2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia AWD Service Schedule & Maintenance Guide

• Transfer case oil replacement is a mandatory service item for AWD models only - specifically listed in the factory maintenance plan for all-wheel-drive versions
• Engine oil changes must never exceed 1 year or 10,000 miles (16,000 km) , with an indicator system that may signal earlier based on driving conditions
• Severe duty operation (dusty roads, off-road, extended idle, short trips below freezing) requires oil changes at 4,000 miles (6,500 km)
• Brake fluid replacement is mandatory every 2 years, regardless of mileage €a time-based safety requirement
• Spark plugs require replacement at 30,000 miles (mileage-based only; yearly intervals do not apply) €this differs from later model years
• Accessory drive belt replacement under normal conditions: 36,000 miles or 4 years; in dusty areas or demanding use: 18,000 miles or 2 years
• In dusty areas, the engine air cleaner and cabin air filter must be replaced every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)

Scheduled Servicing Overview

The 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia AWD follows a structured maintenance plan based on both distance and time intervals, as detailed in the official owner's manual. Correct servicing is crucial for guaranteeing a long life for the vehicle under the best conditions .

How the System Works:

• Alfa Romeo has planned a series of checks and services at fixed intervals based on distance and time
• Scheduled Servicing is offered by an authorized dealer according to a set time schedule
• Before each service, follow the instructions in the Scheduled Servicing Plan (periodically check fluid levels, tire pressure, etc.)
• If additional replacements or repairs are needed beyond scheduled operations, they require the owner's explicit consent

Critical Warranty Note:

Scheduled Servicing intervals are required by the Manufacturer. Failure to have them carried out may invalidate the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. You are advised to inform an authorized dealer of any small operating irregularities without waiting for the next service .

Plan Notation:

• (o) Recommended operations - suggested for optimal vehicle health
• (mandatory) Mandatory operations - required to maintain warranty coverage

Owner Periodic Checks (Between Services)

The following checks are the owner's responsibility between professional service visits. These should be performed every month or every 600 miles (1,000 km) or before long trips :

Engine Oil Level:

Every 2,000 miles (3,000 km) , check and top off the engine oil level if required .

Heavy Usage & Severe Duty Conditions

If the vehicle is used under any of the following conditions, more frequent maintenance is required :

Checks Required More Frequently Under Heavy Usage :

• Check cleanliness of hood and trunk locks, cleanliness and lubrication of linkage
• Visually inspect conditions of: engine, transmission, pipes and hoses (exhaust/fuel system/brakes) and rubber elements (sleeves/bushes, etc.)
• Check battery charge and battery fluid level (electrolyte)
• Visually inspect conditions of the accessory drive belts
• Check and, if necessary, change engine oil and replace oil filter
• Check and, if necessary, replace cabin air filter
• Check and, if necessary, replace engine air cleaner

Severe Duty Oil Change Requirement :

Change engine oil at 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if the vehicle is operated in a dusty and off-road environment or is operated predominately at idle or only very low engine RPMs. This type of vehicle use is considered Severe Duty.

Factory Maintenance Plan - 2.0L Engine with AWD

The following maintenance requirements are extracted from the official 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia Owner's Manual :

Oil Degradation Monitoring :

If the oil degradation ratio (data collectable from the diagnostic device) is more than 80% (oil quality less than 20%), engine oil and filter replacement is recommended .

Service Summary by Mileage - 2018 Giulia AWD (2.0L Engine)

The following table outlines key services at specific mileage intervals based on the factory maintenance plan :

*(o) = Recommended operation, (mandatory) = Mandatory operation*

Transfer Case Service - AWD Only

The transfer case in the Giulia AWD (Alfa Romeo's all-wheel drive system) enables power transfer between the front and rear wheels. The transfer case contains chain-driven gears that move through fluid to keep components cool, well-lubricated, corrosion-free, and to prevent wear and tear .

Why Transfer Case Fluid Requires Replacement:

During normal driving, the transfer case fluid is exposed to heat and friction, which gradually break down the fluid and cause it to lose its lubricating properties. When the fluid has become dark or gritty, around the time of its service interval, it will need to be changed .

Factory Replacement Interval:

The 2018 factory maintenance plan specifies transfer case oil replacement as a mandatory operation for AWD models only, shown at scheduled intervals (the maintenance plan table indicates replacement at 80,000 miles/8 years) . The interval varies from 40,000 km to 100,000 km and beyond depending on driving conditions .

Symptoms That Indicate Transfer Case Service is Needed :

• Transfer case fluid is dark and discolored
• Transfer case fluid level is low
• Repairs have been completed on the transfer case
• Rattle or grinding noise coming from underneath your car

Critical Warning: When the transfer case fluid is replaced, only the exact manufacturer-specified fluid should be used - using the incorrect fluid will cause premature failure. Like poor engine oil maintenance, transfer case problems will eventually occur if transfer case fluid replacement is neglected .

Consequences of Neglect:

Driving your Alfa Romeo Giulia with neglected transfer case maintenance can lead to a breakdown and possible loss of control. Have your transfer case fluid replacement performed in a timely manner .

Engine Oil Change Guidance

Oil Change Indicator System:

The actual interval for changing engine oil and replacing the engine oil filter depends on the vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or message in the instrument panel. In all cases, never exceed 1 year/10,000 miles (16,000 km) .

Maximum Limits :

• Never exceed 1 year between oil changes
• Never exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km) between oil changes
• The warning light may indicate a need for earlier changes based on driving conditions

Severe Duty: 4,000 miles (6,500 km) if operated in dusty/off-road environments or predominantly at idle/low RPM .

Oil Level Checking :

• Check engine oil level every 2,000 miles (3,000 km)
• Top off if necessary

CAUTION: Never overfill the engine with oil. Excess oil can damage the engine. Never exceed the MAX level when topping up.

Oil Recommendations:

The recommended engine oil for the 2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia is SAE 0W-30, full synthetic oil that meets the Fiat 9.55535-GS1 or MS-13340 specification .

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid replacement is a mandatory operation that must be done every 2 years, irrespective of mileage .

Why Every 2 Years:

Brake fluid is hygroscopic - it absorbs moisture from the air over time, which lowers the boiling point and can cause brake fade under hard braking. Moisture also promotes internal corrosion of brake system components.

Owner Check: If the brake fluid level is insufficient during the monthly check, see an authorized dealer as soon as possible .

Spark Plugs - Critical 2018-Specific Information

Replacement Interval :

• 30,000 miles (mileage-based only)
• Yearly intervals do not apply
• This is a change from the 2017 models? - rather, this remains the specified interval for all early Giulia models

Important: For optimal performance, it is recommended to replace the spark plugs every 30,000 miles using OEM or equivalent parts . The spark plug change interval is mileage-based only - yearly intervals do not apply .

Use only spark plugs specified by Alfa Romeo for the Giulia engine. Incorrect plugs can cause misfires, poor fuel economy, and engine damage.

Accessory Drive Belt

The accessory drive belt(s) require visual inspection of condition and tensioning at every scheduled service .

Replacement Intervals :

Owner Guidance: When replacing belts, consider replacing tensioners as well. The highest cost of this service is the labor, not the replacement part itself. Reusing old tensioners risks premature failure and repeating the entire expense.

Engine and Cabin Air Filters

Engine Air Cleaner Cartridge :

• Normal conditions: Replace per maintenance schedule (shown at 30,000-mile intervals)
• Dusty areas: Replace every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)

Cabin Air Filter :

• Normal conditions: Alternating recommended (o) and Mandatory operations at most service intervals
• Dusty areas: Replace every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)

Engine Coolant

Engine coolant replacement is a mandatory operation in the maintenance plan, scheduled at 150,000 miles (15 years) . Coolant level should be checked monthly (every 600 miles) and topped off as needed .

Additional Service Components

Fuel Filter: Replacement is required at every 10,000-mile service interval (mandatory operation) .

Battery: Check battery charge status with the proper instrument at every scheduled service .

Tires: Check tire condition/wear and adjust pressure at each service. Check the tire repair kit recharge condition and expiration date .

Brake System: Visually inspect conditions and wear of front/rear disc brake pads at every service. Check operation of pad wear indicators .

Lighting System: Check operation of headlights, direction indicators, hazard warning lights, trunk lid lights, passenger compartment lights, glove compartment lights, and instrument panel warning lights at each service .

Quadrifoglio (2.9L V6) Maintenance Note

For the 2018 Giulia Quadrifoglio (2.9L V6) with AWD, the maintenance schedule differs in several key areas :

• Spark plugs: 30,000 miles (similar to the 2.0L for this model year)
• Brake fluid: Every 2 years (same as 2.0L)
• Carbon ceramic brake discs: The actual interval for changing brake pads and carbon ceramic brake discs depends on vehicle usage conditions and is signaled by the warning light or message on the instrument panel. It is advisable to check brake disc weight and thickness after each intensive use .

Warranty Coverage Note

For vehicles sold on or after July 1, 2018, Alfa Romeo offered enhanced coverage: five years warranty, three years scheduled servicing, and five years roadside assistance as standard. The free servicing covers the cost of parts, lubricants, and labour required as part of the manufacturer's scheduled servicing until the expiry of three years or the vehicle has had its first three scheduled services, whichever occurs first .

Severity-Based Maintenance Comparison