Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 2016 Owner's Manual

•Understeer: occurs when the vehicle is turning less
than it should according to the angle of the steering
wheel.
This vehicle’s advanced electronic brake control system
also includes: Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control Sys-
tem (CBC), Drag Torque Control System (DTC), AntiSlip
Regulation System (ASR), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Hy-
draulic Brake Assistant System (HBA), ELECTRONIC Q2
system (E-Q2) and Ready Alert Brake (RAB). All of the
systems work together to enhance vehicle stability and
control in various driving conditions, and are commonly
referred to as ESC.
System Activation
The ESC system activates automatically when the engine
is started and can only be deactivated by selecting Race
mode. Refer to the Six-Speed Alfa Twin Clutch Trans-
mission in this section for further information.
System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the vehicle
is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Electronic Brake Distribution System (EBD)
The EBD system is an integral part of the ESC system and
intervenes during braking, distributing the brake force
optimally between front and rear wheels.
This guarantees greater braking stability for the vehicle,
preventing sudden locking of the rear wheels and the
consequent instability of the vehicle.
Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The Four-Wheel ABS is designed to aid the driver in
maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking con-
ditions. The system operates with a separate computer to
modulate hydraulic pressure, to prevent wheel lock-up
and to help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
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The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The ABS includes an amber ABS Warning Light. When
the light is illuminated, the ABS is not functioning. The
system reverts to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning
the ignition Off and On again may reset the ABS if the
fault detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
•When the ABS intervenes and you feel the brake
pedal pulsating, do not reduce the pressure, but
hold it down firmly and confidently; in doing so
you will brake in the shortest distance possible,
depending on the current road conditions.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•For maximum efficiency of the braking system, a
bedding-in period of about 311 miles (500 km) is
required: during this period it is advisable to avoid
sharp, repeated and prolonged braking.
• If the ABS intervenes, this indicates that the grip of
the tires on the road is nearing its limit: you must
slow down to a speed compatible with the avail-
able grip.
• The ABS can’t overrule the natural laws of physics,
and can’t increase the grip available according to
the condition of the road.
• The ABS cannot prevent accidents, including those
due to excessive speed on corners, driving on
low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
• The capability of the ABS must never be tested
irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a way as to
(Continued)
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WARNING!(Continued)
compromise personal safety and the safety of oth-
ers.
• For the correct operation of the ABS, the tires must
of necessity be the same make and type on all
wheels, in perfect condition and, above all, of the
prescribed type and dimensions.
When you are in a severe braking condition involving the
use of the ABS, you will experience some pedal drop as
the vehicle comes to a stop. This is the result of the
system reverting to the base brake system.
Engagement of the ABS may be accompanied by a
pulsing sensation. You may also hear a clicking noise.
These occurrences are normal and indicate that the
system is functioning properly.
System Intervention
A slight pulsing of the brake pedal and noise indicates
the intervention of the ABS: this is completely normal
when the system intervenes.
Cornering Brake Control System (CBC)
The system acts when braking on corners, optimizing the
distribution of brake pressure on the four wheels: the
system prevents the wheels on the inside of the corner
(less affected by the weight of the vehicle) from locking,
ensuring better stability and direction for the vehicle.
Drag Torque Control System (DTC)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and intervenes
in the event of sudden downshifting, or during braking
when the ABS intervenes, restoring torque to the engine
and thus preventing excessive drag at the drive wheels,
which may lead the wheels to lock and a loss of vehicle
stability, above all in low-grip conditions.
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AntiSlip Regulation System (ASR)
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 all
collisions, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, driving on very slippery surfaces, or
hydroplaning. ESC also cannot prevent collisions
resulting from loss of vehicle control due to inap-
propriate driver input for the conditions. Only a
safe, attentive, and skillful driver can prevent col-
lisions.The capabilities of an ESC equipped ve-
hicle must never be exploited in a reckless or
dangerous manner which could jeopardize the us-
er ’s safety or the safety of others.
(Continued)
WARNING! (Continued)
•Vehicle modifications, or failure to properly main-
tain your vehicle, may change the handling charac-
teristics 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 performance. Improperly inflated and un-
evenly 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.
This is an integral part of the ESC system and automati-
cally operates in the event of one or both drive wheels
slipping, loss of grip on wet roads (hydroplaning) and
acceleration on slippery, snowy or icy roads, etc.
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Depending on the slipping conditions, two different
control systems are activated:
•If the slipping involves both drive wheels, the ASR
system intervenes, reducing the power transmitted by
the engine.
• If the slipping only involves one of the drive wheels, it
also intervenes automatically, braking the wheel that is
slipping.
System Intervention
This is indicated by the flashing of the warning light on
the instrument panel, to inform the driver that the vehicle
is in critical stability and grip conditions.
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
This is an integral part of the ESC system and facilitates
starting on slopes, activating automatically in the follow-
ing cases: •
Uphill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
transmission in neutral (N) or gear other than reverse
engaged.
• Downhill: vehicle stationary on a road with a gradient
higher than 5%, engine running, brake pressed and
reverse (R) gear engaged.
When setting off, the ESC system control unit maintains
the braking pressure on the wheels until the engine
torque necessary for starting is reached, or in any case for
a maximum of two seconds, allowing your right foot to
be moved easily from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
When the two seconds have elapsed, without starting,
the system is automatically deactivated, gradually releas-
ing the braking pressure. During this release stage, the
typical brake disengagement noise, indicating that the
vehicle is going to move imminently, can be heard.
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NOTE:
•HSA is not a parking brake; therefore, never leave the
vehicle without having engaged the parking brake,
turned the engine off and engaged first gear, so that
the vehicle is parked in safe conditions.
• There may be situations on small gradients (less than
8%), with vehicle laden, in which the Hill Holder
system may not activate, causing a slight reversing
motion and increasing the risk of collision with an-
other vehicle or object. The driver is, in any case,
responsible for safe driving.Hydraulic Brake Assistant System (HBA)
WARNING!
• The HBA system can’t overrule the natural laws of
physics, and can’t increase the grip available ac-
cording to the condition of the road.
• The HBA system cannot prevent accidents, includ-
ing those due to excessive speed on corners, driv-
ing on low-grip surfaces or aquaplaning.
• The capability of the HBA system must never be
tested irresponsibly and dangerously, in such a
way as to compromise the safety of the driver, the
other occupants of the vehicle or any other road
user.
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The HBA system is designed to improve the vehicles
braking capacity during emergency braking. The system
detects emergency braking by monitoring the speed and
force with which the brake pedal is pressed, and conse-
quently applies the optimal brake pressure. This can
reduce the braking distance, the HBA system therefore
completes the ABS.
Maximum assistance from the HBA system is obtained
pressing the brake pedal very quickly. In addition, the
brake pedal should be pressed continuously during
braking, avoiding intermittent presses, to get the most
out of the system.
Do not reduce pressure on the brake pedal until braking
is no longer necessary.
The HBA system is deactivated when the brake pedal is
released.Electronic Q2 System (E-Q2)
TheElectronic Q2 system intervenes during accelera-
tion on corners, braking the inner drive wheel and thus
increasing the traction of the outer wheel (which bears
more of the vehicles weight): the torque is thus distrib-
uted optimally between the drive wheels in accordance
with the driving conditions and road surface, permitting
particularly effective, sporty driving.
Ready Alert Brake System (RAB)
This function activates automatically if the accelerator
pedal is released rapidly, reducing the brake pad travel
(both at front and back), with the aim of preparing the
braking system and enhancing its responsiveness, thus
reducing the stopping distance in the event of subse-
quent braking.
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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
Tire MarkingsNOTE:
•P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”
molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-
tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.
• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European
design standards. Tires designed to this standard have
the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning with
the section width. The letter Pis absent from this tire
size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.
• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.
design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric
tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the
letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-
ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.
1 — U.S. DOT Safety Standards
Code (TIN) 4 — Maximum Load
2 — Size Designation 5 — Maximum Pressure
3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Grades
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•Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary
emergency use only. Temporary high pressure com-
pact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into
the sidewall preceding the size designation. Example:
T145/80D18 103M. •
High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design
standards and it begins with the tire diameter molded
into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.
Tire Sizing Chart
EXAMPLE:
Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15 LT
P = Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or
....blank.... = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT = Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or
TorS= Temporary spare tire or
31 = Overall diameter in inches (in)
215, 235, 145 = Section width in millimeters (mm)
65, 85, 80 = Aspect ratio in percent (%)
– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5 = Section width in inches (in)
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EXAMPLE:
R = Construction code
–R means radial construction, or
– D means diagonal or bias construction
15, 16, 18 = Rim diameter in inches (in)
Service Description: 95= Load Index
– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry
H = Speed Symbol
– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to
its load index under certain operating conditions
– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under
specified operating conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and
posted speed limits)
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