2013 Seat Altea weight

208Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Instructions to follow
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the vehicle is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already
have the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory require-
ments for towing a trailer. If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
⇒ page 210.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documentation or in ⇒ chap-
ter Technical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the
rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents. 

209
Trailer towing
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
Depending on the model version, the spherical head on the trailer hook
may be stored in the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
if it obscures the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 55.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

289
Description of specifications
Information on fuel consumption
Fuel consumption
The consumption and emission details shown on the vehicle
data sticker differ from one vehicle to another. The vehicle fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions can be consulted on the
vehicle data sticker in the spare wheel well, inside the luggage compart-
ment and on the rear cover of the Maintenance Programme.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emission values refer to the weight category
assigned to your vehicle according to the engine and gearbox combination,
as well as the specific equipment fitted, and is only used to compare be-
tween the different models.
The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions do not depend only on the per-
formance of the vehicle, they can also differ from the established values de-
pending on other factors such as driving style, road conditions, traffic con-
ditions, environmental conditions, load and number of passengers.
Calculation of fuel consumption
The consumption values have been calculated based on measurements per-
formed or supervised by certified CE laboratories according to the latest ver-
sion of directives 715/2007/EC and 80/1268/CEE (for more information
consult the European Union Publications Office at EUR-Lex: © European Un-
ion, http://eur-lex.europa.eu/en/index.htm) and are valid for the kerb
weight indicated for the vehicle.
Note
In practice, and considering all the factors mentioned here, consumption
values can differ from those calculated in the current European regulations. Weights
Kerb weight refers to the basic model with a fuel tank filled to 90% capacity
and without optional extras. The figure quoted includes 75 kg to allow for
the weight of the driver.
For special versions and optional equipment fittings or for the addition of
accessories, the weight of the vehicle will increase
⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting
heavy objects; this may affect vehicle handling and lead to an accident.
Always adjust your speed and driving style to suit road conditions and re-
quirements.
● Never exceed the gross axle weight rating or the gross vehicle weight
rating. If the allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded,
the driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to acci-
dents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) (in
certain circumstances up to 100 km/h (60 mph)). The figures may be differ-
ent in other countries. All data in the official vehicle documentation takes
precedence over these data at all times ⇒ 
.
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

290Description of specifications
Drawbar loads
The maximum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing bracket
must not exceed 75 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow approach-
ing the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will
be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar load.
WARNING
● For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h (50 mph) limit. This is
also valid in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.

Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
fuel tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. Do not
reduce the slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒ 
.
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels. Consult the section “wheels” of this manual.
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the
tightening torque of the wheel
bolts should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒ 
.
The tightening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
there is an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loos-
en while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening tor-
que is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
Note
We recommend that you ask your Technical Service for information about
appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size. 

292Technical specifications
Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS)
Engine specifications
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 63 (85)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1390
Fuel Super 95 RON a)
/Normal 91 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) Slight power loss.
Performance Maximum speed in km/h (mph) 169
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) in sec. 9,8
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in sec. 15
Weights
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1855
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1335
Gross front axle weight in kg 940
Gross rear axle weight in kg 984
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer weight
Trailer without brakes in kg 660
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1200
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 800


293
Technical specifications
Petrol engine 1.6 75 kW (102 PS)
Engine specifications Running on LPG Running on petrol or E-85a)
Power output in kW (PS) rpm 72 (98)/ 5600 75 (102)/ 5600
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 144/ 3800 148/ 3800
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1595 4/ 1595
Fuel LPG Super 95 RON
b)
/Normal 91
RON c)
/E-85
a) Ethanol at 85%.
b) Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
c) Slight power loss.
Performance Running
on LPG Running
on petrol Running
on petrol or E-85
Maximum speed in km/h (mph) 178 181 181
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h
(0-50 mph) in sec. 9,2
8,6 8,6
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h
(0-60 mph) in sec. 13,8
12,8 12,8
Weights
Running on LPG Running on petrol or E-85
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1951 1920
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1456 1395
Gross front axle weight in kg 965 967
Gross rear axle weight in kg 1000 980
Permitted roof load in kg 75 75
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

294Technical specifications
Trailer weight Running on LPGRunning on petrol or E-85
Trailer without brakes in kg 720 690
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1500 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1200 1200

Petrol engine 1.2 77 kW (105 PS)
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 77 (105)/5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 175/1550-4100
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1197
Fuel Super 95 RON a)
/Normal 91 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) With a slight power loss
Performance without Start-Stopwith Start-Stop
Maximum speed in km/h (mph) 184 184
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) in sec. 7,3 7,3
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in sec. 11,3 11,3

295
Technical specifications
Weights without Start-Stop with Start-Stop
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1875 1880
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1355 1360
Gross front axle weight in kg 970 970
Gross rear axle weight in kg 980 980
Permitted roof load in kg 75 75
Trailer weight
without Start-Stopwith Start-Stop
Trailer without brakes in kg 670 680
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% in kg 1500 1500
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% in kg 1200 1200

Petrol engine 1.4 92 kW (125 PS)
Engine specifications Power output in kW (PS) rpm 92 (125)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 200/ 1500-4000
No. of cylinders/capacity in cm3
4/ 1390
Fuel Super 95 RON a)
/Normal 91 RON b)
a)
Research Octane Number = Anti-detonation rating of the petrol.
b) With a slight power loss
Performance Maximum speed in km/h (mph) 194
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h (0-50 mph) in sec. 6,9
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in sec. 10,3 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications