2011 Seat Altea XL Owner's Manual

Wheels and tyres255
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run in.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 make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example: 195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
RTyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
TSpeed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:•A direction of rotation symbol•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels be carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
On vehicles with
all-wheel drive, all four tyres must always be fitted with tyres
of the same type, make and tread pattern, as otherwise the driveline can be
damaged by continuous differences in the wheel speeds. For the same
reason, only use a spare wheel with the same tyre dimensions as the normal
road wheels. You may also use the factory-supplied compact temporary spare
wheel.
WARNING
•We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.•Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than 6 years old. If you
have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.•Never use old tyres or those with an unknown history of use.•If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.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
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Wheels and tyres
256wheels 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 (e.g. 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 224.
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
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 tyres (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 255, “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
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Wheels and tyres257
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
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 255, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres again as soon as possible. They are quieter, do not wear
so quickly and reduce fuel consumption.Snow chainsSnow chains are only permitted on front wheels and only for tyres 195/65R15
and 205/55R16. These tyres may only be fitted with fine-pitch link chains
which do not protrude more than 15 mm ⇒page 255.
Other tyres may use fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 9 mm,
including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
All-wheel drive : Where snow chains are compulsory on certain roads, this
normally also applies to cars with all-wheel drive. Snow chains may only be
fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with all-wheel drive).
WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in accordance with the manu-
facturer’s instructions. This will prevent the chains coming into contact
with the wheel housing.
Caution
Remove the snow chains to drive on roads without snow. Otherwise they will
impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Note
•In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The
legal requirements of the country should be followed.•We recommend that you ask your Authorised Service Centre for informa-
tion about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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If and when
258If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelVehicle Tools
The vehicle onboard tools are located under the floor panel in
the luggage compartment.– Lift the cover of the luggage compartment, 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.•Towi ng e ye•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 firm, level ground.•Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack. Risk of accident.•If work is to be carried out underneath the vehicle, this must be secured
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.WARNING (continued)
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If and when259
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Compact temporary spare wheel*
The compact spare wheel (emergency wheel for vehicles
without the anti-puncture kit) should only be used when
strictly necessary.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the temporary spare wheel is only
intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The standard-size
road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the temporary spare wheel.
This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle, thus, it cannot
be changed with the spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must
not be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains, fit
the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. You can then
attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use this wheel to
replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible.
The emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre dimensions please refer to the label
on the fuel cap. Failure to do so could result in an accident.•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Higher speeds can cause an accident.•Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of acci-
dent.•Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of
accident.•No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Tyre repair kit
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.In the event of a punctured tyre, your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre
Mobility System.
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will
Fig. 176 Luggage
compartment. Access to
the spare wheel
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If and when
260reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.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 area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage the first gear, or put the selector lever to position P for
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
–Take the vehicle tools and the spare wheel out of the luggage
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
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 wheelChange the wheel as described below
– Pull off the hub cap . Also see ⇒page 261.
– Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack at the corresponding point.
– Remove the wheel and then mount the spare wheel
– Lower the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly with the box spanner.
–Replace the hub cap .
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If and when261
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
After 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 th e wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a torque wrench. Th e 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. 177 .
–Pull off the hub cap.
Fig. 177 Changing the
wheel: Removing a hub
cap
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If and when
262Wheel covers*
The wheel covers must be removed for access to the wheel
boltsRemoving
– Remove the wheel cover using the wire hook.
– Hook this into one of the cut-outs of the wheel cover.
Fitting
– Fit the wheel cover onto the wheel rim by pressing it firmly. Put
pressure initially on the point of the cut-out for the valve. Then
press the wheel cover onto the st eel rim so that it engages all
round.
Loosening the wheel bolts
The wheel bolts must be loosened before raising the vehicle.Loosening
–Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt.
– Grasp the box spanner by the end turn it about one full turn to the left ⇒ fig. 178 .
Tightening
– Fit the box spanner as far as it will go over the wheel bolt.
– Grasp the box spanner close to the end and turn the bolt to the right until it is secured.
– An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts.
Fig. 178 Changing the
wheel: loosen the wheel
bolts
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