Seat Altea 2007 Owner's Manual
Page 201 of 302
Cleaning and caring for your vehicle199
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Caution
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Cleaning wooden trim*– Clean the wooden trim with a clean cloth moistened with water.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a  gentle soap 
solution.
CautionCleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Cleaning cloth seat covers and fabric trimCloth seat covers and fabric trim on the doors, headlining etc. can be cleaned 
with a special interior cleanser or with dry foam and a soft brush.Cleaning leather*Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the  leather surfaces. Cleaning stubborn stains
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap solution 
(pure liquid soap; two tablespoons  diluted in one litre of water) 
and a cloth.
– Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the  seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Leather care
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a year) with  a special leather-care product, which is available from your 
Authorised Service Centre.
– Apply these products very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
SEAT does everything possible to preserve the special qualities of leather, as 
a natural product. Because of the natural properties of the specially selected 
hides employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and 
dirt, etc. so a degree of care is required in everyday use and when looking 
after the leather.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can scratch and damage the surface. If 
the vehicle is left standing in the sun  for long periods, the leather should be 
protected against direct su nlight to prevent it from fading. However, slight 
colour variations in high-quality natural leather are normal.
Caution
•
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe  cream, spot removers or similar 
products on leather.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
200•
To avoid damage, stubborn stains  should be removed by a qualified 
workshop.
Cleaning seat belts
A dirty belt may stop the seat belt working properly.Keep the seat belts clean and check all seat belts regularly.
Cleaning seat belts
– Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.
– Clean the dirty seat belts with a  gentle soap solution.
– Allow the seat belt fabric to dry.
– Do not roll up the seat belt until it is dry.If large stains form on the belts the belt will not retract correctly into the auto-
matic belt retractor.
WARNING
•
Do not use chemical cleaning agents  on the seat belts, as this can 
impair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into 
contact with corrosive fluids.
•
Check the condition of all seat belts  at regular intervals. If you notice 
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the 
belts is damaged, the belt must be  replaced by a specialist workshop.
•
Do not attempt to repair a damaged se at belt yourself. The seat belts 
must not be removed or modified in any way.
Caution
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dr y completely before rolling them up. 
Otherwise the belt retractors could become damaged.
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Page 203 of 302
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Accessories, parts replacement and modificationsAccessories and partsAlways consult an Authorised Service Centre before 
purchasing accessories and parts.Your vehicle is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive safety.
Before purchasing accessories and parts, and before making technical 
changes to your car, we recommend that you consult your Authorised Service 
Centre.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide you with the latest information 
about the use, legal requirements and recommendations from the manufac-
turer regarding accessories and parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved Accessories
® and SEAT 
Approved Spare Parts
® . This way, SEAT can guarantee that the product in 
question is suitable, reliable and safe. Authorised Service Centres have the 
necessary experience and facilities to ensure that parts are installed correctly 
and professionally.
Despite continuous observation of the market, SEAT is not able to assess the 
reliability, safety and suitability of parts  not approved by SEAT. For this reason 
SEAT cannot assume responsibility for any non-genuine parts used, even if 
these parts have been approved by an official testing agency or are covered 
by an official approval certificate.
Any  equipment subsequently installed  which has a direct effect on the 
vehicle and/or the way it is driven (e.g.  cruise control system or electronically-
controlled suspension) must be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and 
bear the  e mark (the European Union's authorisation symbol).
If any additional electrical components  are fitted which do not serve to 
control the vehicle itself (for instance a refrigerator box, laptop or ventilator  fan, etc.), these must bear the 
CE mark (European Union manufacturer 
conformity declaration).
WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders or drink holders, should never 
be fitted on the covers of, or within the working range of, the airbags. If 
they are, there is a danger of resulting injury if the airbag is triggered in an 
accident.ModificationsModifications must always be carried out according to our 
specifications.Unauthorised modifications to the electr onic components or software in the 
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components 
are linked together in networks, other systems may be affected by the faults. 
This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of components, and 
also invalidate your vehicle registration documents.
SEAT Authorised Service Centres cannot be held liable for any damage 
caused by modifications and/or work performed incorrectly.
For this reason, we recommend that all work should be performed by an 
Authorised Service Centre using  genuine and SEAT
® approved parts and 
accessories .
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Page 204 of 302
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
202
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle can lead 
to malfunctions and cause accidents.Roof aerial*The vehicle may be fitted with a collapsible roof aerial* with antitheft 
system*, which can be folded backwards, when, for example, going through 
an automatic carwash.
To fold
Unscrew the aerial rod, tilting it backwards into a horizontal position and then 
screw in again.
To return to working position
Continue in the reverse order to that given in the previous instruction.Mobile telephones and two-way radiosYou will require an external aerial for mobile phones and two-
way radios.SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with mobile telephones and two-way 
radios providing the following conditions are observed:•
The correct installation of an external aerial,
•
transmitting power of maximum 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range. First consult your Authorised Service Centre if you wish to use a mobile tele-
phone or a two-way radio with a transmitting power in excess of 10 watts. 
Here you will receive information conce
rning the technical possibilities for 
retrofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios  should be fitted only by a qualified 
workshop, for example an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•
Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while 
driving you could have an accident.
•
Never attach the telephone mounti ngs to the surfaces covering the 
airbag units or within the range of the ai rbags, danger of injury if the airbag 
is triggered.
•
If you use mobile telephones or two-way radios in the vehicle without 
an external aerial, electromagnetic ra diation in the vehicle could exceed 
authorised limits. This also applies to external aerials that have not been 
correctly installed.Caution
Failure to observe the above conditio ns could cause the electronics to 
malfunction. The most common causes of faults are:•
no external aerial,
•
external aerial incorrectly installed,
•
transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way 
radio.
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Page 205 of 302
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications203
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Fitting a towing bracket*It is possible to fit a towing bracket to the rear of the vehicle.
Fig. 156  Attachment 
points for towing bracket
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Page 206 of 302
Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
204If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be 
completed according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket   are underneath the vehicle.
The distance between the centre of the ball coupling and the ground should 
never be lower than the  measurement indicated when the vehicle is fully 
loaded including the maximum resting weight.
Measurement for securing the towing bracket:
65 mm (minimum)
350 mm to 420 mm (fully laden vehicle)
357 mm
569 mm
875 mm
1040 mm
Fitting a towing bracket•
Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore, 
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre 
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•
Observe the legal requirements in your country (e.g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate warning lamp).
•
Certain vehicle components, e.g. the  rear bumper must be removed and 
reinstalled. The towing bracket securin g bolts must be tightened using a 
torque wrench, and an electrical sock et must be used to connect to the 
vehicle's electrical system. This requ ires specialist knowledge and tools.
•
The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points 
that must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
Towing brackets should be fitted by specialists.
•
If the towing bracket is incorrectly installed, there is serious danger of 
an accident.
•
For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the 
manufacturer of the towing bracket.Caution
•
If the electrical socket is incorrectly installed, this could cause damage to 
the vehicle's electrical system.Note
For the sports model (FR), fitting of a  trailer bracket is not recommended due 
to the design of the bumpers.
AA
ABACADAEAFAG
WARNING (continued)
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Page 207 of 302
Checking and refilling levels205
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Checking and refilling levelsRefuellingThe tank flap is released manually. The tank holds approxi-
mately 55 litres.Unscrewing the tank cap
– Lift the lid.
– Grip the cap and then insert the key into the lock and rotate 180° 
to the left.
– Unscrew the cap, turning it anti-clockwise.
Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap to the right, until the point of feeling a “click”. – Turn the key in the lock, without releasing the cap in the clock-
wise direction 180°.
– Remove the key and close the flap until it clicks into place. The  tank cap is secured with an anti-loss attachment
The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as 
soon as the tank is “full”. Never attempt to fill beyond this point, as this will 
fill the expansion chamber. Fuel may le ak out if ambient conditions are warm.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of the 
fuel tank flap, where further notes on fuel can be found.
WARNING
•
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause serious burns and other inju-
ries.
−Never smoke or use any naked flame  when filling the fuel tank of the 
vehicle, or a spare fuel canister, with  fuel. This is an explosion hazard.
− Follow legal requirements for the use of spare fuel canisters.
− For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel 
canister in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident 
and leak.
•
If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canister, 
please observe the following points:
−Never fill the spare fuel canister inside the vehicle or on it. An elec-
trostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel fumes to 
ignite. This may be fatally explosive. Always place the canister on the 
ground to fill it.
Fig. 157  Tank flap open
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Checking and refilling levels
206
− Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as 
possible.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must be 
in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electro-
static charge building up.
− Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel 
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.Caution
•
Fuel spills should be removed  from the paintwork immediately.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. An  irregular fuel supply could cause 
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and 
cause damage.For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched off; 
this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.PetrolPetrol types
The correct petrol types are listed on a sticker inside the fuel 
tank flap.Only  unleaded petrol, corresponding to the standard DIN EN 228 , may be 
used for vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Norm”). Petrol types are categorised according to their 
octane number, e. g. 91, 95, 
98 RON (RON = “research octane number”). You may use petrol with a higher 
octane number than the one recommended for your engine. However, this 
has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
Caution
•
Even one tankfull of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency 
of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using 
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would  seriously impair the efficiency of the 
catalytic converter.Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences  running behaviour, performance and 
service life of the engine. For this reason you should use good quality petrol 
containing additives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the 
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur, 
the required additives must  be added during refuelling.
WARNING (continued)
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Page 209 of 302
Checking and refilling levels207
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must correspond to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European standard”). It 
must have a cetane number (CN) of at  least 51. The cetane number indicates 
the ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on filling with fuel  ⇒page 205.RME fuel*
Only those vehicles fitted with special equipment (number PR 
2G0 for biodiesel use) may use biodiesel corresponding to 
the standard DIN EN 14214.The biodiesel fuel must comply wit h the DIN EN 14.214 (FAME) Standard.•
Biodiesel is a methylester obtained from rapeseed oil.
•
DIN is a German abbreviation for “Deutsches  Institut für  Normung e.V.”, 
the German standards institute.
•
EN means  European  Norm.
•
FAME is the English abbreviation “ Fatty  Acid  Methyl  Ester”
If the date sticker of the vehicle includes the number PR 2G0 optional equip-
ment) this means that the vehicle has been prepared for biodiesel use.
Your Authorised Service Centre or au tomobile association will be able to 
advise on where you can obtain RME biodiesel fuel.
Your Authorised Service Centre can also be consulted to know if the vehicle 
has been prepared for biodiesel use. Things to note about RME fuel (biodiesel)
•
The performance of a vehicle using biodiesel maybe somewhat reduced.
•
Fuel consumption of a vehicle using biodiesel may be slightly higher.
•
RME fuel can be used in winter at 
temperatures down to approx. -10°C.
•
At outside temperatures below -10°C, we recommend using winter diesel 
fuel.Caution
•
RME fuel can damage the fuel system in vehicles that are not suitably 
adjusted.
•
If you decide to use biodiesel in your vehicle, please use only RME fuel 
which is DIN E 14,214 compliant.
•
If you use biodiesel that does not me et the required standard, the fuel 
filter could become clogged.Note
•
In case of low exterior temperatures and a biodiesel fuel percentage of 
higher than 50%, an increase in gas emission may occur during operation of 
the independent heating.
•
The fuel filter may become clogged when fuel is changed to biodiesel. For 
this reason, we recommend that, about every 300 or 400 km, following a fuel 
change, also change the fuel filter. Also. note the instructions in the inspec-
tion and maintenance plan.
•
If the vehicle is to remain parked for more than about two weeks, we 
recommend filling the fuel tank with  biodiesel and driving about 50 km in 
order to avoid damage to the injection system.
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Page 210 of 302
Checking and refilling levels
208Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at 
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel  thickens due to wax separation. For 
this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in some countries during 
the cold months. It can be used  at temperatures as low as -22°C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel sold generally 
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service 
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel 
fuels available.
Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater, making it well equipped for 
operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains operational to 
approx. -24°C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start 
at temperatures of under -24°C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for 
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (“thinners”, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Working in the engine compartmentSafety instructions on working in the engine compartment
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the 
engine must be carried out cautiously.Before starting any work on the engine or in the engine compart-
ment:
1.  Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
2. Apply the handbrake.
3.  Move the gear stick to neutral or the selector lever to position P.
4.  Wait for the engine to cool down.
5.  Keep children away from the vehicle.
6. Raise the bonnet  ⇒page 210.You should not do any work in the engine compartment unless you know 
exactly how to carry out the jobs and have the correct tools! Have the work 
carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain.
All service fluids and consumables, e.g.  coolant, engine oil, spark plugs and 
batteries, are being constantly developed . SEAT provides a constant flow of 
information to the Authorised Service  Centres concerning modifications. For 
this reason we recommend that you have service fluids and consumables 
replaced by an Authorised Service Centre. Please observe the relevant 
instructions  ⇒page 201. The engine compartmen t of any motor vehicle is a 
hazardous area  ⇒.
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