Advice
●
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with in-
sufficient pressure flexes more. In this way it
becomes too hot, and this can cause tread
separation and tyre blow-out. Always observe
the recommended tyre pressures.
● If the tyre pressure is too low or too high,
the tyres will wear prematurely and the vehi-
cle will not handle well. Risk of accident! For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-
sumption. Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure monitoring system con-
stantly checks the pressure of the tyres.
The system uses the speed sensors of the
ABS wheels. It operates by analysing the
speed and frequency spectrum of each
wheel.
For optimum performance, use genuine SEAT
tyres. In addition, check and adjust tyre pres-
sures regularly.
Whenever the tyre pressure is are changed or
one or more tyres are changed, the system
should be reset by pressing the SET button
on the centre console.
The system warns the driver in the event of a
loss of pressure by means of symbols and messages in the instrument panel display.
The system operates via the ESC
››› page 134.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre
temperature. Said pressure increases around
0.1 bar (2.9 psi/10 kPa) for each +10 °C
(+50 °F) in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven
and the tyre pressure will rise accordingly.
Therefore, you should only adjust the tyre
pressure when they are cold (i.e. approxi-
mately at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring
system works reliably, you should check and,
if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at reg-
ular intervals and store the correct pressures
(reference values) in the system.
A tyre pressure information label is attached
to the inside of the fuel tank flap. WARNING
● Never adjust tyre pressure when the tyres
are hot. This may damage or even burst the
tyres. Risk of accident!
● An insufficiently inflated tyre flexes a lot
more at high speeds and causes significant
heating of the tyre. Under these conditions,
the tyre bead may be released or the tyre may
burst. Risk of accident! For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
consumption and tyre wear. Significant tyre pressure loss
The tyre symbol
is displayed and indicates
th at
the tyre pressure of at least one tyre is
insufficient.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Change the wheel if necessary.
176
Wheels
Tyre useful life Fig. 152
Tyre tread wear indicators. Fig. 153
Diagram for changing wheels The useful life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pressure, driving style and fitting.
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
››› Fig. 152 , running across the tread. De- pendin
g on the m ake, there will be 6 to 8 of
them evenly spaced around the tyre. Mark-
ings on the tyre sidewall (for instance the let-
ters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the po-
sitions of the tread wear indicators. The mini-
mum tread depth required by law is 1.6 mm
(measured in the tread grooves next to the
tread wear indicators). Worn tyres must be re-
placed. Different figures may apply in export
countries ››› .
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature
wear and could cause tyre blow-out. For this
reason, the tyre pressure should be checked
at least once per month ››› page 175.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard
braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more
than the rear ones it is advisable to change
them around as shown ››› Fig. 153 . The use-
f u
l life of all the tyres will then be about the
same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced.
However, various factors encountered in nor-
mal driving can cause them to become unbal-
anced, which results in steering vibration. Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as
they otherwise cause excessive wear on
steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive
tyre wear, impairing the safety of the vehicle.
If tyres show excessive wear, you should
have the wheel alignment checked by a Tech-
nical Service.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre
bursts during driving!
● The tyres must be replaced at the latest
when the tread wear indicators are worn
››› page 177. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. Worn tyres do not
grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There
is also a greater risk of “aquaplaning”.
● At continuously high speeds, a tyre with in-
sufficient pressure flexes more. This causes it
to overheat. This can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Risk of accident. Always
observe the recommended tyre pressures.
● If tyres show excessive wear, you should
have the running gear checked by a Technical
Service.
● Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake
fluid away from tyres.
● Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-
placed immediately! » 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-
sumption. Run-flat tyres
Run-flat tyres allow you to continue driving
even with a punctured tyre, in the majority of
cases.
In vehicles that are factory-fitted with run-flat
tyres
1)
the loss of tyre pressure is indicated
on the instrument panel.
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency
running)
– Leave the ESC/ASR on (Electronic Stability
Control), or switch it on ›››
page 137.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly
(80 km/h [50 mph] maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (e.g. kerbs) or
potholes.
– Pay attention if the ESC/ASR activates of-
ten, if smoke comes from the tyres or there
is a smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrates or
there are clattering noises. If any of these
occur, stop the vehicle. The run-flat tyres have a tag on the side of
the tyre, with the description: “DSST”, “Eufo-
nia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The sides of this type of tyre are reinforced.
When the tyres lose air they are supported on
the sides (emergency driving).
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on
the instrument panel. You can then drive a
maximum of 80 km (50 miles) and if the cir-
cumstances are favourable (e.g. low load),
even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as
soon as possible. The rim should be checked
in a specialised workshop to detect possible
damage and replace it if necessary. We rec-
ommend you contact your technical service.
