SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
214
2.9L Engine
(*) Recommended tire size when tire chains are necessary
Ú
page 218.
Radial Ply Tires
Tire Repair
If your tire becomes damaged, it may be repaired
if it meets the following criteria:
The tire has not been driven on when flat.
The damage is only on the tread section of your
tire (sidewall damage is not repairable).
The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch
(6 mm).
Consult an authorized tire dealer for tire repairs
and additional information.
Damaged Run Flat tires, or Run Flat tires that
have experienced a loss of pressure should be
replaced immediately with another Run Flat tire of identical size and service description (Load
Index and Speed Symbol). Replace the tire
pressure sensor as well as it is not designed to be
reused.
Run Flat Tires — If Equipped
Run Flat tires allow you the capability to drive
50 miles (80 km) at 50 mph (80 km/h) after a
rapid loss of inflation pressure. This rapid loss of
inflation is referred to as the Run Flat mode. A
Run Flat mode occurs when the tire inflation
pressure is of/or below 14 psi (96 kPa). Once a
Run Flat tire reaches the Run Flat mode it has
limited driving capabilities and needs to be
replaced immediately. A Run Flat tire is not
repairable. When a Run Flat tire is changed after
driving with underinflated tire condition, please
replace the TPM sensor as it is not designed to be
reused when driven under Run Flat mode 14 psi
(96 kPa) condition.
NOTE:
TPMS Sensor must be replaced after driving the
vehicle on a flat tire condition. It is not recommended driving a vehicle loaded at
full capacity or to tow a trailer while a tire is in the
Run Flat mode.
See the Tire Pressure Monitoring System section
for more information
Ú
page 142.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice conditions,
do not spin your vehicle's wheels above 30 mph
(48 km/h) or for longer than 30 seconds contin
-
uously without stopping.
TiresWheel
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
PressureHigh Speed Tire Inflation Pressure
FrontRearFrontRear
245/35 Z R19 (93Y) XL 19x8.5J 35 psi/240 kPa-42 psi/290 kPa -
265/35 R19 98V
*- -32 psi/220 kPa -42 psi/290 kPa
285/30 ZR19 (98Y) XL 19x10J -32 psi/220 kPa -42 psi/290 kPa
WARNING!
Combining radial ply tires with other types of
tires on your vehicle will cause your vehicle to
handle poorly. The instability could cause a
collision. Always use radial ply tires in sets of
four. Never combine them with other types of
tires.
WARNING!
Fast spinning tires can be dangerous. Forces
generated by excessive wheel speeds may
cause tire damage or failure. A tire could
explode and injure someone. Do not spin your
vehicle's wheels faster than 30 mph (48 km/h)
for more than 30 seconds continuously when
you are stuck, and do not let anyone near a
spinning wheel, no matter what the speed.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 214
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.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 217
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.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 220
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.
22_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 222