Wheels and tyres325
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l  D a t a
About your tyres and wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most stress 
and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the support 
offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between the 
vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care 
they receive and the correct fitting.
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 our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
 xIf you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and 
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
 xInspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
 xRemove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided 
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre  Ÿpage 330.
 xThe instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed.
 xReplace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible  Ÿpage 330.
 xRegularly check tyres for non-visible damage  Ÿpage 330.
 xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the 
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle  Ÿpage 333.
 xDo not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances, 
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid  Ÿ.
 xLost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best when 
rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the 
direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread  Ÿpage 333. Always 
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This 
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise 
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with extreme 
caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of particular 
importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as possible 
or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed 
round from time to time according to the system  Ÿfig. 182. All the tyres will 
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the 
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical 
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for long 
periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile than 
tyres which are in constant use.
Fig. 182  Diagram for 
changing wheels