threshold for ESC activation, allowing
higher wheel spin than normally
granted by the ESC system. The
(ESC
OFF) button is fitted beside the gear
shift lever: to deactivate the system see
“Drive Mode” in this section.
WARNING!
In SPORT mode the ESC control
thresholds are higher for maximum
performance on dry road surface. To
ensure maximum security of the ESC,
it is recommended not to activate
SPORT mode on surfaces with
medium- and low-grip (e.g., wet,
snow, dirt, etc..) with ESC system
active (
(ESC OFF) button not
pressed).
NOTE:
• When in “ESC of f” mode, the TCS
functionality of ESC is deactivated
(except for the limited slip feature
described in the TCS paragraph of
this chapter). All other stability
features of ESC function regularly.
• To improve the vehicle's traction
when driving with snow chains, or
when starting off in deep snow,
sand, or gravel, it may be desirable
to switch to the “ESC off” mode by pressing the
(ESC OFF) button and
remain in this operational mode no
longer than needed. Once the
situation requiring “ESC off” mode is
overcome, turn the ESC on again by
pressing the
(ESC OFF) button. This
may also be performed while in
motion.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
and Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD) The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
provides increased vehicle stability and
brake performance under most
braking conditions. The system
automatically “pumps” the brakes
during severe braking to prevent
wheel lock-up.
The Electronic Brake-force Distribution
(EBD) prevents the rear wheels from
over-braking and provides greater
control of available braking forces
applied to the rear axle.
WARNING!
The ABS helps prevent the wheels
from locking, but it does not increase
the physical grip limits between the
tires and the road. Therefore, always
keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of yours and reduce your
speed when entering a curve.
NOTE:
• When
the vehicle's speed is higher
than 7 mph (11 km/h), you may hear
a slight clicking sound as well as
other motor noises. The system is
performing a self-check cycle to
ensure that the ABS is working
properly.
• This self-check occurs each time the
vehicle is started and accelerated
past 7 mph (11 km/h).
ABS is activated during braking under
certain road or stopping conditions.
ABS-inducing conditions can include
ice, snow, gravel, bumps, railroad
tracks, loose debris.
You may also experience the following
when the brake system goes into Anti-
Lock:
• The ABS motor running (it may
continue to run for a short time after
the vehicle stops).
• The clicking sound of solenoid valves.
• Brake pedal pulsations.
• A slight drop or fall away of the
brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS functioning.Driving
5
274
Tires - General
Information Tire Safety Information Tire Markings
1. U.S. DOT Safety Standards Code
(TIN).
2. Size Designation.
3. Service Description.
4. Maximum Pressure and Maximum
Load.
5. Treadwear, Traction and
Temperature Grades (see
“Department of Transportation
Uniform Tire Quality Grades” in
this section). Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE: P265/50 ZR19 (100Y) XL or
265/50 ZR19 (Y100) XL
Size Designation:
P = Passenger car tire size based on
U.S. design standards
“...blank...” = Passenger car tire
based on European design standards
265 = Section width in millimeters
(mm)
50 = Aspect ratio in percent (%) —
Ratio of section height to section
width of tire
ZR = Construction Code
• Z: means a tire usable at speeds
greater than 150 mph (240 km/h)
• R: means radial construction
19 = Rim diameter in inches (in) Service Description:
100 = Load Index — A numerical
code associated with the maximum
load a tire can carry
Y = Speed Symbol — A symbol
indicating the range of speeds at
which a tire can carry a load
corresponding to its load index
under certain operating conditions.
The maximum speed corresponding
to the speed symbol should only be
achieved under specified operating
conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle
loading, road conditions, and posted
speed limits)
Load Identification:
“...blank...” = Absence of any text on
the sidewall of the tire indicates a
Standard Load (SL) tire
XL = Extra Load (or reinforced) tire
LL = Light Load tireDriving
5
321
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both
sides of the tire, however the date
code may only be on one side. Tires
with white sidewalls will have the full
TIN, including the date code, located
on the white sidewall side of the tire.
