spare wheel Alfa Romeo Brera/Spider 2006 Owner handbook (in English)

103
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
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
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 WARNING LIGHTS
In the event of failure, the VDC system
is automatically disconnected and the
warning light
ácomes on with fixed
light on the instrument panel (together
with a message on the display) (see sec-
tion “Warning lights and messages”). In
this case contact Alfa Romeo Authorized
Services as soon as possible.

151
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WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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CAR
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IMPORTANTSnow chains cannot be
fitted to the space-saver spare wheel
(where provided). So, if a front (drive)
wheel is punctured and chains are need-
ed, 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 specified value as soon as possi-
ble). This way with two normal drive
wheels, snow chains can be fitted to them
to solve an emergency.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 215/55 R16” use snow chains
with reduced size with max protrusion
beyond the tyre profile of 12 mm.
Use of snow chains may be compulso-
ry also for cars with four-wheel drive.
On tyres 225/50 R17”
only “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
Disengage the ASR sys-
tem when snow chains
are fitted. Press button
ASR/VDC (see paragraph “ASR
system” in section “Dashboard
and controls”).
Tyres 235/45 R18”
cannot be fitted with
snow chains due to in-
terference with fender. On 3.2 JTS version
snow chains shall be fit-
ted to FRONT wheels.

171
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
IF A TYRE
IS PUNCTURED
The car is equipped with the “Quick tyre
repair kit Fix&Go automatic“. Opera-
tions required to change a wheel are de-
scribed in the following section.
As an alternative to the “Kit Fix & Go
automatic”, the car can be provided (up-
on request) with space-saver spare
wheel: wheel changing and correct use
of the jack 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

172
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
The space-saver spare
wheel (for ver-
sions/markets where applica-
ble) is specific to your car; do
not use it on other models, or
use the spare wheel of other
models on your car. The space-
saver spare wheel shall only
be used in an emergency. It
shall only be used for the dis-
tance necessary to reach a ser-
vice point and the car speed
shall not exceed 80 Km/h. The
spare wheel has a sticker that
summarises the main cautions
for use and limitations. The
sticker should never be re-
moved or covered!
WARNING
When driving with a
space-saver spare
wheel fitted, the driving per-
formance of the car changes.
Avoid accelerating or braking
sharply, abrupt turns or fast
cornerings. The life of the
spare wheel is approx. 3000
Km, after this distance it
should be replaced with an-
other of the same type. Nev-
er attempt to fit a conven-
tional tyre on a rim designed
for use as a space-saver spare
wheel. Have the punctured
wheel repaired and refitted as
soon as possible. Two or more
space-saver spare wheels
should never be used togeth-
er. Do not grease the threads
of bolts before installing them:
they might slip out.
WARNING
The jack shall only be
used for changing
wheels on the car with which
it is provided or on cars of the
same model. It must not be used
for other purposes such as for
instance raising cars of other
models. In no case should it be
used for repairs under the car.
Incorrect positioning of the jack
may cause the jacked car to fall.
Do not use the jack for higher
capacities than stated on its la-
bel. Snow chains cannot be fit-
ted 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. This way with
two normal drive wheels, snow
chains can be fitted to them to
solve an emergency.
WARNING

173
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
MESSAGES
IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Please note:
❒the jack weight is 1.76 kg;
❒the jack requires no adjustment;
❒the jack cannot be repaired. If it
breaks it must be replaced with a
new jack;
❒no tool other than its cranking de-
vice may be fitted on the jack.To change a wheel proceed as follows:
❒Stop the car in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic
where you can change the wheel
safely. The ground should be flat and
adequately firm;
❒Turn the engine off, pull up the hand-
brake and engage first gear or re-
verse;
❒Using handle A-fig. 2, lift the stiff
cover B;
Never tamper with the
inflation valve. Never
place tools between the rim
and tyre. Check and restore, if
required, the pressure of tyres
and spare wheel to the values
given in section “Technical
Specifications”.
WARNING
A0F0132mfig. 2
❒remove the box as shown in fig. 3;
❒for versions fitted with “quick tyre
repair kit Fix&Go” take the tool con-
tainer fig. 4out of the boot;
A0F0007mfig. 3
A0F0134mfig. 4

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
❒Loosen the fastening bolts and then
remove the wheel;
❒Make sure the contact surfaces be-
tween space-saver spare wheel and
hub are clean so that the fastening
bolts will not come loose;
❒for versions fitted with space-saver
spare wheel, loosen fastener A-
fig. 5, take the tool container B,
and bring it near the wheel to be
changed, then take out the space-
saver spare wheel;
❒Loosen the bolts of the wheel to be
replaced by about one turn with the
wrench provided A-fig. 5a; shake
the car to facilitate rim removal from
the wheel hub;
❒Operate the device F-fig. 6to ex-
tend the jack until the top of the jack
Gfits correctly into catch H;
❒The jack shall be fitted as shown in
fig. 6;
A0F0208mfig. 6
A0F0195mfig. 6
❒Warn anybody nearby that the car is
about to be lifted. They must stay
clear and not touch the car until it
is back on the ground;
❒Fit the handle L-fig. 7to operate
the jack and lift the car until the
wheel to be changed is several cen-
timetres off the ground;
A0F0206mfig. 5aA0F0019mfig. 5

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SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
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IN AN
EMERGENCY CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR❒fit the space-saver spare wheel mak-
ing one of the holes A-fig. 8co-
incide with the relevant pin B;
❒Using the wrench provided, fully
tighten the five fastening bolts;
❒Lower the car and remove the jack;
❒Use the wrench provided to fasten
the bolts completely in a criss-cross
fashion according to the sequence
shown in fig. 9.
REFITTING A NORMAL
WHEEL
Following the procedure described pre-
viously, raise the car and remove the
spare wheel.
Proceed as follows:
❒tighten pin A-fig. 10in one of the
holes of the wheel hub fastening
bolts;
❒insert the wheel on the pin and, us-
ing the wrench provided, tighten the
four bolts available;
A0F0210mfig. 9A0F0209mfig. 8A0F0211mfig. 10
❒loosen pin A-fig. 10and tighten
the last fastening bolt;
❒lower the car and remove the jack,
then, using the wrench provided tight-
en the bolts according to the se-
quence previously shown for the
space-saver spare wheel fig. 9.

176
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
When you have finished:
❒Stow the spare wheel in the space
provided in the boot;
❒Fit the jack partially open in its con-
tainer forcing it lightly to prevent it
from vibrating when travelling;
❒Put the tools back into their places
in the container;
❒Arrange the container complete with
tools on the space-saver spare
wheel;
❒Reposition properly the boot stiff cov-
ering.
A0F0114mfig. 11
QUICK TYRE REPAIR
KIT FIX&GO
automatic
The car is provided with the quick tyre
repair kit “FIX&GO automatic”, instead
of the traditional tool kit and space-saver
spare wheel.
The kit fig. 11is placed in the boot. In
the kit container you will also find the
screwdriver and the tow hitch. The quick tyre repair kit includes:
❒a bottle A-fig. 11containing the
sealer, fitted with:
- filling pipe B
- sticker C bearing the notice “max.
80 km/h”, to be placed in a po-
sition visible to the driver (on the
instrument panel) after fixing the
tyre;
❒compressor Dwith pressure gauge
and fittings;

226
SAFETY
DEVICES
WARNING
LIGHTS AND
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IN AN
EMERGENCY
CAR
MAINTENANCE
TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CARIncorrect pressure causes abnormal tyre
wear fig. 13:
A normal pressure: tread evenly worn.
Blow pressure: tread particularly worn
at the edges.
Chigh pressure: tread particularly worn
in the centre.
Tyres must be replaced when the tread
wears down to 1.6 mm. In any case,
comply with the laws in the country
where the car is being driven.
IMPORTANT NOTES
As far as possible, avoid sharp braking
and screech starts, etc. Be careful not to
hit the kerb, potholes or other obstacles
hard. Driving for long stretches over
bumpy roads can damage the tyres.
Periodically check that the tyres have no
cuts in the side wall, abnormal swelling
or irregular tyre wear. If any of these oc-
cur, have the car seen to at Alfa Romeo
Authorized Services.
Avoid overloading the car when travel-
ling: this may cause serious damage to
the wheels and tyres; if a tyre is punc-
tured, stop immediately and change it
to avoid damage to the tyre, the rim,
suspensions and steering system.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Check the pressure of each tyre, includ-
ing the space-saver spare wheel, every
four weeks and before long journeys:
pressure should be checked with the tyre
rested and cold.
For the correct tyre inflation pressure,
see “Wheels” in “Technical specifica-
tions” section.
A0F0120mfig. 13

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SAFETY
DEVICES
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CAR
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
INDEX
DASHBOARD
AND
CONTROLS
CORRECT USE
OF THE CAR
Remember that road
holding depends also
on the correct tyre inflating
pressure.
WARNING
If the pressure is too
low the tyre overheats
and this can cause it serious
damage.
WARNING
Never submit alloy
rims to repainting
treatments requiring to use
temperatures exceeding
150°C since the mechanical
properties of the wheels could
be impaired.
WARNING
Do not cross switch the
tyres, moving them
from the right of the car to the
left and vice versa.
WARNINGTyres age even if they are not used
much. Cracks in the tread rubber are a
sign of ageing. In any case, if the tyres
have been on the car for over 6 years,
they should be checked by specialised
personnel, to see if they can still be
used. Also remember to check the space-
saver spare wheel.
In the case of replacement, always fit
new tyres, avoiding those of dubious ori-
gin.
If a tyre is changed, also change the in-
flation valve; to allow even wear be-
tween the front and rear tyres, it is ad-
visable to change them over every 10-
15 thousand kilometres, keeping them
on the same side of the car so as to not
reverse the direction of rotation.