245
Wheels and tyres
Tyre service life
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driv-
ing style and fitting.
Fig. 187 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 188 Diagram for
changing wheels Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒ fig. 187, 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 243.
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. 188. All the tyres will then last
for about the same time.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications
247
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
269
If and when
Changing the dipped beam headlight bulb
The procedure for changing the bulb is the same on both
sides.
Fig. 207 Dipped beam
headlights
Fig. 208 Dipped beam
headlights
– Switch off the ignition and the lights. –
Raise the bonnet.
– Move the brace ⇒ fig. 207 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. 208 2
from the bulb.
– Unclip the retainer spring ⇒ fig. 208 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
287
If and when
How to jump start: description
Fig. 241 How to connect
the jump leads
On ⇒ fig. 241 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. 241
+
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
289
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 286.
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
Electronic Stability ProgrammeControl lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Emergencies Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Disconnecting the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251, 256
Sunroof emergency activation . . . . . . . . . . 113
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tyre mobility system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Engine Running in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Engine compartment Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227 Checking oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Engine oil pressure too low . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Oil properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Oil sensor defective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Engine speed governing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Environmental friendliness . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Roof racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Environmentally friendly driving . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Environmental tip Avoiding pollution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
ESP see Electronic Stability Programme . . . . . 171 Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
F
Fabric trim cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Fastening rings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Front drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Front passenger airbag deactivation . . . . . . . . 45
Fuel Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Fuel level low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Instantaneous fuel consumption . . . . . . . . 85
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Fuel tank opening the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Fuel: save . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Fuse Assignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
G
Gear display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 Gear shift pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
General overview of the engine compartment 296
Glove compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
H
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Heating element wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
High pressure cleaners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
310 Index
SteeringLocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Manual steering wheel adjustment . . . . . 171
Steering wheel controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Stopping the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Switches on the driver door Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Symbols Red symbols in central display . . . . . . . . . . 77
Yellow symbols on central display . . . . . . . 79
T Tailgate Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
TCS Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Technical modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
The danger of not using the seat belt . . . . . . . . 21
The environment Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Warming up the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Tightening torque of wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . 295
tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
tiptronic mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201, 289
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Notes on towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201, 202
Removable towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Technical requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Towing bracket, fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Towing eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Towing eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Tow starting General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Traction control system Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Trip recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Turn signal lamps Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Trailer turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Tyre mobility system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tyre pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 90, 241 Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Tyre pressure monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Tyre pressure monitoring system . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Tyre repair kit Tyre Mobility System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tyres and wheels Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Tyres service life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Tyres with directional tread pattern . . . . . . . . 241
U Underbody protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
V
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Vehicle identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Vehicle keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Vehicle modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Vehicle paintwork Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Products for vehicle maintenance . . . . . . . 211
Vehicle washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Ventilation slits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
W
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Warning lamps Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Electronic differential lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Electronic Stability Programme . . . . . . . . . . 68
Engine management (EPC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Exhaust emission control system . . . . . . . . 66
314 Index