If more than one tyre is being used under
emergency conditions, this reduces the dis-
tance that can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on
the instrument panel, this means that at least
one tyre is being driven in emergency condi-
tions
››› .
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
● smoke is coming from one of the tyres, ●
there is a smell of rubber,
● the vehicle vibrates,
● there is a rattling noise.
When is it no longer possible to continue
driving even using run-flat tyres?
● If one of the tyres has been severely dam-
aged in an accident, etc. If a tyre has been
badly damaged there is a risk that parts of
the tread can be thrown off and cause dam-
age to the fuel lines, brake pipes or fuel filler.
● It is also advisable to stop driving if severe
vibrations occur, or if the wheel starts over-
heating and gives off smoke. 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 con-
ditions. Please observe related legal require-
ments.
● Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres,
and brake earlier than usual.
● Avoid driving over obstacles (e.g. kerbs) or
potholes.
● If one or more tyres are being driven in
emergency conditions, the driving quality of 1)
Depending upon version and country.
178
Advice
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to
the laws in the country concerned. Note
● For technical reasons, it is not generally
possible to use the wheels from other vehi-
cles. This can also apply to wheels of the
same model. The use of wheels or tyres
which have not been approved by SEAT for
use with your model may invalidate the vehi-
cle's type approval for use on public roads.
● If the spare tyre is not the same as the
tyres that are mounted on the vehicle (e.g.
winter tyres) you should only use the spare
tyre for a short period of time and drive with
extra care. Refit the normal road wheel as
soon as possible. Wheel bolts
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the
rims. If different wheel rims are fitted, the
correct wheel bolts with the right length and
correctly shaped bolt heads must be used.
This ensures that wheels are fitted securely
and that the brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you should not use
wheel bolts from a different vehicle, even if it
is the same model
›››
page 147. 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
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly,
the wheel could become loose while driving.
Risk of accident.
● The wheel bolts must be clean and turn
easily. Never apply grease or oil to them.
● Use only wheel bolts which belong to the
wheel.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
is too low, they could loosen whilst 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. CAUTION
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel
bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm. Winter service
Winter tyres In winter conditions winter tyres will consid-
erably improve the vehicle's handling. Sum-mer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) provide less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a
pressure of
0.2 bar (2.9 psi/20 kPa) higher than the pres-
sures 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 registration
documentation. Use only radial winter tyres.
All tyre sizes listed in the vehicle documenta-
tion 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 179, New
tyres and wheels determines the following
speed limits for winter tyres:
›
› › max. 160 km/h
max. 180 km/h
max. 190 km/h
max. 210 km/h
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 unnecessa-
rily long periods. Vehicles with summer tyres Q
S
T
H
180
Emergencies
handle better when the roads are free of
snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the
notes on the spare wheel ››› page 179, New
tyres and wheels .WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must
not be exceeded. Otherwise, this could lead
to damage and risk of accident. For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres again as soon as possi-
ble. 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 pro-
trude more than 15 mm
›››
page 210.
Other tyres may use fine-pitch links which do
not protrude more than 9 mm, including ten-
sion device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings be-
fore fitting snow chains. For safety reasons,
cover caps, available at any technical service,
must then be fitted over the wheel bolts. All-wheel drive
: where snow chains are com-
pulsory, this normally also applies to all-
wheel drive vehicles. Snow chains may only
be fitted to the front
wheels (also on vehicles
w
ith all-wheel drive). WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in
accordance with the manufacturer's instruc-
tions. This will prevent the chains coming in-
to contact with the wheel housing. 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 followed.
● We recommend that you ask your technical
service for information about appropriate
wheel, tyre and snow chain size. Emergencies
Vehicle tools, spare wheel Vehicle Tools The vehicle tools are located under the floor
panel in the luggage compartment.
– Lift the cover of the luggage compartment,
by pulling it up with a finger in the fitting.
– Take the vehicle tools out of the vehicle.
The vehicle tool kit includes:
● Jack.*
● Hook for removing wheel covers* or wheel
trims*
● Box spanner for wheel bolts.*
● Towing ring.
● Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only provided in
certain model versions, or are optional ex-
tras. WARNING
● The factory-supplied jack is only designed
for changing wheels on this model. On no ac-
count attempt to use it for lifting heavier ve-
hicles or other loads. Risk of injury.
● Use the jack only on a firm, level ground.
» 181
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Advice
●
Never start the engine when the vehicle is
on the jack. Risk of accident.
● If work is to be carried out underneath the
vehicle, this must be secured by suitable
stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury. Note
The jack does not generally require any main-
tenance. If required, it should be greased us-
ing universal-type grease. Compact spare wheel* (temporary
spare wheel)
Fig. 154
Luggage compartment. Accessing
the spare wheel. The compact spare wheel (temporary spare
wheel for vehicles without the anti-puncture
kit) should only be used when strictly neces-
sary. The temporary spare wheel is stored under
the floor panel in the luggage compartment
and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the
compact temporary spare wheel is only inten-
ded 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 tem-
porary spare wheel has been specially de-
signed for your vehicle, thus, it cannot be re-
placed by a temporary spare wheel from an-
other vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or win-
ter tyre) may be fitted on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel rim.
Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must
not
be used on the compact temporary spare
wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front
wheels when using snow chains, fit the com-
p act
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 possible after fitting the
temporary spare wheel. The pressure of the
spare wheel sized 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 should be 4.2 bar
(61 psi/420 kPa). For other sizes, check the
label on the fuel cap. Failure to follow this in-
struction 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 accident.
● 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. Wheel change
Preparation work –
If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the
vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic
as possible. Choose a location that is as
level as possible.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the ve-
hicle. They should wait in a safe area (for
instance behind the roadside crash barri-
er).
182
Emergencies
after the battery has thawed, battery acid
could leak and cause chemical burns. If a bat-
tery freezes, it should be replaced.
●
Keep sparks, flames and lighted cigarettes
away from batteries, danger of explosion.
Failure to comply could result in an explo-
sion.
● Observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the jump leads.
● Do not connect the negative cable from the
other vehicle directly to the negative terminal
of the flat battery. The gas emitted from the
battery could be ignited by sparks. Danger of
explosion.
● Do not attach the negative cable from the
other vehicle to parts of the fuel system or to
the brake line.
● The non-insulated parts of the battery
clamps must not be allowed to touch. The
jump lead attached to the positive battery
terminal must not touch metal parts of the ve-
hicle, this can cause a short circuit.
● Position the leads in such a way that they
cannot come into contact with any moving
parts in the engine compartment.
● Do not lean on the batteries. This could re-
sult in chemical burns. Note
The vehicles must not touch each other, oth-
erwise electricity could flow as soon as the
positive terminals are connected. Towing and tow-starting
Tow-starting We recommend that you do
not tow-start your
v ehic
le. Jump-starting is preferable
››› page 189.
How
ever, if your vehicle has to be tow-
started:
– Engage 2 nd
or 3 rd
gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are moving, release the
clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the
clutch and move the gear lever into neutral.
This helps to prevent driving into the tow-
ing vehicle. WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when tow-start-
ing. The vehicle being towed can easily col-
lide with the towing vehicle. CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the cata-
lytic converter and damage it. General notes
Please observe the following points if you
use a tow rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow rope is
taut. Then accelerate gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you
are driving an automatic vehicle, accelerate
gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power
steering are not working in the vehicle you
are towing. Brake sooner than normal and
pressing the pedal gently.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow rope remains taut at all
times when towing.
Tow rope or tow bar
It is easier and safer for the vehicle to be tow-
ed using a tow bar. You should only use a
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to re-
duce the loading on both vehicles. It is advis-
able to use a tow rope made of synthetic fi-
bre or similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the
towline anchorages provided or a towing
bracket. »
191Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
Emergencies
If the windscreen wipers scratch , they should
be replaced if they are damaged, or cleaned
if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results,
the setting angle of the windscreen wiper
arms might be incorrect. They should be
checked by a specialised workshop and cor-
rected if necessary. WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility
through all windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all
windows regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once
or twice a year. CAUTION
● Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could
scratch the windscreen.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint
thinner or similar products to clean the win-
dows. This could damage the windscreen
wiper blades.
● Never move the windscreen wiper or wind-
screen wiper arm manually. This could cause
damage.
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the
windscreen wiper arms, the latter should only
be lifted off the windscreen when in service
position. Note
● The windscreen wiper arms can be moved
to the service position only when the bonnet
is properly closed. Changing the rear wiper blade
3 Applies to the model: ALTEA
Fig. 171
Changing the rear window wiper
blade. Perfect rear wiper blade condition is essential
for clear rear vision. Damaged wiper blades
should be replaced immediately.
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass
– Slide the blade adapter in the direction of
the arrow and remove the blade ››› Fig. 171
A . Fittin
g the w iper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wip-
er arm.
– Place the blade as shown in ››› Fig. 171
B
and slide the adapter along until it engag-
es.
Check the condition of the wiper blade regu-
larly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, it should be
replaced if damaged, or cleaned if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a specialised
workshop. WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility
through all windows!
● Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all
windows regularly.
● The wiper blades should be changed once
or twice a year. CAUTION
● A damaged or dirty window wiper could
scratch the rear window.
● Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint
thinner or similar products to clean the win-
dow as they may damage the blades.
● Never move the windscreen wiper by hand.
This could cause damage. 195
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety