2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider maintenance

WARNING!(Continued)
•If unauthorized equipment is connected to the
OBD II connection port, such as a driver-behavior
tracking device, it may:
• Be possible that vehicle systems, including
safety related systems, could be impaired or a
loss of vehicle control could occur that may
result in an accident involving serious injury or
death.
• Access, or allow others to access, information
stored in your vehicle systems, including per-
sonal information.
For further information, refer to “Cybersecurity” in the
“Multimedia” section.
EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
PROGRAMS
In some localities, it may be a legal requirement to pass
an inspection of your vehicle’s emissions control sys-
tem. Failure to pass could prevent vehicle registration. For states that require an Inspection and
Maintenance (I/M), this check verifies the
“Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL)” is func-
tioning and is not on when the engine is
running, and that the OBD II system is ready for testing.
Normally, the OBD II system will be ready. The OBD II
system may notbe ready if your vehicle was recently
serviced, recently had a dead battery or a battery
replacement. If the OBD II system should be deter-
mined not ready for the I/M test, your vehicle may fail
the test.
84 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL

WARNING!(Continued)
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also de-
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifica-
tion 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.
The ESC system uses sensors installed on the vehicle to
determine the trajectory that the driver intends to
follow and compares it with the vehicles effective
trajectory. When the real trajectory deviates from the
desired trajectory, the ESC system intervenes to counter
the vehicles understeer or oversteer.
• Oversteer: occurs 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.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control
System (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC), AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist
(HSA), Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA),
ELECTRONIC Q2 system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake
(RAB). All of the systems work together to enhance
vehicle stability and control in various driving condi-
tions, and are commonly referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the en-
gine is started and can only be deactivated by selecting
Race
mode. Refer to the Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch
Transmission in “Starting And Operating.”
System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the
vehicle is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
The EBD system is an integral part of the ESC system
and intervenes during braking, distributing the brake
force optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability for the vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
90 SAFETY

Cornering Brake Control System (CBC)
The system acts when braking on corners, optimizing the
distribution of brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside of the corner
(less affected by the weight of the vehicle) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction for the vehicle.
Drag Torque Control System (DTC)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and inter-
venes in the event of sudden downshifting, or during
braking when the ABS intervenes, restoring torque to
the engine and thus preventing excessive drag at the
drive wheels, which may lead the wheels to lock and a
loss of vehicle stability, above all in low-grip conditions.
AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR)
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 pre-
vent all collisions, including those resulting from
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
excessive speed in turns, driving on very slippery
surfaces, or hydroplaning. ESC also cannot pre-
vent collisions resulting from loss of vehicle
control due to inappropriate driver input for the
conditions. Only a safe, attentive, and skillful
driver can prevent collisions. 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 nega-
tively affect the performance of the ESC system.
Changes to the steering system, suspension, brak-
ing system, tire type and size or wheel size may
adversely affect ESC performance. Improperly
inflated and unevenly worn tires may also de-
grade ESC performance. Any vehicle modifica-
tion 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.
5
SAFETY 91

Ready Alert Brake System (RAB)
This function activates automatically if the accelerator
pedal is released rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of preparing the
braking system and enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the event of subse-
quent braking.
AUXILIARY DRIVING SYSTEMS
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold tire pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pres-
sure will decrease. Tire pressure should always be set
based on cold inflation tire pressure. This is defined as
the tire pressure after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less than 1 mile
(1.6 km) after a three hour period. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires” in
“Servicing And Maintenance” for information on howto properly inflate the vehicle’s tires. The tire pressure
will also increase as the vehicle is driven - this is normal
and there should be no adjustment for this increased
pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects,
or natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not
turn off until the tire pressure is at or above the
recommended cold placard pressure. Once the low tire
pressure warning (TPMS Warning Light) illuminates,
you must increase the tire pressure to the recommended
cold placard pressure in order for the TPMS Warning
Light to turn off. The system will automatically update
and the TPMS Warning Light will turn off once the
system receives the updated tire pressures. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) placard pres-
sure of 30 psi (207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is
94 SAFETY

68°F (20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately 23 psi
(158 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough
to turn ON the TPMS Warning Light. Driving the
vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to approxi-
mately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light
will still be ON. In this situation, the TPMS Warning
Light will turn OFF only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure value.
CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system
operation or sensor damage may result when
using replacement equipment that is not of the
same size, type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels
can cause sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire
sealants may cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
(Continued)
CAUTION! (Continued)
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is recom-
mended that you take your vehicle to an autho-
rized dealer to have your sensor function checked.
• After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Sensor.
NOTE:
• The TPMS is not intended to replace normal tire care
and maintenance, or to provide warning of a tire
failure or condition.
• The TPMS should not be used as a tire pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure.
• Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the vehicle’s handling and
stopping ability.
• The TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
5
SAFETY 95

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
CONTENTS
SCHEDULED SERVICING ...............197
▫ Maintenance Plan ....................199
 ENGINE COMPARTMENT ...............204
▫ 1750 Turbo Engine ...................204
▫ Checking Oil Level ...................205
▫ Adding Washer Solvent ................205
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery ..............208
 DEALER SERVICE ....................209
▫ Engine Oil ........................ .209
▫ Engine Oil Filter .....................210
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter ...............210
▫ Engine Cover .......................211
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance ............211
▫ Body Lubrication ....................212 ▫
Wiper Blades ...................... .213
▫ Windshield Washer Nozzles .............214
▫ Exhaust System .....................215
▫ Cooling System .....................216
▫ Brake System ...................... .221
▫ Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission ..........224
 RAISING THE VEHICLE ................225
 TIRES ............................. .226
▫ Tire Safety Information ................226
▫ Tires — General Information ............234
▫ Tire Types ......................... .241
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped ..............242
▫ Wheel

And Wheel Trim Care ............245
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) ...........246
8

▫Tire Rotation Recommendations ..........247
 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES .......247
▫ Treadwear ......................... .248
▫ Traction Grades ..................... .248
▫ Temperature Grades ...................248
 VEHICLE STORAGE ...................249
 BODYWORK ........................ .249
▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents ......249▫
Body And Underbody Maintenance ........250
▫ Preserving The Bodywork ..............250
 INTERIORS ........................ .252
▫ Seats And Fabric Parts .................252
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts ...............252
▫ Leather Parts ....................... .253
▫ Glass Surfaces ..................... .254
196 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change
indicator system. The oil change indicator system will
remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change
indicator message will illuminate in the instrument
cluster. This means that an engine oil and engine oil
filter change is required for your vehicle. Operating
conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow,
extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influ-
ence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required”
message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can
cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as
3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your
vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500
miles (805 km).
The Wrench Warning Light may appear in the cluster as
a service reminder when vehicle maintenance is re-
quired, according to the scheduled maintenance mile-
age. The maintenance schedule intervals are set by the
manufacturer. Failure to have them carried out may
void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.NOTE:
The actual interval for changing the oil and
replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle
usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light
or message (if present) on the instrument panel or every
12 months.
Severe Duty All Models
In addition, if your vehicle is used under demanding
conditions, including:
• On the track.
• On dusty roads.
• Short, repeated trips (less than 4-5 miles or 7-8 km) at
sub-zero temperatures.
• Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods of
time.
• Driving for long distances at low speeds.
• Allowing the vehicle to sit for long periods of inac-
tivity.
8
SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 197