2015 Seat Altea tyre pressure

Safe driving
Safety
Safe driving Safety first! WARNING
● This manual contains important informa-
tion about the operation of the vehicle, both
for the driver and the passengers. The other
sections of the on-board documentation also
contain further information that you should
be aware of for your own safety and for the
safety of your passengers.
● Ensure that the onboard documentation is
kept in the vehicle at all times. This is espe-
cially important when lending or selling the
vehicle to another person. Advice about driving
Before setting off For your own safety and the safety of your
passengers, always note the following points
before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn
signals are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure. –
Ensure that all windows provide a clear and
good view of the surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured
››› page 101.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere
with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vi-
sion mirrors properly according to your
size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear
seats always have the head restraints in
the in-use position ››› page 10.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head re-
straints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child
seats and properly applied seat belts
››› page 24 .
– As s
ume the correct sitting position. Instruct
your passengers also to assume a proper
sitting position. ››› page 6.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your
passengers also to fasten their seat belts
properly. ››› page 11
.
What affects driving safety? As a driver, you are responsible for yourself
and your passengers. When your concentra-
tion or driving safety is affected by any cir-cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as
others on the road
››› , for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not
get distracted by passengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is im-
paired (e.g. by medication, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate
for road, traffic and weather conditions.
– When travelling long distances, take
breaks regularly - at least every two hours.
– If possible, avoid driving when you are tired
or stressed. WARNING
When driving safety is impaired during a trip,
the risk of injury and accidents increases. Safety equipment
Never put your safety or the safety of your
passengers in danger. In the event of an acci-
dent, the safety equipment may reduce the
risk of injury. The following list includes most
of the safety equipment in your SEAT:
● Three-point seat belts
● belt tension limiters for the front and rear
side seats, »
5
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Dash panel
Operation
Dash panel Overview Overview of the dash panel Door release lever
Light switch
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lighting control for instrument and
switch lighting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . .79
Air vents
Turn signal and main beam lever
and cruise control system* . . . . . . . .77, 142
Controls on the steering wheel . . . .57
Instrument panel:
– Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
– Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . .35
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8 Horn (works only when the ignition
is on)/ Driver front airbag
. . . . . . . . .17
Windscreen wiper lever and opera-
tion of the multi-function display* .84, 52
Left seat heating button . . . . . . . . . .91
Controls for
– Heating* and ventilation . . . . . . . .107
– Climatic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
– Climatronic* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Radio/Navigator*
Right seat heating button . . . . . . . . .91
Control lamp for front passenger
airbag deactivated warning lamp . .23
Front passenger front airbag . . . . . .17
Glove compartment lever . . . . . . . . .93
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Cup holder compartment . . . . . . . . .95
Controls in the centre console: – Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
– ESC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
9 10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 –
Tyre pressure control* . . . . . . . . . . .43
– Park Pilot* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
– Cigarette lighter/Power socket . .98
– Exterior mirror adjustment . . . . . .87
– Start-Stop* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Hazard warning lights switch . . . . . .81
Pedals
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Steering column control lever* . . . .7
Handle for releasing the bonnet . . .163
Button for opening and closing the
front windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Safety switch* for the rear windows . . .72
Control* for opening and closing
the rear windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Note
Some of the items of equipment listed here
are fitted only on certain model versions or
are optional extras. 21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
31Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

OperationItemSymbolMeaning of control and warning lampsFurther information
3
Rear fog light switched on›››
page 40
4 Turn signals in operation›››
page 41
5 Engine fault (petrol engine)›››
page 41 
Glow plug system (diesel engines)›››
page 41
6 Main beam switched on›››
page 41
7 Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter›››
page 41
8 ABS system fault›››
page 41
9 Windscreen washer fluid level›››
page 42
10 Alternator fault›››
page 42
11 Fasten seat belts!›››
page 11
12 Brake pad worn›››
page 42
13 Tyre pressure›››
page 43
14 Airbag or belt tensioner system fault or airbag disabled›››
page 16 ››› page 19
15 Bulb defective›››
page 44
16 Brake fluid required or
brake system fault›››
page 44
17 
Red:
Engine oil pressure
›››
page 44Yellow:
If flashing: engine oil sensor faulty
If it remains lit: insufficient engine oil
18 Handbrake on›››
page 123 36

Dash panel
Tyre pressure  Fig. 32
Centre console: tyre monitoring sys-
tem button. The tyre pressure monitoring system controls
tyre speed and the frequency spectrum of
each tyre.
The tyre monitoring lamp
1)
compares wheel
revolutions and with it, using the ESC, the
wheel diameter of each wheel. If the diame-
ter 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 steep slopes).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
Tyre pressure adjustment
Following the modification to tyre pressure or
after changing one or more wheels, the but-
ton ››› Fig. 32 must be pressed down while
the ignition i s
on until an audible warning is
heard and the warning lamp goes out.
If the wheels are under excessive load (for ex-
ample, driving with a trailer or heavy load),
tyre pressure must be increased to the rec-
ommended value for a full load (see the
sticker on the inside of the fuel flap). If the
tyre monitor system button is pressed down,
the new tyre pressures are confirmed.
The tyre pressure control lamp  lights up
If the tyre pressure of one or more wheels is
much lower than the value set by the driver,
the tyre control warning lamp lights up ››› .The tyre pressure control lamp
 flashes
If the ty

re pressure control lamp flashes, this
indicates a fault. Go to the nearest special-
ised workshop. WARNING
● When the tyre pressure monitoring lamp
lights up, reduce speed immediately and
avoid any sudden manoeuvre or braking.
Stop when possible, and check the tyre pres-
sure and status.
● The driver is responsible for maintaining
correct tyre pressures. For this reason, tyre
pressure must be regularly checked.
● Under certain circumstances (e.g. when
driving in a sporty manner, in winter condi-
tions or on a dirt track) the tyre monitoring
lamp may light up or function incorrectly. Note
If the battery is disconnected, the yellow
warning lamp  lights up after turning the
ignition on.

This should turn off after a brief
journey. 1)
Depending on the model version
43
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driving
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged , for example, if you see a red light
ahe a
d. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up
quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ››› page 47.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in- crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of
improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the en

gine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres. This is why we recommend avoid-
ing short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi / 100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not u

se winter tyres
all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight
will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of convenience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) »
133
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not
informed 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 accel-
erator 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 in-
to taking any risks when driving, this can
cause accidents. CAUTION
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the en-
gine, the brake system, running gear or any
components affecting the wheels and tyres)
could affect the efficiency of the EDL
››› page 147. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
The function (Hydraulic Brake Assist HBA) is
only included in vehicles with ESC.
In an emergency, most drivers brake in time,
but not with maximum force. This results in
unnecessarily long braking distances. This is when the brake assist system comes
into action. When pressing the brake pedal
rapidly, the assistant interprets it as an emer-
gency. It very quickly builds up the full brake
pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing
braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake ped-
al, since the brake assist system switches off
automatically as soon as you release the
brake.
Emergency braking warning
If the vehicle is braked suddenly and continu-
ously at a speed of more than 80 km/h, the
brake light flashes several times per second
to warn vehicles driving behind. If you contin-
ue braking, the hazard warning lights will
come on automatically when the vehicle
comes to a standstill. They switch off auto-
matically when the vehicle starts to move
again.
WARNING
● The risk of accident is higher if you drive
too fast, if you do not keep your distance from
the vehicle in front, and when the road sur-
face is slippery or wet. The increased acci-
dent risk cannot be reduced by the brake as-
sist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the
laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with the brake assist system! Therefore, it is essential that you adjust your
speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake (ABS) system prevents
the wheels from locking during braking and
is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels turns too slowly in rela-
tion to the vehicle's speed, and is close to
locking, the system will reduce the braking
pressure to this wheel. The driver is made
aware of this control process by a
pulsating
of the brake pedal and audible noise. This is
a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the
ABS control function has intervened. In this
situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regu-
late the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface,
the best possible control is retained as the
wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee
shorter braking distances in all conditions.
Br ak
ing distance could even be further if you
136

Towing bracket device
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure 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 additional 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. Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing 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 spheri-
cal head on the trailer hook may be stored in
the tool box.
The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tions on fitting and removing the ball cou-
pling 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 vehi-
cle and causing 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 ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution.Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced 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 es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of
snak-
ing . Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
c r
easing 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 trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving in a low gear and high
engine speed, always monitor the coolant
temperature gauge ››› page 31.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer
in case of skidding or rocking.
145
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
●
Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
when washing the vehicle with a hose, do not
direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors, rear lid, or sunroof.
Risk of freezing. For the sake of the environment
To protect the environment, the vehicle
should be washed only in specially provided
wash bays, to prevent toxic, oil-laden waste
water from entering the sewer system. In
some places, washing vehicles outside wash
bays is prohibited. Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Washing the vehicle with a high
pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high
pressure cleaner!
– Always observe the instructions for the
high-pressure cleaner, particularly those
concerning the pressure and the spraying
di s
tance.
– Increase the spraying distance for soft ma-
terials and painted bumpers. –
Do not use a high pressure cleaner to re-
move ice or snow from windows
››› page 151.
– Never u

se concentrated jet nozzles (“rotat-
ing jets”) ››› .
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp
braking. “Dry” the brakes by braking sever-
al times ››› page 123 . WARNING
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet
(“rotating nozzle”). Even at large spraying
distances and short cleaning times, damage
can occur to the tyres. This may cause an ac-
cident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduce braking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
● Do not use water hotter than +60 °C
(+140 °F). This could damage the vehicle.
● To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a suf-
ficient distance from sensitive materials such
as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing ma-
terial, etc. This also applies to bumpers pain-
ted in the colour of the bodywork. The closer
the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the
wear on the material. Vehicle paint maintenance
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.
You need to apply wax to your vehicle if water
does not form small drops and run off the
paintwork when it is
clean.
Good quality har

d wax products are available
at your Technical Service.
Regular wax applications help to protects the
paintwork from environmental contaminants.
››› page 148. It also protects against minor
sc

ratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the
vehicle washing tunnel, it is advisable to pro-
tect the paint with a hard wax coating at least
twice a year.
Polishing the paintwork Polishing is only necessary if the paint has
lost its shine, and the gloss cannot be
brought back by applying wax. Polishing
products can be purchased in your Technical
Service.
The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if
the polish used does not contain wax com-
pounds to seal the paint
›››
page 150, Vehicle
paint maintenance .
150