snow chains Seat Altea Freetrack 2010 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SEAT, Model Year: 2010, Model line: Altea Freetrack, Model: Seat Altea Freetrack 2010Pages: 294, PDF Size: 7.71 MB
Page 82 of 294

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 222
The following message is shown on the dash 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
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 80  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 167 of 294

Driving165
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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 164, 
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 maintain 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 
driver airbag will not protect you properly in the event of an accident. Make 
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
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 165  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 181 of 294

Driving179
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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.•P e r i o d i c  c le a n i n g  o f  t h e  s e ns o r s ,  ta ke  ca r e  n o t  to  d a m a ge  o r  s cr a tch  t h e m .  
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.
Cruise control* (GRA)Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in 
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible 
to drive at constant speed.•For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in 
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads are in bad conditions 
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.•Always switch the CCS off when finish to use it in order to avoid an 
involuntary use.•It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road, 
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending down-
hill. The vehicle will accelerate due to its own weight. Use the foot brake to 
slow the vehicle.
WARNING (continued)
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 179  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 186 of 294

Intelligent technology
184Anti-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 gu arantee 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 230.•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.
T h e  T C S  i s  s wi tch e d  o n  a u t o m a t i ca ll y  w h e n  t h e  e n g i n e  i s  s t a r te d .  I f  n e ce s sa r y,  
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)
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 184  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 189 of 294

Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
•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 208.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the 
car is accelerating  ⇒page 184.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 235.
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)
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 187  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 236 of 294

Wheels and tyres
234
Driving with anti-puncture tyres (emergency gear)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme) switched on, or switch on  ⇒page 185.
– 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 co nditions, 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.
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 234  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 239 of 294

Wheels and tyres237
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 235, “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 235. 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 prevent 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.
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 237  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 241 of 294

If and when239
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 repair 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
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 239  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10 
Page 291 of 294

Index289
SSafe driving  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety instructions
Coolant temperature  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Safety notes Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Belt tension devices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Curtain airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Disabling front passenger airbag . . . . . . . . . 45
frontal airbags  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Safety system- safe  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Seat adjustment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  129, 132, 134
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  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207 Seat belts protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Selective opening*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Selector lever locking  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
servotronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate  filter
Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Starting Petrol engines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Starting the engine  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  167, 168 After the fuel tank has been run dry . . . . . . 168
Steam jets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Steering  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Steering lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Steering wheel audio controls audio + telephone version  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
audio version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Steering wheel height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . 164
Stowage area Centre arm rest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Front seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Other stowage areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Stowage compartment Front passenger side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Stowage in the luggage compartment . . . . . . . 139
Sun visor  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Sun visors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Sunroof blind Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Switches Electric windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Electrical exterior mirrors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
TTailgate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Emergency opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Warning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Freetrack_EN.book  Seite 289  Donnerstag, 10. September 2009  10:33 10