snow chains Seat Altea Freetrack 2009 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
80wheels to lock quickly when you brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and seek technical assistance.Washer fluid

This warning lamp lights up to indicate that the windscreen
washer level is too low.This serves as a reminder to fill up the reservoir at the earliest opportunity
⇒ page 224.
The following message is shown on the instrument panel display*
11): REFILL
WINDSCREEN WASHER FLUID .
Alternator


This warning lamp signals a fault in the alternator.
The warning lamp
 lights up when the ignition is switched on. It should go
out when the engine has started running.
If the warning lamp  lights up while driving, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery. You should immediately drive to the nearest qualified
workshop.
You should avoid using electrical equipment that is not absolutely necessary
because this will drain the battery.
Tyre pressure*

The tyre pressure control system controls the tyre speed and
the frequency spectrum of each tyre.The tyre monitor
12) compares wheel revolutions and with this information,
the diameter of each wheel using the ESP sensors. If the diameter of a wheel
changes, the tyre monitor indicator lights  . The wheel diameter changes
when:
•
Tyre pressure is insufficient.
•
The tyre structure is damaged.
•
The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
•
The wheels of one axle are under more pressure (for example, driving with
a trailer or on extreme slopes).
•
The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
•
The emergency wheel is fitted.
11)Depending on the version of the model.WARNING (continued)
12)Depending on the model version
Fig. 49 Centre console:
tyre monitor system
button
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Driving
166•
Adjust the driver seat or steering wheel so that there is a distance of at
least 25 cm between the steering wheel and your chest ⇒ page 165,
fig. 136 . If you fail to observe the minimum distance, the airbag will not
protect you. Risk of fatal injury.
•
If your physical constitution does not allow you to mantain the
minimum distance of 25 cm, contact an Authorised Service Centre. The
Authorised Service Centre will help you to decide if special specific modifi-
cations are necessary.
•
If you adjust the steering wheel so that it points towards your face, the
dri ve r ai rba g w ill n ot p rotec t you prope r ly in t he e v en t of a n a ccide n t. M a ke
sure that the steering wheel points towards your chest.
•
When driving, always hold the steering wheel with both hands on the
outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions. Never hold the
steering wheel at the 12 o'clock position, or in any other manner (e.g. in
the centre of the steering wheel, or on the inside of the rim). In such cases,
you could receive severe injuries to the arms, hands and head.
SafetyElectronic stabilisation programme (ESP)*
ESP helps make driving safer in certain situations.The Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) contains the electronic differential
lock (EDL) and the traction control system (TCS). The ESP function works
together with the ABS. Both warning lamps will light up if the ESP or ABS
systems are faulty.
The ESP is started automatically when the engine is started.
The ESP is always active, and cannot be switched off. With the ESP switch it is
only possible to switch TCS off.
The TCS can be deactivated when in cases where wheel sliding is desirable.
For example:•
When driving with snow chains,
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 137 Detail of the
centre console: ESP
button
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Driving179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 25 cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Trailer towing
For factory-fitted vehicles eith a towing bar, the parking aid system will not be
activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as the
trailer's electric connecter will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous bleep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking aid
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•
The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.
•
Always look out for small children and animals because the system will
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.
•
The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.Caution
•
Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give
any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains,
thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not
always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle
in such cases.
•
In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be
detected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care
of this type of obstacle such as corners, rectangular objects, etc.., these can
cause damage to the vehicle.
•
Be especially careful when manoeuvring into a corner between two
perpendicular walls. Survey the approach of the wall to the side of the vehicle
(using the mirrors)
•
The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres.
•
Distant ultra-sonic sources (hammers, tyres, construction machinery,
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.
•
Periodic cleaning of the sensors, take care not to damage or scratch them.
When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors
should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more
than 10 cm.WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology
186Anti-lock brake system and traction control
M-ABS (ABS and TCS)Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel.
The driver is made aware of this control process by a pulsating of the brake
pedal and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the ABS control function has inter-
vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed
so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in all
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•
The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is
working (to counteract locked wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not let the
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted
⇒ page 232.
•
If the running gear or brakes are modified, the effectiveness of the ABS
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the car is accelerating.Description and operation of the traction control system during acceleration
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary,
it may be turned on or off pushing the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected for example•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent technology189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
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 210.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the
car is accelerating ⇒page 186.Four-wheel drive*
On four-wheel drive models, the engine power is distributed
to all four wheelsGeneral notes
The four-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 four-wheel drive is specially designed to complement the superior engine
power. This combination gives the car exceptional handling and performance
capabilities – both on normal roads and in more difficult conditions, such as
snow and ice. Winter tyres
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, your car 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
four-wheel drive.
Changing tyres
On vehicles with four-wheel drive, all four tyres must have the same rolling
circumference
⇒page 237.
WARNING
•
Even with four-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.
•
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 car 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 “aqua-
plane” and lose contact with the road if the car is driven too fast. If this
should happen, there will be no sudden increase in engine speed when
“aquaplaning” begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive car.
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.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres
236
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on ⇒page 187.
– 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).
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 the loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this
implies 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 anti-puncture
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 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.
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Wheels and tyres239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 237, “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.
For the sake of the environment
Fit 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 for 205/55R16
tyres. These tyres may only be fitted with fine-pitch link chains which do not
protrude more than 15 mm ⇒page 237. For 225/50R17 tyres, the use of
snow chains is not permitted.
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.
Four-wheel drive : where snow chains are compulsory on certain roads, this
normally also applies to cars with four-wheel drive. Snow chains may only be
fitted to the front wheels (also on vehicles with four-wheel drive).
WARNING
Snow chains should be correctly tightened in accordance with the manu-
facturer's instructions. This will prev ent the chains coming into contact
with the wheel housing.
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 when241
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Compact 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 restrictions when using the compact temporary
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle,
thus, it cannot be changed with the 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 emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre dimensions please refer to the label
on the fuel cap. 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 repa ir kit
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
Fig. 169 Luggage
compartment. Access to
the spare wheel
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Index287
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety system- safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130, 133, 135
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Seat belts cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Seat belts protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Selective opening* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Selector lever locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Self directional headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Shoes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Sitting position Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Passengers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Sitting position, occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Starting on an uphill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Starting Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168, 169 After the fuel tank has been run dry . . . . . . 169
Steam jets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Steering lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Steering wheel audio controls audio + telephone version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Steering wheel height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 165 Stowage area
Centre arm rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Other stowage areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Stowage compartment Front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Stowage in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . 140
Sun visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sunroof blind Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Switches Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Electrical exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
TTailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Emergency opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Tank fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
reserve indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
tank capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
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