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215
(Continued)
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in determining when
your tires should be replaced.Tire Tread
These indicators are molded into the bottom of
the tread grooves. They will appear as bands
when the tread depth becomes a 1/16 of an inch
(1.6 mm). When the tread is worn to the tread
wear indicators, the tire should be replaced.
For further information
Ú
page 215.
Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent upon
varying factors including, but not limited to:
Driving style.
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire inflation
pressures can cause uneven wear patterns to
develop across the tire tread. These abnormal
wear patterns will reduce tread life, resulting in
the need for earlier tire replacement.
Distance driven.
Performance tires, tires with a speed rating of
V or higher, and Summer tires typically have a
reduced tread life. Rotation of these tires per
the vehicle scheduled maintenance is highly
recommended.
NOTE:
Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well when
installing new tires due to wear and tear in
existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with as
little exposure to light as possible. Protect tires
from contact with oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a balance of
many characteristics. They should be inspected
regularly for wear and correct cold tire inflation
pressures. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance when
replacement is needed
Ú
page 215. Refer to the
Tire and Loading Information placard or the
Vehicle Certification Label for the size designation of your tire. The Load Index and
Speed Symbol for your tire will be found on the
original equipment tire sidewall.
For more information relating to the Load Index
and Speed Symbol of a tire
Ú
page 207.
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, make sure that the wheel’s
specifications match those of the original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an authorized tire
dealer or original equipment dealer with any
questions you may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent replacement
tires may adversely affect the safety, handling,
and ride of your vehicle.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
WARNING!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can result
in sudden tire failure. You could lose control
and have a collision resulting in serious injury
or death.
WARNING!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating, or
speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance
characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
216
SPARE TIRES — IF EQUIPPED
NOTE:
For vehicles equipped with Tire Service Kit
instead of a spare tire, please refer to “Tire
Service Kit” in “In Case Of Emergency” for further
information.
Spare Tire Matching Original Equipped
Tire And Wheel — If Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a spare tire
and wheel equivalent in look and function to the
original equipment tire and wheel found on the
front or rear axle of your vehicle. This spare tire
may be used in the tire rotation for your vehicle. If
your vehicle has this option, refer to an
authorized tire dealer for the recommended tire
rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary emergency
use only. You can identify if your vehicle is
equipped with a compact spare by looking at the
spare tire description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the driver’s side
door opening or on the sidewall of the tire.
Compact spare tire descriptions begin with the
letter “T” or “S” preceding the size designation.
Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the original
equipment tire should be repaired (or replaced)
and reinstalled on your vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to mount
a conventional tire on the compact spare wheel,
since the wheel is designed specifically for the
compact spare tire. Do not install more than one
compact spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at
any given time.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full size
spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is not the
same as your original equipment tire, replace (or
repair) the original equipment tire and reinstall
on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary
emergency use only. This tire is identified by a
label located on the limited use spare wheel. This
label contains the driving limitations for this
spare. This tire may look like the original
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited
use spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it is
not the same as your original equipment tire,
replace (or repair) the original equipment tire and
reinstall on the vehicle at the first opportunity.
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. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires having
adequate speed capability can result in
sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of a different
size may result in false speedometer and
odometer readings.
CAUTION!
Because of the reduced ground clearance, do
not take your vehicle through an automatic car
wash with a compact or limited use temporary
spare installed. Damage to the vehicle may
result.
WARNING! WARNING!
Compact and collapsible spares are for tempo -
rary emergency use only. With these spares,
do not drive more than 50 mph (80 km/h).
Temporary use spares have limited tread life.
When the tread is worn to the tread wear indi -
cators, the temporary use spare tire needs to
be replaced. Be sure to follow the warnings,
which apply to your spare. Failure to do so
could result in spare tire failure and loss of
vehicle control.
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217
WHEEL AND WHEEL TRIM CARE
All wheels and wheel trim, especially aluminum
and chrome plated wheels, should be cleaned
regularly using mild (neutral Ph) soap and water
to maintain their luster and to prevent corrosion.
Wash wheels with the same soap solution
recommended for the body of the vehicle and
remember to always wash when the surfaces are
not hot to the touch.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road
chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on dirt
roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to
wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh chemicals
or a stiff brush. They can damage the wheel’s
protective coating that helps keep them from
corroding and tarnishing.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.
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
TIRE TYPES
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, 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 40°F (5°C) or if roads
are covered with ice or snow. For more
information, contact an authorized dealer.
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare tire
affects vehicle handling. With this tire, do not
drive more than the speed listed on the limited
use spare wheel. Keep inflated to the cold tire
inflation pressures listed on your Tire and
Loading Information Placard located on the
driver’s side B-pillar or the rear edge of the
driver’s side door. Replace (or repair) the origi -
nal equipment tire at the first opportunity and
reinstall it on your vehicle. Failure to do so
could result in loss of vehicle control.
CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes that
use acidic solutions or strong alkaline
additives or harsh brushes. Many aftermarket
wheel cleaners and automatic car washes
may damage the wheel's protective finish.
Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. Only car wash soap
is recommended.
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.
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.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
218
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.
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 equipment or an authorized tire dealer for
recommended safe operating speeds, loading
and cold tire inflation pressures. While studded tires improve performance on ice,
skid and traction capability on wet or dry surfaces
may be poorer than that of non-studded tires.
Some states prohibit studded tires; therefore,
local laws should be checked before using these
tire types.
SNOW TRACTION DEVICES
Use of traction devices require sufficient
tire-to-body clearance. Follow these recommen
-
dations to guard against damage.
NOTE:
Traction device must be of proper size for the
tire, as recommended by the traction device
manufacturer.
Use on rear tires only.
Due to limited clearance, the following traction
devices are recommended:
For a 255/35R19 tire, use of a snow traction
device with a maximum projection of 7 mm
beyond the tire profile is recommended.
For 225/50R17, 225/45R18 or 225/40R19
tires, use of a snow traction device with a
maximum projection of 9 mm beyond the tire
profile is recommended.
For a 265/35R19 98V tire, use of a
zero-clearance snow traction device
recommended.
It is not possible to install traction devices on
285/30R19 tires.
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.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important that
only traction devices in good condition are
used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately if
noise occurs that could indicate device
breakage. Remove the damaged parts of the
device before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and then
retighten after driving about ½ mile (0.8 km).
Autosock devices do not require
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns and
large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device manufacturer’s
instructions on the method of installation,
operating speed, and conditions for use.
Always use the suggested operating speed of
the device manufacturer’s if it is less than
30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
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219
TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of vehicles
operate at different loads and perform different
steering, driving, and braking functions. For these
reasons, they wear at unequal rates. These
effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
Rotation will increase tread life, maintain traction
levels and contribute to a smooth, quiet ride.
To resolve this problem, tires should be rotated at
each service interval (approximately every
10,000 miles [16,000km]). More frequent
rotation is permissible if desired. The reasons for
any rapid or unusual wear should be corrected
prior to rotation being performed.
Tire Rotations Not Recommended — If Equipped
Due to different size tires and wheels on front and
rear axles tire rotation is not possible for:
2.0T GME Engine Equipped with a 225/40R19
front and 255/35R19 rear tires
2.9L V6 Engine Equipped with 19” tires and
wheels
Tire rotation contributes to the preservation of the
grip and traction performance on wet, muddy or
snowy roads, guaranteeing optimal drivability of
the vehicle. In the case of irregular wear of the tires identify
the cause and correct it as soon as possible, by
contacting an authorized dealer.
Tire Rotation for Directional Tires — If Equipped
Directional tires are equipped on the following:
2.0T GME Engine equipped with same size
tires and wheels on front and rear axles
The rotational direction of the tire must be taken
into consideration when rotating the tires. The
recommended rotation pattern for directional
tires is shown in the following diagram.
Tire Rotation
All Wheel Drive (AWD) Models
It is recommended to avoid situations with a large
difference in wear between the front and rear
tires and to strictly use Winter tires of the sizes
given on the tire placard.
The AWD system and the original tires are
developed together to ensure the vehicle’s best
performance. When changing the tires, it is
recommended to us the same “AR” marked tires,
to maintain the same level of performance and
component life.
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 to variations in driving habits,
service practices, and differences in
road characteristics and climate. CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may occur if 225/40R19
front and 255/35R19 rear tires are rotated
CAUTION!
Damage to the vehicle may occur if 19” front
and rear tires are rotated
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
220
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.
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.
STORING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle is left inactive for longer than a
month, the following precautions should be
observed:
Park the vehicle in an area that is covered and
dry, and well-ventilated if possible. Slightly
open the windows.
Check that the Electric Park Brake is not
activated.
Carry out the procedure: “manual trunk
opening device” procedure described in this
paragraph.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal and
check the battery charge. Repeat this check
once every three months during storage.
If the battery is not disconnected from the
electrical system, check its state of charge
every 30 days.
Clean and protect the painted parts using
protective wax.
Clean and protect the shiny metal parts using
special compounds available commercially.
Sprinkle talcum powder on the windshield
wiper rubber blades, and lift them off the
glass.
Cover the vehicle with a fabric or perforated
plastic sheet, paying particular care not to
damage the painted surface by dragging any
dust that may have accumulated on it. Do not
use compact plastic sheets, as they do not
allow humidity to evaporate from the surface
of the vehicle.
Inflate tires to +7.25 psi (+0.5 bar) above the
standard prescribed pressure and check it
periodically.
Do not drain the engine cooling system.
Any time the vehicle is left inactive for two
weeks or more, operate the air conditioning
system with engine idling for at least five
minutes, setting external air and with fan set to
maximum speed. This operation will ensure
appropriate lubrication for the system, thus
minimizing the possibility of damage to the
compressor when the system is operated
again.
NOTE:
After placing the ignition in STOP and having
closed the driver side door, wait at least one
minute before disconnecting the electrical supply
from the battery. When reconnecting the elec
-
trical supply to the battery, make sure that the
ignition is in the STOP position and the driver side
door is closed.
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.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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221
Manual Trunk Opening Device
Proceed as follows if the battery needs to be
disconnected:
1. From the trunk interior covering, rotate the plug counterclockwise of the lock and extract
the cord connected to it.
Trunk Compartment
Trunk Manual Release Cord 2. Make sure the free end of the cord remains
outside the trunk when closing the trunk lid.
Manual Release Cord Shown With Trunk Closed
3. The trunk can now be opened manually by pulling the cord.
4. After releasing the trunk, rewind the strap around the plug, put it back into its housing
and turn it clockwise.BODYWORK
PROTECTION AGAINST ATMOSPHERIC
A
GENTS
The vehicle is equipped with the best available
technological solutions to protect the bodywork
against corrosion.
These include:
Painting products and systems which give the
vehicle resistance to corrosion and abrasion.
Use of galvanized (or pre-treated) steel sheets,
with high resistance to corrosion.
Spraying of plastic parts, with a protective
function in the more exposed points: under
door, inner wing, edges, etc.
Use of “open” boxed sections to prevent
condensation and pockets of moisture which
could favor the formation of rust inside.
Use of special films to protect against abrasion
in exposed areas (e.g. rear wing, doors, etc.).
CORROSION WARRANTY
Your vehicle is covered by Corrosion Warranty
against perforation due to rust of any original
element of the structure or bodywork. For the
general terms of this warranty, refer to the
Warranty Booklet.
CAUTION!
The Manual Trunk Opening Device allows the
trunk to be opened without a key, even if the
vehicle is locked. Do not use this Device
unless the vehicle is parked in a secure area.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
222
PRESERVING THE BODYWORK
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches immediately
to prevent the formation of rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of washing
the car: the frequency depends on the conditions
and environment where the car is used. For
example, it is advisable to wash the vehicle more
often in areas with high levels of atmospheric
pollution or salted roads.
Some parts of the vehicle may be covered with a
matte paint which, in order to be maintained
intact, requires special care.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow these
instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are used to
wash the vehicle, keep a distance of at least
15 inches (40 cm) from the bodywork to avoid
damage or alteration. Build up of water could
cause damage to the vehicle in the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt deposits
in the area where the blades are normally
located it is recommended to position the
windshield wipers vertically (service position).
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 leather
chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door frames, hood,
headlight frames, etc.) with special care, as water
may stagnate more easily in these areas. Do not wash the car after it has been left in the sun or
with the hood hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in the
same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the car in a service that moves the car,
for cars with automatic transmissions, PARK (P)
must be cut out. You have to shut off the engine
in the following conditions: car stopped,
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), push the starter
button for at least three seconds.
NOTE:
Avoid parking under trees; the resin dropped by
trees makes the paintwork go opaque and
increases the possibility of corrosion.
Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths to
prevent scratching or altering the transparency.
Front Headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and detergent for
washing cars.
NOTE:
Never use aromatic substances (e.g. gasoline)
or ketones (e.g. acetone) for cleaning the
plastic lenses of the headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure washer, keep
the pressure washer at least eight inches
(20 cm) away from the headlights. Engine Compartment
At the end of every Winter, wash the engine
compartment thoroughly, taking care not to aim
the jet of water directly at the electronic control
units or at the windshield wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialized workshop.
For further information
Ú
page 191.
NOTE:
The washing should take place with the engine
cold and the ignition device in the STOP position.
After the washing operation, make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and guards)
have not been removed or damaged.
INTERIORS
Periodically check the cleanliness of the interior,
beneath the mats, which could cause oxidation of
the sheet metal.
SEATS AND FABRIC PARTS
Remove dust with a soft brush or a vacuum
cleaner. Rub the seats with a sponge moistened
with a solution of water and neutral detergent.
Cleaning heat press images on seats — if equipped:
Due to the color, opacity and wear-resistant
protection with which the heat press images on
some seats are made, they may be subject to
temporary scratching if they are touched by finger
nails, keys, or other hard objects. In such cases,
the visible signs do not impair the profiled
images, and can easily be removed by wiping the
affected area with a microfiber cloth moistened
with water (not dry) to restore the seat to its
original condition. The microfiber cloth must not
have been previously soaked in other substances
or detergents.
CAUTION!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a
cloth following the direction of the filaments to
avoid damaging the heating device.
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