2021 ALFA ROMEO STELVIO tires

SAFETY

146

Given that, in a turn, the external wheels of the
car travel more than the internal ones and
therefore turn faster, sending a higher thrust
to the external rear wheel allows for the car to
be more stable and to not suffer an "under-
steer" condition. Understeer occurs when the
vehicle is turning less than appropriate for the
steering wheel position.
Dynamic Steering Torque (DST) System
DST uses the integration of the Electronic
Stability Control (ESC) system with the electric
power steering to increase the safety level of
the whole vehicle.
In critical situations (e.g. braking on surfaces
with different grip conditions), the ESC system
influences the steering through the DST func -
tion to implement an additional torque contri -
bution on the steering wheel in order to
suggest the most correct maneuver to the
driver.
The coordinated action of the brakes and
steering increases the safety and control of
the vehicle.

NOTE:

The DST feature is only meant to help the
driver realize the correct course of action
through small torques on the steering wheel,
which means the effectiveness of the DST
feature is highly dependent on the driver’s
sensitivity and overall reaction to the applied
torque. It is very important to realize that this feature will not steer the vehicle, meaning the
driver is still responsible for steering the
vehicle.
Drive Train Control (DTC) System
Some models of this vehicle are equipped with
an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which offers
an optimal drive for countless driving condi
-
tions and road surfaces. The system reduces
tire slipping to a minimum, automatically
redistributing the torque to the front and rear
wheels as needed.
To maximize fuel savings, the vehicle with
AWD automatically passes to Rear-Wheel
Drive (RWD) when the road and environmental
conditions are such that they wouldn't cause
the tires to slip. When the road and environ -
mental conditions require better traction, the
vehicle automatically switches to AWD mode.

NOTE:

There may be a brief delay in shifting to
AWD mode after a tire slipping event occurs.
If the system failure symbol switches on,
after starting the engine or while driving, it
means that the AWD system is not working
properly. If the warning message activates
frequently, it is recommended to carry out
the maintenance operations.
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 under -
steer 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
oversteer or understeer.
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.
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.
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147

Hill Descent Control (HDC) System — If
Equipped
The HDC function is an integral part of the
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system,
keeping the vehicle at a constant speed while
descending a hill by actively controlling the
brakes.
HDC aims to create vehicle stability and safer
driving in various situations, including poor
grip conditions and steep descents.
The system has three different modes:
Off: the system is deactivated
Enabled: the system is enabled and ready to
intervene when the activation conditions
are met
Active: the system actively controls the
vehicle speed
Enabling The System
To enable the system, push the HDC switch
located on the steering wheel.
HDC Switch The system is enabled if the car speed is below
20 mph (30 km/h). The system stays enabled
until the car speed reaches 37 mph (60 km/h),
the system is disabled at speeds above 37 mph
(60 km/h).
Activation of the HDC system is indicated by
the white icon appearing in the instrument
cluster display.
HDC Symbol
Activation Of The System
Once enabled, the HDC system will activate
automatically if the vehicle is driven on a
downhill slope with sufficient gradient, greater
than 8%.
The speed set for the HDC system can be
adjusted using the SET switch located on the
steering wheel.
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 inappro -
priate 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 prop -
erly 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 perfor-
mance. Improperly inflated and unevenly
worn tires may also degrade ESC perfor -
mance. 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.
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161

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure
Monitoring System (TPMS) that sends the
inflation pressure information of each tire to
the control unit, and will signal the driver in the
event of insufficient tire pressure.
The TPMS uses wireless technology with wheel
rim mounted electronic sensors to monitor tire
pressure levels. Sensors, mounted to each
wheel as part of the valve stem, transmit tire
pressure readings to the receiver module.
Tire pressure will vary with temperature by
approximately 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F
(6.5°C). This means that when the outside
temperature decreases, the tire pressure will
also 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. The tire
pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven. This is normal, and there should be no
adjustment for this increased pressure.
See
Ú
page 233 for information on how to
properly inflate the vehicle’s tires.
The TPMS will signal the driver if pressure falls
below the warning limit for any reason,
including the effects of low temperature and
normal loss of pressure from the tire. The TPMS will stop indicating insufficient tire
pressure when pressure is equal to or greater
than the prescribed cold inflation level. There
-
fore, if insufficient tire pressure is indicated by
the ( ) warning light displaying in the instru -
ment cluster, increase the inflation pressure
up to the prescribed cold inflation value.
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.

NOTE:

The TPMS cannot indicate sudden tire pres -
sure drops (e.g. if a tire bursts). In this case,
proceed with caution and avoid abrupt
steering.
Operating Example
For example, your vehicle may have a recom -
mended cold (parked for more than three
hours) placard pressure of 33 psi (227 kPa). If
the ambient temperature is 68°F (20°C), and
the measured tire pressure is 28 psi (193 kPa),
a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately
24 psi (165 kPa). This tire pressure is low
enough to turn on the “Tire Pressure Monitoring
Warning Light.” Driving the vehicle may cause
the tire pressure to rise to approximately 28 psi
(193 kPa), but the TPMS Warning Light will still
be on. In this situation, the TPMS Warning Light
WARNING!
The system has not been designed to
prevent impacts and cannot detect
possible conditions leading to an accident
in advance. Failure to take into account
this warning may lead to serious or fatal
injuries.
The system may activate, assessing the
trajectory of the vehicle, for the presence
of reflecting metal objects different from
other vehicles, such as safety barriers,
road signs, barriers before parking lots,
tollgates, level crossings, gates, railways,
objects near road constructions sites or
higher than the vehicle (e.g. a fly-over). In
the same way, the system may intervene
inside multi-story parking lots or tunnels,
or due to a glare on the road surface.
These possible activations are a conse -
quence of the real driving scenario
coverage by the system and must not be
regarded as faults.
The system has been designed for road
use only. If the vehicle is driven on a track,
the system must be deactivated to avoid
unnecessary warnings. Automatic deacti -
vation is signaled by the dedicated
warning light/symbol switching on in the
instrument panel
Ú
page 74.
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SAFETY

162

will turn off only after the tires are inflated to the
vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure
value.Insufficient Tire Pressure Indication
If an insufficient pressure value is detected on
one or more tires, the warning light in the
instrument cluster will display alongside the
dedicated messages, the system will highlight
the tire or tires with insufficient pressure
graphically, and an acoustic signal will be
emitted.
In this case, stop the vehicle, check the infla
-
tion pressure of each tire, and inflate the
necessary tire or tires to the correct cold infla -
tion pressure value, shown on the display or in
the dedicated TPMS menu.
TPMS Temporarily Disabled:
TPMS Check Message

When a system fault is detected, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75 seconds,
and then remain on solid. The system fault will
also sound a chime. If the ignition is cycled, this
sequence will repeat, provided that the system
fault still exists. The TPMS Warning Light will turn
off when the fault condition no longer exists. A
system fault can occur due to any of the
following:

Jamming due to electronic devices or
driving next to facilities emitting the same
radio frequencies as the TPMS sensors.
Installing some form of aftermarket window
tinting that affects radio wave signals.
Packed snow or ice around the wheels or
wheel housings.
Using tire chains on the vehicle.
Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPMS
sensors.
After the punctured tire has been repaired
with the original tire sealant contained in the
Tire Kit, the previous condition must be
restored so that the warning light is off
during normal driving.
TPMS Deactivation
The TPMS can be deactivated by replacing all
four wheel and tire assemblies (road tires)
with wheel and tire assemblies that do not
have TPMS sensors, such as when installing
winter wheel and tire assemblies on your
vehicle.

To deactivate the TPMS, first replace all four
wheel and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
not equipped with Tire Pressure Monitoring
System (TPMS) sensors. Then, drive the vehicle
for 20 minutes above 15 mph (24 km/h). The
TPMS will chime, the TPMS Warning Light will
flash on and off for 75 seconds and then
remain on. The instrument cluster will display
the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message and then
display dashes (--) in place of the pressure
values.

Beginning with the next ignition switch cycle,
the TPMS will no longer chime or display the
“SERVICE TPM SYSTEM” message in the
instrument cluster. Instead, dashes (--) will
remain in place of the pressure values.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for the orig -
inal equipment tires and wheels. TPMS
pressures and warning have been estab -
lished 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. The TPMS
sensor is not designed for use on after -
market wheels and may contribute to a
poor overall system performance or
sensor damage. Customers are encour -
aged to use OEM wheels to assure proper
TPMS feature operation.
Using aftermarket tire sealants may cause
the Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) sensor to become inoperable.
After using an aftermarket tire sealant it is
recommended that you take your vehicle
to an authorized dealer to have your
sensor function checked.
After inspecting or adjusting the tire pres -
sure always reinstall the valve stem cap.
This will prevent moisture and dirt from
entering the valve stem, which could
damage the TPMS sensor.
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163

To reactivate the TPMS, replace all four wheel
and tire assemblies (road tires) with tires
equipped with TPMS sensors. Then, drive the
vehicle for up to 20 minutes above 15 mph
(24 km/h). The TPMS will chime, the TPMS
Warning Light will flash on and off for 75
seconds and then turn off. The instrument
cluster will display the “SERVICE TPM
SYSTEM” message and then display pressure
values in place of the dashes. On the next igni-
tion switch cycle the “SERVICE TPM SYSTEM”
message will no longer be displayed, as long
as no system fault exists.

