warning ASTON MARTIN DB AR1 Q 2003 Owners Guide

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-12
Windscreen Wash Fluid Level Check
The washer fluid filler cap (6) is situated in the right rear corner of the engine
bay and should be topped up as required with an appropriate concentration
of screen wash solution. When the level of screen wash fluid is low the
instrument panel warning light will illuminate.
Caution: State or local regulations may restrict the use of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), which are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in washer
fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and climates in which the vehicle will
be operated.
Warning: If you operate your vehicle in temperatures below 40°F, use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection. In cold weather, failure to use washer fluid with
anti-freeze protection could result in impaired windscreen vision and increase
the risk of a vehicle crash.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-15 Only fit the specified tyres. These are designed for the potential speed,
acceleration, handling and braking performance of the car
New tyres should not be fitted to the front wheels in combination with worn
rear tyres as rear end stability will be affected. Consult your Aston Martin
dealer for advice if the rear tyres are also worn.
Each wheel and tyre unit must be balanced dynamically to ensure efficient
steering, optimum tyre wear and maximum ride comfort. Because of the
potentially high speeds, it is essential that wheel balancing is carried out
when new tyres are fitted.
WARNING: Because of the high performance potential of your DB AR1, Aston
Martin strongly recommend replacement of any damaged or worn tyre.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are incorporated
into the construction of all tyres. These
indicators are integral moulded ribs
spaced at regular intervals around the
circumference of the tyre and extend
across the full width of the tread, in all
primary grooves.
When a tyre has worn causing one or more of the indicators to be flush with
the outer face of the tread, only 1.6mm (0.062in) or less tread depth remains
and the tyre has reached its wear limit. It then becomes illegal in certain
countries and must be replaced.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-17 Traction - A, B, C
The traction grades, from the highest to the lowest are A, B and C, and they
represent the tyre's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tyre marked 'C' may have poor traction performance.
WARNING:
The traction grade assigned to this tyre is based on braking (straight ahead)
traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.
Temperature - A, B, C
The temperature grades are 'A' (the highest), 'B' and 'C' representing the tyres
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 tyre to
degenerate and reduce tyre life, and excessive temperature can lead to
sudden tyre failure.
The grade 'C' corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car
tyres 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 tyre is established for a tyre that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under-inflation or excessive
loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and
possible tyre failure.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-18
The Vehicle Toolkit
On vehicles fitted with a space-saver spare wheel , the tool kit is stored in
the spare wheel insert.
On vehicles without the spare wheel option the vehicle toolkit is stored in
a well within the boot floor and covered by a boot floor liner panel. The
standard toolkit consists of the following items:
• 2 Tyre Inflation Aerosols and Warning Labels
• 1 Tyre Pressure Gauge
• 1 Towing Eye
• 1 Pair of Pliers
• 1 Screwdriver
• 1 Pair of Gloves
• 1 Locking Wheelnut Socket (UK only)
• 1 Bulb and Fuse Kit
• 1 Allen Key
Lift up the boot floor to access the toolkit.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-20
Tyre Inflation Aerosols
Your DB AR1 is equipped with two tyre inflation aerosols instead of a spare
wheel. The aerosols are located with the tool kit. In the event of a simple
puncture, the following procedure must be used to perform a safe temporary
reinflation of the tyre. Tyres with major damage cannot be repaired using
inflation aerosols.
WARNING: A replacement tyre must be fitted at the earliest possible opportunity
This is particularly important because of the high performance potential of the
DB AR1.
Warning labels must be placed on the steering wheel and on the repaired wheel
to remind the driver and operator that tyre sealant is in use.
This type of tyreweld is not a permanent repair, but is designed to get you to a
place of repair. The tyre should be replaced as soon as possible.
After affecting a temporary repair, travel at a maximum speed of 50 Km/h (30
mph) until the defective tyre is replaced.
Warning: Inflation aerosols are not suitable for large holes or for repairs to tyre
walls. Do not attempt a repair if the tyre has been displaced from the rim.
Reinflation Procedure
1. Move the vehicle to a safe location and if possible, remove the object
causing the puncture. Reposition the vehicle so that the puncture is at
the bottom of the tyre. Remove the valve cap, deflate the tyre completely
and clean the valve if necessary.
2. Shake both cans of tyre sealant. Warm the cans (e.g. by placing in the
warm air from the heater) if the temperature is below freezing.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-21 3. Firmly screw the aerosol to the valve of the punctured tyre. Remove the
cap from the canister. Holding the canister upright, press the button until
the contents of the can are completely emptied into the punctured tyre.
This may take up to 5 minutes per canister.
4. Repeat step 3 with the second canister.
WARNING: Because of the large air volume contained in tyres fitted to the
vehicle, two canisters are required to provide reinflation of a deflated tyre to
a safe working pressure.
5. Fit the 30 mph maximum speed WARNING labels to the repaired wheel
and to the steering wheel. Remove the steering wheel label only when
a new replacement tyre has been fitted.
6. Drive off immediately for 10 - 20 km (6 - 12 miles) at a maximum speed
of 50 km/h (30 mph) to allow the tyre weld product to spread within the
tyre.
7. Stop off the road in a safe place and visually inspect the tyre to confirm
that the leak has been completely sealed. Measure the tyre pressure
(pressure gauge in the tool kit) and if necessary drive to the nearest
service station and adjust to the correct pressure using an air line.
8. Limit your speed to 50 km/h (30 mph) and have the defective tyre and
valve replaced as soon as possible.
9. Purchase approved replacement aerosols and labels from your nearest
Aston Martin dealer as soon as possible.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-22
Jacking and Wheel Changing
WARNINGS:
The front road wheels must be in the straight ahead position before removal. The
front tyre will catch on the wheel arch during removal if not in the "straight
ahead" position.
Check that the temporarily repaired tyre is inflated to the specified pressure.
Never exceed 50 km/h (30 mph) when a temporarily repaired wheel is fitted.
Ensure that no persons are in the vehicle before jacking commences.
Ensure that the handbrake (parking brake) is set and that the car is in 'Park' (Auto)
or 1st Gear (Manual).
Ensure that the vehicle is parked on firm and level ground to ensure a secure base
for the jack.
Do not run the engine while the car is on the jack and never let anyone work
under the car whilst it is on the jack.
Spare Wheel Access (where fitted)
On vehicles with the space saver spare
wheel, the spare wheel is stored in a
well in the boot floor.
Lift out the boot floor and toolkit.
Remove the spare wheel retaining screw
and lift out the spare wheel.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-24
5. Using the handwheel (A) on the jack screwshaft, raise the jack until the
jack top plate (B) fits to the jacking point stud under the sill at the affected
wheel. Ensure that the jack baseplate is squarely seated on solid ground.
Note: In the following step, the jack handle extension (D) must be used to prevent
damage to the vehicle paintwork as the jack handle (C) is rotated.
6. Ensure the safety of any persons in the vicinity and the security of the
wheel chock. Raise the vehicle as necessary using the jack ratchet handle
(C) and extension (D) to lift the deflated wheel clear of the ground.
Remove the wheel nuts and remove the deflated wheel.
7. Mount the spare wheel on the hub. Reverse the jack ratchet handle on
the extension and partially tighten the wheel nuts.
8. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the wheel nuts alternately.
Remove the wheel chock.
9. Repack the tools into their location in the boot. Place the defective wheel
into the bag provided and place on the rear seats.
10. When the spare wheel is correctly fitted and secured, drive conservatively
(80 km/h (50 mph) maximum) and have the wheel nuts torque tightened
to 88-102 Nm (65-75 lbs/ft) at the earliest opportunity.
WARNINGS:
Follow the wheel label warnings. Failure to comply can be dangerous. Drive
cautiously and refit a serviceable standard wheel and tyre as soon as possible.
Never fit more than one temporary spare wheel at a time.
Check that the temporary spare tyre is inflated to the specified pressure.
Never exceed 80 km/h (50 mph) when the spare wheel is fitted.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-28
Suspended Towing
Do NOT tow with sling-type equipment since damage to the bodywork may
result.
Take care when using 'spectacle frame' type towing equipment that the
towing device is well clear of the front or rear apron. Body damage may
occur if the vehicles pass over uneven road surfaces.
Adhere to Towing Regulations
In certain countries the registration number of the towing vehicle and an ON
TOW sign or warning triangle must be displayed in a prominent position at
the rear of the vehicle being towed.
Front Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition.
2. Vehicles with manual transmission: Place the gear lever in neutral.
Vehicles with automatic transmission:
Disconnect the propeller shaft at the final drive input flange.
Ensure that the propeller shaft is firmly secured away from the final drive
input flange.

F - Owner Maintenance
1-F-29 3. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' type lifting device with a cradle
positioned under each front wheel as shown below.
Rear Suspended Tow
Caution: To prevent body damage ensure an adequate clearance is
maintained between the car body and (1) the ground and (2) the 'spectacle
frame' of the towing vehicle while your car is being towed.
1. Remove the ignition key from the ignition/steering lock.
2. Raise the vehicle using a 'spectacle frame' style lifting device where a
cradle is positioned under each rear wheel as indicated below.
Towing by Another Vehicle
WARNING: When the engine is stationary, there will be no power assistance to
the steering or brakes. Therefore be prepared for relatively heavy steering and
the need for greatly increased brake pedal pressure.
The vehicle may be towed short distances by another provided that a speed
of 48 km/h (30 mph) is not exceeded. Do not tow for more than 24km (15
miles). When being towed, the vehicles gear lever, or gear selector lever
(automatic transmission), must be in Neutral or position N with the ignition
key turned to position II to release the steering lock and to render the horn,
indicators and brake lights operational.