Wheels and tyres
240Anti-puncture tyres*
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles equipped with anti-puncture
4) tyres from the factory indi-
cate the loss of tyre pressure on the instrument panel.
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒page 68.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.
The anti-puncture tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air they are
supported on the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency co
nditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
•smoke is coming from one of the tyres,•there is a smell of rubber,•the vehicle vibrates,•there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue driving even using anti-puncture
tyres?•If the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) is out of operation.•If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.•If one of the tyres has been severely damaged in an accident, etc. If a tyre
has been badly damaged there is a risk that parts of the tread can be thrown
off and cause damage to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.•It is also advisable to stop driving if severe vibrations occur, or if the wheel
starts overheating and gives off smoke.WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.•Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.
4)Depending upon version and country.
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Wheels and tyres241
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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 %
RTyre construction: Radial 15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
TSpeed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•A direction of rotation symbol•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated 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 wheels 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 wheels 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 that 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 tyres
242
For the sake of the environmentOld tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model ⇒page 214.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e che cke d as s o on as p ossible wit h a to rqu e w re nch. ⇒ The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.•Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
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Wheels and tyres243
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code
⇒page 241, “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 unnecessarily 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 241, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres 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 288.
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 provid ed 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 Approved 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
244If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelTools
The tools and jack are stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.The tools and jack ⇒fig. 180 are stored under the floor panel
in the luggage compartment.
– Lift the floor panel using the plastic handle.
– Hook the handle onto the luggage compartment weather-
strip.
– Release the toolbox by pulling up the handle on the box. – Take out the tools or jack.
– Replace the floor panel before closing the boot lid.
The tool kit includes:•A hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps•Box spanner for wheel bolts•A screwdriver with reversible blade•Towi ng e ye•An adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage bin, wind down the arm of the jack as
far as it will go.
Some of the tools listed are only provided in certain models or are optional
extras.WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts, as with this it is not possible to tighten the bolts to the
required torque. Risk of accident.•The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles
or other loads. Risk of injury.•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Failure to do so could
result in an accident.•If work is to be carried out underneath the vehicle, this must be secured
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
Fig. 180 Toolbox and jac
k
AA
ABAC
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If and when
246Your 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. Therefore, note the following restrictions:•The spare steel rim wheel is designed only 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 the 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 244 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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If and when
248Loosening and tightening the wheel bolts
The wheel bolts must be loosened before raising the vehicle.Loosening
–Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt
5).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as po ssible an d turn t he
wheel bolts about one turn anti-clockwise ⇒ fig. 183 -arrow- .
Tightening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt5).
– Grip the box spanner as close to the end as possible and tighten
the bolt firmly by turning clockwise.
WARNING
Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle with
the jack. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to loosen or
tighten the wheel bolts.•If the wheel bolt does not come loose, it may be possible to release it by
pushing down the end of the spanner carefully with your foot. Hold on to the
vehicle for support and take care not to slip.
5)An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts* ⇒page 250.
Fig. 183 Changing the
wheel: Loosen the wheel
bolts
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If and when249
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Raising the vehicle
In order to remove the wheel, the vehicle must be raised with
a jack.
– Position the vehicle jack under the door sill at the jacking point
closest to the wheel being changed ⇒fig. 184 -arrows- .
–Wind up the jack under the jacking point until the claw of the jack
is directly below the vertical rib under the door sill.
– Align the jack so that the arm of the jack fits on the rib under the door sill ⇒fig. 185 and the movable base plate of the jack
is flat on the ground.
– Raise the vehicle until the defective wheel is just clear of the ground.Recesses at the front and rear of the door sills mark the jacking points
⇒fig. 184 -arrows- . There is only one jacking point for each wheel. Do not fit
the jack anywhere else.
The distance from the jacking points to the wheel arches is approximately 15
cm at the front and 25 cm at the rear.
An unstable surface under the jack may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack.
Therefore, the jack must be fitted on solid ground offering good support. Use
a large, stable base if necessary. On a hard, slippery surface (such as tiles)
use a rubber mat or similar to prevent the jack from slipping.
WARNING
•Take all precautions so that the base of the jack does not slip. Failure to
do so could result in an accident.•The vehicle can be damaged if the jack is not applied at the correct
jacking points. There is also a risk of injury since the jack can slip off
suddenly if it is not properly engaged.
Fig. 184 Changing the
wheel: The jacking pointsFig. 185 Changing the
wheel: Jack
AA
AB
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