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 pres -
sure gauge while adjusting your tire pres -
sure.
Driving on a significantly underinflated tire
will cause the tire to overheat, and can lead
to tire failure. Underinflation 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
maintenance, and it is the driver’s responsi -
bility to maintain correct tire pressure using
an accurate tire pressure gauge, even if underinflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the TPMS Warning
Light.
Seasonal temperature changes will affect
tire pressure, and the TPMS will monitor the
actual tire pressure in the tire
Ú

page 268.
OCCUPANT RESTRAINT
SYSTEMS
Some of the most important safety features in
your vehicle are the restraint systems:
Occupant Restraint Systems Features
Seat Belt Systems
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air
Bags
Child Restraints
Some of the safety features described in this
section may be standard equipment on some
models, or may be optional equipment on
others. If you are not sure, ask an authorized
dealer.
Important Safety Precautions
Please pay close attention to the information
in this section. It tells you how to use your
restraint system properly, to keep you and
your passengers as safe as possible. Here are some simple steps you can take to
minimize the risk of harm from a deploying air
bag:
1. Children 12 years old and under should
always ride buckled up in the rear seat of
a vehicle with a rear seat.
2. A child who is not big enough to wear the vehicle seat belt properly must be secured
in the appropriate child restraint or
belt-positioning booster seat in a rear
seating position
Ú
page 178.
3. If a child from 2 to 12 years old (not in a rear-facing child restraint) must ride in the
front passenger seat, move the seat as far
back as possible and use the proper child
restraint
Ú
page 178.
4. Never allow children to slide the shoulder belt behind them or under their arm.
5. You should read the instructions provided with your child restraint to make sure that
you are using it properly.
6. All occupants should always wear their lap and shoulder belts properly.
7. The driver and front passenger seats should be moved back as far as practical
to allow the front air bags room to inflate.
8. Do not lean against the door or window. If your vehicle has side air bags, and deploy -
ment occurs, the side air bags will inflate
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190
(Continued)
(Continued)
Periodic Safety Checks You Should Make
Outside The Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear and
uneven wear patterns. Check for stones, nails,
glass, or other objects lodged in the tread or
sidewall. Inspect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks, and bulges.
Check the wheel nuts for tightness. Check the
tires (including spare) for proper cold inflation
pressure.
Lights
Have someone observe the operation of brake
lights and exterior lights while you work the controls. Check turn signal and high beam
indicator lights on the instrument panel.
Door Latches
Check for proper closing, latching, and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under the vehicle after overnight
parking for fuel, coolant, oil, or other fluid
leaks. Also, if gasoline fumes are detected or if
fuel, or brake fluid leaks are suspected, the
cause should be located and corrected imme
-
diately.
Exhaust Gas
ONLY use the driver’s side floor mat on the
driver’s side floor area. To check for inter -
ference, with the vehicle properly parked
with the engine off, fully depress the
accelerator, the brake, and the clutch
pedal (if present) to check for interfer -
ence. If your floor mat interferes with the
operation of any pedal, or is not secure to
the floor, remove the floor mat from the
vehicle and place the floor mat in your
trunk.
ONLY use the passenger’s side floor mat
on the passenger’s side floor area.
ALWAYS make sure objects cannot fall or
slide into the driver’s side floor area when
the vehicle is moving. Objects can become
trapped under accelerator, brake, or
clutch pedals and could cause a loss of
vehicle control.
NEVER place any objects under the floor
mat (e.g., towels, keys, etc.). These
objects could change the position of the
floor mat and may cause interference with
the accelerator, brake, or clutch pedals.
WARNING! (Continued)
If the vehicle carpet has been removed
and re-installed, always properly attach
carpet to the floor and check the floor mat
fasteners are secure to the vehicle carpet.
Fully depress each pedal to check for
interference with the accelerator, brake,
or clutch pedals then re-install the floor
mats.
It is recommended to only use mild soap
and water to clean your floor mats. After
cleaning, always check your floor mat has
been properly installed and is secured to
your vehicle using the floor mat fasteners
by lightly pulling mat.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Exhaust gases can injure or kill. They
contain carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless and odorless. Breathing it can
make you unconscious and can eventually
poison you. To avoid breathing (CO), follow
these safety tips:
Do not run the engine in a closed garage
or in confined areas any longer than
needed to move your vehicle in or out of
the area.

