Advice
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Never plug accessories that supply current,
such as solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power socket or the cigarette
lighter. This could damage the vehicle's elec-
trical system. For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead. For the sake of the environment
Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. Collect any spilt service fluids and dis-
pose of them correctly. Wheels and tyres
Wheels Introduction SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or
braked if the tyres (new or used) are worn or
damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could
make driving more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and
will not have reached their maximum braking
capacity to start with, and therefore need
running in. To prevent accidents and major
damage, extreme caution should be taken for
the first 600 km. ●
Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut,
cracked or dented) or worn tyres. Driving on
damaged or worn tyres could result in burst
tyres, serious accidents or damage. Worn or
damaged tyres must be replaced immediate-
ly.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist
systems also depends on the grip of the
tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-
hicle pulls to one side when driving, stop the
car immediately and check the tyres and
wheels for damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the
vehicle or causing a serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
● Never mount used tyres or wheels if you are
not sure of their previous history. They may
be damaged, although the damage is not im-
mediately visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been
used, may lose air or burst unexpectedly
while driving, especially at high speeds, re-
sulting in serious accident and injury. If tyres
are over six years old, they should only be
used in an emergency and with extreme cau-
tion. 158
Advice
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a
result of physical and chemical processes.
This may affect their performance. Tyres
which are stored for long periods of time
without being used, harden and become
more fragile than tyres which are in constant
use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years
old are replaced with new tyres. This also ap-
plies to tyres (including the spare wheel)
which appear to be in perfect condition on
the outside and which have a tread depth
within the values stipulated by the Law ››› .
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ( ) ››› page 167 .
St orin
g tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate
the direction of rotation (left, right, forwards,
backwards). This ensures you will be able to
mount them correctly when you replace
them. When removed, the wheels and/or
tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and pref-
erably dark location. Do not place tyres
mount
ed on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from
dirt by storing them in suitable bags and
standing them on the ground on their tread. WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result
in visible or invisible damage with the conse-
quent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into
contact with chemical products, oil, grease,
fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substan-
ces. WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used,
may lose air or burst unexpectedly while driv-
ing, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should
only be used in an emergency and with ex-
treme caution. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified
personnel according to the laws in the coun-
try concerned. Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the
rims. If different rims are fitted, the correct
wheel bolts with the right length and correct-
ly shaped bolt heads must be used. This en-
sures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly
››› page 174 . F
or t
echnical reasons, it is not generally pos-
sible to use the wheels from other vehicles.
In some cases, this may also be true for the
same model of wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are spe-
cially matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and are critical to good road holding
and safe handling.
Note for Italy:
A SEAT Service Centre should
be consulted whether different sized wheels
or tyres to those originally fitted by SEAT may
be fitted, as well as the combinations al-
lowed between the front axle (axle 1) and
back axle (axle 2).
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct
torque ››› page 174
.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various compo-
nents. These are joined together by special
bolts using a special procedure. This ensures
good performance, a better seal, improved
safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn
rims should always be replaced and must on-
ly be repaired in a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
160
Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangea-
ble trim parts which are attached to the rim
using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should
only be replaced at a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could
make driving more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved
for use with your vehicle should be used.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for damage
and replace as required. WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted
ring trims are not correctly tightened or loos-
ened, this could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel
rims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted
rims should be carried out at specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service. Replacement of wheel rims and new
tyres
New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme
caution for the first 600 km, as all tyres need
to be run-in . Tyres which have not been run-
in do not
have such good grip ››› or brak-
ing capacity ››› .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording to the type and make of tyre and the
tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both
wheels on an axle (both wheels on the front
axle or both wheels on the rear axle) ››› .
● Only replace used tyres with those author-
ised by SEAT for the corresponding type vehi-
cle. Pay special attention to size, diameter,
and maximum load and speed capacity.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT
approved tyres. If the tyres are too big, they
may knock or rub against the chassis or other
components, resulting in damage. WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will
not have reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity to start with, and therefore need run-
ning in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage,
extreme caution should be taken for the first
600 km. WARNING
There should be adequate space between the
tyres and the vehicle in accordance with the
vehicle design. If this is not the case, the
tyres may rub against parts of the running
gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment,
and the risk of burst tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be
greater than the dimensions of tyres manu-
factured and approved by SEAT and should
not rub against parts of the vehicle. Note
Although tyres may be shown as being the
same size, the true dimensions of different
types of tyre may vary with respect to the
nominal size, or tread patterns may be differ-
ent. Note
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT,
you can be sure that the true tyre dimensions » 161Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Wheels and tyres
Tyre code Fig. 119
Universal code on tyres Radial
Rim diameter code
Load index & speed rating
DOT tyre identification number
Severe snow conditions
Tyre ply composition and materials used
Max. load rating
Treadwear, traction and temperature
grades
Max. permissible inflation pressure
Passenger car tyre
Nominal width of tyre in millimetres
Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12Tyre code (example)Meaning
Make, logotypeManufacturer
Product nameName of tyre assigned by manufacturer.
P255 / 55 R 18Size:
PPassenger vehicle code.
255Nominal width between walls, in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre type (R indicates "radial").
18Rim diameter in inches»
167
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
AdviceTyre code (example)Meaning
109 HLoad index
››› page 169 and speed rating ››› page 169.
XLReinforced tyres (“Reinforced”).
M+S or M/S or Winter tyres code (mud and snow tyres).
RADIAL TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with international legislation followed by a number denoting the country granting the au-
thorisation. The authorisation number ( several digits) is shown below.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709Tyre identification number (TIN a)
, may be only on interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the legal requirements of the US Department of Transport, responsible for tyre
safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture code.
RAInformation about manufacturer and tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the Tread Wear Indicator ››› page 163.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KGUS load rating, indicating maximum permitted load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, there are 4 layers below the tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of steel reinforcement and 1
layer of nylon.
Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of the established base tyres (standardised test procedures) ››› page 134: 168
AdviceTyre sizeWheel rim
165/70 R145 J x 14 offset of 35175/65 R14
SEAT recommends you ask a technical serv-
ice for further information on wheel, tyre and
chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains meas-
uring less than 15 mm including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings be-
fore fitting snow chains
››› . The wheel bolts
should be covered with caps for safety rea-
sons. These are available from technical serv-
ices.
Temporary spare wheel
For technical reasons, snow chains must not
be used on the compact temporary spare
wheel ›››
page 165.
If it is necessary to fit chains with the tempo-
rary spare wheel in use, install the wheel on
the rear axle in the event of a fault in a front
wheel. Then, fit the rear wheel that is free, in-
stead of the damaged front wheel. In this sit-
uation, observe the rotating direction of the
wheels. SEAT recommends attaching the
snow chains before fitting the wheel. WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted
chains could lead to serious accidents and
damage.
● Always the appropriate snow chains.
● Observe the fitting instructions provided by
the snow chain manufacturer.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speeds when driving with snow chains. CAUTION
● Remove the snow chains to drive on roads
without snow. Otherwise they will impair ve-
hicle handling, damage the tyres and wear
out very quickly.
● Wheel rims may be damaged or scratched if
the chains come into direct contact with
them. SEAT recommends the use of covered
snow chains. Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes
according to the vehicle type. Emergencies
In case of emergency First aid kit, warning triangle and fire
extinguishers* Fig. 120
In the luggage compartment: stor-
age compartment for the warning triangle Warning triangle
In some vehicle equipment it is possible to
store the warning triangle model shown in a
storage compartment of the luggage com-
partment
››› Fig. 120 .
Fir s
t-aid kit
The first aid kit must comply with legal re-
quirements. Check the expiry date of the con-
tents of the first aid kit.
170
Technical featuresUrban
cycleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts with
an engine cold start. City driving is then si-
mulated at between 0 and 50 km/h (0 and
31 mph).
Road
cycle
In the road cycle simulation, the car under-
goes frequent acceleration and braking in all
gears, as in normal everyday driving. The
road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h (0
and 75 mph).
Com-
binedThe average combined consumption is calcu-
lated with a weighting of around 37 % for the
urban cycle and 63 % for the road cycle.
CO
2
emis-
sions of
the
combi-
nationThe exhaust gases are collected during both
driving cycles to calculate carbon dioxide
emissions (urban and road). The gas compo-
sition is analysed below to evaluate the CO 2
content and other emissions. Note
● The kerb weight may vary according to the
vehicle equipment. This could raise consump-
tion and the CO 2 emissions slightly.
● In practice, consumption values could be
different to the values calculated based on
the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regula-
tions. 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. The slightly raised pressures of
w
arm ty
res must not be reduced. ››› Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the
front
wheels .
C on
sult 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 140 Nm. WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per
month. Checking the tyre pressure is very im-
portant. 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 loosen while the vehi-
cle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tight-
ening torque 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. 199
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety