ALFA ROMEO GIULIA 2021 Owners Manual

239

Steps For Determining Correct Load
Limit—
(1) Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed XXX kg or
XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from XXX kg or
XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage load
capacity. For example, if “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400-750
(5x150) = 650 lbs.) (5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on the
vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the avail
-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of
your vehicle.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).
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 239

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

240

WARNING!
Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overloading can cause tire failure, affect vehicle handling, and increase your stopping distance. Use tires
of the recommended load capacity for your vehicle. Never overload them.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 240

241
(Continued)
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
Fuel Economy
Tread Wear
Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
Safety Both underinflation and overinflation affect
the stability of the vehicle and can produce a
feeling of sluggish response or over respon
-
siveness 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 consump -
tion.
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 comfort
-
able ride. Overinflation 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 judgment 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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 241

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

242

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 pres-
sure molded into the tire sidewall.
Check tire pressures more often if subject to a
wide range of outdoor temperatures, as tire
pressures vary with temperature changes.
Tire pressures change by approximately 1 psi
(7 kPa) per 12°F (7°C) of air temperature
change. Keep this in mind when checking tire
pressure inside a garage, especially in the
Winter.
Example: If garage temperature = 68°F
(20°C) and the outside temperature = 32°F
(0°C) then the cold tire inflation pressure
should be increased by 3 psi (21 kPa), which
equals 1 psi (7 kPa) for every 12°F (7°C) for
this outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 2 to 6 psi (13
to 40 kPa) during operation. DO NOT reduce
this normal pressure build up or your tire pres -
sure will be too low.Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
FCA US LLC advocates driving at safe speeds
and within posted speed limits. Where speed
limits or conditions are such that the vehicle
can be driven at high speeds, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressure and
reduced vehicle loading may be required for
high-speed vehicle operation. Refer to an
authorized tire dealer or original equipment
vehicle dealer for recommended safe oper -
ating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation
pressures. Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressures

For vehicle speeds below 100 mph (160 km/h),
recommended cold tire inflation pressures are
listed on the Tire And Loading Information
Placard located on driver’s side B-Pillar or the
rear edge of the driver's side door.

When driving at speeds 100 mph (160 km/h)
and above, increased tire pressures and
reduced vehicle loading are required for
high-speed vehicle operation.

For driving speeds above 100 mph (160 km/h)
recommended cold tire inflation pressures are
listed below under "High Speed Tire Inflation
Pressure". Vehicle loading condition must not
exceed 688 lbs. (312 kg) (driver + three
passengers + 88 lbs. (40kg) luggage).

WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision. Do not
drive a vehicle loaded to the maximum
capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).
WARNING!
High speed driving with your vehicle under
maximum load is dangerous. The added
strain on your tires could cause them to fail.
You could have a serious collision.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 242

243

2.0L Engine
(*) All Season Tires, If Equipped
(**) Matching Rims/Tires
2.9L Engine
(*) Recommended tire size when tire chains are necessary
Ú
page 248.
TiresWheel
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
PressureHigh Speed Tire Inflation Pressure
FrontRearFrontRear
225/50 R17 94W or
225/50 R17 94V * 17x7.5J 32 psi/220 kpa 35 psi/240 kpa 39 psi/270 kpa 43 psi/300 kpa
225/45 R18 91W or 225/45 R18 91V * 18x8J 32 psi/220 kpa 36 psi/250 kpa 39 psi/270 kpa 43 psi/300 kpa
225/40 R19 89W 19x8J 35 psi/240 kpa 39 psi/270 kpa 39 psi/270 kpa 43 psi/300 kpa
225/40 R19 89W ** 19x8J ** 35 psi/240 kpa –39 psi/270 kpa –
255/35 R19 92W ** 19x9J**–35 psi/240 kpa –42 psi/290 kpa
TiresWheel
Recommended Cold Tire Inflation
PressureHigh Speed Tire Inflation Pressure
FrontRearFrontRear
245/35 Z R19 (93Y) XL 19x8.5J 35 psi/240 kpa -42 psi/290 kpa -
265/35 R19 98V* --32 psi/220 kpa -42 psi/290 kpa
285/30 ZR19 (98Y) XL 19x10J-32 psi/220 kpa -42 psi/290 kpa
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 243

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

244

Radial Ply 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 repair-
able).
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). Replace the
tire pressure sensor as well as it is not
designed to be reused.
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. When a Run Flat tire is changed
after driving with underinflated tire condition,
please replace the TPM sensor as it is not
designed to be reused when driven under Run
Flat mode 14 psi (96 kPa) condition.

NOTE:

TPM Sensor must be replaced after driving the
vehicle on a flat tire condition.
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
Ú
page 156.
Tire Spinning
When stuck in mud, sand, snow, or ice condi -
tions, do not spin your vehicle's wheels above
30 mph (48 km/h) or for longer than 30
seconds continuously without stopping.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are in the original equip -
ment tires to help you in determining when
your tires should be replaced.
Tire Tread
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.
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.
1 — Worn Tire
2 — New Tire
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 244

245

(Continued)
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.
For further information
Ú
page 245.
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 mainte -
nance is highly recommended.
NOTE:

Wheel valve stem must be replaced as well
when installing new tires due to wear and tear
in existing tires.
Keep dismounted tires in a cool, dry place with
as little exposure to light as possible. Protect
tires from contact with oil, grease, and gaso
-
line.
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. FCA US LLC
strongly recommends that you use tires equiv -
alent to the originals in size, quality and perfor -
mance when replacement is needed

Ú
page 244. Refer to the Tire and Loading
Information placard or the Vehicle Certifica -
tion 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. For more information relating to the Load
Index and Speed Symbol of a tire

Ú
page 234.
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 specifica -
tions or capability. Failure to use equivalent
replacement tires may adversely affect the
safety, handling, and ride of your vehicle.
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.
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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 245

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

246

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.
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 recom-
mended tire rotation pattern.
Full Size Spare — If Equipped
The full size spare is for temporary emergency
use only. This tire may look like the originally
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. This spare tire may have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to the
tread wear indicators, the temporary use full
size spare tire needs to be replaced. Since it is
not the same as your original equipment tire,
replace (or repair) the original equipment tire
and reinstall on the vehicle at the first oppor -
tunity.
Limited Use Spare — If Equipped
The limited use spare tire is for temporary
emergency use only. This tire is identified by a
label located on the limited use spare wheel.
This label contains the driving limitations for
this spare. This tire may look like the original
equipped tire on the front or rear axle of your
vehicle, but it is not. Installation of this limited
use spare tire affects vehicle handling. Since it
is not the same as your original equipment tire, replace (or repair) the original equipment
tire and reinstall on the vehicle at the first
opportunity.
Wheel And Wheel Trim Care
All wheels and wheel trim, especially
aluminum and chrome plated wheels, should
be cleaned regularly using mild (neutral Ph)
soap and water to maintain their luster and to
prevent corrosion. Wash wheels with the same
soap solution recommended for the body of
the vehicle and remember to always wash
when the surfaces are not hot to the touch.
Your wheels are susceptible to deterioration
caused by salt, sodium chloride, magnesium
chloride, calcium chloride, etc., and other road
chemicals used to melt ice or control dust on
dirt roads. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild
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.
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.
WARNING! (Continued)
WARNING!
Limited use spares are for emergency use
only. Installation of this limited use spare
tire affects vehicle handling. With this tire,
do not drive more than the speed listed on
the limited use spare wheel. Keep inflated
to the cold tire inflation pressures listed on
your Tire and Loading Information Placard
located on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the
rear edge of the driver’s side door. Replace
(or repair) the original equipment tire at the
first opportunity and reinstall it on your
vehicle. Failure to do so could result in loss
of vehicle control.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 246

247

soap to wipe away promptly. Do not use harsh
chemicals or a stiff brush. They can damage
the wheel’s protective coating that helps keep
them from corroding and tarnishing.
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.
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
Tire Types
All Season Tires — If Equipped
All Season tires provide traction for all seasons
(Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter). Trac
-
tion 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
40°F (5°C) or if roads are covered with ice or
snow. For more information, contact an autho -
rized 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.
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.
CAUTION!
Avoid products or automatic car washes
that use acidic solutions or strong alkaline
additives or harsh brushes. Many
aftermarket wheel cleaners and automatic
car washes may damage the wheel's
protective finish. Such damage is not
covered by the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty. Only car wash soap is
recommended.
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.
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.
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.
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 247

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

248

(Continued)
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 equipment or an authorized tire dealer
for recommended safe operating speeds,
loading and cold tire inflation pressures.
While studded tires improve performance on
ice, skid and traction capability on wet or dry
surfaces may be poorer than that of
non-studded tires. Some states prohibit
studded tires; therefore, local laws should be
checked before using these tire types.
Snow Traction Devices
Use of traction devices require sufficient
tire-to-body clearance. Follow these recom -
mendations to guard against damage.

NOTE:

Traction device must be of proper size for
the tire, as recommended by the traction
device manufacturer.
Use on rear tires only.
Due to limited clearance, the following trac -
tion devices are recommended:
For a 255/35R19 tire, use of a snow trac -
tion device with a maximum projection of
7 mm beyond the tire profile is recom -
mended.
For 225/50R17, 225/45R18 or 225/
40R19 tires, use of a snow traction device
with a maximum projection of 9 mm beyond
the tire profile is recommended.
For a 265/35R19 98V tire, use of a
zero-clearance snow traction device recom -
mended.
It is not possible to install traction devices on
285/30R19 tires.
CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or tires,
observe the following precautions:
Because of restricted traction device
clearance between tires and other
suspension components, it is important
that only traction devices in good condi -
tion are used. Broken devices can cause
serious damage. Stop the vehicle immedi -
ately if noise occurs that could indicate
device breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the device before further use.
Install device as tightly as possible and
then retighten after driving about ½ mile
(0.8 km). Autosock devices do not require
retightening.
Do not exceed 30 mph (48 km/h).
Drive cautiously and avoid severe turns
and large bumps, especially with a loaded
vehicle.
Do not drive for a prolonged period on dry
pavement.
Observe the traction device manufac -
turer’s instructions on the method of
installation, operating speed, and condi -
tions for use. Always use the suggested
operating speed of the device manufac -
turer’s if it is less than 30 mph (48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
CAUTION! (Continued)
21_GA_OM_EN_USC_t.book Page 248