2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia traction control

ACTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS
The vehicle may be equipped with the
following active safety devices:
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
Traction Control System (TCS)
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
Hill Start Assist (HSA) System
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST)
System
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) System
For the operation of the systems, see the
following pages.
Anti-Lock Braking (ABS) System
An integral part of the braking system,
the ABS prevents one or more wheels
from locking and slipping in all road
surface conditions, regardless of the
intensity of the braking action. The
system ensures that the vehicle can be
controlled even during emergency
braking, allowing the driver to optimize
stopping distances.
The system intervenes during braking
when the wheels are about to lock,
typically in emergency braking or
low-grip conditions where locking may be
more frequent. The system also improves control and
stability of the vehicle when braking on a
surface where the grip of the left and
right wheels varies, such as in a corner.
The Electronic Braking Force Distribution
(EBD) system works with the ABS,
allowing the brake force to be distributed
between the front and rear wheels.
System Intervention
The ABS equipped on this vehicle is
provided with the "Brake-by-wire"
(Integrated Brake System - IBS) function.
With this system, the command given
by pressing the brake pedal is not
transmitted hydraulically, but electrically.
Therefore, the light pulsation that is felt
on the pedal with the traditional system
is no longer noticeable.
Warning!
The ABS contains sophisticated electronic
equipment that may be susceptible to
interference caused by improperly installed
or high output radio transmitting equipment.
This interference can cause possible loss of
anti-lock braking capability. Installation of
such equipment should be performed by
qualified professionals.
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will
diminish their effectiveness and may lead to
a collision. Pumping makes the stopping
distance longer. Just press firmly on your
brake pedal when you need to slow down or
stop.
The ABS cannot prevent the natural laws
of physics from acting on the vehicle, nor
can it increase braking or steering efficiency
beyond that afforded by the condition of the
vehicle brakes and tires or the traction
afforded.
The ABS cannot prevent collisions,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or hydroplaning.
The capabilities of an ABS equipped
vehicle must never be exploited in a reckless
or dangerous manner that could jeopardize
the user’s safety or the safety of others.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
System
The ESC system improves the directional
control and stability of the vehicle in
various driving conditions.
The ESC system corrects the vehicle’s
understeer and oversteer, distributing
the brake force on the appropriate
wheels. The torque supplied by the
engine can also be reduced in order to
maintain control of the vehicle.
The ESC system uses sensors installed
on the vehicle to determine the path that
the driver intends to follow and
compares it with the vehicle’s effective
path. When the real path deviates from
the desired path, the ESC system
intervenes to counter the vehicle’s
understeer or oversteer.
90
SAFETY

Oversteeroccurs when the vehicle is
turning more than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
Understeer occurs when the vehicle is
turning less than it should according to
the angle of the steering wheel.
System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
Warning!
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) cannot
prevent the natural laws of physics from
acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase the
traction afforded by prevailing road
conditions. ESC cannot prevent accidents,
including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot
prevent accidents resulting from loss of
vehicle control due to inappropriate driver
input for the conditions. Only a safe,
attentive, and skillful driver can prevent
accidents. The capabilities of an ESC
equipped vehicle must never be exploited in
a reckless or dangerous manner which could
jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.
Vehicle modifications, or failure to
properly maintain your vehicle, may change
the handling characteristics of your vehicle,
and may negatively affect the performance
of the ESC system. Changes to the steering
system, suspension, braking system, tire
type and size or wheel size may adversely
affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also
degrade ESC performance. Any vehicle
modification or poor vehicle maintenance
that reduces the effectiveness of the ESC
system can increase the risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal
injury and death.
Traction Control System (TCS)
The system automatically operates in the
event of slipping, loss of grip on wet
roads (hydroplaning), and acceleration on
one or both drive wheels on roads that
are slippery, snowy, icy, etc. Depending
on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
If the slipping involves both drive
wheels, the system intervenes, reducing
the power transmitted by the engine.
If the slipping only involves one of the
drive wheels, the Brake Limited
Differential (BLD) function is activated,
automatically braking the wheel which is
slipping (the behavior of a self-locking
differential is simulated). This will
increase the engine torque transferred to
the wheel which isn't slipping. System Intervention
The intervention of the system is
indicated by the flashing of the ESC
warning light on the instrument panel,
to inform the driver that the vehicle
stability and grip are critical.
Panic Brake Assist (PBA) System
The PBA system is designed to improve
the vehicle’s braking capacity during
emergency braking.
The system detects emergency braking
by monitoring the speed and force with
which the brake pedal is pressed, and
consequently applies the optimal brake
pressure. This can reduce the braking
distance: the PBA system therefore
complements the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the PBA system
is obtained by pressing the brake pedal
very quickly. In addition, the brake pedal
should be pressed continuously during
braking, avoiding intermittent presses, to
get the most out of the system. Do not
reduce pressure on the brake pedal until
braking is no longer necessary.
The PBA system is deactivated when the
brake pedal is released.
Warning!
The Panic Brake Assist (PBA) cannot prevent
the natural laws of physics from acting on
the vehicle, nor can it increase the traction
afforded by prevailing road conditions.
91

