air condition Seat Altea 2011 Owner's Guide

Driving179
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Start-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop function will be interrupted and the
engine will automatically start:
•The vehicle starts moving.•The brake pedal is pressed several times in a row.•The battery has been discharged excessively.•The Start-Stop System is manually deactivated.•The windscreen de-mist function is turned on.•The temperature of the passenger compartment exceeds the comfort
limits (button ⇒page 168, fig. 132 should be selected).•If in an increase in airflow ⇒page 168, fig. 132 is required for more
than three presses.•Temperature setting HI or LO is selected.•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious
injury.•The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more force
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording
streams, etc.).
Note
•For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the
instrument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times,
that is, more than 270°.Switching the Start-Stop function on and offEvery time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is
automatically switched on.
ACA11
A10
Fig. 138 The Start-Stop
function button.
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Intelligent technology201
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
To prevent the disc brake of the braking wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to
function normally 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 accelerator 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 into taking
any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, the brake system, running
gear or any components affecting the wheels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL ⇒page 224.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the
vehicle is accelerating ⇒page 198.
All-wheel drive*
On all-wheel drive models, the engine power is distributed to
all four wheelsGeneral notes
The all-wheel drive system operates completely automatically. The propul-
sion force is distributed among the four wheels and adapted to the driving
style and the road conditions.
The all-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine
power. This combination gives the vehicle exceptional handling and perform-
ance capabilities, both on normal roads and in more difficult conditions, such
as snow and ice.
Winter tyres
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your vehicle will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, we still recommend
that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels when
winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Snow chains
On roads where snow chains are mandatory, this also applies to cars with all-
wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with all-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling
circumference ⇒page 254.
WARNING
•Even with all-wheel drive, you should always adjust your speed to suit
the conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking
any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
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Intelligent technology
202•The braking capability of your vehicle is limited by the tyres’ grip.
Vehicle behaviour is no different from a vehicle without four-wheel drive.
So do not be tempted to drive too fast on icy or slippery roads just because
the vehicle still has good acceleration in these conditions. Failure to do so
could result in an accident.•On wet roads bear in mind that the front wheels may start to aquaplane
and lose contact with the road if the vehi cle is driven too fast. If this should
happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed when aqua-
planing begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive vehicle. For
this reason and for that mentioned above, always choose a driving speed
suitable for the road conditions. Failure to do so could result in an
accident.
Brakes
What factors can have a negative effect on the brakes?New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 400 km;
first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
T h e r a t e o f we a r o n t h e brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops. Wet roads or road salt
When the speed is
over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are on, the brake
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This
occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a faster
response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehicle
is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads
has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are not
used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒.
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and
remember that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too low.
The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
206change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” by applying light pressure. Continuous
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.•Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking
distance is increased considerably when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use,
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please
observe the relevant instructions ⇒page 224, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank. – For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil
⇒page 237, “Topping up engine oil E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary ⇒page 281.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the
nearest specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will
light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 77. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable materials under the vehicle.•Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely dry because the irregularity of the fuel
supply may cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt fuel to enter the
exhaust system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment209
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples of
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has
Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.•It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than 60
km/h•Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure can
make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch plate
lining, causing a serious fault.•Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or hand
brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will
prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.•On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more suit-
able for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes will not
suffer.Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials
•Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioner
Compliance with prohibited materials regulation : cadmium, lead, mercury,
chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing•Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit•Solvent-free adhesives•No CFCs used in production•Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building
materials•Overall water consumption reduced•Heat recovery systems•The use of water-soluble paints
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning223
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Seat belt cleaning
A dirty belt may not work properly.Check all seat belts regularly and keep them clean.
Seat belt cleaning
– Pull the dirty seat belt right out and unroll it.
– Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap solution.
– Allow it to dry.
– Do not roll the seat belt up until it is dry.If large stains form on the belts, it will not retract correctly into the automatic
belt retractor.
WARNING
•Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can
impair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.•Check the condition of the 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 seat 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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Checking and refilling levels
230The safety of the LPG system guarantees operation without risk. The following
safety measures have been adopted:•The LPG tank has a solenoid valve which closes automatically when the
engine is switched off (ignition off) or when running on petrol.•A solenoid type main valve disconnects the supply of gas to the engine
compartment when the engine is switched off or running on petrol.•A safety valve in the LPG tank with pipes to the outside prevents the gas
from entering the vehicle interior.•All anchorage points and materials have been designed to ensure the
maximum possible levels of safety.
The condition of the LPG system should be checked regularly to guarantee
safe driving conditions ⇒. These checks are included in the Maintenance
Programme.WARNING
•If there is a smell of gas or a susp ected leak, stop the vehicle immedi-
ately and switch off the ignition. Open the doors to ventilate the vehicle. Do
not carry on driving! Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and have
the fault repaired.•Immediately extinguish any cigarettes and remove from the vehicle any
objects which might produce a spark or cause a fire, and switch off imme-
diately if gas is smelt or a leak is detected.•LGP tanks are subject to pressure and must be checked regularly. The
owner of the vehicle must check that these services are performed
correctly.•When parking the vehicle in a closed area (for example in a garage),
make sure that there is adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical,
to neutralise the LPG in the event of a leak.
Note
For any fault in the LGP system, please refer to the SEAT web page, which lists
the workshops authorised to repair these faults.PetrolPetrol types
The recommended fuel types are listed on a sticker inside the
fuel tank flap.Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228 may be used for
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one recom-
mended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle is given in the technical table for the
engine, in the Technical Data section.
Caution
•Petrol with standard EN 228 may be mixed with small quantities of
ethanol. However, the so-called “bioethanol fuels” available at commercial
establishments with reference E50 or E85, which contain a high percentage
of ethanol, may not be used, as they will damage the fuel system.•Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
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Checking and refilling levels231
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•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 the performance, power and life of the
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi-
tives. 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.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must conform 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 refuelling ⇒ page 226.
Biodiesel*
Caution
•Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any
circumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by the
diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628 is
authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.•The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel
fuel conforming to standard EN 590. Never refuel or use petrol, kerosene, fuel
oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with the
wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from specialised
personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the fuel
system and the engine.Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C because the fuel thickens due to wax separation.
Therefore, “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 generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
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Checking and refilling levels247
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room
only.•Keep children away from acid and batteries.•Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch
off the light.•Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.•When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system,
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.•Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery.
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.•Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0 °C.•Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.•Never use a defective battery. This could cause an explosion. Replace a
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.•Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect
the battery from freezing. If it freezes it will be damaged.Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the engine bonnet and the battery cover ⇒ in “Safety
instructions on working in the engine compartment” on
page 232 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 246.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until they disperse.The position of the battery is shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram ⇒page 291.
The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top of the battery changes colour,
depending on the charge state and electrolyte level of the battery.
There are two different colours:•Black: correct charge status.•Transparent/clear yellow: the battery must be replaced. Contact a
specialist workshop.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres253
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving with run-flat tyres (emergency running)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (Electronic Stability Programme) switched on,
or switch on ⇒page 198.
– 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 run-flat 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).
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
When loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this means
that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
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 run-flat tyres?•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 are being driven in emergency conditions, the
driving quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•The run-flat tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure because they are
supported on the reinforced sides. Therefore defects in the tyre cannot be
detected with a visual inspection.•Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
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