
If and when
236
WARNING
•
Do not allow the sealant to get onto your skin or into your eyes. Risk of
injury.
•
Keep children away from the sealant.
Changing a wheel Preparatory work
You must park the vehicle correctly before changing a tyre.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from the flow of traffic as possible on a flat surface.
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the selector in the P position.
– Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with a stone or similar object.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Remove the spare wheel and the vehicle tools from the luggage compartment.
– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in a safe place (for instance behind the safety barrier).
WARNING
•
If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle in
position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•
All passengers should leave the car.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the gear selector
in the P position. Chock the wheel op posite the wheel being changed with
a stone or similar object.
•
If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
•
Only use jacks which have been approved for your vehicle by SEAT.
•
Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other
SEAT models. The jack could slip. Risk of injury.
•
Never start the engine whenthe vehicle is raised. This may cause an
accident.
•
Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•
If you have to work underneath th e vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
alhambra ingles.book Seite 236 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

If and when249
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Reading light – Remove the complete bracket (interior light and reading light),
place the flat end of a screwdriver between the light and the
ceiling trim and turn the screwdriver. – Turn the lampholder of the back of the lamp in the direction of
the arrow ⇒fig. 171 and separate.
– Remove the defective lamp (with glass bulb).
–Fit a new lamp.
– Replace the mount in the casing and guide it towards the right as far as possible.
– Replace the bracket, first on the left and then insert it in the opening in the ceiling trim.
Jump-startingJump leads
The jump lead must have a sufficient wire cross section.If the engine fails to start because of a discharged battery, the battery can be
connected to the battery of another vehicle to start the engine.
Jump leads
Jump leads must comply with the standard DIN 72553 (see manufacturer's
documentation). The wire cross section must be at least 25 mm
2 for petrol
engines and at least 35 mm
2 for diesel engines.
Note
•
The vehicles must not touch each othe r, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
•
The discharged battery must be properly connected to the vehicles elec-
trical system.
Fig. 171 Reading lightsFig. 172 Reading lights
alhambra ingles.book Seite 249 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

If and when
252To w i n g a n d t o w - s t a r t i n gTo w - s t a r t i n g *
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not t o w - s t a r t yo u r v e h i c l e . J u m p - s ta r t i n g
is preferable ⇒page 249.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing eye at the front of the vehicleThe towline anchorage is located on the right of the front bumper ⇒fig. 174 .
To access the housing it is necessary to remove the cover.
Removing the cover of the front towing eye
- Remove the cover in the direction shown by the arrow ⇒fig. 174 levering
it out with a screwdriver.
Assembling the cover of the front towing eye
- Put the cover into its socket and press until it is firmly in place.
- Check that it is correctly fitted.
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Remember the instruc-
tions for tow starting or towing that are in the user's manual
Fig. 174 Towing eye at
the front of the vehicle
alhambra ingles.book Seite 252 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

If and when253
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Rear towline anchorageOn the right hand side of the lower rear section of the body, there is a fixed
towline anchorage ⇒ fig. 175 (arrow).
Towing bracket
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket, it should also be used for
towing other vehicles.To w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒page 250. However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch on the ignition and switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear
lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-starting. The vehicle being towed
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Note
•
The legal requirements concerning towing should be observed.
•
Switch on the hazard warning lights of both vehicles. However, observe
any regulations to the contrary.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
Fig. 175 Rear towline
anchorage
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If and when
254Notes for tow-starting or towingIf a cable is used for towing the vehicle, please observe the
following:
As the driver of the towing vehicle
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu-
lations to the contrary.
– Drive slowly at first until the to w-rope is taut. Then accelerate
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
As the driver of the vehicle being towed
– Switch on the hazard warning lights. However, observe any regu- lations to the contrary.
– Place the gearstick in neutral or position N.
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to reduce the loading on both vehicles.
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic
material. Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a
towing bracket.
Driving tips
Towing requires some experience, espec
ially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the te chnique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the
steering wheel from locking and also to allow the use of the turn signals,
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate that you are going to
change direction. Move the turn signal lever accordingly. Meanwhile, the
hazard warning lights will go off. When th e turn signal lever is returned to the
rest position, the hazard warning lights will automatically reconnect.
The brake servo works only when the engine is running. In this case the pedal
has to be pressed harder.
As the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Move the selector lever to N.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
alhambra ingles.book Seite 254 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

If and when255
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The braking behaviour and capacity of a vehicle changes when being towed
or when you are trying to start the vehicle by pulling. Please observe the
following notes in order to prevent injury and accident:•
Inexperienced drivers should refrain from trying in order to avoid acci-
dent.
•
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
− The brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does
not operate. Take care not to bump into the towing vehicle.
− More strength is required at the steering wheel as the power
steering does not operate when the engine is switched off.
•
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
− Accelerate smoothly and avoid any sudden movement.
− Brake more in advance than usual and brake gently.Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it
⇒ page 252.
Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
For technical reasons, vehicles with an automatic gearbox must not be
tow-started.
•
If, due to a breakdown, the gearbox does not have lubricant, the vehicle
should be towed with the drive wheels suspended.
•
If it is necessary to tow a vehicle with an automatic gearbox for more than
50 km, it should be towed by qualified personnel and with the drive wheels
suspended.
Lifting the vehicleVehicle lifting points
Fig. 176 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at front leftFig. 177 Lifting with the
lifting platform: lifting
point at rear left
alhambra ingles.book Seite 255 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

General notes on the technical data
260WeightsKerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for the
weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase ⇒.
WARNING
•
Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehi cle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Always adjust your speed and dr iving style to suit road conditions
and requirements.
•
Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
To w i n g a t r a i l e rTrailer weightsTrailer weights
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive
trials according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain circum-
stances up to 100 km/h). The figures may be different in other countries. All
data in the official vehicle documents take precedence over these data ⇒. Drawbar load
The
maximum permitted weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint
of the towing bracket must not exceed 85 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow
approaching the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the
road will be poor if th e drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with an axle
base of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a legal
stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•
For safety reasons, you should not drive at speeds above 80 km/h when
towing a trailer. This also applies to countries where higher speeds are
permitted.
•
Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the draw bar loading. If
the permissible axle load or the perm issible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
WheelsTyre pressure, snow chains, wheel boltsTyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The slightly
raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced ⇒.
alhambra ingles.book Seite 260 Donnerstag, 19. April 2007 4:04 16

Index
280Belt tensioner
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Brake pad wear Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Brake pad wear indicator* Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179, 185
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221 brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179, 185
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Breakdown set storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Bulb change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Bulb defect warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161CCar care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Car care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Car washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
CD changer
Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 individual opening of doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Central locking button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Central stowage on instrument panel . . . . . . . 133
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Changing a light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236, 240
Changing brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Changing bulbs lights on tailgate/rear door . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Lights on vehicle body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Reading light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Registration plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Changing gear See Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Changing the bulbs interior light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Changing the lamps Side indicator lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Checking battery electrolyte level . . . . . . . . . . 224
Checking engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
in front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Childproof locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cleaning alloy wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle . . . . . . . . 193
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cleaning cloth seat covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Cleaning dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cleaning fabric trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Cleaning leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Cleaning plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cleaning seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Cleaning steel wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Cleaning wooden trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Air outlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
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