precautions; to avoid damaging or
fitting the sensors incorrectly,
tyre and/or rim fitting/removal
operations should only be carried
out by specialised staff. Contact
a dedicated Alfa Romeo
Dealership.53) Strong radio-frequency
interference could inhibit the
regular operation of the TPMS.
This condition will be indicated by
a message on the display. The
message will disappear
automatically as soon as the
radio-frequency interference
ceases to affect the system.
54) The tyre repair kit (Fix&Go)
provided with the car (for
versions/markets, where
provided) is compatible with the
TPMS sensors; using sealants not
equivalent with that in the original
kit may adversely affect its
operation. If sealants not
equivalent with the original one
are used, it is recommended to
have the TPMS sensors checked
by a qualified repair centre.
57

SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided with the car:
the dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership
will be able to advise you on the most
appropriate tyre to use.
Only use these tyres in the event of ice
or snow on the roads. In these
conditions it is recommended to select
the "All Weather" mode of the Alfa
DNA system.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of
snow tyres, follow the instructions given
in the "Wheels" paragraph in the
"Technical specifications" chapter.
90)
The performance of these tyres on
low-grip surfaces are reduced
considerably when the tread depth is
below 4 mm. They should be replaced
in this case.
Due to the specific characteristics of
snow tyres, in normal weather
conditions and dry asphalt or on long
motorway journeys, the performance of
these tyres is lower than that of
standard tyres. Their usage should
therefore be restricted in accordance
with their type approval.IMPORTANT When using snow tyres
with a maximum speed index below the
one that can be reached by the car
(increased by 5%), place a notice in the
passenger compartment, plainly in
view, which states the maximum speed
allowed by the snow tyres (as per EC
Directive).
All four tyres should be the same brand
to ensure greater safety when driving
and braking as well as making the
car more responsive. It is inadvisable to
change the rotation direction of tyres.
Refer to the "Raising the car" section in
the "In an emergency" chapter for
further details on how to raise the car
correctly.
WARNING
90) The maximum speed for snow
tyres marked “Q” is 160 km/h,
while it is 190 km/h for “T” tyres
and 210 km/h for "H" tyres. The
highway code speed limits must
however always be complied with.
SNOW CHAINS
Reduced size snow chains with a
maximum projection of 7 mm beyond
the tyre profile can be fitted only on
235/40 R18 rear tyres.
The use of snow chains should be in
compliance with local regulations.
Snow chains can be fitted on the tyres
of the rear wheels (drive wheels) only.
19" rear tyres cannot be fitted with
chains.
Check the tension of the snow chains
after the first few metres have been
driven.
11)
IMPORTANT Snow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver wheel (for
versions/markets, where provided).
113

REPAIRING A WHEEL
GENERAL
INSTRUCTIONS
The car is equipped with a quick tyre
repair device called the "Fix&Go
automatic" kit.
92) 94)
To use it, follow the instructions below.
93) 95) 96)13)2)
"Fix&Go automatic" KIT
It is located in the luggage
compartment.
The kit includes:
❒bottle A fig. 80 containing sealant
and fitted with: filling tube B and
adhesive label C with the wording
“max. 80 km/h” to be placed in
a clearly visible position (e.g. on the
dashboard) after repairing the tyre;
❒compressor D complete with
pressure gauge and connectors;
❒an information leaflet fig. 81,
providing instructions for using the kit
correctly. This booklet should be
given to the persons charged with
handling the tyre treated with this kit;
❒a pair of gloves located in the side
compartment of the compressor;
❒adaptors for inflating different
elements.IMPORTANT The sealant is suitable for
use at temperatures in the range from
−20°C to +50°C. The sealant has an
expiry date.INFLATION PROCEDURE
Proceed as follows:
97)
❒engage the handbrake, unscrew the
tyre valve cap, take out filler hose A
fig. 82 and tighten ring nut B on
the tyre valve;
❒make sure that switch A fig. 83 for
the compressor is in position 0 (off),
start the engine, insert the plug
into the cigar lighter socket on the
central tunnel (see fig. 84) and switch
on the compressor by bringing
switch A fig. 83 to I (on);
❒inflate the tyre to the pressure
indicated in the “Wheels” paragraph
in the “Technical data” chapter. In
order to obtain a more precise
reading, check the pressure value on
pressure gauge B fig. 83 with the
compressor off;
80A0L0076
81A0L0077
82A0L0078
119

