2008 Seat Altea towing

If and when
266To 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 263.
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.
CommentsPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-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.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.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 style
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.
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If and when267
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehi
cle 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.
As the brake servo does not work if th e engine is not running, you must apply
considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not wo rk if the engine is not running, you
will need more strength to steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Put the selector lever into position “N”.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
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.
•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes on ⇒page 266, “Tow-starting”.
Trailer eyes
Fig. 203 The front right
section of the vehicle:
Fitting the front towing
eyeFig. 204 Fitting the
towing eye to the rear of
the vehicle
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If and when
268
Fitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the onboard tools.
– Pull the lower front cover down and leave the cover hanging on the vehicle.
– Remove the cover of the screw hole, insert a screwdriver into the lower slot and lever gently.
– Screw the towing eye as shown by arrow anti-clockwise to the
limit position in the front ⇒page 267, fig. 203 or rear
⇒ page 267, fig. 204 threaded hole.Front towing eye for trailer (FR version)
Fitting the front towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the onboard tools.
–Remove screw ⇒ fig. 205.
– Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow.
– Screw the eye to its limit to the left, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 206.
– Tighten the eye.
Note•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
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. 205 Access to towing
eye housing
Fig. 206 Attachment for
towing eye
AA
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If and when269
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes on ⇒page 266, “Tow-starting”.
Rear towing eye for trailer (FR version)
Fitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the onboard tools.
– Release the cover pressing the upper part in the direction of the
arrow ⇒fig. 207.
– Screw the eye to its limit to the left, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 208.
– Tighten the eye.
Note•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
•
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. 207 Cover for towing
eye at rear
Fig. 208 Fitting the
towing eye to the rear of
the vehicle
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If and when
270•
If damage to your vehicle means that there is no lubricant in the gearbox,
you must raise the drive wheels while the vehicle is being towed.
•
If the vehicle has to be towed more than 50 km, the front wheels must be
raised during towing, and towing should be carried out by a qualified person.
•
The steering wheel is locked when the vehicle has no electrical power. The
vehicle must then be towed with the front wheels raised. Towing should be
carried out by a qualified person.
•
The towing eye should always be kept in the vehicle. Please refer to the
notes on ⇒page 266, “Tow-starting”.
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General notes on the technical data
274WeightsKerb 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 the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (in certain
circumstances up to 100 km/h). The figu res may be different in other coun-
tries. All data in the official vehicl e 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 75 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 ⇒.
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Index
304Tow starting
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Towing bracket, fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Towing eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Traction control system warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Trailer Trailer towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Trailer eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Trailer turn signals Indicator lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Trips, checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 117
Turning on the emergency indicators . . . . . . . 115
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Tyre Mobility-System (Tyre repair kit) . . . 238, 245
Tyre monitor indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238, 245 Tyres and wheels
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tyres service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tyres with directional tread pattern . . . . . . . . . 229
UUnderbody sealant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
USB* connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Using the Tiptronic gear syst em . . . . . . . . . . . 171VVehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Vehicle paint
Car care products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Vehicle tools Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Vehicle wallet storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Ventilation slits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Volumetric sensor* Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Deactivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103WWarning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Warning reports
Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Warning texts in the display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Washing by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Washing with high pressure cleaners . . . . . . . 200
Water warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Water in the windscreen washer tank . . . . . . . 221
Wear indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241, 275 Torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Wheel change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wheel trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229, 274
Why assume the correct sitting position? . . . . . 30
Why should head restraints be correctly adjusted? 13
Why wear seat belts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 21
Why wear seatbelts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windscreen washer fluid Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Windscreen wiper blades Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
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