maintenance Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Owner's Guide

Note:
To prevent the fluid from being
ingested by children or animals, do not
keep it in open containers or pour it on
the ground. If ingested, contact a doctor
immediately. Eliminate any traces of
fluid from the ground immediately.
When the vehicle stops after a short
trip, steam may be seen coming out from
front of the hood. This is a normal
phenomenon which is due to the
presence of rain, snow or a lot of
moisture on the surface of the radiator.
With engine and system cold, do not
top up with coolant beyond the
maximum level indicated on the
reservoir in the engine compartment.
Braking System
In order to guarantee the efficiency of
the braking system, periodically check its
components; for this operation, contact
an authorized dealer.
See the "Maintenance Plan" for the
correct servicing intervals.
Note: Driving with your foot resting on
the brake pedal may compromise its
efficiency, increasing the risk of
accidents. When driving, never keep your
foot on the brake pedal and don’t put
unnecessary strain on it to prevent the brakes from overheating: excess pad
wear may cause damage to the braking
system.
When an insufficient oil level is
detected, contact an authorized dealer
to have the system checked.
Always keep the cap of the brake
fluid reservoir (in the engine
compartment) completely closed.
Warning!
Use only manufacturer's recommended
brake fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants”
in “Technical Specifications” for further
information. Using the wrong type of brake
fluid can severely damage your brake
system and/or impair its performance. The
proper type of brake fluid for your vehicle is
also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder
reservoir.
To avoid contamination from foreign
matter or moisture, use only new brake fluid
or fluid that has been in a tightly closed
container. Keep the master cylinder
reservoir cap secured at all times. Brake
fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly
during hard or prolonged braking, resulting
in sudden brake failure. This could result in a
collision.
Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can
result in spilling brake fluid on hot engine
parts, causing the brake fluid to catch fire.
Brake fluid can also damage painted and
vinyl surfaces, care should be taken to avoid
its contact with these surfaces.
Do not allow petroleum based fluid to
contaminate the brake fluid. Brake seal
components could be damaged, causing
partial or complete brake failure. This could
result in a collision.
Automatic Transmission
Use only a transmission oil with the same
characteristics as those indicated in the
"Fluids and Lubricants" table (see
"Technical Specifications" chapter).
Special Additives
Do not use any type of additive with the
automatic transmission oil. The
automatic transmission oil is a product
designed specially for this vehicle and its
performance may be compromised
through the use of further additives.
Caution!
Do not use chemical flushes in your
transmission as the chemicals can damage
your transmission components. Such
damage is not covered by the New Vehicle
Limited Warranty.
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Frequency Of Oil Changes
In normal vehicle operating conditions, it
is not necessary to change the
transmission oil.
Caution!
If a transmission fluid leak occurs, visit an
authorized dealer immediately. Severe
transmission damage may occur. An
authorized dealer has the proper tools to
adjust the fluid level accurately.
Replacing The Battery
If necessary, replace the battery with
another battery with the same
specifications. It is advised to contact an
authorized dealer for replacement.
Follow the battery manufacturer's
instructions for maintenance.
Note:It will not be possible to open the
trunk with a key or by pressing the button
in the passenger compartment when the
battery is disconnected. So, always
position the manual trunk opening strap
on the trunk lock before disconnecting
the battery. The procedure is described in
the "Storing The Vehicle" section in this
chapter.
RAISING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle requires lifting, visit an
authorized dealer which is equipped with
shop jacks or jack arms.
The vehicle lifting points are marked on
the side skirts with the
symbols.
TIRES
Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects
of the following information: Tire
Markings, Tire Identification Numbers,
Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire
Pressures, and Tire Loading.
Tire Markings
09056S0001EMVehicle Lift Point Locations
0601085395USTire Markings
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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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)
Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL) tire:
XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or
LL= Light load tire or
C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load – Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry
Maximum Pressure – Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this tire
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Terminology And Definitions
TermDefinition
B-Pillar The
vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located behind the front door.
Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Cold tire inflation pressure 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 sitting for
a minimum of three hours. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per
square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).
Maximum Inflation Pressure The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible cold tire inflation
pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation pressure is molded into the sidewall.
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure Vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tire inflation pressure as shown on the tire
placard.
Tire Placard A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehicle’s loading capacity,
the original equipment tire sizes and the recommended cold tire inflation pressures.
Tire Loading And Tire Pressure
Note:
The proper cold tire inflation
pressure is listed on the driver’s side
B-Pillar or the rear edge of the driver's
side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire,
including the spare tire (if equipped), at
least monthly and inflate to the
recommended pressure for your vehicle.
0806115150USExample Tire Placard Location (Door)0806115151USExample Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Metric Example For Load Limit
For example, if “XXX” amount equals
635 kg and there will be five 68 kg
passengers in your vehicle, the amount of
available cargo and luggage load capacity
is 295 kg (635-340 (5x68) = 295 kg) as
shown in step 4.
Note:
If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. The following table
shows examples on how to calculate
total load, cargo/luggage, and towing
capacities of your vehicle with varying
seating configurations and number and
size of occupants. This table is for
illustration purposes only and may not
be accurate for the seating and load
carry capacity of your vehicle.
For the following example, the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 865 lbs
(392 kg).
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tires — General Information
Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential
to the safe and satisfactory operation of
your vehicle. Four primary areas are
affected by improper tire pressure:
Safety and Vehicle Stability
Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort
Safety
Warning!
Improperly inflated tires are dangerous
and can cause collisions.
Underinflation increases tire flexing and
can result in overheating and tire failure.
Overinflation reduces a tire's ability to
cushion shock. Objects on the road and
chuckholes can cause damage that result in
tire failure.
Overinflated or underinflated tires can
affect vehicle handling and can fail
suddenly, resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Unequal tire pressures can cause steering
problems. You could lose control of your
vehicle.
Unequal tire pressures from one side of
the vehicle to the other can cause the
vehicle to drift to the right or left.
Always drive with each tire inflated to the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
Both under-inflation and over-inflation
affect the stability of the vehicle and can
produce a feeling of sluggish response or
over responsiveness in the steering.
Note:
Unequal tire pressures from side to
side may cause erratic and
unpredictable steering response.
Unequal tire pressure from side to
side may cause the vehicle to drift left or
right.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires will increase tire
rolling resistance resulting in higher fuel
consumption.
Tread Wear
Improper cold tire inflation pressures can
cause abnormal wear patterns and
reduced tread life, resulting in the need
for earlier tire replacement.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation
produces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
Tire Inflation Pressures
The proper cold tire inflation pressure is
listed on the driver's side B-Pillar or rear
edge of the driver's side door.
At least once a month:
Check and adjust tire pressure with a
good quality pocket-type pressure gauge.
Do not make a visual judgement when
determining proper inflation. Tires may
look properly inflated even when they are
under-inflated.
Inspect tires for signs of tire wear or
visible damage.
Caution!
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 valve stem.
Inflation pressures specified on the
placard are always “cold tire inflation
pressure”. Cold tire inflation pressure 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 sitting for a minimum of
three hours. The cold tire inflation
pressure must not exceed the maximum
inflation pressure molded into the tire
sidewall.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

TiresWheel Recommended Cold
Tire InflationPressure High Speed Tire
Inflation Pressure
Front Rear Front Rear
Original Equipment 245/35Z
R19 93Y XL 19x8.5J
35 psi/
240kpa–42 psi/
290kpa–
285/30Z R19 98Y XL 19x10J –32 psi/
220kpa–42 psi/
290kpa
Snow Tires 245/35R19 93V XL M+S 19x8.5J
35 psi/
240kpa–42 psi/
290kpa–
285/30R19 98V XL M+S or
265/35R19 98V XL M+S 19x10J
–32 psi/
220kpa–42 psi/
290kpa
Radial Ply Tires
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.
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).
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.
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 section
for more information.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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 continuously
without stopping.
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.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original
equipment tires to help you in
determining when your tires should be
replaced.These indicators are molded into the
bottom of the tread grooves. They will
appear as bands when the tread depth
becomes a 1/16 of an inch (1.6 mm).
When the tread is worn to the tread wear
indicators, the tire should be replaced.
Refer to “Replacement Tires” in this
section for further information.Life Of Tire
The service life of a tire is dependent
upon varying factors including, but not
limited to:
Driving style.
Tire pressure - Improper cold tire
inflation pressures can cause uneven
wear patterns to develop across the tire
tread. These abnormal wear patterns will
reduce tread life, resulting in the need for
earlier tire replacement.
Distance driven.
Performance tires, tires with a speed
rating of V or higher, and Summer tires
typically have a reduced tread life. Rotation
of these tires per the vehicle scheduled
maintenance is highly recommended.
Warning!
Tires and the spare tire should be replaced
after six years, regardless of the remaining
tread. Failure to follow this warning can
result in sudden tire failure. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place
with as little exposure to light as
possible. Protect tires from contact with
oil, grease, and gasoline.
Replacement Tires
The tires on your new vehicle provide a
balance of many characteristics. They
should be inspected regularly for wear
and correct cold tire inflation pressures.
The manufacturer strongly recommends
that you use tires equivalent to the
originals in size, quality and performance
when replacement is needed. Refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indicators” in
this section. Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the Vehicle
0806104865NATire Tread
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
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Certification Label for the size
designation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on the original equipment tire
sidewall.
See the Tire Sizing Chart example found
in the “Tire Safety Information” section of
this manual for more information relating
to the Load Index and Speed Symbol of a
tire.
It is recommended to replace the two
front tires or two rear tires as a pair.
Replacing just one tire can seriously
affect your vehicle’s handling. If you ever
replace a wheel, make sure that the
wheel’s specifications match those of the
original wheels.
It is recommended you contact an
authorized tire dealer or original
equipment dealer with any questions you
may have on tire specifications or
capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect
the safety, handling, and ride of your
vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use a tire, wheel size, load rating,
or speed rating other than that specified for
your vehicle. Some combinations of
unapproved tires and wheels may change
suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of your
vehicle. This can cause unpredictable
handling and stress to steering and
suspension components. You could lose
control and have a collision resulting in
serious injury or death. Use only the tire and
wheel sizes with load ratings approved for
your vehicle.
Never use a tire with a smaller load index
or capacity, other than what was originally
equipped on your vehicle. Using a tire with a
smaller load index could result in tire
overloading and failure. You could lose
control and have a collision.
Failure to equip your vehicle with tires
having adequate speed capability can result
in sudden tire failure and loss of vehicle
control.
Caution!
Replacing original tires with tires of a
different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer readings.
Spare Tires — If Equipped
Note: For vehicles equipped with Tire
Service Kit instead of a spare tire, please
refer to “Tire Service Kit” in “In Case Of
Emergency” for further information.
Caution!
Because of the reduced ground clearance,
do not take your vehicle through an
automatic car wash with a compact or
limited use temporary spare installed.
Damage to the vehicle may result.
Spare Tire Matching Original
Equipped Tire And Wheel — If
Equipped
Your vehicle may be equipped with a
spare tire and wheel equivalent in look
and function to the original equipment
tire and wheel found on the front or rear
axle of your vehicle. This spare tire may
be used in the tire rotation for your
vehicle. If your vehicle has this option,
refer to an authorized tire dealer for the
recommended tire rotation pattern.
Compact Spare Tire — If Equipped
The compact spare is for temporary
emergency use only. You can identify if
your vehicle is equipped with a compact
spare by looking at the spare tire
description on the Tire and Loading
Information Placard located on the
driver’s side door opening or on the
sidewall of the tire. Compact spare tire
descriptions begin with the letter “T” or
“S” preceding the size designation.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
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.
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
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.
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all
seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, 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 45°F (7°C) or if roads are covered
with ice or snow. For more information,
contact an authorized dealer.
Summer tires do not contain the all
season designation or mountain/
snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall.
Use Summer tires only in sets of four;
failure to do so may adversely affect the
safety and handling of your vehicle.
Warning!
Do not use Summer tires in snow/ice
conditions. You could lose vehicle control,
resulting in severe injury or death. Driving
too fast for conditions also creates the
possibility of loss of vehicle control.
Snow Tires
Some areas of the country require the
use of snow tires during the Winter.
Snow tires can be identified by a
“mountain/snowflake” symbol on the tire
sidewall.
If you need snow tires,
select tires equivalent
in size and type to the
original equipment
tires. Use snow tires
only in sets of four;
failure to do so may
adversely affect the safety and handling
of your vehicle.
Snow tires generally have lower speed
ratings than what was originally equipped
with your vehicle and should not be
operated at sustained speeds over
75 mph (120 km/h). For speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h) refer to original
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