Maserati Grandturismo Sport. Service Manual - part 10

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Decreasing the speed stored 

The speed stored can be reduced in 
two ways:
-  by deactivating the device, pressing 

the brake pedal and then storing 
the new speed (turning the 
rotating section B to position (+) for 
at least three seconds);

or
-  by keeping the rotating section B 

turned to position (-) until reaching 
the new speed, which will be stored 
automatically.

Resetting the speed stored 

The speed stored is automatically 
reset:
-  by turning the engine off
or
-  by turning switch A to OFF.

When driving with Cruise 
Control activated, do not 
shift to Neutral. Activate 

Cruise Control only when traffic and 
road conditions permit safe use of 
this device, that is: on straight and 
dry roads, expressways or highways, 
smooth-flowing traffic and smooth 
asphalt. Do not activate this device 
when driving in town or in heavy 
traffic.

Cruise Control can only 
be activated at speeds 
exceeding 19 mph (30 km/h).

The device can only be 
activated in 4th, 5th or 6th 
gear, depending upon the 

vehicle speed. 

When driving downhill with 
the device activated, the 
vehicle may pick up speed 

slightly exceeding the speed stored, 
due to the change in the engine load.

In the event of 
malfunctioning or failure 
of the device, turn switch A 

to OFF and contact your Authorized 
Maserati Dealer after having checked 
that the relative fuse is in proper 
working order. 

It is advisable to deactivate 
the device when it is not in 
use. Turn switch A to OFF 

to prevent any speeds from being 
unintentionally stored. 

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Skyhook suspension

The electronic system controlling 
the vehicle suspension uses the 
sophisticated on board sensors 
and is aimed at optimizing vehicle 
performance.
The system is capable of constantly 
monitoring suspension damping by 
means of the actuator fitted on each 
shock absorber. This way, the shock 
absorber setting is suited to the 
road surface conditions and vehicle 
dynamics, thus improving passenger 
comfort and road-holding.
By pressing button A the drivers 
can choose, even while driving, a 
normal or racing-type setting for the 
suspension, depending on their own 
driving style. This way, the system 
operates with a shock absorber 
“softer” setting in NORMAL mode, 
and a “harder” setting if SPORT mode 
is selected. 

The system is controlled by an 
ECU which is designed to manage 
the solenoid valves on each shock 
absorber in response to the sensor 
signals, thus adjusting suspension 
damping and setting.
The sensors which enable the ECU 
to calculate the vehicle speed, 
vertical and side acceleration, as 
well as the instantaneous braking 
system pressure, thereby controlling 
suspension damping, are the 
following: 
-  front left-hand vertical acceleration 

sensor;

-  front right-hand vertical 

acceleration sensor;

-  rear vertical acceleration sensor;
-  front left-hand wheel acceleration 

sensor;

-  front right-hand wheel acceleration 

sensor;

-  lateral acceleration sensor;
-  driving speed sensor;
-  brake pedal switch.

The strategy used by the system 
controlling suspension damping 
is aimed at reducing the vertical 
oscillations of the vehicle (rolling and 
pitching) to a minimum.
The activation of SPORT mode 
sets the suspension for sports-style 
driving and acts on the ASR and 
Automatic Gearbox systems (optional 
equipment) as well, modifying their 
setting for racing-style driving.

Self-diagnostics 

Each time the engine is started, the 
system performs a self-diagnostic 
cycle, if a malfunction is found, 
the relative symbol   is displayed 
accompanied by the message “Check 
suspension”. 

A

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Calibration selection 

The driver can select, in relation to 
road surface conditions, vehicle speed, 
driving style and comfort, one of the 
two calibration levels provided by the 
system: normal or sports-style.
Normal calibration, active when 
SPORT mode is disabled, favors 
comfort and higher driving stability 
with low and average grip conditions.
Sports-style calibration, active when 
SPORT mode is enabled, favors wheel 
drive and is designed to permit more 
sporty driving with optimal road 
holding.
Whenever the engine is started, 
the system automatically activates 
NORMAL mode, even if SPORT mode 
was selected before the engine was 
last turned off.
The SPORT mode calibration can 
be selected only with the ignition 
key in MAR (ON) position and it is 
enabled by pressing button A, even 
while driving: when SPORT mode is 
activated, the word “SPORT” on the 
multi-function display and the LED on 
the button illuminate. 

WARNING: SPORT mode should not 
be activated if the road surface is 
rough or slippery.

Press button A: to reset the normal 
calibration, also while driving. When 
the normal calibration is activated, 
the “SPORT” warning light on the 
multi-function display and the button 
LED go off.

The electronic suspension control 
system works in combination with 
the ESC system (Electronic Stability 
Control): when the suspension is set 
to normal, stability is increased under 
medium and low grip conditions, 
while when SPORT mode is enabled, 
the ESC system optimizes racing-style 
driving. 

WARNING: In low- and medium-grip 
conditions (e.g., rain, snow, ice, sand, 
etc.) it is advisable not to use SPORT 
mode, even with the ESC enabled.

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Malfunction indicators 

If one or more electric components 
in the system prove to be 
malfunctioning while driving, the 
ECU illuminates the relative warning 
light   accompanied by the message 
“Check suspension” on the display. 
In addition, the ECU calibrates the 
shock absorbers to a preset value, 
thus helping to ensure a safe vehicle 
set up.
Should the malfunction involve 
one shock absorber only, this will 
no longer be controlled by the ECU 
and will therefore remain set as it 
was when the fault occurred. It is 
therefore possible for one of the four 
shock absorbers to work with a fixed 
calibration, different from that of the 
other ones.

WARNING: In the event of a 
malfunction in the suspension control 
electronic system, which will be 
indicated by the illumination of the 
warning light   on the display while 
driving, keep a moderate speed and 
have the vehicle checked as soon as 
possible by your Authorized Maserati 
Dealer.

If a malfunction occurs while 
driving, and this is signaled by the 
illumination of the warning light   
on the display, it is advisable to stop 
the vehicle as soon as possible, turn 
the ignition key to STOP (OFF) and 
then restart the engine.

If the malfunction is no longer 
present and the warning light   on 
the display does not illuminate again, 
the electronic suspension system will 
resume normal operation. On the 
other hand, if the problem persists, 
the warning light   on the multi-
function display will turn on again.
In both cases, the system must be 
checked by your Authorized Maserati 
Dealer.
The fault found is memorized by the 
ECU and can be diagnosed by your 
Authorized Maserati Dealer even if it 
has disappeared from the display.

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Headlights

Bi-xenon headlights 

The gas-discharge (Xenon) headlights 
work by means of an electric arc 
saturated with Xenon gas under 
pressure, instead of the incandescent 
filament.
The light produced is highly superior 
to that of traditional light bulbs, in 
terms of quality (brighter light) as 
well as in relation to the span and 
positioning of the area illuminated. 
The advantages offered by improved 
lighting are clearly perceivable 
by the driver (less eye strain and 
increased orientation for the driver, 
with consequent enhanced driving 
safety). This is particularly perceived 
in the case of bad weather, fog and/or 
insufficient road indications, thanks to 
the broader illumination of the side 
zones, which are normally left in the 
dark.

The broader illumination of the 
side zones helps to increase driving 
safety as it allows the driver to better 
locate anybody at the sides of the 
road (pedestrians, bicycle riders and 
motorcycle riders).
The electric arc requires very high 
voltage for activation, but afterwards 
power is supplied at a lower voltage. 
The headlights reach maximum 
brightness about 0.5 seconds after 
being turned on.

The strong light produced by this type 
of headlight requires the use of an 
automatic system to keep the position 
of the headlights constant and to 
avoid dazzling approaching cars, in 
the case of braking, acceleration or 
load transport.

If bulb replacement is 
necessary, contact an 
Authorized Maserati Dealer 

only: RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK!

In addition, the headlights are 
equipped with an ALC system 
(Adaptive light control).
This system combines the light beam 
with the steering angle and the 
vehicle speed to help ensure better 
visibility of the road surface when 
driving in a curve, steering or in the 
event of road deviations.

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Driving conditions

Before a trip 

Check the following at regular 
intervals and always before long trips:
-  Tire pressure and condition.
-  Levels of fluids and lubricants.
-  Conditions of the windshield wiper 

blades.

-  Proper operation of the warning 

lights and of the external lights.

WARNING: It is always advisable 
to perform these checks at least 
every 500 mi (800 km) and to always 
follow the maintenance operations 
provided for in the “Warranty and 
Maintenance Schedule” book.

It is also advisable to:
-  clean the glass on the external light 

and all other glass surfaces;

-  properly adjust the mirrors, steering 

wheel, seats and seat belts.

Capacities

WARNING: Use unleaded fuel only! 
The use of fuel containing lead will 
permanently damage the catalytic 
converter(s) and oxygen sensor 
system.

For fluid and lubricant specifications 
and quantities, follow the indications 
contained in section 7 “Capacities and 
technical specifications”.

Proper driving

Although the vehicle is equipped with 
active and passive safety devices, the 
driver’s conduct is always a decisive 
factor for road safety. 
Below are some simple rules to 
follow for traveling safely in different 
conditions. You will be, no doubt, 
familiar with some of them but, in 
any case, it would be useful to read 
them carefully.

Before you drive

-  Make sure that the lights and 

headlights are working properly.

-  Adjust the position of the seat, 

steering wheel and rear-view 
mirrors so that you have the best 
driving position. 

-  Check that nothing (e.g., mat 

covers, etc.) is blocking the pedals. 

-  Carefully arrange any objects in the 

luggage compartment, to prevent 
sudden braking from jerking them 
forward. 

-  Avoid heavy meals before a trip. 

A light snack helps to keep your 
reflexes sharp. In particular, avoid 
drinking alcohol. 

-  Remember to read, at regular 

intervals, the instructions contained 
in the paragraph “Before a trip”, in 
this chapter. 

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In addition to being 
prohibited by applicable 
legislation, it is extremely 

dangerous to travel inside the 
luggage compartment or on the 
front of the vehicle. In the event of 
an accident, persons transported in 
this manner are more exposed to 
the risk of serious injury. Passengers 
must only travel seated in the vehicle 
seats, with the seat belts fastened 
properly. Always check that you and 
your passengers have your seat belts 
fastened correctly.

While driving 

-  Caution is the first rule for safe 

driving. Being careful also means 
being able to predict driving 
behavior of other drivers that is 
wrong or careless. 

-  Keep a safe distance from vehicles 

in front of you, adjusting this 
distance in accordance to the 
vehicle speed and traffic conditions. 

-  Strictly follow the traffic 

regulations and above all, respect 
the speed limits. 

-  Long trips should be started in 

optimal physical condition. 

Drunk driving, or driving 
under the influence of drugs, 
alcohol, or certain medicines 

is extremely dangerous for the driver 
and for others.

Always fasten your seat 
belts, including any child 
seats. Traveling without your 

seat belt fastened increases the risk 
of serious injury and death in the 
event of a collision. 

-  Make regular stops to loosen up 

your limbs and refresh yourself, and 
avoid driving for hours on end. 

-  Ensure that the air inside the 

passenger compartment is changed 
constantly. 

-  Never coast downhill with the 

engine off: the braking action 
requires greater effort on the pedal 
due to the absence of the engine 
brake and of the brake servo. 

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Driving at night

The main guidelines to follow when 
driving at night are set out below:
-  Drive with caution: at night, driving 

conditions are more demanding. 

-  Reduce your speed, especially on 

roads with no street lights. 

-  At the first signs of drowsiness, 

stop: to continue driving would 
be a risk for you and for others. 
Continue only after you have had 
proper rest. 

-  Keep the vehicle at a greater 

distance from vehicles in front of 
you than you would during the day: 
it is difficult to assess the speed of 
other vehicles when you can only 
see their lights. 

-  Make sure that the headlights are 

aimed correctly: if they are too low, 
they reduce visibility and strain the 
eyes. If they are too high, they may 
bother the other drivers. 

-  Use the high beams only outside 

of urban areas and when you are 
sure that they will not disturb other 
drivers. 

-  When another vehicle is 

approaching, switch from the high 
beams (if on) to the low beams. 

-  Keep the taillights and headlights 

clean. 

-  Outside of densely-populated areas, 

beware of animals crossing the 
road. 

Driving in the rain

Rain and wet roads can be dangerous. 
On a wet road all the maneuvers are 
more difficult since wheel grip on 
the road is significantly reduced. This 
means that the braking distances 
increase considerably and road 
holding decreases. 
Below is some advice for driving in 
the rain: 
-  Reduce your speed and keep a 

greater safety distance from the 
vehicles in front of you. High speed 
may result in loss of vehicle control 
and aquaplaning.

-  Heavy rain also substantially 

reduces visibility. In these 
circumstances, even during the day, 
turn on the low beams, to be more 
visible to other drivers. 

-  Set the Air Conditioning controls 

to demisting, in order to avoid any 
visibility problems. 

-  Periodically check the conditions of 

the windshield wiper blades. 

Driving in fog

If the fog is dense, avoid traveling 
where possible.
When driving in mist, blanket fog or 
when there is the possibility of banks 
of fog: 
-  Keep a moderate speed. 
-  Even during daytime, turn on the 

low beams and the rear fog lights. 
Do not use the high beams. 

-  Remember that fog creates 

dampness on the asphalt and thus 
any type of maneuver is more 
difficult and braking distances are 
greater. 

-  Keep a safe distance from the 

vehicles in front of you. 

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-  Avoid sudden changes in speed as 

much as possible. 

-  Whenever possible, avoid passing 

other vehicles.

-  If you are forced to stop the vehicle 

(breakdowns, impossibility of 
proceeding due to poor visibility, 
etc.), first of all, try to stop off of 
the travel lane. Then turn on the 
hazard lights and, if possible, the 
low beams. 

Sound the vehicle horn rhythmically 
if you hear another vehicle 
approaching. 
-  If you must get out of the vehicle, 

wear a high-visibility vest.

Driving in the mountains

On downhill roads, use the engine 
brake, engaging low gears so as not 
to overheat the brakes. 
-  Never coast downhill with the 

engine off or in neutral, and never 
with the ignition key removed. 

-  Drive at a moderate speed and 

avoid “cutting” corners. 

-  Remember that overtaking uphill 

is slower and requires a longer free 
stretch of road. If you are being 
overtaken on a hill, slow down and 
allow the other vehicle to pass. 

Driving on snow or ice

Below is some advice for driving in 
these conditions: 
-  Keep a very moderate speed.
-  Fit snow chains or specific tires if 

the road is covered with snow: 
see the paragraphs “Snow chains” 
and “Winter tires” in the chapter 
“Tires” of this section. 

-  Mainly use the engine brake and 

avoid sharp braking. 

-  We recommend that you activate 

“Low grip” mode (see page 141).

-  Avoid sudden acceleration and 

sharp changes in direction. 

-  During the winter season, even 

apparently dry roads can have icy 
sections. Be careful when crossing 
bridges, viaducts and roads that 
have little exposure to the sun and 
are bordered by trees and rocks. 
They may be icy. 

-  Keep a safe distance from the 

vehicles in front.

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Emission control devices

Even if the vehicle is equipped 
with anti-pollution devices, the 
environment deserves the greatest 
respect from every one of us. 
By following a few simple rules, 
the driver can avoid damaging the 
environment and can often reduce 
fuel consumption as well. 
In this regard, some useful 
information is listed here below; 
please read it carefully. 
The correct operation of the anti-
pollution devices not only helps 
respect for the environment, but also 
has an impact on vehicle efficiency. 
Keeping these devices in good 
working conditions is the first rule for 
driving both ecologically sound and 
economically. 
The first precaution is to follow the 
“Maintenance schedule” carefully. 
Always use unleaded fuel. 

If starting is difficult, do not make 
several attempts. 
In particular, avoid push starts, 
towing or downhill starts: these are 
all maneuvers that can damage the 
catalytic converter system.
For any emergency starting, only use 
an auxiliary battery.
While driving, if the engine does 
not run smoothly, you may continue 
driving but reducing engine 
performance to a minimum; you 
should then contact your Authorized 
Maserati Dealer as soon as possible.
Never run the engine, even if only for 
testing, with one or more spark plugs 
disconnected. 

Do not warm up the engine letting it 
idle before starting off, except in the 
event that the external temperature 
is very low and, even then, for no 
longer than 30 seconds. 

During normal operation 
the catalytic converter 
produces high temperatures. 

Therefore, do not park the vehicle on 
flammable materials (e.g., grass, dry 
leaves, pine needles, etc.): risk of fire! 

Do not install heat guards and do not 
remove those already fitted to the 
catalytic converter and to the exhaust 
manifold.
Do not spray anything on the catalytic 
converter, Oxygen sensor and exhaust 
manifold.

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In addition to the catalytic converter 
system, the vehicles are equipped 
with a system for controlling fuel 
vapor emissions. This system, called 
ORVR, has been designed to help 
reduce atmospheric pollution by the 
evaporation from the fuel system 
during the refueling process. Also, 
specific to these vehicles is the fuel 
filler neck which comes equipped 
with a sealed plug that is grounded 
to avoid possible sparking during re-
fueling. 

 
Failure to comply with these 
rules can create fire hazards. 

Other tips

-  Do not warm up the engine when 

the vehicle is stationary: in these 
conditions the engine warms up 
much more slowly and increases 
fuel consumption and emissions. 
It is advisable to move off slowly, 
avoiding high engine RPM. 

-  As soon as traffic conditions and 

the route permit it, use a higher 
gear. 

-  Avoid Depressing the accelerator 

repeatedly during stops at traffic 
lights or before turning off the 
engine. 

-  Keep your speed as regular as 

possible, avoiding unnecessary 
braking and acceleration, which 
cause fuel wastage and strongly 
increase exhaust emissions. 

-  Turn the engine off if the vehicle 

remains stationary for a long time. 

-  Check the tire pressure regularly: 

if the pressure is too low, fuel 
consumption increases and the tires 
are damaged.

-  Do not transport unnecessary 

objects in the luggage 
compartment. The weight of the 
vehicle affects fuel consumption 
considerably. 

-  Use the electrical devices 

only as long as necessary. The 
power required increases fuel 
consumption. 

California Proposition 65 
Warning

THIS MOTOR VEHICLE CONTAINS 
CHEMICALS KNOWN TO THE 
STATE OF CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE 
CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS OR OTHER 
REPRODUCTIVE HARM (see page 7)

A

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Parking

Pull the parking brake, straighten the 
wheels and turn off the engine.
Never leave the ignition key in 
position MAR (ON).
Always remove the key when leaving 
the vehicle.

 
Never leave children 
unattended in the vehicle.

Do not park the vehicle on 
paper, grass, dry leaves or 
other flammable materials. 

They could catch fire if they come 
into contact with hot parts of the 
exhaust system.

Do not leave the engine 
running with the vehicle 
unattended.

Electric parking brake

The vehicle is equipped with an 
electric parking brake (EPB).
It is designed to automatically engage 
when the engine is turned off and 
to disengage when, with the engine 
running, the accelerator pedal is 
depressed.

When the electric parking brake is 
engaged, with the key turned to 
STOP (OFF), the warning light 

 

illuminates on the instrument panel 
and the words “EPB ON” appear on 
the display.
During engagement and 
disengagement, the warning light 

 flashes until the maximum 

engagement force and full release 
have been reached.
In the above conditions, the 
automatic activation function can be 
deactivated/activated by pressing the 
button A on the dashboard.

During engagement or 
disengagement of the 
electric parking brake, 

always hold the brake pedal 
depressed.

WARNING: When you need to park 
the vehicle on a steep slope, both 
with the engine running and off, it 
is recommended not only to apply 
the electric parking brake but also to 
move the gearshift lever to P (PARK) 
before leaving the vehicle. 

When the EPB button is 
activated while driving, 
the vehicle slows down 

with strong deceleration (Dynamic 
Braking). It is therefore advisable to 
use this function only in the event 
of an emergency. The ESC system, 
however is always on, and it will 
help to maintain the stability of the 
vehicle.

Engagement

The electric parking brake is 
automatically applied when the 
engine is turned off and the vehicle is 
stationary.
It can only be disengaged when the 
engine is restarted.
If the key has been removed or is 
in position STOP (OFF), it cannot be 
disengaged.
The electric parking brake can also be 
manually applied when the vehicle 
is moving or the key is in MAR (ON) 
position by pulling up the lever B.

B

A

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If the engine was turned off with 
the automatic engagement device 
deactivated, you can reactivated it 
simply by pulling lever B upward. 
The words “EPB ON” appear on the 
display.

Always check that the 
vehicle is properly locked 
before leaving it.

Disengagement 

The parking brake is automatically 
disengaged when depressing the 
brake pedal and moving the gearshift 
lever from position P (a pressure 
of at least 72.5 psi (5 bar) must be 
generated in the braking system), or 
with a gear engaged and pushing the 
accelerator pedal.
The parking brake can also be 
manually disengaged when the 
vehicle is moving or the key is in 
position MAR (ON) by manually 
pulling up lever B and simultaneously 
depressing the service brake pedal.

WARNING: If you attempt to 
disengage the parking brake without 
having depressed the service brake 
pedal, a message will be displayed to 
warn you to do so. 

WARNING: In certain conditions, it is 
however advisable to disengage the 
parking brake manually and slightly 
apply the service brake for starting 
off. This is advisable when there are 
obstacles very close to the vehicle in 
the direction in which you intend to 
move.

Deactivating PARK OFF automatic 
operation 

To deactivate manual operation of the 
parking brake, with the engine on, 
press the button A on the dashboard. 
The words “PARK OFF” appear on the 
display for 5 seconds, after which they 
remain displayed but in smaller size. 
To reactivate automatic operation, 
press the button A once again, the 
words “PARK ON” appear on the 
display for 5 seconds.

WARNING: In certain conditions 
when the battery voltage is low, the 
electric parking brake system may 
temporarily be deactivated for safety 
reasons. Therefore, typically upon 
starting the engine, when the battery 
voltage drops, the message “PARK 
OFF” may temporarily be displayed, 
indicating that automatic operation is 
temporarily disabled. 

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WARNING: In the case of performance 
starting, check that the electric 
parking brake is disengaged.

Malfunction indication

In the event of electric parking brake 
system failures, the warning light 

 

will illuminate.

Depending on the message displayed, 
it signals the following failures of the 
EPB system:
-  Parking brake fault: go to dealer.
  If the message warning you to go 

to the nearest Authorized Maserati 
Dealer is displayed, drive slowly and 
remember that the electric parking 
brake device is not functioning.

-  EPB is overheated.
  If the vehicle has been stationary 

(key to STOP (OFF)) for about 15 
minutes without using the parking 
brake, and the warning light 

illuminates again after restarting 
the engine, slowly drive to the 
nearest Authorized Maserati 
Dealer.

-  EPB fault, only manual EPB release 

possible: see handbook.

  Follow the manual emergency 

deactivation procedure in order to 
release the parking brake.

-  Parking brake system revision: go to 

dealer.

  The EPB system requires 

maintenance, therefore contact 
your Authorized Maserati Dealer to 
have the system corrected.

In the event of an EPB 
failure, take your vehicle 
to the nearest Authorized 

Maserati Dealer as soon as possible.