When cleaning extremely dirty wheels
including excessive brake dust, care must
be taken in the selection of tire and wheel
cleaning chemicals and equipment to
prevent damage to the wheels. Select a
non-abrasive, non-acidic cleaner for
aluminum or chrome wheels.
Caution!
Do not use scouring pads, steel wool, a bristle
brush, metal polishes or oven cleaner. These
products may damage the wheel's protective
finish. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap
is recommended.
Note:If you intend parking or storing your
vehicle for an extended period after
cleaning the wheels with wheel cleaner,
drive your vehicle and apply the brakes to
remove the water droplets from the brake
components. This activity will remove the
red rust on the brake rotors and prevent
vehicle vibration when braking.
Dark Or Low Gloss Wheels
Caution!
If your vehicle is equipped with these
specialty wheels, DO NOT USE wheel
cleaners, abrasives, or polishing compounds.
They will permanently damage this finish
and such damage is not covered by the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. HAND WASH
ONLY USING MILD SOAP AND WATER WITH
A SOFT CLOTH. Used on a regular basis; this
is all that is required to maintain this finish.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter). Traction levels may vary
between different all season tires. All
season tires can be identified by the M+S,
M&S, M/S or MS designation on the tire
sidewall. Use all season tires only in sets
of four; failure to do so may adversely
affect the safety and handling of your
vehicle.
Summer Or Three Season Tires —
If Equipped
Summer tires provide traction in both wet
and dry conditions, and are not intended to
be driven in snow or on ice.
If your vehicle is equipped with Summer
tires, be aware these tires are not
designed for Winter or cold driving
conditions. Install Winter tires on your
vehicle when ambient temperatures are
less than 45°F (7°C) or if roads are covered
with ice or snow. For more information,
contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four;
failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally equipped
with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
222
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. The specific grade
rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these
grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a
comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement, as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning!
The traction grade assigned to this
tire is based on straight-ahead
braking traction tests, and does not
include acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature Grades
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat,
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel, than the minimum required by
law.
Warning!
The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
224
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Seats.....................25
Adjustment ...............25
Head Restraints ............28
Height Adjustment ...........26
Power ..................26
Tilting ..................26
Service Assistance ............246
Service Contract .............247
Service Manuals .............248
Servicing Procedures ..........202
Shoulder Belts ............. .103
Signals, Turn ............. .35,129
Snow Chains ............... .223
Snow Tires ................ .222
Spare Tire ................ .220
Spare Tires .............220,221
Speed Control Accel/Decel ............. .150
Cancel ................ .151
Resume ............... .151
Set .................. .150
Speed Control (Cruise Control) .........149,151
Speed Limiter .............. .148
Starting ................. .188
Starting And Operating .........188
Starting Procedures ...........188
Starting The Engine ...........132 Steering
Tilt Column ...............30
Wheel, Heated .............30
Wheel, Tilt ................30
Steering System .............236
Steering Wheel ...............30
Stop/Start System ............146
Storage ...................54
Suggestions For Driving .........168
Sun Visors ..................51
Supplemental Restraint System - AirBag .................109
Suspension ............... .235
Symbols ....................6
Telescoping Steering Column ......
30
Tie Down Hooks, Cargo ..........50
Tilt Steering Column ............30
Tire And Loading Information Placard ................ .212
Tire Markings .............. .208
Tire Safety Information .........208
Tire Service Kit ............. .183
Tires ...........129,216,220,224
Aging (Life Of Tires) .........219
Air Pressure ............. .216
Changing ............... .208
Compact Spare ............220
Flat Changing .............183 General Information
......216,220
General Information .........220
High Speed ..............217
Inflation Pressure ...........216
Jacking ................ .208
Life Of Tires ..............219
Load Capacity .............212
Load Capacity .............213
Quality Grading ............224
Radial ................. .218
Replacement .............219
Safety ............. .208,216
Sizes ................. .209
Snow Tires .............. .222
Spare Tire .............. .220
Spare Tires ............220,221
Spinning ............... .219
Tread Wear Indicators ........219
To Open Hood ................48
Tow Hooks, Emergency .........191
Towing Disabled Vehicle ...........190
Towing Trailers ..............167
TPMS

(Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) ..................99
Traction Control System (TCS) ......91
Transmission .............. .233
Transporting Animals ..........169