flat tire Lancia Flavia 2012 Owner handbook (in English)

Periodic Safety Checks You
Should Make Outside The
Vehicle
Tires
Examine tires for excessive tread wear
and uneven wear patterns. Check for
stones, nails, glass, or other objects
lodged in the tread or sidewall. In-
spect the tread for cuts and cracks.
Inspect sidewalls for cuts, cracks and
bulges. Check the wheel nuts for
tightness. Check the tires (including
spare) for proper cold inflation pres-
sure.Lights
Have someone observe the operation
of exterior lights while you work the
controls. Check turn signal and high
beam indicator lights on the instru-
ment panel.
Door Latches
Check for positive closing, latching,
and locking.
Fluid Leaks
Check area under vehicle after over-
night parking for fuel, engine coolant,
oil, or other fluid leaks. Also, if gaso-
line fumes are detected or if fuel,
power steering fluid, or brake fluid
leaks are suspected, the cause should
be located and corrected immediately.
47

21. Front Fog Light IndicatorThis indicator will illuminate
when the front fog lights are
on.
22. Vehicle Security Light This light will flash rapidly
for approximately 16 sec-
onds when the alarm sys-
tem is arming. The light
will begin to flash slowly indicating
that the system is armed. The light
will stop flashing when the vehicle is
disarmed.
23. Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) Light This light monitors the
ABS. This light will come
on when the ignition key is
turned to the ON/RUN po-
sition and may stay on for approxi-
mately three seconds.
If the ABS light remains on or comes
on during driving, it indicates that the
Anti-Lock portion of the brake sys-
tem is not functioning and that service
is required, however, the conventional
brake system will continue to operate
normally provided that the BRAKE
warning light is not on. If the ABS light is on, the brake sys-
tem should be serviced as soon as
possible to restore the benefit of Anti-
Lock Brakes.
The ABS warning light should be
checked frequently to assure that it is
operating properly. Turn the ignition
key to the on position, but do not start
the vehicle. The light should come on.
If the light does not come on, have the
system inspected by an authorized
dealer.
24. Electronic Stability Control
(ESC) Malfunction Indicator Light
The “ESC Malfunction In-
dicator Light” in the instru-
ment cluster will come on
when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON/RUN position. It
should go out with the engine run-
ning. If the “ESC Malfunction Indica-
tor Light” comes on continuously
with the engine running, a malfunc-
tion has been detected in the ESC
system. If this light remains on after
several ignition cycles, and the vehicle
has been driven several miles (kilo-
meters) at speeds greater than
48 km/h, see your authorized dealer as soon as possible to have the prob-
lem diagnosed and corrected.
NOTE:
 The “ESC Off Indicator Light”
and the “ESC Malfunction Indi-
cator Light” come on momen-
tarily each time the ignition
switch is turned to ON/RUN.
 Each time the ignition is turned to ON/RUN, the ESC system will
be ON, even if it was turned off
previously.
 The ESC system will make buzz- ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC be-
comes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
25. Tire Pressure Monitoring
Telltale Light Each tire, including the
spare (if provided), should
be checked monthly when
cold and inflated to the in-
flation pressure recommended by the
vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure la-112

bel. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for
those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your ve-
hicle has been equipped with a Tire
Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your tires
is significantly under-inflated. Ac-
cordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop
and check your tires as soon as pos-
sible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly
under-inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel effi-
ciency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle’s handling and stop-
ping ability.Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance,
and it is the driver’s responsibility to
maintain correct tire pressure, even if
under-inflation has not reached thelevel to trigger illumination of the
TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped
with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not oper-
ating properly. The TPMS malfunc-
tion indicator is combined with the
low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the tell-
tale will flash for approximately one
minute and then remain continuously
illuminated. This sequence will con-
tinue upon subsequent vehicle start-
ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is il-
luminated, the system may not be
able to detect or signal low tire pres-
sure as intended. TPMS malfunctions
may occur for a variety of reasons,
including the installation of replace-
ment or alternate tires or wheels on
the vehicle that prevent the TPMS
from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale
after replacing one or more tires or
wheels on your vehicle, to ensure that
the replacement or alternate tires and
wheels allow the TPMS to continue to
function properly.
CAUTION!
The TPMS has been optimized for
the original equipment tires and
wheels. TPMS pressures and warn-
ing have been established for the tire
size equipped on your vehicle. Un-
desirable system operation or sensor
damage may result when using re-
placement equipment that is not of
the same size, type, and/or style.
Aftermarket wheels can cause sensor
damage. Do not use tire sealant from
a can or balance beads if your ve-
hicle is equipped with a TPMS, as
damage to the sensors may result.
26. Malfunction Indicator Light
(MIL) The Malfunction Indicator
Light (MIL) is part of an on-
board diagnostic system
called OBD that monitors
emissions, engine, and automatic
transmission control systems. The
light will illuminate when the key is in
the ON/RUN position before engine
start. If the bulb does not come on
when turning the key from LOCK to
ON/RUN, have the condition checked
promptly.
113

 SHALLOW STANDING WATER . . . . . . . . . . . 143
 POWER STEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144  POWER STEERING FLUID CHECK . . . . . . . . 144
 PARKING BRAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
 ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . . . 146
 ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEM . . . . 147  ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) . . . . . . . 147
 TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS) . . . . . . 148
 BRAKE ASSIST SYSTEM (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . 148
 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) . . 149
 ESC ACTIVATION/MALFUNCTIONINDICATOR LIGHT AND ESC OFF
INDICATOR LIGHT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
 TIRES — GENERAL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . 151  TIRE PRESSURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
 TIRE INFLATION PRESSURES . . . . . . . . . . . 151
 RADIAL-PLY TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
 TIRE SPINNING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
 TREAD WEAR INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
 LIFE OF TIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
 REPLACEMENT TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
 TIRE CHAINS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
 TIRE ROTATION RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . . 155
 TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEM (TPMS) . . 155  PREMIUM SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
 FUEL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
132

 The transmission will automati-cally shift up when maximum en-
gine speed is reached while
AutoStick® is engaged.
 Transmission shifting will be more noticeable when AutoStick® is en-
gaged.
 If a downshift would cause the en- gine to overspeed, that shift will not
occur until it is safe for the engine.
 If the system detects powertrain overheating, the transmission will
revert to the automatic shift mode
and remain in that mode until the
powertrain cools off.
DRIVING ON SLIPPERY
SURFACES
ACCELERATION
Rapid acceleration on snow covered,
wet, or other slippery surfaces may
cause the driving wheels to pull errati-
cally to the right or left. This phenom-
enon occurs when there is a difference
in the surface traction under the front
(driving) wheels.
WARNING!
Rapid acceleration on slippery sur-
faces is dangerous. Unequal traction
can cause sudden pulling of the front
wheels. You could lose control of the
vehicle and possibly have a collision.
Accelerate slowly and carefully
whenever there is likely to be poor
traction (ice, snow, wet, mud, loose
sand, etc.).
TRACTION
When driving on wet or slushy roads,
it is possible for a wedge of water to
build up between the tire and road
surface. This is hydroplaning and
may cause partial or complete loss of
vehicle control and stopping ability.
To reduce this possibility, the follow-
ing precautions should be observed:
1. Slow down during rainstorms or
when the roads are slushy.
2. Slow down if the road has standing
water or puddles.
3. Replace the tires when tread wear
indicators first become visible.
4. Keep tires properly inflated. 5. Maintain sufficient distance be-
tween your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you to avoid a collision in a
sudden stop.
DRIVING THROUGH
WATER
Driving through water more than a
few centimeters deep will require ex-
tra caution to ensure safety and pre-
vent damage to your vehicle.
FLOWING/RISING WATER
WARNING!
Do not drive on or across a road or
path where water is flowing and/or
rising (as in storm run-off). Flowing
water can wear away the road or
path's surface and cause your
ve-
hicle to sink into deeper water. Fur-
thermore, flowing and/or rising wa-
ter can carry your vehicle away
swiftly. Failure to follow this warn-
ing may result in injuries that are
serious or fatal to you, your passen-
gers, and others around you.
142

Brake (ABS) and Electronic Brake
Force Distribution (EBD) Systems are
not functioning. Immediate repair to
the ABS system is required. See your
authorized dealer.
When the vehicle is driven over
11 km/h, you may hear a slight click-
ing sound as well as some related mo-
tor noises. These noises are the system
performing its self-check cycle to en-
sure that the ABS system is working
properly. This self check occurs each
time the vehicle is started and accel-
erated past 11 km/h.
ABS is activated during braking un-
der certain road or stopping condi-
tions. ABS-inducing conditions can
include ice, snow, gravel, bumps, rail-
road tracks, loose debris, or panic
stops.
You also may experience the following
when the brake system goes into anti-
lock:
 The ABS motor running (it maycontinue to run for a short time
after the stop),
 the clicking sound of solenoid valves,  brake pedal pulsations,
 and a slight drop or fall away of the
brake pedal at the end of the stop.
These are all normal characteristics of
ABS.
WARNING!
The Anti-Lock Brake System con-
tains sophisticated electronic equip-
ment that may be susceptible to in-
terference caused by improperly
installed or high output radio trans-
mitting equipment. This interfer-
ence can cause possible loss of anti-
lock braking capability. Installation
of such equipment should be per-
formed by qualified professionals.
All vehicle wheels and tires must be
the same size and type, and tires must
be properly inflated to produce accu-
rate signals for the computer. ELECTRONIC BRAKE
CONTROL SYSTEM
Your vehicle may be equipped with an
optional advanced electronic brake
control system that includes Anti-
Lock Brake System (ABS), Traction
Control System (TCS), Brake Assist
System (BAS), and Electronic Stabil-
ity Control (ESC). All systems work
together to enhance vehicle stability
and control in various driving condi-
tions and are commonly referred to as
ESC.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
This system aids the driver in main-
taining vehicle control under adverse
braking conditions. The system con-
trols hydraulic brake pressure to pre-
vent wheel lock-up and help avoid
skidding on slippery surfaces during
braking. Refer to “Anti-Lock Brake
System” in “Starting and Operating”
for further information.
147

 The ESC system will make buzz-ing or clicking sounds when it is
active. This is normal; the
sounds will stop when ESC be-
comes inactive following the
maneuver that caused the ESC
activation.
The “ESC OFF Indicator
Light” indicates the Elec-
tronic Stability Control
(ESC) is off.
TIRES — GENERAL
INFORMATION
TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is essen-
tial to the safe and satisfactory opera-
tion of your vehicle. Three primary
areas are affected by improper tire
pressure: Safety
WARNING!
 Improperly inflated tires are dan-
gerous and can cause collisions.
 Under-inflation increases tire
flexing and can result in over-
heating and tire failure.
 Over-inflation reduces a tir e's
ability to cushion shock. Objects
on the road and chuckholes can
cause damage that result in tire
failure.
 Over -inflated or under-inflated
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 in-
flated to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure. Economy
Improper inflation pressures can
cause uneven wear patterns to de-
velop across the tire tread. These ab-
normal wear patterns will reduce
tread life resulting in a need for earlier
tire replacement. Under-inflation,
also increases tire rolling resistance
resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Ride Comfort And Vehicle
Stability
Proper tire inflation contributes to a
comfortable ride. Over-inflation pro-
duces a jarring and uncomfortable
ride.
TIRE INFLATION
PRESSURES
The proper cold tire inflation pressure
is listed on the
driver's sideB-Pillar or
rear edge of the driver's side door.
Some vehicles may have Supplemen-
tal Tire Pressure Information for ve-
hicle loads that are less than the maxi-
mum loaded vehicle condition. These
pressure conditions will be found in
the “Supplemental Tire Pressure In-
formation” section of this manual.
151

The pressure should be checked and
adjusted as well as inspecting for signs
of tire wear or visible damage at least
once a month. Use a good quality
pocket-type gauge to check tire pres-
sure. Do not make a visual judgement
when determining proper inflation.
Radial tires may look properly in-
flated even when they are under-
inflated.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
1.6 km after a three hour period. 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 approxi-
mately 7 kPa per 7°C of air tempera-
ture change. Keep this in mind when
checking tire pressure inside a garage,
especially in the winter.
Example: If garage temperature =
20°C and the outside temperature =
0°C then the cold tire inflation pres-
sure should be increased by 21 kPa,
which equals 7 kPa for every 7°C for
this outside temperature condition.
Tire pressure may increase from 13 to
40 kPa during operation. DO NOT
reduce this normal pressure build up
or your tire pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed
Operation
The manufacturer advocates driving
at safe speeds within posted speed
limits. Where speed limits or condi-
tions are such that the vehicle can be
driven at high speeds, maintaining
correct tire inflation pressure is very
important. Increased tire pressureand reduced vehicle loading may be
required for high-speed vehicle op-
eration. Refer to original equipment
or an authorized tire dealer for recom-
mended safe operating speeds, load-
ing and cold tire inflation pressures.
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 ve-
hicle loaded to the maximum capac-
ity at continuous speeds above
120 km/h.
RADIAL-PLY TIRESWARNING!
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.
152

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
pressure. The manufacturer strongly
recommends that you use tires
equivalent to the originals in size,
quality and performance when re-
placement is needed (refer to the
paragraph on “Tread Wear Indica-
tors”). Refer to the “Tire and Loading
Information” placard for the size des-
ignation of your tire. The Load Index
and Speed Symbol for your tire will be
found on registration Document/log
book.
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 your
original equipment or an authorized
tire dealer with any questions you may
have on tire specifications or capability.
Failure to use equivalent replacementtires may adversely affect the safety,
handling, and ride of your vehicle.
WARNING!
 Do not use a tire, wheel size or
rating other than that specified
for your vehicle. Some combina-
tions of unapproved tires and
wheels may change suspension di-
mensions and performance char-
acteristics, resulting in changes to
steering, handling, and braking of
your vehicle. This can cause un-
predictable handling and stress to
steering and suspension compo-
nents. You could lose control and
have a collision resulting in seri-
ous injury or death. Use only the
tire and wheel sizes with load rat-
ings 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 col-
lision.
(Continued)
WARNING!(Continued)
 Failure to equip your vehicle with
tires having adequate speed capa-
bility can result in sudden tire fail-
ure and loss of vehicle control.CAUTION!
Replacing original tires with tires of
a different size may result in false
speedometer and odometer read-
ings.
TIRE CHAINS
Use of Security Chain Company
(SCC) Super Z6 low profile (P/N SZ-
139) or equivalent are recommended
on 215/55 R18 95H tires with 18 x
7.0 wheels, 40 mm offset.
154

CAUTION!
To avoid damage to your vehicle or
tires, observe the following precau-
tions:
 Because of restricted chain clear-ance between tires and other sus-
pension components, it is impor-
tant that only chains in good
condition are used. Broken chains
can cause serious damage. Stop
the vehicle immediately if noise
occurs that could indicate chain
breakage. Remove the damaged
parts of the chain before further
use.
 Do not exceed 70 km/h.
 Drive cautiously and avoid severe
turns and large bumps, especially
with a loaded vehicle.
 Install chains on the front wheels
as tightly as possible and then re-
tighten after driving about
0.8 km.
 Do not drive for prolonged periods
of time on dry pavement.
(Continued)
CAUTION!(Continued)
 Observe the tire chain manufac-
tur er's instructions on the method
of installation, operating speed,
and conditions for use. Always use
the lower suggested operating
speed of the chain manufacturer,
if different from the speed r ecom-
mended by the vehicle manufac-
turer.
This notice applies to all chain trac-
tion devices, including link and cable
(radial) chains.
TIRE ROTATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Tires on the front and rear axles of
vehicles operate at different loads and
perform different steering, driving,
and braking functions. For these rea-
sons, they wear at unequal rates.
These effects can be reduced by
timely rotation of tires. The benefits
of rotation are especially worthwhile
with aggressive tread designs such as
those on all season type tires. Rotation
will increase tread life, help to main- tain mud, snow and wet traction lev-
els, and contribute to a smooth, quiet
ride.
Refer to the “Maintenance Schedule”
for the proper maintenance intervals.
The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to ro-
tation being performed.
TIRE PRESSURE
MONITOR SYSTEM
(TPMS)
The Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS) will warn the driver of a low
tire pressure based on the vehicle rec-
ommended cold placard pressure.
The tire pressure will vary with tem-
perature by about 7 kPa for every
7°C. This means that when the out-
side temperature decreases, the tire
pressure will decrease. Tire pressure
should always be set based on cold
inflation tire pressure. This is defined
as the tire pressure after the vehicle
has not been driven for at least three
hours, or driven less than 1.6 km after
a three hour period. The cold tire in-
flation pressure must not exceed the
maximum inflation pressure molded
155