Wheels and tyres
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pr e
s
sure, driving style, the care they receive
and the correct fitting.
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 characteristics of the vehicle and our
critical to good road holding and safe han-
dling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obs
tacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(punct
ures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the
outside of the ty
re tread and ensure that they
have not passed through the wall of the tyre
››› page 205.
● In addition, the instructions for tyre control
syst
ems should always be observed.
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as
poss
ible ››› page 205.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible dam-
age ››
› page 205.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle ››› page 208.
● Do not allow tyres (including the spare
wheel) to come int
o contact with aggressive substances, grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid
›››
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced imme-
di at
ely
.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been designed to operate best when rotating
in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre
sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread ››› page 208. Al-
ways observe the direction of rotation indica-
ted when mounting the wheel. This guaran-
tees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direc-
tion of rotation, drive with extreme caution,
as the tyre is no longer being used correctly.
This is of particular importance when the
road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon
as possible or remount it with the correct di-
rection of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheels should be changed round from
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 173. The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed. Tyres over 6 years old
Tyr
es 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 d at
e of
manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ( ) ››› page 208.
Storing 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
mounted 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. »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
