change wheel Seat Altea 2013 User Guide

96Steering wheel controls
ENo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specifiedNo function specified
Accept incoming call
(press briefly)
Reject incoming call
(press and hold down)
End ongoing call /estab- lish call (press briefly)
Switch to private mode (press and hold down)
Redial last number (press and hold down) a)
F
Activation of voice recogni-
tion for mobile phone con-
nected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recognition
for mobile phone connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTEActivation of voice recog-nition for mobile phone
connected to the system (if the phone has this function)* / MUTE
GNext preset b)Next trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
HPrevious preset b)Previous trackb)No function specifiedOperates on instrument
panelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
IChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
JChange menu on instrument panelChange menu on instrumentpanelChange menu on instru-ment panelNo function specifiedChange menu on instru- ment panel
KOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
LOperates on instrument pan- elOperates on instrument panelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrumentpanelOperates on instrument
panel/No function speci- fied
a)For a more detailed description of how to use this button, please refer to the Radio navigation System User Handbook (SEAT Media System 2.1)
b) Only if the panel is in Audio menu. 

123
Lights and visibility
Turn signal and main beam headlight lever
The turn signal and main beam lever also operates the park-
ing lights and the headlight flasher.
Fig. 77 Turn signal and
main beam headlight lev-
er
The turn signal and main beam headlight lever has the following
functions:
Switching on the turn signals
– Move the lever all the way up ⇒ Fig. 77 1
to indicate right, and
all the way down 2 to indicate left.
Signalling a lane change
– Push the lever up 1
or down 2 to the point where you incur
resistance and then release it. The turn signal will flash several
times. The corresponding control lamp will also flash. Switching main beam on and off
–
If the dipped lights are on, push the lever forward ⇒ Fig. 77 3
to switch on the main beam.
– Push the lever towards the steering wheel ⇒ Fig. 77 4
to
switch off the main beam.
Headlight flashers
– Pull the lever towards the steering wheel 4
to operate the
flasher.
Switching on parking lights
– Switch the ignition off and remove the key from the lock.
– Move the turn signal lever up or down to turn the right or left-
hand parking lights on, respectively.
WARNING
The main beam can dazzle other drivers. Risk of accident! Never use the
main beam headlights or the headlight flasher if they could dazzle other
drivers.
Note
● The turn signals only work when the ignition is switched on. The corre-
sponding warning lamp  or  flashes in the instrument panel. The control
lamp  flashes when the turn signals are operated, provided a trailer is
correctly attached and connected to the vehicle. If a turn signal bulb is de-
fective, the control lamp flashes at double speed. If the trailer turn signal
bulbs are damaged, control lamp  does not light up. Change the bulb.
● The main beam headlights can only be switched on if the dipped beam
headlights are already on. The warning lamp  then comes on in the instru-
ment panel. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

175
Driving
Driving with LPG*
Fig. 136 Centre console:
gas system control
switch.
Your SEAT vehicle has a bivalent engine able to run on either LPG or petrol.
The LPG tank ⇒ page 228, Refuelling with LPG is in the spare wheel well
⇒ 
.
It is possible to change from LPG to petrol while the engine is running, even
if the vehicle is moving, by pressing the GAS
button located on the centre
console ⇒ Fig. 136. The selected operating mode is displayed on the warn-
ing lamp on the instrument panel ⇒ page 79.
Starting the engine
The engine is always started with petrol, even when LPG was being used
when it was switched off.
Automatic switch from petrol to LPG
When the engine is turned on and the following conditions are met, the sys-
tem will automatically switch from petrol mode to LPG mode, the notifica-
tion changed to GAS mode is displayed and the green warning lamp on the
instrument panel lights up: ●
There is enough LPG in the tank.
● The temperature of the vehicle coolant is above 30 °C.
● Engine speed while driving is above 1200 rpm.
Automatic switch from LPG to petrol
When the vehicle is operating in LPG mode and one of these conditions is
met, the system automatically switches to petrol mode, the notification changed to petrol mode is displayed and the green warning lamp on the in-
strument panel goes out:
● When the engine is started.
● If the LPG tank is empty.
● If there is a fault in the LPG system.
● At very low temperatures below minus 10 °C.
Manual switch from petrol to LPG
Press the GAS
button on the centre console ⇒ 
Fig. 136 to change mode. The
notification changed to GAS mode is displayed. When the following condi-
tions are met, the system switches to LPG mode, the green warning lamp on
the instrument panel lights up and the notification displayed changes to changed to GAS mode .
● There is enough LPG in the tank.
● The temperature of the vehicle coolant is above 30 °C.
● Engine speed while driving is above 1200 rpm.
Manual switch from LPG to petrol
Press the GAS
button on the centre console ⇒ Fig. 136 to change mode. The
green lamp on the instrument panel goes out and the notification changed
to petrol mode is displayed.
Running on petrol
Run the engine with petrol for short journeys at regular intervals to avoid
problems in the petrol system. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

181
Driving
speeds to use the full power of the engine. This programme is not recom-
mended for use on the motorway or in the city.
Selecting the manual programme (tiptronic)
This programme allows driving similar to a manual gearbox.
This programme may be accessed using the selector lever or from the steer-
ing wheel controls when this option is fitted ⇒ page 183.
Selector lever locking
The selector lever lock prevents gears from being engaged
inadvertently, which would cause the vehicle to move.
Fig. 143 Deactivating
the lock
Releasing the selector lever lock
– Start the vehicle.
– Press and release the brake pedal, at the same time press the
button on the selector lever. The lock is only activated when the vehicle is stopped or at a speed of less
than 5 km/h (3 mph). At higher speeds, the lock is automatically released
in position N.
For rapid changes of position (e.g. from
R to D) the lever will not lock. If the
lever remains in the position N more than one second then it is locked. With
the automatic lock, the lever is prevented passing from P and N to any other
gear without first pressing the brake pedal.
The selector lever must be put in the position P in order to remove the key.
Driving with automatic gearbox/DSG automatic gearbox*
The drive and reverse gears are automatically engaged.
Fig. 144 Driving
Driving
– Press and hold the foot brake.
– Press on the button on the selector lever knob (on the left,
⇒ Fig. 144. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

184Driving
Changing gear with the selector lever
–Put the lever in position D and press towards the right to enter
the tiptronic gate ⇒ Fig. 145.
– Press the gear lever forwards +
⇒ Fig. 145 to select a higher
gear.
– Press the gear lever back –
⇒ Fig. 145 to select a lower gear.
Changing gear with the steering wheel levers
– Press the right paddle lever +
(+OFF) towards the steering
wheel to change up ⇒ Fig. 146.
– Press the left paddle –
towards the steering wheel to change
down ⇒ Fig. 146.
Using the paddle levers on the steering wheel, you can access manual driv-
ing mode regardless of the pre-selected driving mode.
General information about driving in tiptronic mode
When accelerating, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox goes
into a higher gear a little before the engine reaches its maximum permitted
revolutions.
If a lower gear is selected, the automatic gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox
will only change down when the engine cannot go over its maximum permit-
ted revolutions.
If tiptronic is selected whilst the vehicle is in motion and the automatic
gearbox / DSG automatic gearbox is in third gear and selector lever position
D, tiptronic mode will then also be in third gear.
Changing gears in the normal or sport programme using the steering wheel
paddle levers
If the paddle levers ⇒ Fig. 146 are used in the normal or sport programme,
the system switches temporarily to tiptronic mode. To exit tiptronic mode again, press the right paddle lever
+ OFF
towards the steering wheel for ap-
proximately one second. You will also leave “Tiptronic” mode if the paddle
levers are not moved for a certain time.
Note
● The gearbox controls on the steering wheel can operate with the selector
lever in any position and with the vehicle in motion. 
Kick-down feature
This feature allows maximum acceleration. If you press the accelerator down thoroughly, the gearbox automatically
changes down, depending on speed and engine speed, into a lower gear to
take full advantage of give the vehicle maximum acceleration.
The gearbox does not change gear until the engine reaches the maximum
determined engine speed for the gear.
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.
● Be particularly careful when using the kick-down features on slippery
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction
and skid.
● You should use the kick-down feature only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.