❒if after 5 minutes it is impossible to
reach at least 1.8 bar, disconnect
the compressor from the valve and
power socket, then move the car
forwards approximately 10 metres in
order to distribute the sealant inside
the tyre evenly, then repeat the
inflation operation;❒if you still cannot obtain a pressure of
at least 1.8 bar within 5 minutes from
the compressor switching on, do
not drive off and contact a dedicated
Alfa Romeo Dealership;
❒after driving for about 10 minutes
stop and check the tyre pressure
again; remember to engage the
handbrake;
❒if a pressure value of at least 1.8 bar
is detected, restore the correct
pressure (with the engine running and
the handbrake engaged), resume
driving and drive with great care to a
dedicated Alfa Romeo Dealership.
98) 99) 100)
CHECKING AND
RESTORING TYRE
PRESSURE
The compressor can also be used to
check and, if necessary, restore the tyre
pressure.
Release quick connector A fig. 85 and
connect it directly to the valve of the
tyre to be inflated.REPLACING THE BOTTLE
Proceed as follows:
❒release connector A fig. 86 and
disconnect tube B;
❒turn the bottle to be replaced
anticlockwise and raise it;
❒insert the new bottle and turn it
clockwise;
❒insert connector A and tube B in their
housings.
83A0L0079
84A0L0080
85A0L0081
86A0L0082
120
IN AN EMERGENCY

PERIODIC CHECKS
Every 1,000 km or before long
journeys, check and, if necessary, top
up the following:
❒engine coolant level;
❒brake fluid;
❒screen washer fluid;
❒tyre inflation pressure and condition;
❒operation of lighting system
(headlamps, direction indicators,
hazard warning lights, etc.);
❒operation of screen washing/wiping
system and positioning/wear of
wiper blade.
Every 3,000 km, check and top up if
required: engine oil level.
HEAVY-DUTY USE OF
THE CAR
If the car is used mainly under one of
the following conditions:
❒if the car is used under demanding
conditions, e.g. on track;
❒dusty roads;
❒short, repeated journeys (less than
7–8 km) at sub-zero outside
temperatures;
❒engine often idling or driving long
distances at low speeds or long
periods of inactivity;
the following checks must be carried
out more often than indicated in the
Scheduled Servicing Plan:
❒check of front and rear disc brake
pad condition and wear;
❒check cleanliness of tailgate locks,
cleanliness and lubrication of linkage;
❒visually inspect conditions of: engine,
gearbox, transmission, pipes and
hoses (exhaust - fuel system -
brakes) and rubber elements (boots -
sleeves - bushes - etc.);
❒check battery charge and battery
fluid level (electrolyte);
❒visually inspect condition of the
accessory drive belts;❒check and, if necessary, change
engine oil and replace oil filter;
❒check and, if necessary, replace air
cleaner.
Using the car on track should be
regarded as an exception. The car has
been designed and produced for road
use.
144
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WHEELS AND TYRES
Before embarking on a long trip, and
every two weeks, check the tyre
inflation pressure. Check the tyres when
cold.
131) 132) 133) 134) 135)
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the car is used; for the correct
tyre inflation pressure, see “Wheels” in
the “Technical specifications” section.
Incorrect pressure causes abnormal
tyre wear fig. 128:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn;
B low pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges;
C high pressure: tread particularly
worn in the centre.The tyres must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick. In
any case, follow the laws in force in the
country you are in.
IMPORTANT
For versions/markets, where provided,
the 4C may be equipped with
high-performance tyres able to
guarantee superior grip; this results,
however, in increased wear. Alfa
Romeo, together with Pirelli, has indeed
developed special tyres for 4C: a
dedicated series of Pirelli PZero,
initialled AR, meeting the technical
specifications necessary to get the car
best performance.
Take the following precautions to
prevent damage to the tyres:
❒avoid violent impact against the kerb,
potholes or obstacles as well as
driving for extended periods on
uneven road surfaces;
❒periodically check that the tyres have
no cuts in the side wall, abnormal
swelling or irregular tread wear;
❒avoid travelling with the car
overloaded. If a tyre is punctured,
stop immediately and change it;❒tyres age even if they are not used a
great deal. Cracks in the tread and
on the sidewalls are a sign of ageing.
Have the tyres checked by
specialised personnel if they have
been fitted for longer than 6 years;
❒if replaced, always fit new tyres,
avoiding those of dubious origin;
❒if a tyre is changed, also change the
inflation valve.
WARNING
131) The road holding qualities of
the car also depend on the correct
inflation pressure of the tyres.
132) If tyre pressure is too low, it
may overheat and be severely
damaged as a result.
133) Do not switch tyres from the
left to the right side and vice
versa, in order to prevent
inversion of the rotation direction.
134) Do not repaint alloy wheel rims
at temperatures higher than
150°C. The mechanical
characteristics of the wheels
could be compromised.
128A0L0085
153