
Seats and storage compartments
158•It is imperative to precisely follow the fitting instructions included for the 
rack, taking special care when fitting the front bar in the holes designed for 
this and the rear bar between the marks on the upper part of the rear door 
frame while respecting the correct direction of travel indicated in the installa-
tion manual. Not following these instructions may damage the bodywork.•Pay special attention to the tightening torque of the attachment bolts and 
check them following a short journey. If necessary, retighten the bolts and 
check them at regular intervals.•Distribute the load evenly. A maximum load of 40 kg only is permitted for 
each roof rack system support bar, the load must be distributed evenly along 
the entire length. However, the maximum load permitted for the entire roof 
(including the support system) of 75 kg must not be exceeded nor should the 
total weight of the vehicle be exceeded. See the Technical Data section.•When transporting heavy or large objects on the roof, any change in the 
normal vehicle behaviour due to a change in the centre of gravity or an 
increased wind resistance must be taken into account. For this reason, a suit-
able speed and driving style must be used.•For those vehicles fitted with a sunroof*, ensure that it does not interfere 
with the load on the roof rack system when opened.
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Intelligent technology199
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp   is lit. The TCS should normally 
be left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the slipping of the wheels 
is required, should it be disconnected, for example
•With compact temporary spare wheel.•When using the snow chains.•When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces•When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by rocking.
The TCS should be switched on again as soon as possible.WARNING
•It must be remembered that TCS cannot defy the laws of physics. This 
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when 
towing a trailer.•Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and 
the traffic situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by TCS tempt you 
into taking any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
•In order to ensure that TCS function correctly, all four wheels must be 
fitted with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can 
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.•Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the ABS and TCS.
XDS*
Driveshaft differentialWhen taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer 
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel 
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner 
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the 
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the 
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This 
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer 
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
By using the ESP sensors and signals, the XDS system is able to detect and 
correct this effect.
Through the ESP, the XDS brakes the inner wheel, thereby counteracting the 
excess drive torque in this wheel. This means that the driver’s desired trajec-
tory is much more precise,
The XDS system operates in combination with the ESP and is always active, 
even when the traction control, TCS, is disconnected.Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle’s 
stability on the road.The Electronic Stability Programme helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) consists of  ABS, EDL, TCS and 
Steering manoeuvre recommendations.
  OFF
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Trailer towing
214If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be 
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket   are on the lower part of the 
vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should 
never be lower than the indicated value, even with a fully loaded vehicle and 
including the maximum drawbar load.
Elevation values for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•Driving with a trailer involves an extra effort for the vehicle. Therefore, 
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre 
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.•The legal requirements in your country must be observed (e.g. the fitting 
of a separate warning lamp).•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper, must be removed and 
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts must be tightened using a 
torque wrench, and a power socket must be connected to the vehicle’s elec-
trical system. This requires specialised knowledge and tools.•Figures in the illustration show the elevation value and the attachment 
points which must be considered if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.WARNING
The towing brackets should be fitted at a specialised workshop.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of 
accident.•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•If the power socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to the 
vehicle’s electrical system.Note
For the sports model (FR), fitting of a trailer bracket is not recommended due 
to the design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres255
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 224.
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.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth 
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code  ⇒page 254, “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 254, “New tyres and wheels”.
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If and when257
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelVehicle Tools
The vehicle onboard tools are lo cated under the floor panel in 
the luggage compartment.– Lif t the cover of the luggage compar tment, by pulling it up with a 
finger in the fitting.
– Take the on-board tools out of the vehicle.The tool kit includes:•Jack*•Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*•Box spanner for wheel bolts*•Reversible screwdriver with handle (including hexagonal interior) for the 
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.•Towing eye•Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only provided in certain model versions, 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 factory-supplied jack 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.•Use the jack only on a firm, level ground.•Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack. Risk of accident.•I f  w o r k  is  t o  b e  ca r r ie d  o u t  un d e r n ea t h  t h e  v e h ic l e ,  t h is  m u s t  be  s e cu re d  
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.WARNING (continued)
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If and when
260After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete.– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the luggage compart-
ment and secure it.
– Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted tyre as soon as  possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as  possible with a torque wrench. The prescribed torque must be 
120 Nm.
Note•If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when 
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the wheel bolt torque 
checked.•For safety reasons, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt tight-
ening torque has been checked.
Wheel trims
The wheel trims must be removed to gain access to the wheel 
bolts.Removing
– Insert the  extraction hook  from the tools into the designated 
ring, located in one of the bolt hole covers of the wheel cover 
⇒ fig. 175 .
– Pull off the hub cap .
Fig. 175  Changing the 
wheel: Removing a hub 
cap
Altea_EN.book  Seite 260  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14 

Description of specifications287
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Technical SpecificationsDescription of specificationsImportant informationImportant
The information in the vehicle documentation always has 
precedence.All technical specifications provided in this manual are valid for the standard 
model in Spain. The vehicle data card included in the Maintenance 
Programme or the vehicle registration documents shows which engine is 
installed in the vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted, 
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries. Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifications section
Abbrevia-
tion
Meaning
kW
Kilowatt, engine power measurement.
PS
Pferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine 
power.
rpm
Revolutions per minute - engine speed.
Nm
Newton metres, unit of engine torque.
l/100 km
Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km.
g/km
Carbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.
CO2
Carbon dioxide
CN
Cetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RON
Research octane number, indication of the knock resistance 
of petrol.
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Description of specifications
290If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small, 
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a 
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), at least 4% of the actual trailer weight is a 
legal stipulation for a drawbar load.
WARNING
•For safet y reas ons , d o not  excee d the  8 0  k m/h limit . Th is  is  als o valid in 
countries where higher speeds are permitted.•Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the 
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the 
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, 
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
WheelsTyre pressure, snow chains, wheel boltsTyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the 
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for  cold tyres. Do not 
reduce the slightly raised pressures of warm tyres  ⇒.
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the  front wheels.
Consult the chapter “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
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
•Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre 
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there 
is an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen while the 
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high, 
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Note
We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for information 
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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