Seat Altea 2008 Owner's Manual

Wheels and tyres229
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel rims.New tyres
New tyres have to be run in ⇒page 186.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.
•
Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required ty re inflation pressure from the sticker. The
values refer to Summer tyres. For Winter tyres, you must add 0.2
bar to the values given on the sticker.
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Wheels and tyres
230
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be
reduced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a
journey.
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. The slightly raised
pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced . ⇒
WARNING
•
Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Correct tyre pressure
is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, there is an
increased danger of accidents - particularly at high speeds.
•
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation
and tyre blow-out. Always observ e the recommended tyre pressures.
•
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not h andle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
Tyre pressure monitoring
The tyre pressure monitoring system constantly checks the
pressure of the tyres.The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument cluster display. The system uses
ESP ⇒page 181.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure
increases about 0.1 bar for each 10°C in tyre temperature increase. The tyre
heats up while the vehicle is being driven and the tyre pressure will rise
accordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximat ely at ambient temperature).
To ensure that the tyre pressure monitoring system works reliably, you should
check and, if necessary, adjust the tyre pressures at regular 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 ty re. 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.
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Wheels and tyres231
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Significant tyre pressure lossThe tyre symbol
 is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure for a least
one tyre is insufficient.
- Stop the vehicle.
- Switch the engine off.
- Check the tyre(s).
- Change the wheel if necessary.
Tyre service life
The service 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. 171 , running across the tread. Depending on the make, there will be
six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre side-
wall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators . The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators).
Worn tyres must be replaced. 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 229.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Fig. 171 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 172 Changing
wheels
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Wheels and tyres
232Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to change them around as shown ⇒page 231, fig. 172. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyre s. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessiv e tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
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 is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so 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 insufficient 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 pres-
sures.
•
If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•
Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.Puncture proof tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles that are factory-fitted with puncture proof tyres
20)
indicate
on the instrument panel when there is a loss of tyre pressure.
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒page 180.
– Continue driving carefully and slowly (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sudden manoeuvres and sharp turns.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
– Look out for the ESP/TCS intervening often, smoke coming from the tyres or the smell of rubber, the vehicle vibrating or a clat-
tering noise. If any of these occur, stop the vehicle.
The anti-puncture tyres have a tag on the side of the tyre, with the description:
“DSST”, “Eufonia”, “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).20)Depending upon version and country.
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Wheels and tyres233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
The loss of pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. You can
then drive a maximum of 80 km and if the circumstances are favourable (for
example, low load), even more.
The damaged tyre should be changed as soon as possible. The rim should be
checked in a specialist workshop to detect possible damage and replace it if
necessary. We recommend you contact Technical Service. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency conditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
At the moment the loss of tyre pressure is indicated on the instrument panel,
at least one of the tyres is driving in emergency mode
⇒.
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 anti-puncture
tyres?
•
If the Electronic Stabilisation Pro gram (ESP) is out of operation.
•
If the tyre pressure monitoring system is out of operation.
•
If one of the tyres has been severely damaged 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 damage 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 overheating 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 is subject to road and
weather conditions. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•
Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.
•
Avoid driving over obstacles (for example kerbs) or potholes.
•
If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•
The anti-puncture tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they
are supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre can not be
detected with a visual inspection.
•
Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.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 make a major contribution to good road holding and safe
handling ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pair s and not individually (i.e. both front
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
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Wheels and tyres
234easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
T Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:•
A direction of rotation symbol
•
“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103 ...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
•
We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle
handling. Risk of accident.
•
Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than six years old. If
you have no alternative, you should dr ive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
•
Never use old tyres or those with an unknown “history of use”.
•
If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
•
All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of accordi ng to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. 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 vehicle'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 - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with ex tra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.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
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres235
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not
use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model ⇒page 207.
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 tight-
ening 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 torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads could be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyre s (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. Winter tyres must be inflated to a
pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation 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 233, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits: ⇒ ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
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 Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres 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 233, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
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Wheels and tyres
236
For the sake of the environmentFit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.Snow chainsSnow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only to certain tyre
sizes ⇒page 274.
Snow chains must have fi ne-pitch links which do not protrude more that 9
mm, including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
WARNING
Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
Note
•
In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The
legal requirements of the country should be followed.
•
We recommend that you ask your Approved Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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If and when237
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
If and whenTools, tyre repair kit and spare wheelVeh icle To ols
The vehicle onboard 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 onboard tools out of the vehicle.The tool kit includes:•
Jack*
•
Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts*
•
Reversible screwdriver with handle (i ncluding hexagonal interior) for the
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.
•
To wi ng e y e
•
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Some of the items listed are only provided in certain models / model years,
or are optional extras.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts as with this it is not possible to tighten the bolts to the
required torque, risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. On no account attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles
or other loads, risk of injury.
•
Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack, risk of accident.
•
I f w o r k is t o b e ca r r i e d o ut un d e r n ea t h t h e v e h i cle , t h is m u st b e s e c ure d
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury.WARNING (continued)
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If and when
238Compact temporary spare wheel*
The compact spare wheel (emergency wheel for vehicles
without the anti-puncture kit) should only be used when
strictly necessary.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the compact temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the compact temporary spare wheel
is only intended 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 restrictio ns when using the compact temporary
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle,
thus, it cannot be changed with th e spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must
not be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you should have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow
chains, fit the compact temporary spare 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.
The tyre pressure for the spare wheel is 4.2 bar. Failure to do so could result
in an accident.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Higher speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering, risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres 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.
Tyre repair ki t*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a container with sealing compound to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will
reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Fig. 173 Luggage
compartment. Access to
the spare wheel
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