2012 Seat Altea Freetrack winter tyres

67
Cockpit
Instrument panel menus*
Example of menu use
All the menus on the instrument panel may be used accord-
ing to the following procedure. The instrument panel menus
may vary according to the version of the model.
Fig. 44 Windscreen wip-
er lever: button A to con-
firm the menu selection
and rocker switch B to
change the menu
Fig. 45 Steering wheel
controls: button A to con-
firm the menu selection
and switch B to change
the menu
The setting of a speed warning will be used as an example of how
to use the menus. This is a good idea if you are, for example, using
winter tyres which are not suited for the top speed of the vehicle.
1. Open the main menu with the MFI lever
– Switch the ignition on.
– Hold down button B
for two seconds to return to main menu
from other menu. It may be necessary to repeat this operation
until the main menu is displayed.
2. Open the menu “Configuration” with the MFI lever
– To choose an option from the menu, press the upper or lower
end of the rocker switch. The selected option is displayed be-
tween two lines and there will also be a triangle on the right.
– Select menu Configuration.
– Press button A
on the windscreen wiper lever. The
Configura-
tion menu is opened. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

68Cockpit
2. Access the Configuration menu with the steering wheel controls
–To access the “Configuration” menu, press button C
⇒ fig. 45
until the menu is displayed. Now you are in this menu.
3. Open the main menu “Winter tyres”
– Select option Winter tyres using switch B
.
– Press button A
. The menu
Winter tyres is opened.
4. Program a speed limit warning
– Use button B
to select the option
+10 km/h or -10 km/h and
press button B to either increase or decrease the speed dis-
played.
5. To activate and deactivate the speed limit warning
– Use switch B
to select the menu point
On / Off and press the
button to switch the speed warning on or off. If the speed warn-
ing is deactivated, three dashes will be displayed ---
6. To close the menu “Winter tyres”
– In the menu select Back.
The function “Winter tyres” sends an optical and an acoustic signal when
the vehicle reaches the set speed.
Example menu “Winter tyres”
In the menu
Winter tyresFunction
Name of menu displayed
X km/hThe current set speed is displayedor ---or dashes will be shown if the function is deac-
tivated.
On / OffIf the function is activated or deactivated
+10 km/hThe set value increases by 10 km/h-10 km/hThe set value decreases by 10 km/hBackThe menu “Winter tyres” is closed and the last
displayed menu is shown.
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed. 

70Cockpit
TelephoneThis menu is only available in vehicles with radio
unit if the vehicle is fitted with the telephone func-
tion. In vehicles fitted with a radio navigation sys-
tem, this menu is available in the central unit (navi-
gator) ⇒ Booklet SEAT Media System 2.1.
Vehicle conditionThis menu displays current warning or information
texts: “Vehicle status menu”
This option flashes when one of these texts is dis-
played.
ConfigurationThis option allows the time, the speed warning when
using winter tyres, units, language, independent
heating, the Light and visibility menu and the Con-
venience menu to be reset.
a)
Only in vehicles fitted with a radio navigation system.
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment one or more of these menus will be
displayed. Multifunction display menu (MFI)
The multifunction display (MFI) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.
Fig. 48 Multifunction
display (MFI) instrument
panel display.
The multifunction display (MFI) has two automatic memories: 1 - Trip memo-
ry and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory is shown on the upper right
hand section of the display ⇒ fig. 48 at all times.
Open the multifunction display menu Select the Multifunction display menu from the main menu ⇒ page 69
and press the OK
button on the windscreen wiper lever or the multi-
function lever*.
Selecting a memory To change from one memory to another, briefly press button A
⇒ fig. 44 ⇒ page 67 on the windscreen wiper lever or the OK button on
the multifunction lever ⇒  fig. 45 ⇒ page 67 while the ignition is switch-
ed on. 
–
–

73
Cockpit
Vehicle status menu
This menu shows warning or information texts
Open Vehicle Condition menu
– Select the option Vehicle status from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK
on the windscreen wiper lever
A⇒ fig. 46. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ fig. 45 until the Vehicle Status menu is displayed.
Priority 2 warning messages and information texts: “Information and warn-
ing messages on the screen” will automatically disappear from the screen
after a time and will be stored in the Vehicle status menu.
The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is
no warning or information message, the option Vehicle status is not dis-
played. If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 67
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available. Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions.
Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button OK

A ⇒ fig. 44 on the windscreen
wiper lever. or
– Press button 
or  on the multifunction steering wheel*
⇒ fig. 45 until the Configuration menu is displayed.
Example of menu use ⇒ page 67
Displayed on the screenFunctionMultifunction display
data.This menu is used to establish the data in the
multifunction display menu to be displayed on
the instrument panel ⇒ page 70
ConvenienceThis menu allows you to make the settings for
the convenience functions in the vehicle.
Lights and visibilityFrom this menu it is it possible to alter the vehi-
cle lighting settings.
TimeThe hours and minutes of the clock and the navi-
gation system can be changed. Choose between
12 and 24-hour format and change to summer
time.
Winter tyresThe menu allows the setting of a speed at which
an optical and acoustic warning will be given by
the system. You can use this function, for exam-
ple, if you have fitted winter tyres which are not
suited for the top speed of your vehicle. Please
see the section “Wheels and tyres”. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

191
Intelligent technology
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will con-
tinue to function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not in-
formed that the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may
start to spin. This could impair the vehicle's stability.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit road conditions and the traffic
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into tak-
ing any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.
CAUTION
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 EDL ⇒ page 214. 
Traction control system ASR (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when
the vehicle is accelerating ⇒ page 188. All-wheel drive*
On all-wheel drive models, the engine power is distributed
to all four wheels
General notes
The all-wheel drive system operates completely automatically. The propul-
sion force is distributed among the four wheels and adapted to the driving
style and the road conditions.
The all-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine
power. This combination gives the vehicle exceptional handling and per-
formance capabilities, both on normal roads and in more difficult condi-
tions, such as snow and ice.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your vehicle will have plenty of traction in win-
ter conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars with
all-wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling
circumference ⇒  page 241. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

192Intelligent technology
WARNING
● Even with all-wheel drive, you should always adjust your speed to
suit the conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into
taking any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres' grip. Ve-
hicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive. So
do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because
the vehicle still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do
so could result in an accident.
● On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to aqua-
plane and lose contact with the road if the vehicle is driven too fast. If
this should happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed
when aquaplaning begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive
vehicle. For this reason and for that mentioned above, always choose a
driving speed suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could re-
sult in an accident.

Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400
km; first they must be run in. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid overload-
ing the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops. Wet roads or road salt
When the speed is
over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are on, the
brake system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds.
This occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a
faster response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ .
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically. 

198Driving and the environment
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible,
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero (dis-
connection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible.
We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2000 rpm. Follow the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ⇒ page 61.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly
at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no un-
necessary loads are being transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof
rack even when it is not in use. 

210Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
CAUTION
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
● Never use an abrasive cleaning product on chrome.
● Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment. 
Steel wheel rims
– Clean steel wheel rims regularly using a separate sponge.
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Any damage to the paint on
steel wheel rims should be repaired before starting to rust.
WARNING
● Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distan-
ces and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to
the tyres. This may cause an accident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
“Dry” the brakes by braking several times ⇒ page 195, Braking capacity
and braking distance.

Alloy wheel rims
Every two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy wheels.
– Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims. Every three months
–
Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.
Alloy wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. If road
salt and brake dust are not often removed, the aluminium finish will be im-
paired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective
coating is damaged, e.g. by flying stones, the damaged area should be re-
paired immediately.
WARNING
● Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distan-
ces and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to
the tyres. This may cause an accident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
“Dry” the brakes by braking several times ⇒ page 195, Braking capacity
and braking distance.

Underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical
and mechanical damage.
The protective coating can be damaged when driving. We recommend you
to check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out re-
pair work and additional anti-corrosion work. 