
Operation
deactivated when a trailer is connected. For
tow hitches not installed by SEAT, the Start-
St op f
unction must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dash panel be-
fore
driving with a trailer and it must remain
off for the entire journey ››› .
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will
endanger in their life and is against the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause
accidents and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in perfect condition
and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a re-
versing collision, injury to pedestrians and
cyclists when parking, always keep the ball
joint in when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distrib-
utes the load” or “balances the load”. Your
vehicle has not been designed for this type of
tow hitch. The tow hitch may fail and the
trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or large objects can affect vehicle handling
and even cause an accident. ●
Always secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
overturn more easily than those with a low
centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
braking.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you ob-
serve the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when towing a trailer (or 100 km/h [60 mph]
in exceptional circumstances). This also ap-
plies in countries where higher speeds are
permitted. Always take the speed limits for
vehicles with and without trailers in each
country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow
hitch that was not installed by SEAT, the
Start-Stop function must be manually deacti-
vated. Otherwise, this could cause a braking
anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop
function when a trailer is being used on a tow
hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system
before connecting or disconnecting a trailer
››› page 62. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may er-
r oneou
sly activate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for
the first 1,000 km) ››› page 189.
● At
SEAT, we recommend folding in the tow
hitch ball when a trailer is not being used. In
case of a rear collision, the damage caused to
the vehicle with the extended tow hitch ball
could be more extensive.
● In some models, a tow hitch is necessary
for towing vehicles. For this reason, you
should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all
times. Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a
factory-fitted tow-
in g br
acket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer.
Only use an approved tow hitch for the gross
trailer weight rating. The tow hitch must be
suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and
must be securely fitted to the vehicle chassis.
Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the
tow hitch manufacturer's instructions. Never
fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the
load” or “balances the load”.
180

AdviceFig. 165Operations required depending on
the engine oil level:
Area
C
It is
essential to add oil (approximately 1 li-
tre or quarter of a gallon). Ensure that the
level is around the centre of the zone B
after adding oil.Adding oil after checking the level
Only add engine oil in small quantities and in
steps:
● Unscrew the cap from engine oil filler neck
on the cylinder head ›››
Fig. 166 . If you are
not s
ure where the cap is, request help from
a specialist.
● Only refill using engine oil expressly ap-
proved by SEAT and in small quantities (not
more than 0.5 l or 1/2 a quarter of a gallon at
a time) ›››
page 218
.
● To avoid adding too much oil, each time
you add a quantity, wait until the oil has flow-
ed into the crankcase so that it can be meas-
ured with the dipstick.
● Check the oil level before adding any more
oil. Do not top up with too much engine oil
››› .
● When the oil level is at least in the
››› Fig. 165 B zone, insert the dipstick into
the tube fully to avoid engine oil escaping
when the engine is running.
● After topping up the oil, ensure that the
cap is screwed on to the filler neck correctly. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact
with hot engine components. This could lead
to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the
engine oil filler cap is correctly tightened.
This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot en-
gine parts when the engine is running. CAUTION
● If the engine oil level is above the area
››› Fig. 165 A do not start the engine. Seek
specialist assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids,
ensure that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area
››› Fig. 165 A . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape
into the atmosphere via the exhaust system. Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be differ-
ent from one engine to another and can vary
during the useful life of the engine.Depending on driving style and the condi-
tions of use, the consumption of engine oil
can reach 1 litre every 2000 km (one quarter
of a gallon every 1200 miles); for new vehi-
cles, this could be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney.
When the engine is working hard, for in-
stance, during long motorway journeys in
summer, when towing a trailer or climbing
high mountain passes, the oil level should
preferably be kept within area
››› Fig. 165 A .
Changing the engine oil The engine oil must be changed regularly ac-
cording to the specifications of the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of
used oil and the need for suitable tools and
special knowledge, always visit a specialised
workshop to have the engine oil and filter
changed. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.
Detailed information on the service intervals
is shown in the Maintenance Programme.
220

Wheels and tyres
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 174 . The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the s
ame time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed.
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 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 238 .
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 246.
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 c on
sulted 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 246
.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various compo-
nents. These are joined together by special
bolts using a special procedure. This ensures »
233
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Emergencies
Note
After use, return the jack to its initial position
using the handle in order to securely store it
in the vehicle. Components
Fig. 181
Components of the vehicle tool kit The vehicle tool kit depends on the vehicle
equipment. The following is a description for
a vehicle with all options.
The individual elements of the vehicle tool
kit
›
›› Fig. 181
Ad apter for anti-theft bolt. SEAT recom-
mend you carry the wheel bolt adapter in
the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code
number
of the anti-theft wheel bolt is
stamped on the front of the adapter. In
case it is lost, another adapter can be or-
1 dered using this number. Note the anti-
theft bolt code for the wheels and keep it
in a place other than the vehicle.
Towline anchorage, removable.
Wheel spanner.
Jack crank handle. The crank handle
needs to be folded away before returning
it to the tool kit.
Jack. Before storing the jack in the tool
kit, fold its hook.
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the
handle for screwing and unscrewing the
wheel bolts. The screwdriver bit is inter-
changeable. The screwdriver may be
found underneath the wheel spanner.
Wire hook for pulling off the wheel cover,
integral hubcaps and the wheel bolt
caps.
Note
The jack does not generally require any main-
tenance. If required, it should be greased us-
ing universal type grease. 2
3
4
5
6
7 Folding wheel chocks*
Fig. 182
To unfold the foldable wedges. The folding chocks are in the tool kit
››› Fig. 181 .
As semb
le the folding chocks
● Lift the base plate ››› Fig. 182 1 .
● Insert the two “tabs” of the mounting plate
into the long openings on the base plate 2 .
Correct use
The folding chocks may be used to block the
wheel diagonally opposite to the wheel being
changed.
The chocks should be placed directly in front
and behind the wheel and only be used on
firm ground. »
245
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Technical specifications
Towing a trailer Trailer weights Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads ap-
proved are selected in intensive trials accord-
ing to precisely defined criteria. The ap-
proved trailer weights are valid for vehicles in
the EU
for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50
mph) (in c ertain circumstances up to 100
km/h (62 mph)). The figures may be different
in other countries. All data in the official vehi-
cle documentation takes precedence over
these data at all times ››› .
Drawbar loads
The maximum
permitted drawbar load on the
b
all joint of the towing bracket must not ex-
ceed
100 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend
that you always tow approaching the maxi-
mum drawbar load. The response of the trail-
er 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 excee-
ded, 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. 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. 276

SEAT S.A. is permanently concerned about continuous development of its t\
ypes and models. For this reason we ask you to under-
stand, that at any given time, changes regarding shape, equipment and te\
chnique may take place on the car delivered. For this reason
no right at all may derive based on the data, drawings and descriptions \
in this current handbook.
All texts, illustrations and standards in this handbook are based on the\
status of information at the time of printing. Except for error
or omission, the information included in the current handbook is valid a\
s of the date of closing print.
Re-printing, copying or translating, whether total or partial is not all\
owed unless SEAT allows it in written form.
SEAT reserves all rights in accordance with the “Copyright” Act.
All rights on changes are reserved.
❀This paper has been manufactured using bleached non-chlorine cellulose.
© SEAT S.A. - Reprint: 15.11.14
About this manual
This manual contains a description of the
equipment supplied with the vehicle at the
time this manual was published. Some of the
units described herein will not be available
until a later date or are only available in cer -
tain markets.
Because this is a general manual for the
ALTEA range, some of the equipment and
functions that are described in this manual
are not included in all types or variants of the
model; they may vary or be modi ed depend -
ing on the technical requirements and on the
market; this is in no way deceptive advertis-
ing.
The illustrations are intended as a general
guide and may vary from the equipment tted
in your vehicle in some details.
The steering indications (left, right, forward,
reverse) appearing in this manual refer to the
normal driving movements of the vehicle ex -
cept when otherwise indicated.
* The equipment marked with an aster -
isk* is tted as standard only in certain
versions, and is only supplied as op -
tional extras for some versions, or are
only offered in certain countries. ®
All registered marks are indicated with
®. Although the copyright symbol does
not appear, it is a copyrighted mark.
>> The section is continued on the follow -
ing page.
WARNING
Texts preceded by this symbol contain infor -
mation on safety. They warn you about possi -
ble dangers of accident or injury.
CAUTION
Texts with this symbol draw your attention to
potential sources of damage to your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Texts preceded by this symbol contain rele-
vant information concerning environmental
protection.
Note
Texts preceded by this symbol contain additio -
nal information.
This manual is divided into ve large parts,
which are:
1. Safety
2. Operation
3. Tips
4. Technical data
5. Alphabetical index
At the end of this manual, there is a detailed
alphabetical index that will help you quickly
nd the information you require.