flat tire Alfa Romeo 4C 2017 Owner's Guide

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 condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt
and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
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.
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 perfor-
mance, which all passenger vehicle tires must meetunder the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of perfor-
mance on the laboratory test wheel, than the minimum
required by law.
WARNING!
The temperature grade for this tire is established
for a tire that is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation, or exces-
sive loading, either separately or in combination,
can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) will warn the
driver of a low tire pressure based on the vehicle
recommended cold tire pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with temperature by about
1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (6.5°C). This means that
when the outside temperature decreases, the tire pres-
sure will 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
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STARTING AND OPERATING 179

pressure must not exceed the maximum inflation pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall. Refer to “Tires –
General Information” in “Starting And Operating” for
information on how to properly inflate the vehicle’s
tires. The tire pressure will also increase as the vehicle is
driven, this is normal and there should be no adjust-
ment for this increased pressure.
The TPMS will warn the driver of a low tire pressure if
the tire pressure falls below the low pressure warning
limit for any reason, including low temperature effects,
or natural pressure loss through the tire.
The TPMS will continue to warn the driver of low tire
pressure as long as the condition exists, and will not
turn off until the tire pressure is at or above the
recommended cold tire pressure on the placard. Once
the low tire pressure warning (Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light) illuminates, you must increase the tire
pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure in order
for the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light to turn
off. The system will automatically update and the Tire
Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off once the
system receives the updated tire pressures. The vehiclemay need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) in order for the TPMS to receive this
information.
For example, your vehicle may have a recommended
cold (parked for more than three hours) tire pressure of
30 psi (207 kPa). If the ambient temperature is 68°F
(20°C) and the measured tire pressure is 27 psi
(186 kPa), a temperature drop to 20°F (-7°C) will
decrease the tire pressure to approximately 23 psi
(159 kPa). This tire pressure is sufficiently low enough
to turn on the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.
Driving the vehicle may cause the tire pressure to rise to
approximately 27 psi (186 kPa), but the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light will still be on. In this situa-
tion, the Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will
turn off only after the tires are inflated to the vehicle’s
recommended cold tire pressure value.
CAUTION!
•The TPMS has been optimized for the original
equipment tires and wheels. TPMS pressures and
warnings have been established for the tire size
(Continued)
180 STARTING AND OPERATING

CAUTION!(Continued)
equipped on your vehicle. Undesirable system op-
eration or sensor damage may result when using
replacement equipment that is not of the same size,
type, and/or style. Aftermarket wheels can cause
sensor damage. Using aftermarket tire sealants may
cause the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
sensor to become inoperable. After using an after-
market tire sealant it is recommended that you take
your vehicle to an authorized dealership to have
your sensor function checked.
•After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will
prevent moisture and dirt from entering the valve
stem, which could damage the Tire Pressure
Monitoring Sensor.
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 pressure
gauge while adjusting your tire pressure. •
Driving on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation 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 mainte-
nance, and it is the driver ’s responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure using an accurate tire gauge,
even if under-inflation has not reached the level to
trigger illumination of the Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light.
• Seasonal temperature changes will affect tire pres-
sure, and the TPMS will monitor the actual tire
pressure in the tire.
Base System
This is the TPMS warning indicator located in
the instrument cluster.
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 Re-
ceiver Module.
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STARTING AND OPERATING 181

NOTE:It is particularly important for you to check the
tire pressure in all of the tires on your vehicle regularly
and to maintain the proper pressure.
The TPMS consists of the following components:
• Receiver Module.
• Four Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Low Pressure Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will illumi-
nate in the instrument cluster, an acoustic signal will be
activated, and the “Check left or right front/rear tire”
text message will display when one or more of the four
active road tire pressures are low. Should this occur, you
should stop as soon as possible, check the inflation
pressure of each tire on your vehicle, and inflate each
tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold placard pressure
value. The system will automatically update and the
Tire Pressure Monitoring Light will extinguish once the
updated tire pressures have been received. The vehicle
may need to be driven for up to 20 minutes above
15 mph (24 km/h) to receive this information.
Check TPMS Warnings
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Telltale Light will flash on
and off for 75 seconds and remain on solid when a
system fault is detected, the “TIRE PRESSURE MONI-
TORING UNAVAILABLE” text message will display. If
the ignition key is cycled, this sequence will repeat
providing the system fault still exists. The Tire Pressure
Monitoring Telltale Light will turn off when the fault
condition no longer exists. A system fault can occur
with any of the following scenarios:
1. Jamming due to electronic devices or driving next to
facilities emitting the same radio frequencies as the
TPM sensors.
2. Installing some form of aftermarket window tinting that affects radio wave signals.
3. Snow or ice around the wheels or wheel housings.
4. Using tire chains on the vehicle.
5. Using wheels/tires not equipped with TPM sensors.
NOTE: Your vehicle may be equipped with a compact
spare wheel and tire assembly.
182 STARTING AND OPERATING

TIRE SERVICE KIT
Small punctures up to 1/4 inch (6 mm) in the tire tread
can be sealed with the Tire Service Kit. Foreign objects
(e.g., screws or nails) should not be removed from the
tire. Tire Service Kit can be used in outside tempera-
tures approximately from -40°F (-40°C) to 122°F (50°C).
This kit will provide a temporary tire seal, allowing you
to drive your vehicle up to a maximum speed of 50 mph
(80 km/h).
Storage Location
The Tire Service Kit is located in the rear storage area
under the decklid.Components And Operation
Tire Service Kit Components (Top View)
1 — Sealant Cartridge Receptacle
2 — Pressure Gauge
3 — Deflation Button
4 — Power Button
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 195

Usage Precautions
•Replace the Tire Service Kit Sealant Cartridge and
Sealant Hose prior to the expiration date (printed on
the left hand side of the cartridge label) to assure
optimum operation of the system.
• The Sealant Cartridge and Sealant Hose are a one tire
application use and need to be replaced after each
use. Always replace these components immediately
at your authorized dealer.
• When the Tire Service Kit sealant is in a liquid form,
clean water, and a damp cloth will remove the
material from the vehicle or tire and wheel compo-
nents. Once the sealant dries, it can easily be peeled
off and properly discarded.
• For optimum performance, make sure the valve stem
on the wheel is free of debris before connecting the
Tire Service Kit.
• Do not lift or carry the Tire Service Kit by the hoses.WARNING!
•Do not attempt to seal a tire on the side of the
vehicle closest to traffic. Pull far enough off the
road to avoid the danger of being hit when using
the Tire Service Kit.
• Do not use Tire Service Kit or drive the vehicle
under the following circumstances:
– If the puncture in the tire tread is approxi- mately 1/4 inch (6 mm) or larger.
– If the tire has any sidewall damage.
– If the tire has any damage from driving with extremely low tire pressure.
– If the tire has any damage from driving on a flat tire.
– If the wheel has any damage.
– If you are unsure of the condition of the tire or the wheel.
• Keep Tire Service Kit away from open flames or
heat source.
(Continued)
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 197

WARNING!(Continued)
•A loose Tire Service Kit thrown forward in a
collision or hard stop could endanger the occu-
pants of the vehicle. Always stow the Tire Service
Kit in the place provided. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in injuries that are serious or
fatal to you, your passengers, and others around
you.
• Take care not to allow the contents of Tire Service
Kit to come in contact with hair, eyes, or clothing.
Tire Service Kit sealant is harmful if inhaled,
swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. It
causes skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Flush
immediately with plenty of water if there is any
contact with eyes or skin. Change clothing as soon
as possible, if there is any contact with clothing.
• Tire Service Kit Sealant solution contains latex. In
case of an allergic reaction or rash, consult a
physician immediately. Keep Tire Service Kit out
of reach of children. If swallowed, rinse mouth
immediately with plenty of water and drink
plenty of water. Do not induce vomiting! Consult
a physician immediately. Whenever You Stop To Use Tire Service Kit
1. Pull over to a safe location and turn on the vehicle’s
Hazard Warning flashers.
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 Service Kit Hoses
and to reach the valve stem and keep the Tire Service
Kit flat on the ground. This will provide the best
positioning of the kit when injecting the sealant into
the deflated tire and running the air pump. Move the
vehicle as necessary to place the valve stem in this
position before proceeding.
3. Place the transmission in PARK and place the igni- tion in the OFF position.
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Remove speed limit sticker off of the sealant car- tridge and place it inside the vehicle visually avail-
able for the driver to see.
198 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

Setting Up To Use The Tire Service Kit
1. Push in the sealant cartridge inlet into the sealantcartridge receptacle.
2. Uncoil the Sealant Hose.
3. Place the Tire Service Kit flat on the ground next to the deflated tire.
4. Remove the cap from the valve stem and then screw the fitting at the end of the Sealant Hose onto the
valve stem.
5. Uncoil the Power Plug and insert the plug into the vehicle’s 12 Volt power outlet.
NOTE: Do not remove foreign objects (e.g., screws or
nails) from the tire.
Injecting Sealant Into The Tire
1. Always start the engine before turning on the Tire Service Kit.
2. After pushing the Power Button, the sealant (white fluid) will flow from the sealant cartridge through
the sealant hose and into the tire. As the sealant flows
through the sealant hose, the pressure gauge can
read as high as 70 psi (4.8 Bar). The pressure gauge will decrease quickly from approximately 70 psi
(4.8 Bar) to the actual tire pressure when the sealant
cartridge is empty.
NOTE: Sealant may leak out through the puncture in
the tire.
3. The pump will start to inject air into the tire imme- diately after the sealant cartridge is empty. Continue
to operate the pump and inflate the tire to the
pressure indicated on the tire pressure label on the
driver-side latch pillar (recommended pressure).
Check the tire pressure by looking at the pressure
gauge.
NOTE: •If the tire does not inflate to at least 26 psi (1.8 Bar)
pressure within 15 minutes the tire is too badly
damaged. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle
further. Call for assistance.
• Do not let the compressor be turned on for more
than 20 consecutive minutes. The pump may over-
heat.
4. Remove sealant cartridge by pushing the cartridge release button on the side of the compressor.
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WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES 199

Drive Vehicle
Immediately after injecting sealant and inflating the
tire, drive the vehicle 5 miles (8 km) or 10 minutes to
ensure distribution of the Tire Service Kit Sealant within
the tire. Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
WARNING!
Tire Service Kit is not a permanent flat tire repair.
Have the tire inspected and repaired or replaced
after using Tire Service Kit. Do not exceed 50 mph
(80 km/h) until the tire is repaired or replaced.
Failure to follow this warning can result in injuries
that are serious or fatal to you, your passengers, and
others around you.
After Driving
1. Attach the air pump hose (black) to the repaired tire.
2. Check the pressure in the tire by reading the pressure gauge. If the pressure is less than 19 psi (1.3 Bar), the
tire is too badly damaged. Do not attempt to drive
the vehicle further. Call for assistance.
NOTE: A replacement sealant cartridge is available at
your authorized dealer.
JUMP-STARTING
If your vehicle has a discharged battery it can be
jump-started using a set of jumper cables and a battery
in another vehicle or by using a portable battery booster
pack. Jump-starting can be dangerous if done improp-
erly so please follow the procedures in this section
carefully.
NOTE: When using a portable battery booster pack
follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and
precautions.
WARNING!
Do not attempt jump-starting if the battery is fro-
zen. It could rupture or explode and cause personal
injury.
CAUTION!
Do not use a portable battery booster pack or any
other booster source with a system voltage greater
than 12 Volts or damage to the battery, starter motor,
alternator or electrical system may occur.
200 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES

FRONT TOW EYE USAGE
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow eye that can be
used to tow a disabled vehicle.
The front tow eye receptacle is located on the lower
right side of the front fascia.
To install the tow eye, thread the tow eye into the
receptacle.
NOTE:The front tow eye is found stored inside the Tire
Service Kit storage bag. When using a tow eye be sure to follow the “Tow Eye
Usage Precautions” in this section.
Tow Eye Usage Precautions
•
Ensure that the tow eye is properly seated and secure
in the mounting receptacle.
• The tow eye is recommended for use with an ap-
proved tow bar and or rope.
• Do not use the tow eye to pull the vehicle onto a
flatbed truck.
• Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck vehicle.
Front Tow Eye Installed
Tow Eye
204 WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCIES