
Wheels and tyres249
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
For the sake of the environment
Old 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 220.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e ch ecke d as so on as possi ble wi th a to rq ue wre 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 tyre s (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.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 249 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when
254Changing 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 251 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.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.– Remove the wheel cover.
–Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 255.
– Raise the car with the jack ⇒page 256.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒page 257.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner ⇒page 255.
–Replace the cover .After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel, there are still tasks to complete.– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the spare wheel well
and secure it.
– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 254 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when
260•If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse the eyes
or skin affected with clean water.•Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre sealant.•Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!•If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately rinse the
mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
−Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical assistance if needed.•If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.•Keep the sealant away from children.For the sake of the environment
Used bottles of sealing compound can be returned to the Technical Service
for disposal.
Note
•If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you can pull
it off like a piece of foil.•Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
Repairing a tyrePreparations
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.
–Apply the handbrake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally on slopes.
–Engage 1st gear.
– Check whether a repair is possible using the Tyre Mobility System ⇒page 259.
– Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle and move away from
the danger area ⇒.
–Take the tyre sealant can and the compressor out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 201 Repairing a tyre
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 260 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when263
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Caution
Never “repair” damaged fuses and never replace them with fuses with a
higher rating. Failure to comply could result in fire. It could also cause
damage to other parts of the electrical system.
Note
If a newly replaced fuse blows again after a short time, the electrical system
must be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Fuse assignment
This list shows the fuses which can be replaced relatively
easily by the owner.No.
Consumer
Amps
1
Climate control
10
2
Footwell lamps
5
3
Heated washer jets
5
4
Radiator fan
5
5
Parking aid, automatic gearbox
10
6
Air conditioner (air purity sensor), pressure sensor
5
7
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP), brake light
switch, clutch pedal switch, steering angle sensor
10
8
Te le p hon e
5
9
Va can t
10
Self-directing headlights (adaptive light) right
5
11
Airbag and disconnection of the front passenger air-
bag
5
12
Diagnostic socket
10
13
Steering column unit
10
14
Brake lights
10
15
Instrument panel
10
16
Va can t
17
Tyre pressure control, rain/light sensor
10
18
Self-directing headlights (adaptive light) left
5
19
Va can t
20
Va can t
21
Va can t
22
Driver's door / front passenger's door
15
23
Rear doors
15
24
Central electrics unit for convenience equipment
20
25
Heater blower
30
26
Rear window heater
30
27
Electrical socket for trailer (control unit)
30
28
Fuel pump, auxiliary pump for diesel
20
29
Va can t
30
Sliding/tilting sunroof
20
31
Diagnosis connection, automatic anti-dazzle interior
mirror, reverse light, automatic gearbox
15
32
Towi ng s ocke t
15
No.
Consumer
Amps
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 263 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when277
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Changing bulbs for rear lights (in side panel)Overview of rear lightsRear lights in side panel•Brake lights and rear lights•Indicator light
Removing rear light
To change the bulbs you must remove the rear light assembly.
Removing the light requires a certain degree of practical skill.
F ig. 224 O ver vie w of rear
lights
Fig. 225 Luggage
compartment: Location of
the bolt securing the rear
lightFig. 226 Removing rear
light from side panel
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 277 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when287
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
•Please note the safety warnings referring to working in the engine
compartment ⇒page 227.•The battery providing assistance must have the same voltage as the flat
battery (12V) and approximately the same capacity (see imprint on
battery). Failure to comply could result in an explosion.•Never use jump leads when one of the batteries is frozen. Danger of
explosion! Even after the battery has thawed, battery acid could leak and
cause chemical burns. If a battery freezes, it should be replaced.•Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes away from batteries, danger
of explosion. Failure to comply could result in an explosion.•Observe the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the jump
leads.•Do not connect the negative cable from the other vehicle directly to the
negative terminal of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the battery could
be ignited by sparks. Danger of explosion.•Do not attach the negative cable from the other vehicle to parts of the
fuel system or to the brake line.•The non-insulated parts of the battery clamps must not be allowed to
touch. The jump lead attached to the positive battery terminal must not
touch metal parts of the vehicle, this can cause a short circuit.•Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact
with any moving parts in the engine compartment.•Do not bend over the batteries. This could result in chemical burns.Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, otherwise electricity could flow as
soon as the positive terminals are connected.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 287 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when
288Towing and tow-startingTo 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 tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting
is preferable ⇒ page 285.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– 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, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 288 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12

If and when289
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle 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 indicators, horn,
windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if the 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 work 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 ⇒page 288, “Tow-starting”.Front towing eyeFitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring from the onboard tool set.
– Remove the front cover by pressing down on the right hand side.
– Bolt the eye to its limit to the left, in the direction of the arrow
⇒ fig. 244Rear towing eyeThere is a towing eye at the rear on the right below the rear bumper.
Fig. 244 Fitting the
towing eye to front rear of
the vehicle
ExeoST_EN.book Seite 289 Donnerstag, 3. September 2009 12:24 12