2008 Seat Exeo snow chains

Driving163
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP
) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. If a fault in the ABS occurs, both warning lamps light
up, but if the ESP fails, only th e ESP warning lamp lights up.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP switch deactivates both TCS and ESP functions. The ESP, in spite of
being off, will always self-connect wher e necessary if brakes are being used.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:
•
When driving with snow chains,
•
when driving in deep sn ow or on loose surfaces,
•
when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it from mud, for
example.
Next, the button should be pressed to reactivate the TCS.
When does the warning light switch on or flash ?
•
On switching the ignition on, it lights up for about two seconds to carry
out a function control.
•
The warning lamp will start flashing when the vehicle is moving if the ESP
or the TCS is activated.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
WARNING
•
The electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) cannot defy the laws of
physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet
roads and when towing a trailer.
•
Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by ESP tempt you
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
•
Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESP in ⇒page 175,
“Intelligent technology”.
Ignition lockIgnition key positions
The ignition key is used to start and stop the engine.Position
The ignition key is inserted in this position. To engage the steering wheel
lock , take out the key and turn the wheel until you hear the pin engage. You
should always engage the steering lock when you leave the vehicle. This will
help to deter thefts ⇒.

WARNING (continued)
Fig. 139 Ignition key
positions
A0
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Intelligent technology
176If required, the ESP can also be enab led and disabled manually by briefly
pressing the switch ⇒ page 175, fig. 146. The ESP warning lamp lights
up when the system is switched off, see ⇒page 68.
In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular
circumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be
advisable to switch off the ESP. Examples:•
when driving with snow chains
•
when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
when rocking the car backwards and forwards to free it.
The ESP should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even with
ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the co nditions. Please
bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery road surfaces. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into ta king any risks when driving. Failure
to do so could result in an accident.Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an im portant part of the car's active safety
system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter stopping
distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh snow on top
of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme care and reduced
speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be slightly longer. How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the car reaches a road speed
of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS pump.
When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed
and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the pressure in the brake
line to this wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a
vibration of the brake pedal
and an audible noise. This is a deliberate
warning to the driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up 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 appli-
cation, but do not “pump” the brake pedal.
WARNING
The grip provided by ABS is still subj ect to the physical limits of adhesion.
Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you notice
that the ABS is working (to countera ct locked wheels under braking), you
should reduce speed immediately to su it the road and traffic conditions. Do
not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp
⇒ page 67.Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum
braking effect.The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to achieve
a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very quickly,
ESP
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Wheels and tyres229
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the tyre(s).
- Change the wheel if necessary.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
The type pressure monitor display on the instrument panel
indicates that the pressure is too low.The tyre pressure monitoring system makes use of the ABS sensors to
compare the rolling circumference and the frequency characteristics of the wheels. If the rolling cir
cumference or frequency characteristic changes on
one or more wheels, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light up. The fault
will also be indicated by a warning buzzer. The position of the affected tyre
will also be shown (if only one tyre is affected) on the centre display of the
instrument panel.
The rolling circumference and frequency characteristics can change if:
•
the tyre pressure is too low.
•
the tyre has suffered structural damage.
•
the wheels or the inflation pressures have been changed without initial-
ising the system (see Adjusting the tyre pressure settings).
•
there is a greater load on the wheels of one axle (e.g. if you are carrying
more passengers or luggage).
•
the road surface under the left wheels is different to the road surface
under the right wheels for a long period.
•
when driving with snow chains.
Adjusting the tyre pressure settings (initialising the tyre pressure
monitoring system)
After any incident regarding the wheels of your vehicle, e.g. after modify the
tyre pressure ⇒page 230 or after changing of swapping around wheels ⇒
page 180 - with the vehicle at a standstill and the engine running - press
⇒ fig. 172 . The yellow warning lamp
 will light up. Hold the button down
for 2 seconds until the warning lamp goes out and an acoustic warning is
given. You can now release the button.
If the wheels are subjected to extremely stress (e.g. heavy load), the tyre pres-
sure must be increased to the recommended value for the maximum load
(see the adhesive label on the inside of the fuel tank flap) and then initialise
the system.
Tyre pressure warning lamp on
When you switch on the ignition, the tyre pressure warning lamp
 will light
up. If the warning lamp flashes and then remains lit after you switch on the
ignition, there is a fault in the system. The instrument panel also display
Fig. 172 Detailed view of
the centre console: Button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring system
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Wheels and tyres233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
•
If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•
The anti-puncture tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they
are supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre can not be
detected with a visual inspection.
•
Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example: 195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction: Radial 15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
T Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•
A direction of rotation symbol
•
“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicate d on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wh eels is carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
•
We recommend that you use only wh eels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.
•
Avoid running the vehicle on tyres th at are more than six years old. If
you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
•
Never use old tyres or those with an unknown “history of use”.
•
If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
•
All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres235
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code
⇒page 233, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits for winter tyres: ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for u nnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 233, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyre s must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.
Snow chainsSnow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only to certain tyre
sizes ⇒page 280.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
WARNING
Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
Note
•
In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The
legal requirements of the country should be followed.
•
We recommend that you ask your Appr oved Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.205/55 R16
15 mm chains
225/45 R17
9 mm chains
225/40 R18
7 mm chains
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If and when
238Your vehicle can be equipped with a steel spare wheel at the factory. The
spare wheel does not usually meet the same performance standards as the
wheels fitted on the vehicle because of the wheel/tyre dimensions, rubber
composition, tread pattern, etc. Theref ore, note the following restrictions:•
The spare steel rim wheel is designed on ly for your vehicle model. Do not
attempt to mount the wheel on any vehicle but your own.
•
Your vehicle will have different driving characteristics when the spare
steel rim wheel is mounted ⇒.
•
The spare wheel is only intended for temporary use after having a flat tyre.
Replace the spare wheel with a normal wheel that has the proper tyre dimen-
sions as soon as possible.
•
If the size of the spare steel rim wheel is different to that of the other
wheels, it is unlikely that snow chains suitable for the other wheels will fit it.
WARNING
•
After mounting the spare steel rim wheel, the tyre pressure must be
checked and corrected as soon as possible. The inflating pressure must
adapt to the vehicle load (consult th e table containing the inflation pres-
sures). Otherwise there is danger of causing an accident. Use the highest
tyre pressure as indicated in the table.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, as higher speeds can cause an acci-
dent.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering, as this could
cause an accident.
Changing a wheelPreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as level
as possible.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe place (e.g. behind the roadside crash barrier).
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage 1st gear.
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
–Take the tools and the spare wheel ⇒ page 236 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you have a puncture in heavy traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights
and place the warning triangle in a visible location. This is for your own
safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent
the vehicle from rolling away.
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General notes on the technical data
280WeightsKerb 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, do not exceed the 80 km/h limit. This is also valid in
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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General notes on the technical data 281
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the
front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒. The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
•
Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking tyre pressure
value is very important. If the tyre pre ssure is too high or too low, there is
an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
•
If the torque of the wheel bolts is to o low, they could loosen while the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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