
Wheels and tyres
242Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high tread wear indicators
⇒ page 241, fig. 174 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the vehicle’s handling. The inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The
pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting any long journey.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+)*
Monitoring of the tyre pressures is based on the tyre pressures you have
stored. The tyre pressure monitoring system cannot function as intended if
you store tyre pressure settings for a normal load, but then drive with the
vehicle fully laden. The tyre pressure must be adapted to the actual load and
stored accordingly in the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒ page 240.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 241, fig. 175. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time. Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of aquaplaning.•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.•I f t y r e s s h o w e x ce s s i v e w e a r, y o u s h o u l d h a v e t h e r u n n i n g g e a r ch e cke d
by an Authorised Service Centre.•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
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Wheels and tyres243
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Run-flat tyres*
Run-flat tyres allow you to cont inue driving even with a punc-
tured tyre, in the majority of cases.In vehicles that are factory-fitted with run-flat tyres
3) the loss of tyre
pressure is indicated on the instrument panel.
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (Electronic Stability 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 run-flat 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 conditions, 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 run-flat tyres?•If the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is out of operation.•If the tyre pressure monitoring system* does not work.•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.•Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
3)Depending upon version and country.
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Wheels and tyres245
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 should not use wheel bolts from a different
vehicle, even if it is the same model ⇒page 218.
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 tightening 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 vehicle’s
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.
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If and when249
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Your vehicle can be factory-equipped with a spare steel wheel. 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 composi-
tion, tread pattern, etc. Therefore, note the following restrictions:
•The spare steel 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 tyre pressure must corre-
spond 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 vehicle 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 247 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
250
NotePlease observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheel
Change the wheel as described below.– Remove the wheel cover.
–Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 251.
– Raise the vehicle with the jack ⇒page 252.
– Ta k e o f f the wheel with the flat tyre and then put on the spare
wheel ⇒page 253.
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly in diagonal sequence with the box
spanner ⇒page 251.
–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. –The
inflation pressure of the newly fitted spare tyre must be
checked as soon as possible.
–Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon
as possible with a torque wrench. It must be 120 Nm (always
when cold)
–Have the flat tyre replaced as quickly as possible.
Note
•If you notice that the wheel bolts are rusty and difficult to turn when
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the tightening torque
checked.•For your safety, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt tightening
torque has been checked.
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If and when
252Raising 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. 180 -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. 181 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. 180 -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. 180 Changing the
wheel: Jack position
pointsFig. 181 Changing the
wheel: Jack
AA
AB
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If and when253
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Removing and fitting the wheel
For removal and fitting the wheel, the following tasks must be
completed.After loosening the wheel bolts and raising the vehicle with the jack,
change the wheel as described below:
Removing a wheel
– Unscrew the bolts using the hexagonal tool in the handle of the
screwdriver (vehicle tool) and place them on a clean surface
⇒ fig. 182 .
Fitting a wheel
– Screw in the wheel bolts and tighten them lightly using the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle.
The wheel bolts should be clean and easily screwed. Before fitting the spare
wheel, inspect the wheel condition and hub mounting surfaces. These
surfaces must be clean before fitting the wheel.
The hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle makes it easier to turn the
wheel bolts. The reversible screwdriver blade should be removed when the
tool is used for this purpose.
If tyres with a specific direction of rotation are fitted, note the direction of
rotation.
Note
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to loosen or
tighten the wheel bolts.Anti-theft wheel bolts*
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel
bolts.
Fig. 182 Changing the
wheel: Hexagonal socket
in screwdriver handle to
turn the wheel bolts
Fig. 183 Anti-theft wheel
bolt
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If and when255
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
The sealing compound must not be used in the following cases:
•On cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
⇒page 254, fig. 184 •If the wheel rim has been damaged •If you have been driving with ver y low pressure or a com pletely flat tyre
How to use the TMS (tyre mobility system) is described in the section
Repairing a tyre ⇒ page 256 and in the instructions supplied with the tyre
sealant can.
The TMS (tyre mobility system) can be used at outside temperatures down to
-20°C.WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.•Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.•Vehicle handling could be impaired.•Tyres which have been sealed using the Tyre Mobility System are only
suitable for temporary use over a short period.•After using the tyre sealant the tyre pressure monitoring system* may
malfunction. Therefore, please drive carefully to the next available quali-
fied workshop.•The Tyre Mobility System must NOT be used,
− on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
− if the wheel rim has been damaged
− if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat
tyre•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.•Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes, skin or
clothing.
•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
If you have to dispose of a sealant can, go to a specialised waste service or to
a SEAT Technical Service, where the product can be recycled in an appropriate
waste container.
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.
A1
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
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