Emergency disengagement

In the event that the electric parking 
brake locks with a total system failure, 
you need to manually release the 
parking brake using the special tool 
provided in the toolkit.
Proceed as follows:
-  remove the toolkit and covering 

panel from the luggage 
compartment; 

-  remove the covering panel 

containing the toolkit and the tire 

repair kit;

-  remove the cap on the right-hand 

side of the EPB ECU;

-  insert the special tool into place;
-  turn the handle clockwise until it is 

released;

-  remove the tool from its seat and 

close it with the cap. 

After each manual 
emergency release 
procedure, the electric 

parking brake system remains non-
functioning until the situation is 
corrected by an Authorized Maserati 
Dealer. 

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Tires

The Maserati GranTurismo is 
a performance automobile, 
tire wear must be checked 

regularly and worn tires must be 
replaced. Tire wear will vary and 
depends on driving habits and 
conditions.

Glossary of tire terminology 

“Tire Information Placard (label)” 
is a placard/label, showing the OE 
(original equipment) tire sizes, 
recommended inflation pressure, and 
the maximum weight the vehicle can 
carry.

“Tire Identification Number (TIN)”: A 
number on the side wall of each tire 
providing information about the tire 
brand and manufacturing plant, tire 
size and date of manufacture.

“Inflation pressure”: A measure of the 
amount of air in a tire. 

“Standard load”: A class of P-metric 
or Metric tires designed to carry a 
maximum load at a specified psi 
rating. 

“Extra load”: A class of P-metric 
or metric tires designed to carry a 
heavier maximum load at a specified 

psi rating. 

“kPa”: Kilopascal, a metric unit of air 
pressure. 

“PSI”: Pounds per square inch, a 
standard unit of air pressure. 

“B-pillar”: The structural member at 
the side of the vehicle behind the 
front door. 

“Bead area of the tire”: Area of the 
tire next to the rim. 

“Side wall of the tire”: Area between 
the bead area and the tread. 

“Tread Area of the tire”: Area of the 
perimeter of the tire that contacts the 
road when mounted on the vehicle. 

“Rim”: The metal support (wheel) 
for a tire or a tire and tube assembly 
upon which the tire beads are seated. 

“Cold tire pressure”: The tires are 
considered to be cold when they 
have the same temperature as the 
surrounding (ambient air) meaning 
that the car has been stationary 
for a minimum of 3 hours, or has 
been driven less than 1 mile. Adjust 
pressures only in ambient conditions.

“Maximum inflation pressure”: Is 
the greatest amount of air pressure 
that should ever be put in the 
tire. This rating is established by 
th tire manufacturer. Use only the 

recommended inflation pressure.

“Recommended inflation pressure”: 
Inflation pressure, established by 
Maserati which is based on the 
type of tires that are mounted on a 
vehicle at the factory. This inflation 
pressure is affected by the number of 
occupants in the vehicle, the amount 
of cargo and the speed at which the 
vehicle will be driven for a prolonged 
period. This information can be found 
on the tire inflation placard (label) 
located on the driver’s side B-pillar 
and in the tire inflation table in this 
owner’s manual.

5

167

Tire identification number: 

On the left-hand sidewall, as fitted 
to the car. Commences with DOT 
(Department of Transportation) 
followed by a two- digit 
manufacturing plant code, a two-
digit tire size code, a three-digit tire 
construction code, and a four-digit 
date code for the week and year of 
production.

Tread wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative 
rating based on the wear rate 
of the tire when tested under 
controlled conditions on a prescribed 
government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would 
wear one and one-half (1-1/2) 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 and may depart significantly 
from the norm due to variations in 
driving habits, service practices and 
differences in road characteristics and 
climate.

DOT quality grades

Tires

Tread wear

Traction

Temperature

Michelin Pilot Sport (*)

220.

AA.

A

(*) Example only

Traction

The traction grades, from highest 
to lowest, are “AA”, “A”, “B”, and 
“C”. Those grades represent the tire 
ability to stop on wet pavement as 
measured under controlled conditions 
on specified government test surfaces 
of asphalt and concrete. 

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.