wheel size Alfa Romeo 159 2008 Owner handbook (in English)

111
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
Performance of the
VDC system, in terms
of active safety should not in-
duce the driver to take point-
less and unnecessary risks.
The style of driving must in
any case always be adapted to
the conditions of the road sur-
face, visibility an traffic. Road
safety is always the driver’s
responsibility.
WARNING
During the use of the
space-saver spare
wheel (where provided), the
VDC system carries on work-
ing. However, you must re-
mind that the space-saver
spare wheel has dimensions
smaller than the standard tyre
and therefore its grip is re-
duced as to the other car tyres.
WARNING
For correct operation of
the VDC system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in perfect conditions
and, above all, of type, brand
and size specified.
WARNING
HILL HOLDER SYSTEM
(where provided)
This system is an integral part of the VDC
system and it is provided to facilitate
starting on slopes:
❒uphill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed, gearbox to neutral or
engaged gear other than reverse;
❒downhill: car at a standstill on a road
with a gradient higher than 6%, en-
gine running, clutch and brake ped-
al depressed and reverse gear en-
gaged.
At pickup the VDC system control unit
will keep brake force on wheels until
reaching the torque suitable for starting,
or in any case for about 1 second in or-
der to pass easily from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal.

Failure warnings
In the event of malfunctioning, the ASR
system is automatically disconnected
and on versions fitted with “Reconfig-
urable multifunction display” symbol
Vis displayed. In this case contact Al-
fa Romeo Authorized Services as soon
as possible.
114
SAFETY
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WARNING
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TECHNICAL
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INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
MSR system (engine braking
torque control)
It is an integral part of the ASR system
that in case of sudden gear shifting, cuts
in providing torque to the engine thus
preventing excessive driving wheel dri-
ve that, specially in poor grip conditions,
can lead to loss of stability.
For correct operation of
the ASR system, the
tyres must absolutely be of
the same brand and type on all
wheels, in normal conditions of
use, at the proper inflation
pressure values and, above all,
of type, brand and size speci-
fied (see paragraph “Wheels”
in section “Technical Specifica-
tions”).
WARNING

124
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
In order to use the system properly, refer to the following table when you have to change wheels/tyres:
(*) Given as an alternative on the owner's manual and to be found in Lineaccessori Alfa Romeo.
(**) Not crossed (tyres shall remain on the same side).
Operation
–
Wheel change
with space-saver spare wheel
Wheel change
with snow tyres
Wheel change
with snow tyres
Wheel change
with others of different
size (*)
Wheel cross switching
(front/rear) (**)Sensor presence
–
NO
NO
YES
YES
YESFailure Indication
YES
YES
YES
NO
NO
NOAlfa Romeo Authorized
Services operation
Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
Repair damaged
wheel
Contact Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services
–
–
–

162
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Due to the snow tyre features, under
normal conditions of use or on long mo-
torway journeys, the performance of
these tyres is lower than that of normal
tyres. It is therefore necessary to limit
their use to the purposes for which they
are certified.
IMPORTANTWhen snow tyres are
used with a max speed index below the
one that can be reached by the car (in-
creased by 5%), place a notice in the
passenger compartment, plainly in the
driver’s view which states the max per-
missible speed of the snow tyres (as per
EC Directive).
All four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to ensure greater safety
when driving and braking and better dri-
veability.
Remember that it is inappropriate to
change the direction of rotation of tyres.SNOW TYRES
Use snow tyres of the same size as the
normal tyres provided with the car.
Alfa Romeo Authorized Services will be
glad to provide advice concerning the
most suitable type of tyre for the cus-
tomer’s requirements.
For the type of tyre to be used, inflation
pressures and the specifications of snow
tyres, follow the instructions given in para-
graph “Wheels” in section “Technical
specifications”.
The winter features of these tyres are re-
duced considerably when the tread
depth is below 4 mm. In this case, they
should be replaced.
The max speed for
snow tyres with “Q”
marking is 160 km/h; 190
km/h for tyres with “T”
marking and 210 km/h for
tyres with H marking. The
Road Traffic Code speed lim-
its must however be always
strictly observed.
WARNING

163
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTSnow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver spare wheel.
So, if a front (drive) wheel is punctured
and chains are needed, a rear wheel
should be fitted to the front of the car
and the spare wheel should be fitted to
the rear (adjust tyre pressure to the spec-
ified value as soon as possible). This
way with two normal drive wheels,
snow chains can be fitted to them to
solve an emergency.
Tyres 235/45 R18” can-
not be fitted with snow
chains due to interference
with the fender. Also for 3.2 JTS version,
snow chains shall be fit-
ted on the FRONT axle of
the car.SNOW CHAINS
Use of snow chains should be in compli-
ance with local regulations.
Snow chains should only be applied to
the driving wheels (front wheels).
Check the tension of the chains after the
first few metres have been driven.
Use snow chains with reduced size: for
tyres 205/55 R16” and 215/55
R16” use snow chains with reduced size
with max protrusion beyond the tyre pro-
file of 9 mm.
Use of snow chains may be compulso-
ry also for cars with four-wheel drive.
Traditional snow chains
may not be used on tyres
type 225/50 R17” on-
ly spider type chains can be used.
Keep your speed down
when snow chains are
fitted. Do not exceed
40 km/h. Avoid pot-
holes, steps and pave-
ments and avoid also to drive
for long distances on roads not
covered with snow to prevent
damaging the car and the
roadbed.
WARNING
When snow chains are
fitted, switch the ASR
system off. Press the
ASR/VDC button (see para-
graph “ASR system” in section
“Dashboard and controls”).

183
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
IN AN
EMERGENCY
IF A TYRE
IS PUNCTURED
For versions/markets where applicable,
the car can be equipped with the “Quick
tyre repair kit Fix&Go automatic“. Op-
erations required to change a wheel are
described in the following chapter.
As an alternative to the kit “Fix & Go
automatic”, the car can be provided (up-
on request) with space-saver spare
wheel or standard size spare wheel;
wheel changing and correct use of the
jack and space-saver spare wheel call for
some precautions as listed below.
BUMP STARTING
Never bump start the engine (by push-
ing, towing, or coasting downhill) as this
could cause fuel to flow into the catalytic
exhaust system and damage it beyond
repair.
Remember that the
brake booster and the
power steering system are not
operating until the engine is
started, a greater effort will
therefore be required to press
the brake pedal or turn the
steering wheel.
WARNING
Alert other drivers that
the car is stationary in
compliance with local regula-
tions: hazard warning lights,
warning triangle etc. Any pas-
sengers on board should leave
the car, especially if it is heav-
ily laden. Passengers should
stay away from oncoming
traffic while the wheel is be-
ing changed on. If the wheel is
being changed on a steep or
badly surfaced road, place the
wedges or other suitable ma-
terial under the wheel to stop
the car. Never start the engine
when the car is jacked up. If
you were towing a trailer, un-
couple the trailer before jack-
ing the car.
WARNING

257
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS
UNDERSTANDING
TYRE MARKING fig. 5
Example: 205/55 R 16 91 V
205= Nominal width (S, distance be-
tween sidewalls in mm).
55= Percentage height/width ratio
(H/S).
R= Radial tyre.
16= Rim diameter in inches. (Ø).
91= Load rating (capacity).
V= Maximum speed index.
WHEELS
RIMS AND TYRES
Pressed steel or alloy rims. Tubeless tyres
with radial carcass. The homologated
tyres are listed in the Log book.
IMPORTANTIn the event of discrep-
ancies between the information provid-
ed on this “Owner’s Manual” and the
“Log book”, consider the specifications
shown in the log book only.
A0E0186mfig. 5
On cars fitted with four-wheel drive, all
four tyres should be the same (brand
and track) to prevent damaging the 4-
WD system. The efficiency of the 4-WD
system however, is not jeopardized if
tyres with different wear conditions are
fitted.
Attaining to the prescribed size, to en-
sure safety of the car in movement, it
must be fitted with tyres of the same
make and type on all wheels.
IMPORTANTDo not use inner tubes
with Tubeless tyres.
SPACE-SAVER SPARE WHEEL
Pressed steel rim. Tubeless tyre.

259
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS
Traditional snow chains may not be used on tyres type 225/50 R17” only spider type chains
can be used. Tyres 235/45 R18” cannot be fitted with snow chains due to interference with the
fender. Also for 3.2 JTS version, snow chains shall be fitted on the FRONT axle of the car.
4,00B x17"
T125/80 R17
1.8
1.9 JTS
7Jx16” steel
205/55 R16 91V
7Jx16” steel
215/55 R16 93V
7Jx16” alloy
215/55 R16 93V
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
2.2 JTS
7Jx16” steel
215/55 R16 93V
7Jx16” alloy
215/55 R16 93V
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
3.2 JTS
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
1.9 JTDM8v
7Jx16” steel
215/55 R16 93V
7Jx16” alloy
215/55 R16 93V
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
1.9 JTDM16v
7Jx16” steel
215/55 R16 93V
7Jx16” alloy
215/55 R16 93V
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
2.4 JTDM
7,5Jx17” (*) alloy
225/50 R17 98W
8Jx18” alloy
235/45 R18 98W
(*) Tyres that cannot be fitted with traditional snow chains. Only “spider” type chains can be used.
IMPORTANTSnow tyres with speed index Hor superior are recommended.
(
▼) Unchainable tyres. Size certified and admitted only for PIRELLI 235/40 ZR19 96Y. When using winter tyres, use 225/50
R17 98 tyres or 235/45 R18 98. Vehicles with TI fittings should not use 16” wheel rims.
TI
Versions
8Jx19"alloy
235/40 ZR19 96Y (▼)
tyre
rim
tyre
rim
tyre
rim
tyre
rim
tyre
rim
tyre
rim
TYRES
Standardtyres
For versions/
markets where
applicable
Optionals
Space-saver
spare wheel
(for versions/
markets where
applicable)

260
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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CAR
MAINTENANCE
INDEX
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
TECHNICALSPECIFICATIONS
COLD TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE
(▼) Unchainable tyres. Size certified and admitted only for PIRELLI 235/40 ZR19 96Y. When using winter tyres, use 225/50 ZR17 96 tyres or 235/45
R18 98. Vehicles with TI fittings should not use 16” wheel rims.
Add +0.3 bar to the prescribed inflation pressure when the tyres are warm. Recheck pressure value with cold tyres.
With snow tyres, add +0.2 bar to the inflation pressure value prescribed for standard tyres.
Inflate tyres to full load pressures if driving at continuous speed exceeding 160 km/h.Space-saver
spare wheel
T125/80 R17
4.2
WHEEL ANGLES
Tyres
205/55 R16 91V
front rear
2.3 2.3
2.6 2.6Tyres
215/55 R16 93V
front rear
2.3 2.3
2.6 2.6Tyres
225/50 R17 98W
front rear
2.5 2.5
2.7 2.7Tyres
235/45 R18 98W
front rear
2.7 2.5
2.8 2.6Tyres
235/40 ZR19 96Y (▼)
front rear
2.7 2.5
2.8 2.6
All types
–35’ ± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
4° 15’ ± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 18’
–8’ ± 4’
max. difference
right/left: 4’
–40’ ± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
13’ ± 7’
(total toe-in: 26’ ± 7’)4x2 Versions
–1° 1’± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
4° 15’± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 18’
–7’± 4’
max. difference
right/left: 4’
–1° 3’± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
11’± 7’
(total toe-in: 22’± 7’)4x4 Versions
–38’±18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
4° 15’ ± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 18’
–7’ ± 4’
max. difference
right/left: 4’
–1° 3’ ± 18’
max. difference
right/left: 24’
11’ ± 7’
(total toe-in: 22’ ± 7’)TI Versions
Front
wheels
Rear
wheels
– camber
– caster
– half toe-in
(per wheel)
– camber
– half toe-in (per wheel)
VEHICLE GEOMETRYThe TI fittings present lower suspensions around of 20 mm with respects to the other versions.
Warning: lowered trim car, pay attention when driving on ramps, humps or on particularly
rough routes.
average load bar
full load bar

ENGINE OIL REPLEACEMENT (litres)
REFUELLING (litres)
QUALITYASSISTENZA TECNICA - INGEGNERIA ASSISTENZIALE
Largo Senatore G. Agnelli, 5 - 10040 Volvera - Torino (Italia)
Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
Publication no. 60431694 - 3
rdEdition - 05/2007All rights reserved. Reproduction, even in part is prohibited without written permission
from Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.
SERVICE
1.8 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 3.2 JTS 1.9 JTDM8v 2.4 JTDM1.9 JTDM16v
Lubrication system engine 4.5 5.4 4.6 6.4
Do not discard used oil in the environment.
COLD TYRE INFLATION PRESSURE
(▼) Unchainable tyres. Size certified and admitted only for PIRELLI 235/40 ZR19 96Y. When using winter tyres, use 225/50 R17 98 tyres or 235/45
R18 98. Vehicles with TI fittings should not use 16” wheel rims.
Add +0.3 bar to the prescribed inflation pressure when the tyres are warm. Recheck pressure value with cold tyres.
With snow tyres, add +0.2 bar to the inflation pressure value prescribed for standard tyres.
Inflate tyres to full load pressures if driving at continuous speed exceeding 160 km/h.Space-saver
spare wheel
T125/80 R17
4.2
1.8 - 1.9 JTS - 2.2 JTS - 1.9 JTDM8v - 1.9 JTDM16v - 2.4 JTDM2.4 JTDM210 HP 4X43.2 JTS
Fuel tank capacity 70 67
Reserve 10 10
For cars with petrol engine, only use unleaded petrol with over 95 R.O.N. (Specification EN228).
For cars with diesel engine only use Diesel fuel for motor vehicles (Specification EN590).
Tyres
205/55 R16 91V
front rear
2.3 2.3
2.6 2.6Tyres
215/55 R16 93V
front rear
2.3 2.3
2.6 2.6Tyres
225/50 R17 98W
front rear
2.5 2.5
2.7 2.7Tyres
235/45 R18 98W
front rear
2.7 2.5
2.8 2.6Tyres
235/40 ZR19 96Y (▼)
front rear
2.7 2.5
2.8 2.6
average load bar
full load bar