If you are required to drive with the trunk/lift -
gate/rear doors open, make sure that all
windows are closed and the climate control
BLOWER switch is set at high speed. DO NOT
use the recirculation mode.

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195

(Continued)
Frequently Asked Questions:
What happens if I accidentally push the SOS -
Emergency Call Button? You have 10 seconds
after pushing the emergency button to cancel
the call. To cancel the call, push the button
again.
What type of information is sent when I make
an SOS - Emergency Call from my vehicle?
Certain vehicle information, such as the VIN, is
transmitted along with last known GPS loca-
tion. Also note that emergency service opera -
tors may record conversations and sounds
within your vehicle once a connection is made,
and by using the service you consent to having
this information shared.
When can I use the SOS - Emergency
Call button? You can ONLY use the
SOS - Emergency Call button to
make a call if you or someone else
needs emergency assistance.
JACKING AND TIRE CHANGING
General Instructions
This vehicle can be equipped with a Tire
Service Kit
Ú
page 198.
As an alternative to the Tire Service Kit, the
vehicle may be purchased with a compact
spare tire
Ú
page 196.
Jack Information And Usage Precautions
Jack Information
The jack weighs 4.4 lb (2 kg).
The jack requires no adjustment.
The jack cannot be repaired, and in the
event of a fault it must be replaced by
another factory replacement.
No tool other than its extension lever may
be fitted on the jack.
Jack Maintenance
Prevent any dirt from depositing on the
"worm screw".
Keep the "worm screw" lubricated.
Never modify the jack.
Conditions Of Non-Use Of The Jack
Temperatures below −40°F (−40°C).
On sandy or muddy ground
On uneven ground
On steep slopes in extreme weather condi -
tions.
In direct contact with the engine or for
repairs under the vehicle
On boats
WARNING!
Do not attempt to change a tire on the
side of the vehicle close to moving traffic.
Pull far enough off the road to avoid the
danger of being hit when operating the
jack or changing the wheel.
Being under a jacked-up vehicle is
dangerous. The vehicle could slip off the
jack and fall on you. You could be crushed.
Never put any part of your body under a
vehicle that is on a jack. If you need to get
under a raised vehicle, take it to a service
center where it can be raised on a lift.
Never start or run the engine while the
vehicle is on a jack.
The jack is designed to be used as a tool
for changing tires only. The jack should
not be used to lift the vehicle for service
purposes. The vehicle should be jacked on
a firm level surface only. Avoid ice or slip -
pery areas.
WARNING! (Continued)
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IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

198

23. Remove the jack.
24. Use the wheel wrench to fully tighten thebolts, passing alternately from one bolt to
the diagonally opposite one.
To obtain a more accurate reading, it is advis -
able to check the pressure of the compact
spare tire on the pressure gauge with the
compressor off.

NOTE:

Do not stow the deflated tire in the compact
spare tire location.
The compressor was designed for inflating the
compact spare tire. Do not use it for inflating
mattresses, rafts, etc.

NOTE:

Spare tires are intended for temporary use
only.
Have the full-sized tire repaired or replaced, as
soon as possible.
TIRE SERVICE KIT — IF
EQUIPPED
Description
If a tire is punctured, you can make an emer -
gency repair using the Tire Service Kit located
in the rear storage area under the load plat -
form.
1. Stop the vehicle in a position where you can repair the tire safely. You should be as
far as possible from the side of the road,
and in a position that is not dangerous for
oncoming traffic. Turn on the Hazard
Warning Flashers, remove the safety
triangle from the luggage compartment,
and place it at a suitable distance from the
vehicle to make other drivers aware of
your presence.
2. Verify that the valve stem (on the wheel with the deflated tire) is in a position that
is near to the ground. This will allow the tire repair kit hoses to reach the valve stem
and keep the tire service kit flat on the
ground.
3. Place the gear selector in PARK (P).
4. Apply the electric park brake and turn the engine OFF.
To access the Tire Service Kit, open the liftgate
and lift the load floor.
Load Floor
The Tire Service Kit consists of:
Sealant cartridge containing the sealing
fluid
Filler Tube
Air compressor, complete with pressure
gauge and connectors
Adhesive label with the writing "Max.
50 mph (80 km/h)”, to be attached in a
position easily visible to the driver (e.g. on
the dashboard) after repairing the tire
WARNING!
To avoid the risk of forcing the vehicle off
the jack, do not tighten the wheel nuts fully
until the vehicle has been lowered. Failure
to follow this warning may result in serious
injury.
WARNING!
A loose tire or jack thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the
occupants of the vehicle. Always stow the
jack parts and the spare tire in the places
provided. Have the deflated (flat) tire
repaired or replaced immediately.
21_GU_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 198