2007 Seat Altea XL tyre pressure

Safe driving
8passengers assume an incorrect sitting position or do not properly adjust or
use this equipment.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,
how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety
equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your
passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone’s business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle’s lights and turn signals operate flaw- lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the surroundings.
– Securely restrain all parcels ⇒page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your size. – Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒page 14.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly applied seat belts ⇒page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒ page 10.
– Always fasten your seat belt correctly before driving off. Instruct your passengers also to fasten their seat belts properly
⇒page 19.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected, you endanger
yourself as well as others on the road ⇒, for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you, e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica- tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
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Cockpit
74
WARNING
•
Failure to observe warning lamps and warning messages can result in
serious personal injury or damage to your vehicle.
•
The risk of an accident increases if your vehicle breaks down. Use a
warning triangle to draw the attention of other road users to your
stationary vehicle so that it does not represent a danger.

Fasten seat belts! ⇒page 19

Tyre pressure ⇒page 80

Engine fault (petrol engine) ⇒page 81

Glow plug system (diesel engine)
Lit up: Glow plug system switched on
Flashing: engine fault. ⇒
page 81

Airbag or belt tension device system fault or airbag disabled ⇒page 28 ⇒page 31

Fault in the emission control system ⇒page 81

Flashing: electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) in opera-
tion,
Lit up: ESP fault or switched off ⇒
page 81

Operate foot brake ⇒page 82

Electromechanical steering ⇒page 82

Brake pad wear indicator ⇒page 82

Door open indicator ⇒page 82
SAFE Electronic immobiliser ⇒page 83
Item
Symbol Meaning of warning and control lamps Further information
A15A16A17A17A18A19A20A21A22A23A24
WARNING (continued)
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Cockpit
80Tyre pressure*

The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and uses this informa-
tion to compare the diameter of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the
diameter of a wheel changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights
. The wheel
diameter changes when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
•
The wheel on one axle is changed. Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels,
the button
⇒fig. 48 must be kept pressed while the ignition is on, until an
acoustic signal is heard.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for example, driving with a trailer or
heavy load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the recommended value
for a full load (see the sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the tyre monitor
system button is pressed the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator
 lights
If the tyre pressure of one wheel is much lower than the value set by the driver
then the indicator lights ⇒.
The tyre pressure monitor indicator  flashes
If the tyre pressure indicator flashes, this indicates a fault. Go to the nearest
specialist workshop.
WARNING
•
When the tyre pressure indicator lights, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking. Stop when possible, and check
the tyre pressure and status.
•
The driver is responsible for correct tyre pressure. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
•
Under certain circumstances (for example, in a sports situation, in
winter conditions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitor indicator may light or
function incorrectly.Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow indicator
 lights after turning the
ignition on. This should turn off after a brief trip.
Fig. 48 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Driving173
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Activation
The system is activated by engagement of the reverse gear. A brief acoustic
signal confirms the activation and correct function of the system.
Reversing
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Trailer towing
For vehicles fitted with a tow bar by the manufacturer, the parking aid system
will not be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a
trailer, as the trailer’s electric conn
ecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
To avoid system malfunctions, when not driving with a trailer, remove the
trailer hitch.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acou stic warning signal then the parking aid
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
•
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.Caution
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give
any further warning. Certain kinds of ob stacles (such as wire fences, chains,
thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not
always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle
in such cases.
•
Obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be detected immedi-
ately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care around this type
of obstacle such as corners, rectangu lar objects, etc.., these can cause
damage to the vehicle.
•
Be especially carefully when mano euvring into a corner between two
perpendicular walls. Survey the approach of the wall to the side of the vehicle
(using the mirrors)
•
The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres.
•
Distant ultra-sonic sources (hammers , tyres, construction machinery,
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.
•
Periodic cleaning of the sensors, take care not to damage or scratch them.
When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors
should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more
than 10 cm.
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Intelligent technology
180Anti-lock brake system and traction control
M-ABS (ABS and TCS)Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle’s active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is close
to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel. The
driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake pedal
and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or more
of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has intervened.
In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed so the
ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•
The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 225.
•
If the running gear or brakes are mo dified, the effectiveness of the ABS
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the car is accelerating.Description and operation of the traction control system during acceleration
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary,
it may be turned on or off pushing the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected for example•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning-in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run-in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil
consumption reduced.
Running-in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with
brake pads that have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and require running-
in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500
km.
•
New brake pads must be “run-in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking effect and braking distance
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an
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Driving and the environment189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin co
nnector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available from any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / draw bar loading
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to
the maximum permitted trailer weight , you can then climb correspondingly
steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle’s climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer co mbination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1,000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The
correct figures for your sp ecific model, which may be lower than these figures
for the towing bracket, are give n in the registration documents ⇒Section
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving. Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in
accordance with the trailer manufacturer’s recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook may
be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
194luggage compartment, or bonnet. This could cause them to freeze. Otherwise
there is a risk of malfunction.
For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,
particularly those concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance .
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows ⇒page 195.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles or so-called “dirt blasters” ⇒ .
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times ⇒page 183.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating
nozzle”). Even at large spraying distanc es and short cleaning times, visible
and invisible damage can occur to the tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60
°C. This could damage the car.
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle, maintain a sufficient distance from sensi-
tive materials for example: flexible hoses, plastic, sound proofing, etc. This is
especially important for bumpers painted in the same colour as the vehicle.
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Waxing the car
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
Good quality hard wax is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
A good coat of wax helps to protects the paintwork from environmental
contaminants ⇒page 192. It is also effective in protecting against minor
scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the car wash, it is advisable to
protect the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
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