front bumper. In addition, it may
activate depending on the level of
impact from even a light object, small
animal, or other small object;
the system may also activate if the
lower part of the vehicle or the front
bumper receives an impact from one of
the following situations:
– the vehicle hits a curb;
– the vehicle falls into a deep ditch or
hole;
– the vehicle bounces and hits the
ground;
– the front, bottom part of the vehicle
contacts the slope of a parking
garage, the surface of an even,
undulating road, or a protruding or
fallen object on the road.
Situations in which the active
bonnet may not activate
The active bonnet may not active in the
following situations as an impact would
be difficult to detect:
the pedestrian gets hit at an angle or
by the side areas on the left and right of
the front bumper;
the vehicle hits a pedestrian who is
carrying something such as a bag
which can absorb the impact.
Situations in which the system does
not activate
The active bonnet does not activate
under the following conditions:
the front bumper gets hit while the
vehicle is being driven at a speed
insufficient to activate the system;
the vehicle gets hit from the side or
the rear;
the vehicle rolls or turns over (the
active bonnet may operate depending
on the accident conditions).
WARNING
66)Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving. The ABS cannot compensate
for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
67)When the ABS intervenes and you feel
the brake pedal pulsating, do not reduce
the pressure, but hold it down firmly and
confidently; in doing so you will brake in the
shortest distance possible, depending on
the current road conditions.
68)For the correct operation of the ABS,
the tyres must of necessity be the same
make and type on all wheels, in perfect
condition and, above all, of the prescribed
type and dimensions.69)If the ABS intervenes, this indicates
that the grip of the tyres on the road is
nearing its limit: you must slow down to a
speed compatible with the available grip.
70)Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving. The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
71)Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow. Driving
without proper traction devices on snow
and/or ice-covered roads is dangerous.
The Traction Control System (TCS) alone
cannot provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
72)The capability of the TCS must never
be tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in
such a way as to compromise personal
safety and the safety of others.
73)Do not rely on the DSC as a substitute
for safe driving: the Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of water
on the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
74)For the correct operation of the DSC
system, the tyres must necessarily be of
the same make and type on all wheels, in
perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and size.
76
SAFETY
When changing tires yourself:ifyou
or someone else changes tires, you or
someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration:
after tires have been changed, switch
the ignition ON, then back to ACC or
OFF;
wait for about 15 minutes;
after about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
for 10 minutes and the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code will be registered
automatically.
IMPORTANT If the vehicle is driven
within about 15 minutes of changing
tires, the
warning light will flash
because the sensor ID signal code
would not have been registered. If this
happens, park the vehicle for about
15 minutes, after which the sensor ID
signal code will register upon driving the
vehicle for 10 minutes.
Replacing tires and wheels
IMPORTANT When replacing/repairing
the tires or wheels or both, have the
work done by an Abarth Dealership, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged.
IMPORTANT The wheels equipped on
your vehicle are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure sensors.Do not use non-genuine wheels,
otherwise it may not be possible to
install the tire pressure sensors.
Be sure to have the tire pressure
sensors installed whenever tires or
wheels are replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are
possible:
the tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one;
the same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced;
a new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.
IMPORTANT The tire pressure sensor
ID signal code must be registered when
a new tire pressure sensor is
purchased. For purchase of a tire
pressure sensor and registration of the
tire pressure sensor ID signal code,
consult an Abarth Dealership.
IMPORTANT When reinstalling a
previously removed tire pressure sensor
to a wheel, replace the grommet (seal
between valve body/sensor and wheel)
for the tire pressure sensor.
MECHANICAL LIMITED
SLIP DIFFERENTIAL
Your vehicle is equipped with a
mechanical limited slip differential. In
particular this vehicle adopts a
super-LSD which guarantees improved
vehicle traction and handling.
A super-LSD with a low torque bias
ratio (*) has been adopted to improve
performance when starting from a
standstill, driving straight-ahead and
response.
(*)Torque bias ratio: when a wheel
slips due to a low-traction surface, the
LSD provides proportionally more
torque to the opposite wheel. The
torque bias ratio is the ratio of torque
supplied to the right and left wheels in
such cases, and represents the
performance capability of the LSD.
The super-LSD is a torque-sensing type
that provides improved driving stability
due to the following characteristics:
low torque bias ratio provides
improved controllability (torque bias
ratio: 2.0);
creation of initial torque provides
improved starting from a standstill and
acceleration/deceleration response, and
driving straight-ahead (initial torque:
49 Nm);
simplified construction provides
weight reduction.
79
WHEELS AND TIRES
SAFETY INFORMATION
211) 212) 213)
42) 43)
Before embarking on a long trip, and
approximately every two weeks, check
the tire inflation pressure, including the
spare wheel, if present. Check the tires
when cold.
It is normal for the pressure to increase
when the vehicle is used due to tire
heating; for the correct tire inflation
pressure, see the “Wheels and tire
specifications” paragraph in the
“Technical specifications” chapter.
The tires must be replaced when the
tread is less than 1.6 mm thick.
REPLACING A TIRE
214)
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread. Replace the tire when this
happens (see figure): 1: new tread/2:
worn tread (3 = tread wear indicator).You should replace the tire before the
band crosses the entire tread.
SNOW CHAINS
44)
The snow chains may be applied only
to the rear wheel tires. Check the
tension of the snow chains after the first
few metres have been driven.
IMPORTANT Using snow chains with
tires with non-original dimensions may
damage the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Using different size or type
(M+S, snow, etc.) tires between front
and rear axle may adversely affect
vehicle driveability, with the risk of losing
control of the vehicle and resulting
accidents.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
The single wheel will therefore operate
on a different axle and, where possible,
on the opposite side of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT The following rotation
methods must NOT be used with
one-way tires! This type of tires can
only be switched from the front axle to
the rear axle and vice versa, keeping
them on the same side of the vehicle.
IMPORTANT Rotate tires periodically.
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To
equalize tread wear for maintaining
good performance in handling and
braking, rotate the tires every 10,000
km, or sooner if irregular wear
develops.
IMPORTANT Because your vehicle is
not equipped with a spare tire, you
cannot do a tire rotation safely with the
jack that comes with your vehicle.
Contact an Abarth Dealership for tire
rotation.
IMPORTANT Rotate unidirectional tires
and radial tires that have an
asymmetrical tread pattern or studs
only from front to rear, not from side to
side. Tire performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.
15707031403-ALL-001AB
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With limited-slip differential
Your vehicle is equipped with
limited-slip differential. Do not use the
following:
tires not of the designated size;
tires of different sizes or types at the
same time;
tires not sufficiently inflated.
If these instructions are not followed,
the rotation of the left and right wheels
will be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential. This will cause a
malfunction.
WARNING
211)If the tires are “unidirectional”, do not
switch tires from the right-hand side of the
vehicle to the left-hand side, and vice
versa. This type of tires can only be
switched from the front axle to the rear axle
and vice versa, keeping them on the same
side of the vehicle.
212)Travelling with partially or completely
flat tires can cause safety problems and
irreparable damages to the tire.
213)Always use tires that are in good
condition. Driving with worn tires is
dangerous. Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
214)Replace all four tires at the same time.
Replacing just one tyre is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.215)Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle. Using a wrong-sized wheel
is dangerous. Braking and handling could
be affected, leading to loss of control and
an accident.
216)Always inflate the tires to the correct
pressure. Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling or
unexpected tire failure could result in a
serious accident (see “Tires” paragraph in
“Technical specification” chapter).
217)Use only a FCA-genuine tire valve
cap. Use of a non-genuine part is
dangerous as the correct tire air pressure
cannot be maintained if the tire valve
becomes damaged. If the vehicle is driven
under this condition, the tire air pressure
will decrease which could result in a
serious accident. Do not use any part for
the tire valve cap that is not a FCA-genuine
part.IMPORTANT
42)Road holding depends also on the
correct tire inflating pressure.
43)If the pressure is too low the tire
overheats and this can cause it serious
damage.
44)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h
(30 mph). Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving for long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to prevent damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.
BODYWORK
PRESERVING THE
PAINTWORK
45) 46)
7)
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
is the vehicle is washed remove the
aerial;
if high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a
distance of at least 40 cm from the
bodywork to avoid damage or
alteration. Build up of water could
cause damage to the vehicle in the long
term;
wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water if possible;
wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge;
rinse well with water and dry with a
jet of air or a chamois leather.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, bonnet, headlight frames, etc.)
with special care, as water may
stagnate more easily in these areas. Do
not wash the vehicle after it has been
178
MAINTENANCE AND CARE
WHEEL AND TIRE
SPECIFICATIONS
RIMS AND TIRES
226)
49)
NOTE The tires have been optimally
matched with the chassis of your
vehicle. When replacing tires, FCA
recommends that you replace tires of
the same type originally fitted to your
vehicle. For details, contact an Abarth
Dealership.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size
and inflation pressure (refer to “Tire
inflation pressure” paragraph in
“Maintenance and care” chapter).
IMPORTANT If there are any
discrepancies between the Owner
Handbook and the registration
document, take the information from
the latter. For safe driving, the vehicle
must be fitted with tires of the same
make and type on all wheels.
IMPORTANT Do not use tubes with
tubeless tires.
WARNING
226)If winter tyres with a lower speed
rating than that indicated in the
Registration Document are used, do not
exceed the maximum speed
corresponding to the speed rating of the
tyres used.
IMPORTANT
49)Keep your speed down when snow
chains are fitted; do not exceed 50 km/h
(30 mph). Avoid potholes, steps and
pavements and avoid driving for long
distances on roads not covered with snow
to prevent damaging the vehicle and the
road surface.
185