
Towing bracket device
Trailer weight Trailer weight
The comb
ined
vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. To do so use the maximum permit-
ted towing bracket load. An insufficient
weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the towing bracket will have a
negative impact upon the response of the ve-
hicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
objects are as near to the axle as possible.
Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer
loaded then the load distribution is incorrect.
However, if these conditions cannot be avoi-
ded, drive very slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to
“total load” ›››
page 218, Service life of
tyres.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight
under any circumstances ›››
page 223, Tech-
nical specifications .
The trailer weights listed are only applicable
for altitudes up to 1000 m above sea level.
Due to lower air density, engine power de- creases depending on the increase in alti-
tude, thi
s
also reduces climbing ability,
which requires a reduction of the weight of
the vehicle with a trailer by 10% for every
1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of
the assembly is calculated by adding the ve-
hicle weight (loaded) to the trailer weight
(loaded). Always drive with special care when
towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information
that is displayed on the towing bracket man-
ufacturers label are only values for the verifi-
cation of the device. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documen-
tation of your vehicle. WARNING
● Exc eedin
g the maximum established load
per axle and the maximum towing bracket
load in addition to the maximum permitted
load or the load of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly can cause accidents and serious inju-
ries.
● A sliding load can considerably affect the
stab
ility and safety of the vehicle + trailer as-
sembly, resulting in accidents and serious in-
juries. Driving with a trailer
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.
Observe the relevant statutory requirements
of the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the
headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. Adjust the headlight range set-
tings if necessary ›››
page 122, Headlight
range control.
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than
the maximum permitted speed indicated on
the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you
detect the slightest swaying movement of the
trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a
straight position” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an over-
run brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that
can be caused by locking of trailer wheels.
Change to a lower gear in good time before »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
descending a slope in order to take advant-
ag e of
the en
gine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle's
anti-theft alarm system:
● When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-
theft al
arm and a towing bracket.
● When the trailer is electrically connected to
the vehic
le via the towing bracket socket.
● When the vehicle electrical device and the
tow
ing bracket are operational.
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehi-
cle's
anti-theft alarm device is activated.
Once the electrical connection is interrupted
with the vehicle trailer locked, the alarm
sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm
device before connecting or disconnecting a
trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device
could cause the alarm to sound ››› page 116,
Anti-theft alarm*.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature
gauge needle moves to the right section of
the scale or to the red area, immediately re-
duce speed. If the control lamp flashes on
the general instrument panel, stop the vehi-
cle and switch off the engine. Wait several
minutes and check the coolant level in the
tank ››› page 210. Please observe the following indications
›››
page 210, Control lamp .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by
switching on the heating. WARNING
● Adjus t
your speed to suit the road and traf-
fic conditions.
● An electrical installation that is connected
incorrectly
or by non-specialised personnel
can prevent the connection of the current to
the trailer and cause faults in the operation of
the electrical system throughout the entire
vehicle, leading to accidents and serious in-
jury.
● All electrical work must be carried out only
by s
pecialised services.
● Never directly connect the trailer electrical
device t
o the electrical sockets of the reverse
driving lights or other sources of electrical
current. CAUTION
● Av oid c
orners, and sudden and sharp brak-
ing.
● Once the trailing arm has been removed,
plac
e the corresponding cover on the hole of
the fastening point. This prevents dirt from
entering the hole – see the trailer system as-
sembly manual. Note
● In the event of
frequent journeys with a
trailer, we recommend also having the vehi-
cle inspected in between the service inter-
vals.
● When connecting and disconnecting the
trail
er, the handbrake must be applied.
● For technical reasons, trailers with LED re-
verse light
s cannot be incorporated into the
vehicle anti-theft alarm system. Towing bracket device
Intr oduction If the vehicle is equipped with a towing
br
ac
k
et device from the factory or is a genu-
ine SEAT accessory, it meets all national tech-
nical and legal requirements for towing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power
socket for the electrical connection between
the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer is
equipped with a 7-pin connector, you can
use the corresponding adaptor, which is
available as a genuine SEAT accessory.
The towing device has a maximum vertical
load of 50 kg.
188

Towing bracket device
WARNING
● Bef or
e driving with the ball-headed bar fit-
ted, verify its correct assembly and place-
ment in the clamping bush.
● Do not use the ball-headed bar if it is not
correctly
placed and fixed in the clamping
bush.
● Do not use the towing device for towing if it
is d
amaged or has missing parts.
● Do not modify or adapt the towing device
connection.
● Never di
sengage the ball-headed bar with
the trail
er still hitched. CAUTION
Be careful not to damage the paint on the
bumper when h andlin
g the ball-headed bar. Description
Fig. 194
Towing bracket device support for
hit c
hin
g/ball-headed bar. The ball-headed bar is detachable. It is loca-
t
ed in the s
p
are wheel well or in the spare
wheel compartment in the boot ››› page 76,
Vehicle tool kit*.
Key to ››› Fig. 194
13-pin socket
Safety flange
1 2 Clamping bush
C
l
ampin
g bush cap
Ball head cover
Ball-headed bar
Locking balls
Centred
Red marking on the manual regulator
Manual regulator
Key
Key slot cover
Red marking on the manual regulator
White marking on the ball-headed bar Note
Contact an Authorised Service Partner if you
lose y
our key. 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
Placing in service position Fig. 195
Placing in service position. Fig. 196
Service position. Before assembling, place the ball-headed bar
in ser
v
ic
e position.
– Turn key A fully in the direction of arrow
1
› ›
› Fig. 195
.
– Hold the ball-headed bar with your left
hand.
– Pu
ll manual regulator B outward in the di-
r ection of
arr
ow 2 and turn it fully in the
dir ection of
arr
ow 3 .The manual regulator will remain in this posi-
tion.
Ser
vic
e position ››› Fig. 196
● Key C is in an open position – the key ar-
r o
w points
to the “unlocked” symbol. The key
cannot be removed from the key slot.
● The D locking balls may be fully inserted
int o the body
of
the ball-headed bar by ap-
plying some pressure.
● The red E marking on the manual regula-
t or points
t
owards the white marking on the
ball-headed bar.
● Between the manual regulator and the
body of the b
all-headed bar there is a clearly
visible space of approximately 4 mm F .
Onc e the b
al
l-headed bar has been posi-
tioned like this, it will be ready to be placed
in the clamping bush. WARNING
Do not use the ball-headed bar if it cannot be
corr ectly
placed in the service position. CAUTION
The key cannot be removed from the manual
re gu
lator key slot when it is in the service po-
sition. 190

Towing bracket device
Assembly of the ball-headed bar Fig. 197
Placing the ball-headed bar/locking
and r emo
v
ing the key. Fig. 198
Placing the key slot cover. –
Remove the cap from the clamping bush 4 ›››
Fig. 194 by p
ulling downwards.
– Place the ball-headed bar in the service po-
sition ››
› page 190.
– Hold the ball-headed bar from underneath
›››
Fig. 197 and push it into the clamping
bush as far as possible until you hear it
click into place ››› .
The m anual
r
egulator A aut
omatically turns
in the op po
site direction, adjusting to the
ball-headed bar ››› .
– Switch off the manual regulator lock with
key
B by turning the key fully to the right
in the dir ection of
arr
ow 1 – the arrow in
the k ey
di
splays the “locked” symbol.
– Remove the key in the direction of arrow
2 .
– Place cover C over the manual regulator
loc k
in the dir
ection of arrow 3
› ›
› Fig. 198 .–
Verify
the correct placement of the ball-
headed bar ››› page 192. WARNING
● Do not ho l
d the manual regulator with your
hand when fitting the ball-headed bar since
you could sustain injuries to your fingers.
● When mounting the ball-headed bar, al-
way
s lock it with a key and remove the key
from the slot.
● The ball-headed bar must not be in the
servic
e position with the key in the key slot.
● If the ball-headed bar is not placed in the
servic
e position you will not be able to place
it in the clamping bush. CAUTION
When removing the key, always place the
co v
er over the key slot of the manual regula-
tor to prevent dirt from entering. Note
Once removed, place the clamping bush cap
in an appr opri
ate location in the boot. 191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Towing bracket device
The ball-headed bar should be placed in the
ser v
ic
e position so that it is ready to be inser-
ted into the clamping bush ››› .
– Place the cover over the clamping bush 4›››
Fig. 194. WARNING
● Never leave the ball-headed bar unsecured
in the boot. It c
ould be damaged in the event
of sudden braking, putting the safety of pas-
sengers at risk!
● Never disassemble the ball-headed bar
with the trai
ler still hitched. CAUTION
● If y
ou do not turn the manual regulator
fully, it will return to its original position
when the ball-headed bar is removed. The
manual regulator will be stuck to the ball-
headed bar and you will not be able to put it
in the service position. Therefore, before you
assemble it again, you must place the ball-
headed bar in this position.
● After disassembly, place the cap on the
clampin
g bush’s orifice. This way you will
prevent dirt from entering the clamping bush. Note
● Bef or
e disassembling the ball-headed bar,
we recommend placing the cover on the ball
head. ●
Cle
an the ball-headed bar thoroughly be-
fore returning it to the on-board toolbox. Use and maintenance
Cover the clamping bush with the cap to pre-
vent
dir
t from entering.
Before hooking on the trailer, check the ball
head and, if necessary, lubricate it with ade-
quate lubricant.
Place the protective cover over the ball head
when storing the bar. This way, you will avoid
getting the boot dirty.
If it gets dirty, clean and dry the clamping
bush thoroughly with an appropriate prod-
uct. CAUTION
The top part of the clamping bush opening is
lubricat ed. B
e careful not to remove this lu-
brication. 193
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Paint damage Minor damage to the paint, such as scratches
or st
one c
hips, should be touched up without
delay using paint.
Suitable touch-up brushes or sprays for the
colour of your vehicle can be purchased from
authorised SEAT dealers. Note
We recommend you leave paint damage re-
pair s
to a SEAT Authorised Service. Plastic parts
Exterior plastic parts will come clean using a
d
amp c
loth. If
this is not sufficient, plastic
parts can also be treated with special sol-
vent-free plastic cleaning detergents .
Do not use paint cleaners, polishes or wax on
plastic parts.
Windows and mirrors Remove snow and ice from windows and rear
v
i
s
ion mirrors with a plastic scraper only. To
avoid damaging the surface of the glass, the
scraper should only be pushed in one direc-
tion and not moved to and fro. The windows should also be cleaned on the
inside at
regular intervals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the
windows and rear vision mirrors.
Do not use the chamois used to polish the
bodywork to dry the windows. Waxing and
polishing residues could cause smears on
the glass and hinder visibility. CAUTION
● Never u se hot
or boiling water to remove
snow and ice from the windows. Risk of crack-
ing glass!
● Make sure you do not damage the paint-
work on the
vehicle on removing snow and
ice from the windows and rear vision mirrors.
● Do not remove the snow or ice dirty with
thick p
articles, e.g. gravel, sand or road salt,
from windows and mirrors. Risk of damage to
the glass and mirror surfaces. Headlights
Use soap and clean, hot water to clean the
fr
ont
he
adlights. CAUTION
● Never rub the he a
dlights to dry them and
do not use sharp objects to clean the plastic
glass material. These could damage the pro- tective paint and cause the headlights to
cr
ac
k.
● Do not use aggressive cleaning products or
chemica
l solvents to clean the glass. This
could damage the headlights. Caring for rubber seals
The weatherstrips on doors and windows will
rem
ain p
liable and last longer if they are oc-
casionally treated with a suitable rubber care
product. This will prevent premature ageing
and leaks. If they are properly cared for, the
seals will be less likely to freeze up in the
winter.
Door lock cylinder Special products must be used to defrost
loc
k
cylinder
s. Note
● Mak e s
ure, when washing the vehicle, that
the least amount of water possible enters the
lock cylinders.
● We recommend the use of products from
the selection of
SEAT Original Accessories to
care for the door lock cylinder. 198

Care and maintenance
Wheels Wheel trims
If
y
ou wash the vehicle regularly, you should
also thoroughly wash the wheel trim. Regu-
larly remove any brake dust and road salt
from the wheels, otherwise the wheel materi-
al could be damaged. Repair any damage to
the wheel paintwork immediately.
Alloy wheels
After thorough washing, treat the wheels
with a protective product for alloy wheels. Do
not use abrasive products to care for the
wheels. WARNING
Moisture, ice and road salt may affect braking
efficiency . Ri
sk of accident! CAUTION
Heavy dirt on the wheels could lead to their
mis a
lignment. This could result in vibrations
being transmitted to the steering wheel that
under certain conditions may cause prema-
ture steering wear. This dirt must be re-
moved. Note
We recommend you leave paint damage re-
pair s
to a SEAT Authorised Service. Vehicle underbody protection
The underside of the vehicle is coated to per-
manently
pr
otect it from chemical and me-
chanical agents.
Given that damage to the protective coating
during driving cannot be completely ruled
out, we recommend you check the condition
of the protective coating on the underbody
and suspension at regular intervals, prefera-
bly before the start and end of the coldest
season of the year.
Authorised SEAT dealers have suitable spe-
cial products and the necessary facilities and
are aware of the techniques required for their
application. We therefore recommend all
touch-up work or additional anti-corrosion
measures be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer. WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion
co atin
gs to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-
verter, particulate filter or heat shields on the
exhaust system. Once the engine has
reached operating temperature, these sub-
stances could catch fire. Risk of fire! Cavity waxing
All cavities on the vehicle exposed to corro-
sion ar
e perm
anently factory-protected by a
wax solution .
This wax solution does not need to be
checked or touched up. Should wax run out
of the cavities at high ambient temperatures,
remove it using a plastic scraper and clean
away any stains using lighter fluid. WARNING
Note the regulations concerning safety and
env ir
onmental protection if you use lighter
fluid to remove the wax. Risk of fire! Leatherette and upholstery
Leatherette can be cleaned with a damp
c
loth. If
thi
s is not sufficient, these parts
should only be cleaned with solvent-free
plastic care and cleaning products .
Textile covers and trim parts on doors, boot
lid, etc. can be cleaned with special deter-
gents, e.g. dry foam. A soft sponge or brush
or a micro-fibre cloth for normal cleaning can
be used. Use special products to clean the
headliner. »
199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety