8Safe driving
Therefore, this chapter explains why these safety features are so important,
how they can protect you, what you need to remember when using them
and how you and your passengers can gain the most benefit from them.
There are also a number of important safety warnings that you and your
passengers should always observe in order to minimise the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's responsibility!
Before setting off
The driver is responsible for the safety of the passengers
and the safe operation of the vehicle at all times. For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before setting off:
– Make sure that all lights and indicators are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Make sure that all windows are clean and give good visibility to
the outside.
– Secure all luggage and other items carefully ⇒ page 16.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust the front seat, head restraint and mirrors correctly.
– Make sure that the head restraints for all passengers are adjus-
ted to the correct position.
– Make sure that children are protected with suitable safety seats
and properly worn seat belts ⇒ page 46. –
Sit in a correct position. Inform your passengers as to how they
should sit ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt correctly. Make sure that your passengers
do the same ⇒ page 18.
What affects safe driving?
Safety on the road is directly related to how you drive, and
can also be affected by the passengers in the vehicle. The driver is responsible for the safety of the vehicle and all its oc-
cupants. If your ability to drive is impaired in any way, you endan-
ger yourself and other road users ⇒
. Therefore:
– Do not let yourself be distracted by passengers or by using a
mobile phone, etc.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (by medica-
tion, alcohol, drugs, etc.).
– Obey all traffic regulations and speed limits and always main-
tain a safe distance to the vehicle in front.
– Always adjust your speed to suit the road, traffic and weather
conditions.
– Take frequent breaks on long trips. Do not drive for more than
two hours without a stop.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired or stressed.
188Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
General Observations
The Electronic Stability Control increases the vehicle's stabil-
ity on the road.
Fig. 152 Centre console
with ESC switch
The ESC is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where
the vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating
and cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all
road conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (ASR) are all integrated into the Electronic Stabil-
ity Control.
How it works
The ESC control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESC
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle
over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the
road), the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend.
If the vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force
is applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESC works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 189. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESC will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESC is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs
a self-test routine.
The ESC cannot be deactivated.
259
If and when
The sealing compound must not be used in the following cases:
● If the cuts and punctures on the tyre are longer than 4 mm ⇒ Fig. 186 1
●
If the wheel rim has been damaged 2●
If you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat tyre
3
How to use the TMS (tyre mobility system) is described in the section Re-
pairing a tyre ⇒ page 260 and in the instructions supplied with the tyre
sealant can.
The TMS (tire mobility system) can be used at outside temperatures down
to -20 °C.
WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
● Vehicle handling could be impaired.
● Tyres which have been sealed using the Tyre Mobility System are only
suitable for temporary use over a short period.
● After using the tyre sealant the tyre pressure monitoring system* may
malfunction. Therefore, please drive carefully to the next available speci-
alised workshop.
● The Tyre Mobility System must NOT be used:
– If the cuts and punctures on the tyre are longer or wider than
4 mm.
– if the wheel rim has been damaged.
– if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat
tyre.
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes, skin or
clothing.
● If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse the
eyes or skin affected with clean water.
● Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre seal-
ant.
● Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!
● If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately rinse
the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
–Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical assistance if needed.
● If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.
● Keep the sealant away from children.
For the sake of the environment
If you have to dispose of a sealant can, go to a specialised waste service or
to a SEAT Technical Service, where the product can be recycled in an appro-
priate waste container.
Note
● If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. This way you can pull it off like
a piece of foil.
● Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a specialised workshop.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications