Alfa Romeo Giulia 2018 Owner's Manual

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

Example: T145/80D18 103M.
T, S = Temporary Spare Tire
Since this tire has limited tread life, the
original equipment tire should be
repaired (or replaced) and reinstalled on
your vehicle at the first opportunity.
Do not install a wheel cover or attempt to
mount a conventional tire on the compact
spare wheel, since the wheel is designed
specifically for the compact spare tire.
Do not install more than one compact
spare tire and wheel on the vehicle at any
given time.
Warning!
Compact and collapsible spares are for
temporary emergency use only. With these
spares, do not drive more than 50 mph
(80 km/h). Temporary use spares have
limited tread life. When the tread is worn to
the tread wear indicators, the temporary use
spare tire needs to be replaced. Be sure to
follow the warnings, which apply to your
spare. Failure to do so could result in spare
tire failure and loss of vehicle control.
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 usefull 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 opportunity.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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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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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

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.
Tire Chains (Traction Devices)
Use of traction devices require sufficient
tire-to-body clearance. Follow these
recommendations 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 traction devices are
recommended:
For a 265/35R19 98V tire, use of a
zero-clearance snow traction device
recommended.
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 condition are
used. Broken devices can cause serious
damage. Stop the vehicle immediately 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).
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
manufacturer’s instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed, and
conditions for use. Always use the
suggested operating speed of the device
manufacturer’s if it is less than 30 mph
(48 km/h).
Do not use traction devices on a compact
spare tire.
Tire Rotation Recommendations
Tire Rotations - Do Not Rotate Tires
Due to different size tires and wheels on
front and rear axles tire rotation is not
possible for:
2.9 L V6 Engine Equipped with 19”
tires and wheels
Caution!
Damage to the vehicle may occur if 19” front
and rear tires are rotated
In the case of irregular wear of the tires
identify the cause and correct it as soon
as possible, by contacting an authorized
dealer.
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DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION UNIFORM
TIRE QUALITY GRADES
The following tire grading categories
were established by the National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. The specific grade
rating assigned by the tire's
manufacturer in each category is
shown on the sidewall of the tires on
your vehicle.
All passenger vehicle tires must
conform to Federal safety
requirements in addition to these
grades.
Treadwear
The Treadwear grade is a
comparative rating, based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would
wear one and one-half times as well
on the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends upon
the actual conditions of their use,
however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due tovariations in driving habits, service
practices, and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
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 conditions 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
performance, which all passenger
vehicle tires must meet under the
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance 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
overloaded. Excessive speed,
under-inflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

STORING THE VEHICLE
If the vehicle is left inactive for longer
than a month, the following precautions
should be observed:
Park the vehicle in an area that is
covered and dry, and well-ventilated if
possible. Slightly open the windows.
Check that the electric park brake is
not activated.
Carry out the procedure: “manual trunk
opening device” procedure described in
this paragraph.
Disconnect the negative battery
terminal and check the battery charge.
Repeat this check once every three
months during storage.
If the battery is not disconnected from
the electrical system, check its state of
charge every thirty days.
Clean and protect the painted parts
using protective wax.
Clean and protect the shiny metal
parts using special compounds available
commercially.
Sprinkle talcum powder on the
windshield wiper rubber blades, and lift
them off the glass.
Cover the vehicle with a fabric or
perforated plastic sheet, paying
particular care not to damage the painted
surface by dragging any dust that may
have accumulated on it. Do not use
compact plastic sheets, as they do not
allow humidity to evaporate from the
surface of the vehicle .
Inflate tires to +7.25 psi (+0.5 bar)
above the standard prescribed pressure
and check it periodically.
Do not drain the engine cooling
system.
Any time the vehicle is left inactive for
two weeks or more, operate the air
conditioning system with engine idling
for at least five minutes, setting external
air and with fan set to maximum speed.
This operation will ensure appropriate
lubrication for the system, thus
minimizing the possibility of damage to
the compressor when the system is
operated again.
Note: After cycling the ignition to STOP
and having closed the driver side door,
wait at least one minute before
disconnecting the electrical supply from
the battery. When reconnecting the
electrical supply to the battery, make
sure that the ignition is in the STOP
position and the driver side door is
closed. Manual Trunk Opening Device
Proceed as follows if the battery needs
to be disconnected:
1. From the trunk interior covering,
rotate the plug counterclockwise of the
lock and extract the cord connected to it.
09086S0001EMTrunk Compartment
0318134892USTrunk Manual Release Cord
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2. Make sure the free end of the cord
remains outside the trunk when closing
the trunk lid.
3. The trunk can now be opened
manually by pulling the cord.
4. After releasing the trunk, rewind the
strap around the plug, put it back into its
housing and turn it clockwise.
Caution!
The Manual Trunk Opening Device allows the
trunk to be opened without a key, even if the
vehicle is locked. Do not use this Device
unless the vehicle is parked in a secure area.
BODYWORK
Protection Against Atmospheric
Agents
The vehicle is equipped with the best
available technological solutions to
protect the bodywork against corrosion.
These include:
Painting products and systems which
give the vehicle resistance to corrosion
and abrasion.
Use of galvanized (or pre-treated)
steel sheets, with high resistance to
corrosion.
Spraying of plastic parts, with a
protective function in the more exposed
points: underdoor, inner wing, edges, etc.
Use of “open” boxed sections to
prevent condensation and pockets of
moisture which could favor the formation
of rust inside.
Use of special films to protect against
abrasion in exposed areas (e.g. rear wing,
doors, etc.).
Corrosion Warranty
Your vehicle is covered by Corrosion
Warranty against perforation due to rust
of any original element of the structure
or bodywork. For the general terms of
this warranty, refer to the Warranty
Booklet.
Preserving The Bodywork
Paint
Touch up abrasions and scratches
immediately to prevent the formation of
rust.
Maintenance of paintwork consists of
washing the car: the frequency depends
on the conditions and environment where
the car is used. For example, it is
advisable to wash the vehicle more often
in areas with high levels of atmospheric
pollution or salted roads.
Some parts of the vehicle may be
covered with a matte paint which, in
order to be maintained intact, requires
special care.
To correctly wash the vehicle, follow
these instructions:
If high pressure jets or cleaners are
used to wash the vehicle, keep a distance
of at least 15 inches (40 cm) from the
bodywork to avoid damage or alteration.
Build up of water could cause damage to
the vehicle in the long term.
To make it easier to remove any dirt
deposits in the area where the blades are
normally located it is recommended to
position the windshield wipers vertically
(service position), for more information,
refer to “Dealer Service” in this chapter.
0318135355USManual Release Cord Shown With Trunk Closed
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Wash the bodywork using a low
pressure jet of water if possible.
Wipe a sponge with a slightly soapy
solution over the bodywork, frequently
rinsing the sponge.
Rinse well with water and dry with a
leather chamois.
Dry the less visible parts (e.g. door
frames, hood, headlight frames, etc.) with
special care, as water may stagnate more
easily in these areas. Do not wash the car
after it has been left in the sun or with the
hood hot: this may alter the shine of the
paintwork.
Exterior plastic parts must be cleaned in
the same way as the rest of the vehicle.
If washing the car in a service that moves
the car, for cars with automatic
transmissions, PARK (P) must be cut out.
You have to shut off the engine in the
following conditions: car stopped,
transmission in NEUTRAL (N), push the
starter button for at least three seconds.
Note: Avoid parking under trees; the
resin dropped by trees makes the
paintwork go opaque and increases the
possibility of corrosion. Windows
Use specific detergents and clean cloths
to prevent scratching or altering the
transparency.Caution!
Wipe the rear window inside gently with a
cloth following the direction of the filaments
to avoid damaging the heating device.
Front Headlights
Use a soft cloth soaked in water and
detergent for washing cars.
Note:
Never use aromatic substances (e.g.
gasoline) or ketones (e.g. acetone) for
cleaning the plastic lenses of the
headlights.
When cleaning with a pressure
washer, keep the pressure washer at
least eight inches (20 cm) away from the
headlights. Engine Compartment
At the end of every winter, wash the
engine compartment thoroughly, taking
care not to aim the jet of water directly at
the electronic control units or at the
windshield wiper motors. Have this
operation performed at a specialized
workshop.
Note:
The washing should take place
with the engine cold and the ignition
device in the STOP position. After the
washing operation, make sure that the
various protections (e.g. rubber caps and
guards) have not been removed or
damaged.
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INTERIORS
Periodically check the cleanliness of the
interior, beneath the mats, which could
cause oxidation of the sheet metal.
Seats And Fabric Parts
Remove dust with a soft brush or a
vacuum cleaner. It is advised to use a
moist brush on velvet upholstery. Rub the
seats with a sponge moistened with a
solution of water and neutral detergent.
Leather Seats
Remove the dry dirt with a chamois or
slightly damp cloth, without exerting too
much pressure.
Remove any liquid or grease stains using
an absorbent dry cloth, without rubbing.
Then clean with a soft cloth or buckskin
cloth dampened with water and mild
soap. If the stain persists, use specific
products and observe the instructions
carefully.
Note:Never use alcohol. Make sure that
the cleaning products used contain no
alcohol or alcohol derivatives, even in
small quantities.
Plastic And Coated Parts
Clean interior plastic parts with a damp
cloth (if possible made from microfiber),
and a solution of water and neutral,
non-abrasive detergent.
To clean oily or persistent stains, use
specific products free from solvents and
designed to maintain the original
appearance and color of the components.
Remove any dust using a microfiber cloth,
if necessary moistened with water. The use
of paper tissues is not recommended as
these may leave residues.
Genuine Leather Parts
Use only water and mild soap to clean
these parts. Never use alcohol or
alcohol-based products.
Before using a specific product for
cleaning interiors, make sure that it does
not contain alcohol and/or alcohol based
substances.
Carbon Fiber Parts
To eliminate small scratches and marks
on the carbon, contact your authorized
dealer. An improperly performed
operation may irreparably damage the
carbon.
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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE