2009 Seat Exeo Owner's manual

Safe driving15
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
The following list contains examples of sitting positions that could be
dangerous for all occupants. The list is not complete, but we would like to
make you aware of this issue.
Therefore, whenever the vehicle is in motion:
•Never stand in the vehicle,•never stand on the seats,•never kneel on the seats,•never tilt your backrest far to the rear,•never lean against the dash panel,•never lie on the rear bench,•never sit on the front edge of a seat,•never sit sideways,•never lean out of a window,•never put your feet out of a window,•never put your feet on the dash panel,•never put your feet on the surface of a seat,•never travel in a foot well ,•never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt,•never carry any person in the luggage compartment.WARNING
•Every incorrect sitting position incr
eases the risk of severe injuries.•Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the occupants to severe injuries
if airbags trigger, by striking a passenger who has assumed an incorrect
sitting position.•Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to sit
properly and to stay in this position during the trip ⇒page 10, “Proper
sitting position for occupants”.
Pedal areaPedals
The operation of all pedals must never be impaired by objects
or floor mats.– Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.
– Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi- tions.Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely
fastened on the foot well.
If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be pressed down thoroughly in
order to stop the vehicle.
Wear suitable shoes
Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good
feeling for the pedals.
WARNING
•Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.•Never place objects on the driver footwell. An object could move into
the pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving
or braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or
accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!
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Safe driving
16Floor mats on the driver side
Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened
in the foot well and do not impair operation of the pedals.– Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip
and do not obstruct the pedals ⇒.Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to
prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a quali-
fied dealership.
WARNING
•If the pedals are obstructed, an accident may occur. Risk of serious inju-
ries.•Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.•Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor
mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk
of accident.
Stowing luggageLoading the boot
All luggage and other loose object s must be safely secured in
the luggage compartment.Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the
driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the
centre of gravity. – Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.
– Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the
luggage compartment.
– Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart- ment.
– Secure heavy objects to the fastening rings ⇒page 17.
WARNING
•Loose luggage and other objects in the boot could cause serious inju-
ries.•Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.•Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.•During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown
forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of
injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating
airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of
fatal injury.•Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-
dent. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style
accordingly, to avoid accidents.•Never exceed the allowed axle loads or allowed maximum weight. If the
allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-
acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and
damage to the vehicle.•Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door
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Safe driving17
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal
risk.
•Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock
both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you
lock the vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the
vehicle.•Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every
passenger must be properly belted in ⇒page 18.Note
•Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that the ventilation slits are never covered.•Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially
available.Fastening rings
There can be four fastening rings in the boot for fastening
luggage and other objects.– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage and other objects to the fastening rings ⇒ in “Loading the
boot” on page 16.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the straps.During a collision or an accident, even small and light objects can build up so
much energy that they can cause very severe injuries. The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle.
Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. During
a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates a force corre-
sponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective weight of the
object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the injuries
which might be sustained if this “projectile” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the passenger compartment. This increased risk of injury will be
further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
WARNING
•If pieces of baggage or other objects are secured to the fastening rings
with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could result in the
event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.•To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward,
always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening
rings.•Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.
WARNING (continued)
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Seat belts
18Seat beltsBrief introductionBefore driving: remember your seat belt!
Wearing a seat belt properly can save your life!In this chapter you will learn the importance of wearing seat belts,
how they work and how to properly fasten, adjust and wear them.
– Read and consider all the informat ion as well as the warnings in
this chapter.
WARNING
•If seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe injuries
increases.•Properly worn seat belts can reduce severe injuries in case of sudden
braking manoeuvres or accidents. For safety reasons, you and your passen-
gers must always wear the seat belts properly while the vehicle is moving.•P r e g n a n t w o m e n o r p e o p l e w i t h p h y s i ca l d i s a b i l i t i e s m u s t a l s o u s e s e a t
belts. Like all other passengers, these people can also sustain severe inju-
ries if they are not wearing their seat belts properly.
Number of seatsYour vehicle has five seats, two in the front and three in the rear. Each seat is
equipped with a three-point seat belt.
WARNING
•More people than available seats must never be transported in your
vehicle.•Every passenger in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat
belt belonging to h is or her s eat . Child ren m ust be protecte d with an appro-
priate child restraint system.
Seat belt warning lamp*

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten
the seat belt.Before starting the vehicle:
–Fasten your safety belt securely.
– Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before driving off.
– Protect children by using a child seat according to the child's height and weight.After switching on the ignition, the warning light
 will remain lit until the
driver and front passenger (where applicable) have fastened their seat belts.
When the vehicle has reached a certain speed, you will also hear a warning
signal and the warning light will flash.
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Seat belts19
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Why wear seat belts?Physical principles of frontal collisions
In the event of a frontal collision, a large amount of kinetic
energy must be absorbed.
It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on
collision: When a vehicle starts moving ⇒fig. 6 , a certain amount of energy
known as “kinetic energy” is produced in the vehicle and its occupants.
The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the
weight of the vehicle and its passengers. The higher the speed and the
greater the weight, the more energy there is to be “released” in an accident.
The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed
doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy is multi-
plied by four.
Because the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat belts, all
of the passengers' kinetic energy has to be absorbed at the point of impact
⇒ fig. 7 .
Even at speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a colli-
sion can easily exceed one tonne (1000 kg). At greater speed these forces are
even higher.
Passengers not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle. In a
frontal collision, they will move forward at the same speed their vehicle was
Fig. 6 Vehicle about to hit
a wall: the occupants are
not wearing seat belts
Fig. 7 The vehicle hits
the wall: the occupants
are not wearing seat belts
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Seat belts
20travelling just before the impact. This example applies not only to frontal acci-
dents, but to all accidents and collisions.The danger of not using the seat belt
The general belief that the passengers can protect them-
selves with their hands in a minor collision is false.
Even at low speeds the forces acting on the body in a collision are so great
that it is not possible to brace oneself with one's hands. In a frontal collision,
unbelted passengers are thrown forward and will make violent contact with
the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen or whatever else is in the way
⇒ fig. 8.
The airbag system is not a substitute for the seat belts. When triggered,
airbags provide only additional protection. All passengers (including the
driver) must wear seat belts properly during the trip. This will reduce the risk
of severe injuries in the event of an accident – regardless of whether an
airbag is fitted for the seat or not.
Note that airbags can be triggered only once. To achieve the best possible
protection, the seat belt must always be worn properly so that you will be
protected in accidents in which no airbag is deployed.
I t is a ls o i m p o r ta n t f o r t h e r e a r p a ss e ng e r s t o w ea r s ea t b e l t s p r o p e r l y, as t h e y
could otherwise be thrown forward violently in an accident. Rear passengers
who do not use seat belts endanger not only themselves but also the front
occupants ⇒fig. 9 .
Fig. 8 A driver not
wearing a seat belt is
thrown forward violently.
Fig. 9 The unbelted rear
passenger is thrown
forward violently, hitting
the driver wearing a seat
belt.
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Seat belts21
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Seat belt protection
Passengers not wearing seat belts risk severe injuries in the
event of an accident.Properly worn seat belts hold the vehicle occupants in the correct sitting posi-
tions and substantially reduce the kinetic energy in the event of an accident.
Seat belts also help to prevent uncontrolled movements that could lead to
severe injuries. In addition, properly worn seat belts reduce the danger of
being thrown from the car.
Passengers wearing their seat belts correctly benefit greatly from the ability
of the belts to absorb kinetic energy. The front part of your vehicle and other
passive safety features (such as the airbag system) are also designed to
absorb the kinetic energy released in a collision. Taken together, all these
features reduce the releasing kinetic energy and consequently, the risk of
injury.
Our examples describe frontal collisions. Of course, properly worn seat belts
substantially reduce the risk of injury in all other types of accidents. This is why it is so important to fasten seat belts before every trip, even when "just
driving around the corner".
Ensure that your passengers wear their seat belts as well. Accident statistics
have shown that wearing seat belts is an effective means of substantially
reducing the risk of injury and improving the chances of survival in a serious
accident. Furthermore, properly worn seat belts improve the protection
provided by airbags in the event of an accident. For this reason, wearing a
seat belt is required by law in most countries.
Although your vehicle is equipped with airbags, the seat belts must be
fastened and worn. The front airbags, for example, are only triggered in some
frontal accidents. The front airbags will
not be triggered during minor frontal
collisions, minor side collisions, rear collisions, rolls or accidents in which the
airbag trigger threshold value in the control unit is not exceeded.
Therefore, you should always wear your seat belt and ensure that your
passengers have fastened their seat belts properly before you drive off!
Safety instructions on using seat belts
If seat belts are used correctly, they can reduce the risk of
injury in an accident.– Always wear the seat belt as described in this section.
– Ensure that the seat belts can be fastened at all times and are not damaged.
WARNING
•If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe inju-
ries increases. The optimal protection from seat belts can be achieved only
if you use them properly.
Fig. 10 A driver wearing
the seat belt properly: is
secured by the belt in
sharp braking
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Seat belts
22•Fasten your seat belt before every trip - even when driving in town. The
other passengers must also wear seat belts, otherwise they may be in
danger of injury!•The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is not posi-
tioned correctly.•Never allow two passengers (even children) to share the same seat belt.•Keep both feet in the foot-well in front of your seat as long as the
vehicle is in motion.•Never unbuckle a seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of fatal
injury.•The belt webbing must never be twisted while it is being worn.•The belt webbing should never lie on hard or fragile objects (such as
glasses or pens, etc.) because this can cause injuries.•Do not allow the seat belt to be damaged or jammed, or to rub on any
sharp edges.•Never wear the seat belt under the arm or in any other incorrect posi-
tion.•Loose, bulky clothing (such as an overcoat over a jacket) impairs the
proper fit and function of the belts, reducing their capacity to protect.•The slot in the seat belt buckle must not be blocked with paper or other
objects, as this can prevent the latch plate from engaging securely.•Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to alter
the position of the belt webbing.•Frayed or torn seat belts or damage to the connections, belt retractors
or parts of the buckle could cause severe injuries in the event of an acci-
dent. Therefore, you must check the condition of all seat belts at regular
intervals.•Seat belts which have been worn in an accident and stretched must be
replaced by a qualified workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there
is no apparent damage. The belt anchorage should also be checked.
•Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.•The belts must be kept clean, otherwise the retractors may not work
properly ⇒page 213.
Seat beltsSeat belt adjustment
The seat belts for the front and rear occupants are locked into
position by a latch.The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is not
positioned correctly.
WARNING (continued)
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 11 Belt buckle and
latch plate of seat belt
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