197
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
The ESC reduces the risk of skidding by braking the wheels individually.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. When irregularities occur, for exam-
ple, if the vehicle begins to skid, the ESC brakes the appropriate wheel au-
tomatically.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle tends to oversteer, the system will act on the front
wheel on the outside of the turn.
Steering manoeuvre recommendations
This is a complementary safety function included in the ESC. This function
aids the driver to better stabilize the vehicle in a critical situation. For exam-
ple, in case of sudden braking surface with varied adherence, the vehicle
will tend to destabilise its trajectory to the right or to the left. In this case,
the ESC recognises the situation and assists the driver with a counter steer-
ing manoeuvre from the power steering.
This function simply provides the driver with a recommended manoeuvre in
critical situations.
The vehicle does not steer itself with this function, the driver has full control
of the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
● Remember that not even the ESC can defy the laws of physics. This
should be kept in mind, particularly on slippery and wet roads and when
towing a trailer.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit the condition of the roads and
the traffic situation. The greater safety provided by the ESC should not
encourage you to run any risks.
CAUTION
● To ensure that the ESC works correctly, all four wheels must be fitted
with the same tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can
cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● Any modifications made to the vehicle (for example, to the engine,
brake system, running gear or to the combination of wheels and tyres) may
affect the operation of the ABS, EDL, ESC and ASR. 
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during braking
⇒ page 195. 
Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.
EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in
slippery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossi-
ble.
The system will control the revolutions of the driven wheels using the ABS
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up)
⇒ page 84.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differen-
ces in the speed of the driven wheels of approximately 100 rpm caused by a
slippery road surface on one side of the vehicle. It does this by braking the
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the oth-
er driven wheel via the differential. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

200Intelligent technology
WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake system only in a suitable
traffic situation. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other road
users. Risk of accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change to a lower gear (or move the gear lever to a lower gear
position if your vehicle has an automatic gearbox). This makes use of en-
gine braking and prolongs the useful life of the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the
brakes continuously.
Note
● If the brake servo is not functioning due to a malfunction, or if the vehi-
cle has to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler
or wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Power steering (servotronic*)
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel
when the engine is running.
Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel. In cars equipped with servotronic* power steering the de-
gree of power assistance is regulated electronically according to road
speed.
The power steering will keep on working even if the servotronic* device
fails. The degree of power assistance will, however, no longer adapt to dif-
ferent speeds. If the electronic regulating system is not working properly,
this is most noticeable when turning the steering wheel at low speeds (for
instance when parking), as more effort will be required than usual. The fault
should be corrected by a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise.
It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine.
CAUTION
When the engine is running, do not turn the steering wheel to its limit for
more than 15 seconds. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging the power
steering. 

251
Wheels and tyres
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pres-
sure 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
fuel tank flap. The tyre pressure values given are for cold tyres. Do not re-
duce the slightly raised pressures of warm tyres ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the 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 observe 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 handle 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 uses the speed sensors of the ABS wheels. It operates by analy-
sing the speed and frequency spectrum of each wheel.
For optimum performance, use genuine SEAT tyres. In addition, check and
adjust tyre pressures regularly.
Whenever the tyre pressures are changed or one or more tyres are changed,
the system should be Reset by pressing the SET switch on the centre con-
sole.
The system warns the driver in the event of a loss of pressure by means of
symbols and messages in the instrument panel display. The system oper-
ates via the ESC ⇒ page 196.
Note that tyre pressure also depends on tyre temperature. Tyre pressure in-
creases 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 ac-
cordingly. For this reason, you should only adjust the tyre pressures when
they are cold (i.e. approximately 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

252Wheels and tyres
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 tyre. 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. 
Significant tyre pressure loss
The tyre symbol  is displayed and indicates that the tyre pressure
of at least one tyre is insufficient.
– Stop the vehicle.
– Switch the engine off.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Change the wheel if necessary. Tyre useful life
The useful life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving
style and fitting.
Fig. 171 Tyre tread wear
indicators
Fig. 172 Diagram for
changing wheels


253
Wheels and tyres
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
6 to 8 of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on the tyre sidewall
(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 250.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisa-
ble to change them around as shown ⇒ Fig. 172. The useful life of all the
tyres will then be 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 re-
sults in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause exces-
sive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be reba-
lanced when a new tyre is fitted. Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel
alignment checked by a Technical Service.
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 wear indica-
tors are worn ⇒ page 253. 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 a Technical Service.
● 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications