Alfa Romeo 4C (2018 year). Manual — part 14

Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake fluid.

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants ” in “Technical Speci-

fications” for further information.

WARNING!

• Use only manufacturer’s recommended brake

fluid. Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Tech-
nical Specifications” for further information. Us-
ing the wrong type of brake fluid can severely
damage your brake system and/or impair its per-
formance. The proper type of brake fluid for your
vehicle is also identified on the original factory
installed hydraulic master cylinder reservoir.

• To avoid contamination from foreign matter or

moisture, use only new brake fluid or fluid that
has been in a tightly closed container. Keep the
master cylinder reservoir cap secured at all times.
Brake fluid in a open container absorbs moisture
from the air resulting in a lower boiling point.
This may cause it to boil unexpectedly during
hard or prolonged braking, resulting in sudden
brake failure. This could result in a collision.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir can result in

spilling brake fluid on hot engine parts, causing
the brake fluid to catch fire. Brake fluid can also
damage painted and vinyl surfaces, care should
be taken to avoid its contact with these surfaces.

• Do not allow petroleum based fluid to contami-

nate the brake fluid. Brake seal components could
be damaged, causing partial or complete brake
failure. This could result in a collision.

CAUTION!

Use of improper brake fluids will affect overall
clutch system performance. Improper brake fluids
may damage the clutch system resulting in loss of
clutch function and the ability to shift the transmis-
sion.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 213

Checking Brake Fluid

To check the brake fluid level, proceed as follows:
1. Loosen the two screws and remove the brake fluid

protection panel.

2. Check that the fluid is at the max. level.
3. After checking, reposition the brake fluid protection

panel and tighten the two screws.

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

Brake Fluid Protection Panel

1 — Screw Locations

214 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Adding Brake Fluid

If the fluid level in the reservoir is not sufficient,

proceed as follows:
1. Take the black funnel for topping up the brake fluid

and its extension pipe from the service kit in the

luggage compartment.

2. Loosen the reservoir plug and introduce the funnel

with the extension pipe in the reservoir inlet.

3. After topping up, remove the funnel with the exten-

sion pipe.

4. Tighten the reservoir plug.

5. Reposition the brake fluid protection panel and

tighten the two screws.

NOTE:

Be very careful while removing the plug from

the opening to prevent the plug from falling inside the

vehicle body.
Alfa Twin Clutch Transmission

Selection Of Lubricant
It is important to use the proper transmission fluid to

ensure optimum transmission performance and life. Use

only the manufacturer’s specified transmission fluid.

Refer to “Fluids And Lubricants” in “Technical Specifica-

tions” for fluid specifications. It is important to maintain

the transmission fluid at the correct level using the

recommended fluid. No chemical flushes should be used

in any transmission; only the approved lubricant should

be used.

CAUTION!

Using a transmission fluid other than the manufac-

turer’s recommended fluid may cause deterioration

in transmission shift quality. Refer to “Fluids And

Lubricants” in “Technical Specifications” for fluid

specifications.

Brake Fluid Funnel

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 215

Special Additives
The manufacturer strongly recommends against using

any special additives in the transmission.
Transmission fluid is an engineered product and its

performance may be impaired by supplemental addi-

tives. Therefore, do not add any fluid additives to the

transmission. The only exception to this policy is the

use of special dyes for diagnosing fluid leaks.

CAUTION!

Do not use chemical flushes in your transmission as
the chemicals can damage your transmission com-
ponents. Such damage is not covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Fluid Level Check
The fluid level is preset at the factory and does not

require adjustment under normal operating conditions.

Frequent fluid level checks are not required, but have

your authorized dealer check the fluid level as specified

in the Maintenance Schedule to ensure proper transmis-

sion function and longevity. The transmission has no

dipstick, but your authorized dealer can check your

transmission fluid level using special service tools. If

you notice fluid leakage or transmission malfunction,

visit your authorized dealer immediately to have the

transmission fluid level checked. Operating the vehicle

with an improper fluid level can cause severe transmis-

sion damage.
Fluid Changes
Under normal operating conditions, the fluid installed

at the factory will provide satisfactory lubrication for

the life of the vehicle. However, change the fluid if it

becomes contaminated (with water, etc.), or if the

transmission is disassembled for any reason.

RAISING THE VEHICLE
In the case where it is necessary to raise the vehicle, go

to an authorized dealer or service station.

TIRES

Tire Safety Information
Tire safety information will cover aspects of the follow-

ing information: Tire Markings, Tire Identification

Numbers, Tire Terminology and Definitions, Tire Pres-

sures, and Tire Loading.

216 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Markings

NOTE:
• P (Passenger) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. P-Metric tires have the letter “P”

molded into the sidewall preceding the size designa-

tion. Example: P215/65R15 95H.

• European — Metric tire sizing is based on European

design standards. Tires designed to this standard

have the tire size molded into the sidewall beginning

with the section width. The letter

⬙P⬙ is absent from

this tire size designation. Example: 215/65R15 96H.

• LT (Light Truck) — Metric tire sizing is based on U.S.

design standards. The size designation for LT-Metric

tires is the same as for P-Metric tires except for the

letters “LT” that are molded into the sidewall preced-

ing the size designation. Example: LT235/85R16.

• Temporary spare tires are designed for temporary

emergency use only. Temporary high pressure com-

pact spare tires have the letter “T” or “S” molded into

the sidewall preceding the size designation. Ex-

ample: T145/80D18 103M.

• High flotation tire sizing is based on U.S. design

standards and it begins with the tire diameter

molded into the sidewall. Example: 31x10.5 R15 LT.

Tire Markings

1 — U.S. DOT Safety
Standards Code (TIN)

4 — Maximum Load

2 — Size Designation

5 — Maximum Pressure

3 — Service Description 6 — Treadwear, Traction

and Temperature Grades

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 217

Tire Sizing Chart

EXAMPLE:

Example Size Designation: P215/65R15XL 95H, 215/65R15 96H, LT235/85R16C, T145/80D18 103M, 31x10.5 R15
LT
P

= Passenger car tire size based on U.S. design standards, or

ⴖ. blank. ⴖ = Passenger car tire based on European design standards, or
LT

= Light truck tire based on U.S. design standards, or

T or S

= Temporary spare tire or

31

= Overall diameter in inches (in)

215, 235, 145

= Section width in millimeters (mm)

65, 85, 80

= Aspect ratio in percent (%)

– Ratio of section height to section width of tire, or
10.5

= Section width in inches (in)

R

= Construction code

–

⬙R⬙ means radial construction, or

–

⬙D⬙ means diagonal or bias construction

15, 16, 18

= Rim diameter in inches (in)

Service Description:
95

= Load Index

– A numerical code associated with the maximum load a tire can carry

218 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

EXAMPLE:

H

= Speed Symbol

– A symbol indicating the range of speeds at which a tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index un-

der certain operating conditions

– The maximum speed corresponding to the speed symbol should only be achieved under specified operating

conditions (i.e., tire pressure, vehicle loading, road conditions, and posted speed limits)

Load Identification:
Absence of the following load identification symbols on the sidewall of the tire indicates a Standard Load (SL)

tire:

• XL = Extra load (or reinforced) tire, or

• LL = Light load tire or

• C, D, E, F, G = Load range associated with the maximum load a tire can carry at a specified pressure
Maximum Load

– Maximum load indicates the maximum load this tire is designed to carry

Maximum Pressure

– Maximum pressure indicates the maximum permissible cold tire inflation pressure for this

tire

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 219

Tire Identification Number (TIN)
The TIN may be found on one or both sides of the tire;

however, the date code may only be on one side. Tires

with white sidewalls will have the full TIN, including

the date code, located on the white sidewall side of the

tire. Look for the TIN on the outboard side of black

sidewall tires as mounted on the vehicle. If the TIN is

not found on the outboard side, then you will find it on

the inboard side of the tire.

EXAMPLE:

DOT MA L9 ABCD 0301

DOT

= Department of Transportation

– This symbol certifies that the tire is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation tire safety

standards and is approved for highway use

MA

= Code representing the tire manufacturing location (two digits)

L9

= Code representing the tire size (two digits)

ABCD

= Code used by the tire manufacturer (one to four digits)

03

= Number representing the week in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 03 means the 3rd week
01

= Number representing the year in which the tire was manufactured (two digits)

– 01 means the year 2001

– Prior to July 2000, tire manufacturers were only required to have one number to represent the year in which

the tire was manufactured. Example: 031 could represent the 3rd week of 1981 or 1991

220 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire Terminology And Definitions

Term

Definition

B-Pillar

The vehicle B-Pillar is the structural member of the body located

behind the front door.

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. Inflation pressure is measured in units of PSI (pounds per

square inch) or kPa (kilopascals).

Maximum Inflation Pressure

The maximum inflation pressure is the maximum permissible

cold tire inflation pressure for this tire. The maximum inflation

pressure is molded into the sidewall.

Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pres-

sure

Vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire inflation pressure

as shown on the tire placard.

Tire Placard

A label permanently attached to the vehicle describing the vehi-

cle’s loading capacity, the original equipment tire sizes and the

recommended cold tire inflation pressures.

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 221

Tire Loading And Tire Pressure

NOTE:

The proper cold tire inflation pressure is listed

on the driver’s side B-Pillar or the rear edge of the

driver’s side door.
Check the inflation pressure of each tire, including the

spare tire (if equipped), at least monthly and inflate to

the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Example Tire Placard Location (Door)

Example Tire Placard Location (B-Pillar)

222 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tire And Loading Information Placard

This placard tells you important information about the:
1. Number of people that can be carried in the vehicle.
2. Total weight your vehicle can carry.
3. Tire size designed for your vehicle.
4. Cold tire inflation pressures for the front, rear, and

spare tires.

Loading
The vehicle maximum load on the tire must not exceed

the load carrying capacity of the tire on your vehicle.

You will not exceed the tire’s load carrying capacity if

you adhere to the loading conditions, tire size, and cold

tire inflation pressures specified on the Tire and Load-

ing Information placard in “Vehicle Loading” in the

“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
NOTE:

Under a maximum loaded vehicle condition,

gross axle weight ratings (GAWRs) for the front and

rear axles must not be exceeded.
For further information on GAWRs, vehicle loading,

and trailer towing, refer to “Vehicle Loading” in the

“Starting And Operating” section of this manual.
To determine the maximum loading conditions of your

vehicle, locate the statement “The combined weight of

occupants and cargo should never exceed XXX kg or

XXX lbs” on the Tire and Loading Information placard.

The combined weight of occupants, cargo/luggage and

trailer tongue weight (if applicable) should never ex-

ceed the weight referenced here.

Tire And Loading Information Placard

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SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 223

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 available 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).

224 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

WARNING!

Overloading of your tires is dangerous. Overload-
ing 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.

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 225

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 and Vehicle Stability
• Economy
• Tread Wear
• Ride Comfort
Safety

WARNING!

• Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can

cause collisions.

• Underinflation increases tire flexing and can re-

sult 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.

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

• Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect ve-

hicle handling and can fail suddenly, resulting in
loss of vehicle control.

• Unequal tire pressures can cause steering prob-

lems. You could lose control of your vehicle.

• Unequal tire pressures from one side of the ve-

hicle to the other can cause the vehicle to drift to
the right or left.

• Always drive with each tire inflated to the recom-

mended cold tire inflation pressure.

Both under-inflation and over-inflation affect the stabil-

ity of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish

response or over responsiveness 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 consumption.

226 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE

Tread Wear

Improper cold tire inflation pressures can cause abnor-

mal 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 comfortable ride.

Over-inflation 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

judgement 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.

CAUTION!

After inspecting or adjusting the tire pressure,
always reinstall the valve stem cap. This will pre-
vent 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 pres-

sure 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 pressure 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

8

SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE 227

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 pressure will be too low.
Tire Pressures For High Speed Operation
The manufacturer 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 your authorized tire dealer or origi-

nal equipment vehicle dealer for recommended safe

operating speeds, loading and cold tire inflation pres-

sures.

WARNING!

High speed driving with your vehicle under maxi-
mum load is dangerous. The added strain on your
tires could cause them to fail. You could have a

(Continued)

WARNING! (Continued)

serious collision. Do not drive a vehicle loaded to
the maximum capacity at continuous speeds above
75 mph (120 km/h).

Radial Ply Tires

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. Al-
ways use radial ply tires in sets of four. Never
combine them with other types of 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 repairable).

• The puncture is no greater than a ¼ of an inch (6 mm).

228 SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE