winter tyres Seat Altea XL 2009 Owner's Manual

Cockpit
64Instrument panel menus*Example of menu use
All the menus on the instrument panel may be used according
to the following procedure. The instrument panel menus may
vary according to the version of the model.
The setting of a speed warning will be used as an example of how to
use the menus. This is a good idea if you are, for example, using
winter tyres which are not suited for the top speed of the vehicle.
1. Open the main menu with the MFD lever
– Switch the ignition on.
– Hold down button for two seconds to return to main menu from other menu. It may be necessary to repeat this operation
until the main menu is displayed.
2. Open the menu “Configuration” with the MFD lever
– To choose an option from the menu, press the upper or lower end of the rocker switch. The selected option is displayed between
two lines and there will also be a triangle on the right.
–Select menu Configuration.
Fig. 43 Windscreen wiper
lever: button A to confirm
the menu selection and
rocker switch B to change
the menu
Fig. 44 Steering wheel
controls: button A to
confirm the menu selec-
tion and switch B to
change the menu
AB
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Cockpit65
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
– Press button on the windscreen wiper lever. The Configura-
tion menu is opened.
2. Access the “Configuration” menu with the steering wheel
controls
– To access the “Configuration” menu, press button ⇒page 64, fig. 44 until the menu is displayed. Now you are in
this menu.
3. Open the main menu “Winter tyres”
– Select option Winter tyres using switch .
– Press button . The menu Winter tyres is opened.
4. Program a speed limit warning
– Use switch to select the menu entry + 10 km/h or - 10 km/h
and press button to either increase or decrease the set speed.
5. To activate and deactivate the speed limit warning
– Use switch to select the menu point On / Off and press the
button to switch the speed warning on or off. If the speed
warning is deactivated, three dashes will be displayed ---
6. To close the menu “Winter tyres”
–In the menu select Back .The function “Winter tyres” sends an optical and an acoustic signal when the
vehicle reaches the set speed. Example menu “Winter tyres”
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment on
e or more of these menus will be
displayed.
AA
AC
AB
AA
AB
AB
AB
On the display Winter tyres
Function
Name of menu displayed
X km/h
The current set speed is displayed
or ---
or dashes will be shown if the function is deactivated.
On / Off
If the function is activated or deactivated
+10 km/h
The set value increases by 10 km/h
-10 km/h
The set value decreases by 10 km/h
Back
The menu “Winter tyres” is closed and the last dis-
played menu is shown.
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Cockpit67
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Note
For electronic and vehicle equipment on e or more of these menus will be
displayed.
Multi-function display menu (MFD)
The multi-function display (MFD) shows you information on
the journey and fuel consumption.The multifunction display (MFD) has two automatic memories: 1 - Trip
memory and 2 - Total memory . The selected memory is shown on the upper
right hand section of the display ⇒fig. 47 at all times.
Open the multifunction display menu
– Select the Multifunction display menu from the main menu ⇒page 66
and press the button on the windscreen wiper lever or the multifunc-
tion lever*.
Selecting a memory
– To change from one memory to another, briefly press button ⇒page 64, fig. 43 ⇒ page 64 on the windscreen wiper lever or the
button on the multifunction lever ⇒page 64, fig. 44 ⇒ page 64 while
the ignition is switched on.
Telephone
This menu is only available if the vehicle is fitted with
a telephone mounted by the manufacturer: “Fixed tel-
ephone installation”
Vehicle condition
This menu displays current warning or information
texts: “Vehicle status menu”
This option flashes when one of these texts is dis-
played.
Configuration
This option allows the time, the speed warning when
using winter tyres, units, language, independent
heating, the Light and visi bility menu and the Con-
venience menu to be reset.
Fig. 47 Multifunction
display (MFD) instrument
panel display.
OK
AA
OK
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Cockpit
70The warning and information texts may be viewed in this menu. If there is no
warning or information message, the option Vehicle status is not displayed.
If there are several messages, each one is shown for a few seconds.
Example of menu use ⇒page 64.
Note
If there are no warning messages, this menu is not available.Configuration menu
This menu is used to make the settings for the vehicle func-
tions.Open Configuration menu
– Select the option Configuration from the main menu: “Main
menu” and press button ⇒page 64, fig. 43 on the wind-
screen wiper lever or
– Press button or on the multifunction steering wheel* ⇒page 64, fig. 44 until the Configuration menu is displayed.Example of menu use ⇒page 64
Note
•
For electronic and vehicle equipment on e or more of these menus will be
displayed.
Displayed on the screen
Function
Multifunction display
data
This menu is used to establish the data in the
multifunction display menu to be displayed on
the instrument panel ⇒page 67
Convenience
The convenience set-up mode is used to make
the settings for the convenience functions in the
vehicle.
OK
AA


Lights and visibility
From this menu it is it possible to alter the vehi-
cle lighting settings.
Time
The hours and minutes of the clock and the navi-
gation system can be changed. Choose between
12 or 24-hour format and change to summer
time.
Winter tyres
The menu allows the setting of a speed at which
an optical and acoustic wa rning will be given by
the system. You can use this function, for exam-
ple, if you have fitted winter tyres which are not
suited for the top speed of your vehicle. Please
see the section “Wheels and tyres”.
Settings: Language
The display texts and the navigation system texts
can be seen in different languages.
Units
This option allows you to select the units for dis-
playing temperature, fuel consumption values
and distances.
Aux. Speed
The instrument panel also displays the speed in
another different unit of measurement (mph or
km/h) to that given on the speedometer.
Inter Service
Consult service messages and reset service inter-
val display here.
Manufacturer's settings
The manufacturer's predefined values for the
functions of this menu are restored.
Back
a)
This returns to the main menu
a)Only of the windscreen wiper lever is used (MFD).
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Intelligent technology187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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 wh eels and tyres) could affect the effi-
ciency of the EDL ⇒ page 208.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents th e 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 sh
ould 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 su dden increase in engine speed when
“aquaplaning” begins to warn the driver, as with a front-wheel drive car.
For this reason and for that mentio ned above, always choose a driving
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Driving and the environment193
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees
that, before beginning a journey, you
will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved
fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater roll ing resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is empty.
Save electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, whic
h produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipme nt when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window
heating or the seat heaters*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priori ty in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•
Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling
•
Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
•
Increased use of single-grade materials
•
Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled 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 the plastic volatile components
•
CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws : cadmium, asbestos, lead,
mercury, chrome VI.
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Wheels and tyres
230Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of
rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel rims.New tyres
New tyres have to be run in ⇒page 190.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not re
adily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the di rection of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.
•
Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.
•
If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflatio n pressure from the sticker. The
values refer to Summer tyres. For Winter tyres, you must add 0.2
bar to the values given on the sticker.
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Wheels and tyres
236wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.•
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model ⇒page 208.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒. The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.
•
Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.
•
If the torque of the wheel bolts is to o low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer ty res (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code ⇒page 235, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits for winter tyres: ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
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Wheels and tyres237
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 u
nnecessarily 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 tyre s 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 are only permitted on the front wheels and only for
tyres195/65R15 and 205/55R16. These tyres may only be fitted with fine-
pitch link chains which do not protrude more than 15 mm ⇒page 235.
Snow chains must have fine-pitch link s which do not protrude more than 9
mm, including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
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 Appr oved Service Centre for information
about appropriate wheel, tyre and snow chain size.
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If and when239
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 th e spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on the
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not
be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you should have a puncture on one of the front wheels when using snow
chains, fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels.
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use
this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•
The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible.
The emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre di mensions 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. Hi gher 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 contai ner with sealing compound to repair the
puncture and a compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will
Fig. 170 Luggage
compartment. Access to
the spare wheel
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