Look for the TIN on the outboard side
of black sidewall tires as mounted on
the vehicle. If the TIN is not found on
the outboard side, then you will find it
on the inboard side of the tire. EXAMPLE: DOT MA L9 ABCD 0313
DOT = Department of Transportation
— This symbol certifies that the tire is
in compliance with the U.S.
Department of Transportation tire
safety standards and is approved for
highway use.
MA = Code representing the tire
manufacturing location (two digits).
L9 = Code representing the tire size
(two digits).
ABCD = Code used by the tire
manufacturer (one to four digits).
03 = Number representing the week
in which the tire was manufactured
(two digits). In this case, 03 means
the 3 rd
week.
13 = Number representing the year
in which the tire was manufactured
(two digits). In this case, 13 means
the year 2013.Driving
5
322
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Tire and Loading Information Label
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
and the loading information are listed
in two labels on the driver's side rear
door pillar. The labels tells you important
information about the:
• Cold tire inflation pressures for the
front, rear, and spare tires.
• Number of people that can be
carried in the vehicle.
• Total weight the vehicle can carry.
• Tire size designed for the vehicle.Term Definition
B-Pillar The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the
body located behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation
Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure 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 sitting for a minimum of three
hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI
(pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation
Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum
permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire.
The maximum inflation pressure is molded into
the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire
Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire
inflation pressure as shown on the tire placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle
describing the vehicle’s loading capacity, the
original equipment tire sizes and the
recommended cold tire inflation pressures. Tire Information Label
Loading Information LabelDriving
5
323
Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire
must not exceed the load carrying
capacity of the tire on your vehicle.
You will not exceed the tire's load
carrying capacity if you adhere to the
loading conditions, tire size, and cold
tire inflation pressures specified on the
“Tire and Loading Information Label”
and in the “Features and
Specifications” section.
NOTE:
Under a maximum loaded vehicle
condition, gross axle weight ratings
(GAWRs) for the front and rear axles
must not be exceeded.
To determine the maximum loading
conditions of your vehicle, locate the
statement “The combined weight of
occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX lbs/XXX kg” on the tire
and loading information label. The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo/luggage should never exceed
the weight referenced here.
Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit
• Locate the statement “The combined
weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX lbs/XXX kg” on the vehicle's
label.
• Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in the vehicle.
• Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from
XXX lbs/XXX kg.
• The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity. For example,
if “XXX amount equals 1,400 lbs/635
kg and there will be five
150 lbs/68 kg passengers in your
vehicle, the amount of available
cargo and luggage load capacity is
650 lbs/295 kg (since 5 x 150/68 =
750/340, and 1,400/635– 750/340 =
650 lbs/295 kg).
• Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calculated in
previous Step.
• If your vehicle will be towing a
trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consult
this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your
vehicle. Tires
Driving over rough or damaged road
surfaces, as well as debris, curbs and
other obstacles can cause serious
damage to wheels, tires, and
suspension parts.
This is more likely to occur with
low-profile tires, which provide less
cushioning between the wheel and the
road.
Be careful to avoid road hazards and
reduce your speed, especially if your
vehicle is equipped with low profile
tires.
WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is
dangerous. Overloading can cause tire
failure, affect vehicle handling, and
increase the stopping distance. Use
tires of the recommended load
capacity for your vehicle. Never
overload them.Driving
5
324
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 car 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 to
variations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction Grades
The Traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AAA, 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 car
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.
Tire Pressure Proper tire inflation pressure is
essential for safety and best
performance of your vehicle. The tire
pressure monitoring system “TPMS”
setup on the vehicle (see “Tire
Pressure Monitoring System” in this
section) may alert the driver about
insufficient tire pressure even though
the driver is responsible for regularly
checking the tire pressure.
Radial tires fitted on the vehicle may
look properly inflated even when they
actually are under inflated. Do not
make a visual judgment when
determining proper inflation.Driving
5
325
Three primary driving aspects are
affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety
WARNING!
• Improperly inflated tires can be
dangerous.
• Under-inflation increases tire flexing
and can result in tire overheating.
• Over-inflation reduces a tire's ability
to cushion shock. Objects on the
road and potholes can cause damage
that results in tire failure.
• Over-inflated or under-inflated tires
can affect vehicle handling and can
fail suddenly, resulting in loss of
vehicle control.
• Unequal tire pressures can cause
steering problems.
• Unequal tire pressures from one side
of the vehicle to the other can cause
the vehicle to drift to the right or
left.
• Always drive with each tire inflated
to the recommended cold tire
inflation pressure.
Economy
Improper
inflation pressures may cause
uneven wear patterns to develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life
resulting in a need for earlier tire
replacement. Under-inflation also
increases tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Ride comfort and vehicle stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Pressure Checkup The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is indicated on the driver's side rear
door pillar and on the table “Tire
Inflation Pressure” in section “Features
and Specifications”.
Inflation pressure specified on the
table always refers to “cold tire
inflation pressure”. Cold tire inflation
pressure is defined as the tire pressure
after the vehicle has not been driven
for at least three hours, or driven less
than 1 mi (1.6 km) after a three hour
period.
Check tire pressures more often in case
of significant outside temperature
changes, as tire pressure varies
according to temperature changes.
The pressure should be checked and if
necessary adjusted; tire wear and overall conditions should also be
checked monthly. Tire pressures
change by approximately 1 PSI (0.07
bar) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F
(20°C) and the outside temperature =
32°F (0°C) then the cold tire inflation
pressure should be increased by 3 PSI
(0.21 bar) for every 12°F (7°C) for this
outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6
PSI (0.13 to 0.4 bar) during operation.
DO NOT reduce this normal pressure
build-up or your tire pressure will be
too low. 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
valve stem and the TPMS sensor
connected to it.
Tread Wear Indicators Tread wear indicators are in the
original equipment tires to help you
determine when your tires should be
replaced.
These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves.Driving
5
326
When the tread is worn to one of the
tread wear indicators, the tire should
be replaced.
WARNING!
The wet performance (aquaplaning
resistance) will decrease
proportionally to the thickness of the
tread.
Tires Durability The service life of a tire depends on
various factors including, but not
limited to:
• driving style;
• tire pressure;
• distance driven.
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire (if equipped)
should be replaced after six years,
regardless of the remaining tread.
Failure to follow this warning could
result in tire failure. Replacement Tires NOTE:
In order to maintain high performance
and safety level under all driving
conditions, Maserati strongly
recommends to use tires equivalent to
the originals in size, quality and
performance when replacement is
needed.
For the size designation of your tire
see the label on the driver's side rear
door pillar or see table “Wheels” in
section “Features and Specifications”.
The “Load Index” and “Speed
Symbol” for your tire will be found on
the original equipment tire sidewall.
NOTE:
Maserati recommends Maserati
Genuine Tires marked with “MGT”
logo specifically designed for its
models.
It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling.
If you ever replace a wheel assembly,
make sure that the wheel’s
specifications (valve, TPMS sensor and
tire) match those of the original
wheels. Failure to use equivalent replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Your Authorized Maserati Dealer is
available to provide suggestions as to
the types of tires most suited to the
use foreseen by the Customer.
WARNING!
• Do not use a tire, wheel size or
rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may
change suspension dimensions and
performance characteristics,
resulting in altered steering,
handling, and braking operations of
the vehicle. This can cause
unpredictable handling and stress to
steering and suspension
components. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings
appointed for your vehicle.
• Never use a tire with a smaller load
index or capacity, other than what
was originally equipped on your
vehicle. Using a tire with a smaller
load index could result in tire
overloading and failure.
• Always check the maximum speed
(Continued)Driving
5
327