2014 Seat Altea XL snow chains

84Cockpit
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display* 1)
: REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID . 
Alternator 
This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp  lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should
go out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest special-
ised workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessa-
ry because this will drain the battery. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. Tyre pressure 
The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.
Fig. 50 Centre console:
tyre monitor system but-
ton
The tyre control lamp 2)
compares wheel revolutions and with it, the wheel
diameter of each wheel using the ESC. If the diameter of a wheel changes,
the tyre control lamp  lights up. The wheel diameter changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● The tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving
with a trailer or on extreme slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains. 
1)
Depending on the version of the model.
2) Depending on the model version

173
Driving
● When driving with snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
● When the vehicle is stuck, to rock it backwards and forwards.
Press the button to switch the ASR back on when you no longer need wheel
spin.
WARNING
● Do not forget that the Electronic stability control (ESC) cannot defy
the laws of physics. This should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery
and wet roads and when towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
● Please refer to the corresponding warning notes on ESC in
⇒ page 196, Intelligent technology.
 Ignition lock
Position of the ignition keyFig. 140 Ignition key po-
sitions
Ignition switched off, steering lock 0
In this position
⇒ Fig. 140 the ignition and the engine are OFF and the steer-
ing may get locked.
For the Steering lock to operate without the ignition key, turn the steering
wheel until it locks with an audible sound. You should always lock the steer-
ing wheel when you leave your vehicle. This will help prevent vehicle theft
⇒ 
.
Switching the ignition or the glow plug system on 1
Turn the ignition key to this position and release it. If the key cannot be
turned or it is difficult to turn from position 0 to position 1, move the
steering wheel from one side to the other until it is released. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

198Intelligent technology
The ASR automatically switches on when the engine is started. If necessary,
it may be turned on or off by briefly pushing the button on the centre con-
sole.
When the ASR is switched off, the  OFF
warning lamp will light up. The ASR
should normally be left on. Only in exceptional circumstances, when the
slipping of the wheels is required, it will be necessary to have it disconnec-
ted, for example.
● With compact temporary spare wheel.
● When using the snow chains.
● When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by rocking.
The ASR should be switched on again as soon as possible.
WARNING
● Remember that not even the ASR can defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ASR should not
encourage you to run any risks.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ASR works correctly, identical tyres should be fitted
on all four wheels. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for example, to the engine,
brake system, running gear or to the combination of wheels and tyres) may
affect the operation of the ABS and ASR. XDS*
Driveshaft differential
When taking a bend, the driveshaft differential mechanism allows the outer
wheel to turn at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the wheel
that is turning faster (outer wheel) receives less drive torque than the inner
wheel. This may mean that in certain situations the torque delivered to the
inner wheel is too high, causing the wheels to spin. On the other hand, the
outer wheel is receiving a lower drive torque than it could transmit. This
causes an overall loss of lateral grip on the front axle, resulting in under-
steer or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this effect via the sensors and sig-
nals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside wheel and counter the excess
driving torque of that wheel. This means that the driver's desired trajectory
is much more precise,
The XDS system works in combination with the ESC and is always active,
even when the ASR traction control is disconnected.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
General notes
The Electronic Stability Control increases the vehicle's stabil-
ity on the road. The Electronic Stability Control helps reduce the danger of skidding.
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) includes the ABS, EDL, ASR and Steer-
ing manoeuvre recommendation systems. 

200Intelligent 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 226. 
Drive wheel traction control system (ASR)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning when
the vehicle is accelerating ⇒ page 197. 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 258. 

258Wheels and tyres
WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle
is considerably impaired.
● The maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h (50 mph) 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.
● 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
Rim diameter in inches
Load rating code
Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
● A direction of rotation symbol
● “Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT... 1103...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels be carried out by a Technical
Service. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary spe-
cial tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of the
old tyres.
Any Technical Service has full information on the technical requirements
when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
On vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four tyres must always be fitted with
tyres of the same type, make and tread pattern, as otherwise the driveline
can be damaged by continuous differences in the wheel speeds. For the
same reason, only use a spare wheel with the same tyre dimensions as the
normal road wheels. You may also use the factory-supplied compact tempo-
rary spare wheel. 
195
65
R
15
91
T

260Wheels and tyres
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicle's han-
dling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow.
The winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar (2.9 psi / 20 kPa)
higher than the pressures specified for summer tyres (see sticker on fuel
tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's reg-
istration documentation. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in
the vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code ⇒  page 258, New tyres and wheels determines the
following speed limits for winter tyres: ⇒ 
max. 160 km/h (130 mph)
max. 180 km/h (130 mph)
max. 190 km/h (130 mph)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Technical Service. The legal requirements of
each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice. Q
S
T
H If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 258, New tyres and wheels.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Other-
wise, this could lead to tyre damage and risk of accident.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres again as soon as possible. They are quieter, do not
wear so quickly and reduce fuel consumption. 
Snow chains
Snow chains are only permitted on front wheels and only for tyres
195/65R15 and 205/55R16. These tyres may only be fitted with fine-pitch
link chains which do not protrude more than 15 mm ⇒ page 296.
Other tyres may use fine-pitch links which do not protrude more than 9 mm,
including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For
safety reasons cover caps, available in any Technical Service, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
All-wheel drive : Where snow chains are compulsory on certain roads, this
normally also applies to cars with all-wheel drive. Snow chains may only be
fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with all-wheel drive).
WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions. This will prevent the chains coming into contact
with the wheel housing. 

261
Wheels and tyres
CAUTION
Remove the snow chains to drive on roads without snow. Otherwise they
will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
Note
● In some countries, the maximum permitted speed with snow chains is
50 km/h (31 mph). The legal requirements of each country must be fol-
lowed.
● We recommend that you ask your Technical Service for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

263
If and when
How to use the temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the temporary spare wheel is only
intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The standard-
size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following restrictions when using the temporary spare
wheel. This temporary spare wheel has been specially designed for your ve-
hicle, thus, it cannot be changed with the temporary spare wheel from an-
other vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not be used on the compact tem-
porary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow chains,
fit the compact temporary spare wheel in place of one of the rear wheels.
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and
use this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
● The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possi-
ble after fitting the temporary spare wheel. The temporary spare wheel
pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18 135/90R16 is 4.2 bar
(61 psi / 420 kPa); for all other tyre dimensions please refer to the label
on the fuel cap. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph), since higher speeds can
cause an accident.
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of ac-
cident.
WARNING (Continued)
● Never use more than one temporary spare wheel at the same time,
risk of accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.

Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a temporary
spare wheel) is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment. Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System (tyre repair kit).
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing product to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit
will reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the pene-
tration of a foreign body into the tyre.
Note
● Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not possi-
ble with the sealing product. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications