239
Wheels and tyres
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driv-
ing style and fitting.
Fig. 174 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 175 Diagram for
changing wheels Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒ fig. 174, running across the tread. Depending on the make, there will be
6 to 8 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 indicators).
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 237.
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 advisa-
ble to change them around as shown ⇒ fig. 175. All the tyres will then last
for about the same time.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
241
Wheels and tyres
it if necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than
one tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the dis-
tance 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 usu-
al.
WARNING (Continued)
● Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
● If one or more tyres are being driven in emergency conditions, the
driving quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.
Note
● The run-flat tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they are
supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre cannot be
detected with a visual inspection.
● Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency condi-
tions.
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 characteris-
tics 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: Tyre width in mm
Height/width ratio in %
Tyre construction: Radial
195
65
R
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
245
If and when
If and when
Tools, tyre repair kit and spare wheel Tools
The tools and jack are stored under the floor panel in the
luggage compartment.
Fig. 176 Toolbox and
jack
The tools A
and jack B ⇒ fig. 176 are stored under the floor pan-
el in the luggage compartment.
– Lift the floor panel using the plastic handle.
– Hook the handle C
onto the luggage compartment weather
strip.
– Release the toolbox by pulling up the handle on the box. –
Take out the tools or jack.
– Replace the floor panel before closing the tailgate.
The tool kit includes:
● A hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps
● Box spanner for wheel bolts
● Towing eye
● An adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage bin, wind down the arm of the jack
as far as it will go.
Some of the tools listed are only provided in certain models or are optional
extras.
WARNING
● 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.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.
● If work is to be carried out underneath the vehicle, this must be se-
cured by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
263
If and when
Changing the dipped beam headlight bulb
The procedure for changing the bulb is the same on both
sides.
Fig. 193 Dipped beam
headlights
Fig. 194 Dipped beam
headlights
– Switch off the ignition and the lights. –
Raise the bonnet.
– Move the brace ⇒ fig. 193 1
in the direction of the arrow and
remove the rigid cover, separating the brace side and then re-
moving the two tabs from the other end of the cover.
– Pull the connector ⇒ fig. 194 2
from the bulb.
– Unclip the retainer spring ⇒ fig. 194 3
pressing inwards to the
right.
– Remove the bulb and fit the new one in the headlight casing
with the tab upwards, starting to position it from below.
– Clip on the spring, raising it and pressing it slightly while turn-
ing it anti-clockwise. To ensure correct lighting, the filament
must be vertical. When changing the bulb, you can check the
position of the bulb through the headlight glass.
– Connect the connector to the bulb.
– Fit the cover, first inserting the side tabs and then closing the
cover and the brace. Make sure that the gasket sits well on the
casing cover during the operation.
– Check whether the new bulb is working.
– Have the headlight settings checked as soon as possible.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
281
If and when
How to jump start: description
Fig. 226 How to connect
the jump leads
On ⇒ fig. 226 A
shows the flat battery and B the charged bat-
tery.
Jump lead terminal connections
– Switch off the ignition of both vehicles ⇒
.
1. Connect one end of the red jump lead to the positive ⇒ fig. 226
+
terminal of the vehicle with the flat battery ⇒ .
2. Connect the other end of the red jump lead to the positive ter- minal +
in the vehicle providing assistance.
3. Connect one end of the black jump lead to the negative termi- nal -
on the battery of the vehicle providing assistance.
4. Connect the other end of the black jump lead X
to a solid met-
al component which is bolted on to the engine block, or onto the engine block itself of the vehicle with the flat battery. Do not
connect it to a point near the battery
⇒
.
5. Position the leads in such a way that they cannot come into contact with any moving parts in the engine compartment.
Starting
6. Start the engine of the vehicle with the boosting battery and let it run at idling speed.
7. Start the engine of the vehicle with the flat battery and wait one or two minutes until the engine is running.
Removing the jump leads
8. Before you remove the jump leads, switch off the headlights (if they are switched on).
9. Turn on the heater blower and heated rear window in the vehi- cle with the flat battery. This helps minimise voltage peaks
which are generated when the leads are disconnected.
10. When the engine is running, disconnect the leads in reverse order to the details given above.
Connect the battery clamps so they have good metal-to-metal contact with
the battery terminals.
If the engine fails to start, switch off the starter after about 10 seconds and
try again after about half a minute.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
283
If and when
Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.
We recommend that you do not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-start-
ing is preferable ⇒ page 280.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
– Engage the 2nd or the 3rd 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. General notes
Please 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 sooner than nor-
mal and pressing the pedal gently.
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. Inexper-
ienced drivers should not attempt to tow.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
EmergenciesChanging a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Disconnecting the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245, 250
Sunroof emergency activation . . . . . . . . . . 113
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tyre mobility system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Engine Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Engine compartment Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Checking oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine oil pressure too low . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Oil sensor defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Engine speed governing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193 Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Roof racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Environmentally friendly driving . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Environmental tip Avoiding pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
ESP see Electronic Stability Programme . . . . . 165
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 F
Fabric trim cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Front drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . 44
Fuel Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Fuel level low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instantaneous fuel consumption . . . . . . . . 85
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Fuel tank opening the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Fuel: save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Fuse Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
G
Gear display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Gear shift pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
General overview of the engine compartment 290
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 H
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Faulty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Headlights Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Automatic headlight control . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Automatic headlight control photosensors . .116
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Front fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Headlight washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Head restraint Rear seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Head restraints Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Removing and fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Heated Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 287
304 Index