Alfa Romeo 4C (2018 year). Manual — part 12

TOWING A DISABLED VEHICLE

Front Tow Eye Usage
Your vehicle is equipped with a tow eye that can be

used to tow a disabled vehicle.
The front tow eye receptacle is located on the lower

right side of the front fascia.
To install the tow eye, thread the tow eye into the

receptacle.
NOTE:

The front tow eye is stored inside the Tire

Service Kit storage bag.

Front Tow Eye Installed

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 181

When using a tow eye, be sure to follow the “Tow Eye

Usage Precautions” in this section.

Tow Eye Usage Precautions
The transmission must be in NEUTRAL when flat

towing this vehicle. The ignition must be ON in order to

place the transmission in NEUTRAL. Therefore, if the

key is unavailable or the battery is discharged, this

vehicle must be towed with all four wheels OFF the

ground (using a vehicle trailer or flatbed truck).
• Ensure that the tow eye is properly seated and secure

in the mounting receptacle.

• The tow eye is recommended for use with an ap-

proved tow bar and or rope.

• Do not use the tow eye to pull the vehicle onto a

flatbed truck.

• Do not use the tow eye to free a stuck vehicle.

WARNING!

Stand clear of vehicles when pulling with tow eyes.
• Do not use a chain with a tow eye. Chains may

break, causing serious injury or death.

• Do not use a tow strap with a tow eye. Tow straps

may break or become disengaged, causing serious
injury or death.

• Failure to follow proper tow eye usage may cause

components to break resulting in serious injury
or death.

Tow Eye

182 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

CAUTION!

• The tow eye must be used exclusively for road-

side assistance operations. Only use the tow eye
with an appropriate device in accordance with the
highway code (a rigid bar or rope) to flat tow the
vehicle for a short distance to the nearest service
location.

(Continued)

CAUTION! (Continued)

• Tow eyes MUST NOT be used to tow vehicles off

the road or where there are obstacles.

• In compliance with the above conditions, towing

with a tow eye must take place with two vehicles
(one towing, the other towed) aligned as much as
possible along the same center line. Damage to
your vehicle may occur if these guidelines are not
followed.

• When towing, only use a facility that can tow

vehicles with low ground clearances as extensive
damage can result by using a standard tow truck
platform.

Tow Eye Warning Label

7

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY 183

FIRE EXTINGUISHER — IF EQUIPPED
The fire extinguisher is located under the dashboard in

front of the passenger side seat.

ENHANCED ACCIDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM
(EARS)
This vehicle is equipped with an Enhanced Accident

Response System.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in

“Safety” for further information on the Enhanced Acci-

dent Response System (EARS) function.

EVENT DATA RECORDER (EDR)
This vehicle is equipped with an Event Data Recorder

(EDR). The main purpose of an EDR is to record data

that will assist in understanding how a vehicle’s sys-

tems performed under certain crash or near crash-like

situations, such as an air bag deployment or hitting a

road obstacle.
Please refer to “Occupant Restraint Systems” in

“Safety” for further information on the Event Data

Recorder (EDR).

Fire Extinguisher

184 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

CONTENTS

䡵 SCHEDULED SERVICING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187

▫ Maintenance Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189

䡵 ENGINE COMPARTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195

▫ Turbo Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195
▫ Checking Oil Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
▫ Adding Washer Solvent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
▫ Maintenance-Free Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

䡵 DEALER SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200

▫ Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
▫ Engine Oil Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
▫ Engine Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
▫ Engine Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .202
▫ Air Conditioner Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . .202
▫ Body Lubrication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203

▫ Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204
▫ Windshield Washer Nozzles . . . . . . . . . . . . .205
▫ Exhaust System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .206
▫ Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
▫ Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212
▫ Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission . . . . . . . . . .215

䡵 RAISING THE VEHICLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
䡵 TIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216

▫ Tire Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
▫ Tires — General Information . . . . . . . . . . . .226
▫ Tire Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
▫ Spare Tires — If Equipped . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
▫ Wheel And Wheel Trim Care . . . . . . . . . . . .236
▫ Tire Chains (Traction Devices) . . . . . . . . . . .237

8

▫ Tire Rotation Recommendations . . . . . . . . . .238

䡵 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADES . . . . . . .238

▫ Treadwear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238
▫ Traction Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239
▫ Temperature Grades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239

䡵 VEHICLE STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240
䡵 BODYWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .240

▫ Protection From Atmospheric Agents . . . . . .240

▫ Body And Underbody Maintenance. . . . . . . .240
▫ Preserving The Bodywork . . . . . . . . . . . . . .241

䡵 INTERIORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242

▫ Seats And Fabric Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .242
▫ Plastic And Coated Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
▫ Leather Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .243
▫ Glass Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .244

186 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

SCHEDULED SERVICING
Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic oil change

indicator system. The oil change indicator system will

remind you that it is time to take your vehicle in for

scheduled maintenance.
Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change

indicator message will illuminate in the instrument

cluster. This means that an engine oil and engine oil

filter change is required for your vehicle. Operating

conditions such as frequent short-trips, trailer tow,

extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influ-

ence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required”

message is displayed. Severe Operating Conditions can

cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as

3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Have your

vehicle serviced as soon as possible, within the next 500

miles (805 km).
The Wrench Warning Light may appear in the cluster as

a service reminder when vehicle maintenance is re-

quired, according to the scheduled maintenance mile-

age. The maintenance schedule intervals are set by the

manufacturer. Failure to have them carried out may

void your New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

NOTE:

The actual interval for changing the oil and

replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle

usage conditions and is signalled by the warning light

or message (if present) on the instrument panel or every

12 months.
Severe Duty All Models
In addition, if your vehicle is used under demanding

conditions, including:
• On the track.
• On dusty roads.
• Short, repeated trips (less than 4-5 miles or 7-8 km) at

sub-zero temperatures.

• Allowing the engine to idle for extended periods of

time.

• Driving for long distances at low speeds.
• Allowing the vehicle to sit for long periods of inac-

tivity.

Under any of the above circumstances, the following

checks need to be performed more frequently than

indicated in the Maintenance Plan:
• Check front and rear disc brake pad condition and

wear.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 187

• Check cleanliness of tailgate locks.
• Check cleanliness and lubrication of chassis and

steering linkage.

• Visually inspect condition of: engine, gearbox, trans-

mission, pipes and hoses (exhaust - fuel system -

brakes) and rubber elements (gaiters - sleeves -

bushes - etc.).

• Check battery charge and battery fluid level (electro-

lyte).

• Visually inspect condition of the auxiliary drive belts.
• Check and, if necessary, change engine oil and re-

place oil filter.

• Check and, if necessary, replace air cleaner filter.
Using the vehicle on a track should be regarded as an

exception. The vehicle has been designed and manufac-

tured for road use.
Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the

vehicle is operated in a dusty and off road environment.

This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.

If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty environ-

ment the engine air filter has to be changed every 6,500

miles (10,000 km).
Once A Month Or Before A Long Trip/Periodic
Checks

Every 600 miles (1,000 km) or before long trips, check

and, if necessary, top off the following:
• Check engine oil level.
• Check brake fluid level.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check the tire inflation pressures and look for un-

usual wear or damage.

• Check the fluid levels of the coolant reservoir and

brake master cylinder reservoir, and add as needed

• Check function of all interior and exterior lights.
Every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) check and, if necessary, top

up: engine oil level.

188 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Maintenance Plan
Required Maintenance Intervals
Refer to the maintenance plan on the following page for

the required maintenance intervals.

At Every Oil Change Interval As Indicated By Oil

Change Indicator System:

Change oil and filter.

Inspect battery and clean and tighten terminals as

required.

Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, and hoses.

Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses.

Check and adjust hand brake.

Inspect exhaust system.

Inspect engine air cleaner filter if using in dusty or

off-road conditions.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 189

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

12,000

24,000

36,000

48,000

60,000

72,000

84,000

96,000

108,000

120,000

132,000

144,000

156,000

Or Months:

12

24

36

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

132

144

156

Or Kilometers:

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

220,000

240,000

260,000

Check battery charge sta-
tus and possibly recharge #

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check tire condition/wear
and adjust pressure if re-
quired

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check lighting system op-
eration (headlights, direc-
tion indicators, hazard
lights, passenger compart-
ment lights, boot lights,
instrument panel warning
lights, etc.)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check vehicle fasteners

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check mechanical compo-
nents fasteners

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check windshield/washer
operation

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check position/wear of
windshield blade

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

190 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

12,000

24,000

36,000

48,000

60,000

72,000

84,000

96,000

108,000

120,000

132,000

144,000

156,000

Or Months:

12

24

36

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

132

144

156

Or Kilometers:

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

220,000

240,000

260,000

Check cleanliness of hood
and deck lid locks, as well
as cleanliness and lubrica-
tion of associated linkages

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Visually inspect condition
of: exterior bodywork, car-
bon monocoque, aerody-
namic bottom, pipes and
hoses (exhaust, fuel sup-
ply system, brakes), rub-
ber elements (boots, drive-
shaft boots, sleeves,
bushes, etc.)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check condition and wear
of front brake pads and
discs, and operation of
pad wear indicator

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 191

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

12,000

24,000

36,000

48,000

60,000

72,000

84,000

96,000

108,000

120,000

132,000

144,000

156,000

Or Months:

12

24

36

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

132

144

156

Or Kilometers:

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

220,000

240,000

260,000

Check condition and wear
of rear brake pads and
discs, and operation of
pad wear indicator

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check and top off, if re-
quired, fluid levels (engine
coolant, brake/hydraulic
clutch fluid, windscreen
washer fluid, battery fluid,
etc)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Visually inspect the condi-
tion of accessory drive
belt(s)

X

X

X

X

Check condition of timing
belt

X

X

X

Check handbrake lever
travel and adjust, if neces-
sary (or every 12 months)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

192 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Mileage or time passed

(whichever comes first)

12,000

24,000

36,000

48,000

60,000

72,000

84,000

96,000

108,000

120,000

132,000

144,000

156,000

Or Months:

12

24

36

48

60

72

84

96

108

120

132

144

156

Or Kilometers:

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

180,000

200,000

220,000

240,000

260,000

Check engine control sys-
tem operation (via diag-
nostic tool)

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Check and, if necessary,
top off oil level of twin
clutch transmission

X

X

Replace accessory drive
belt(s)

X

X

Replace spark plugs *

X

X

X

X

Replace toothed timing
drive belt **

X

X

Change engine oil and oil
filter ***

Change brake fluid every
24 months*****

X

X

X

X

X

X

Replace air filter car-
tridge****

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

# Recommend using Midtronics tester to check charge

status and, if necessary, recharge battery.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 193

* The spark plug change interval is mileage based only,

yearly intervals do not apply. The following are essen-

tial to ensure correct operation and prevent serious

damage to the engine:
• Only use spark plugs of the same make and type

which are specially certified for such engines (refer to

“Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for further information).

• Strictly comply with the spark plug replacement

interval given in the maintenance plan for spark plug

replacement.

• Contact your Alfa Romeo Dealer if you have ques-

tions.

** Regardless of the distance covered, the timing belt

must be changed every four years for particularly

demanding use (cold climates, city driving, long peri-

ods of idling) or at least every five years.
*** The actual interval for changing the oil and replac-

ing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage

conditions and is signalled by the warning light or

message (if present) on the instrument panel or every 12

months.

**** If the vehicle is operated in a dusty or dirty

environment the engine air filter has to be changed

every 6,500 miles (10,000 km).
***** DOT 4 brake fluid must be changed every two

years regardless of mileage.

WARNING!

• You can be badly injured working on or around a

motor vehicle. Do only service work for which
you have the knowledge and the right equipment.
If you have any doubt about your ability to
perform a service job, take your vehicle to a
competent mechanic.

• Failure to properly inspect and maintain your

vehicle could result in a component malfunction
and effect vehicle handling and performance.
This could cause an accident.

194 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

ENGINE COMPARTMENT

1750 Turbo Engine

1 — Fuse Box

3 — Engine Oil Dip Stick

5 — Coolant Reservoir

2 — Battery

4 — Engine Oil Fill

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 195

Checking Oil Level
To assure proper engine lubrication, the engine oil must

be maintained at the correct level. Check the oil level at

regular intervals. The best time to check the engine oil

level is before starting the engine after it has sat

overnight.
Do not check oil level when the engine is warm.

Checking engine oil level when the engine is warm will

give you an incorrect reading.
Checking the oil while the vehicle is on level ground, and

has sat overnight, will improve the accuracy of the oil

level readings. Maintain the oil level between the range

markings on the dipstick. The safe range is indicated by a

crosshatch zone. Adding 1 quart of oil when the reading

is at the low end of the indicated range will result in the

oil level at the full end of the indicator range.

CAUTION!

Do not overfill the engine with oil. Overfilling the
engine with oil will cause oil aeration, which can
lead to loss of oil pressure and an increase in oil
temperature. This loss of oil pressure and increased
oil temperature could damage your engine.

Adding Washer Solvent

To check the windshield washer solvent level, proceed

as follows:
1. To avoid any interference during the procedure, lift

the windshield wiper blade.

1 — Brake Fluid Access Panel
2 — Washer Solvent Access Panel

196 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE