Seat Mii 2012 Owner's manual

209
Vehicle care and maintenance
WARNING (Continued)
● Seat belts should be completely dry before retracting. Damp could
damage the belt retractor so that it is does not operate correctly.
● Do not allow liquids or foreign bodies to enter the buckle fastenings.
This could damage the buckles and seat belts.
● Never attempt to repair, modify or remove a seat belt yourself.
● Always have damaged seatbelts replaced immediately by seat belts
approved for the vehicle in question by SEAT. Seat belts which have been
worn in an accident and stretched must be replaced by a Specialised
workshop. Renewal may be necessary even if there is no apparent dam-
age. The belt anchor points should also be checked.

Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

210Vehicle care and maintenance
Wheels and tyres
Introduction
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a Speci-
alised workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement
parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 97
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 197
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
● Vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 246
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 248
● Change wheel ⇒ page 250
● Tire Mobility Set ⇒ page 256
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (400 miles).
WARNING (Continued)
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
● Never mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
history. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst un-
expectedly while driving, especially at high speeds, resulting in serious
accident and injury. If tyres are over six years old, they should only be
used in an emergency and with extreme caution.
Note
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel. Please refer to the vehicle documents or ask at a Technical Service. 

211
Vehicle care and maintenance
About your tyres and wheels
Fig. 120 Diagram for
changing wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most
stress and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the
support offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between
the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care
they receive and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteris-
tics of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● 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.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre
⇒  page 216.
● The instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed. ●
Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible ⇒ page 216.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible damage ⇒ page 216.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle ⇒ page 218.
● Do not allow tyres (including the spare wheel) to come into contact with
aggressive substances, grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid ⇒ 
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best
when rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates
the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ page 218. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with ex-
treme caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of partic-
ular importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as
possible or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system ⇒ Fig. 120. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a Specialised workshop to have
the tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for
long periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile
than tyres which are in constant use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres (including the spare wheel) which appear to be in 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

212Vehicle care and maintenance
perfect condition on the outside and which have a tread depth within the
values stipulated by the Law ⇒ 
.
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre ( ) ⇒ page 218.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation (left,
right, forwards, backwards). This ensures you will be able to mount them
correctly when you replace them. When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location. Do not place
tyres mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from dirt by storing them in suitable
bags and standing them on the ground on their tread.
WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result in visible or invisible dam-
age with the consequent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical
products, oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substances.
WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emer-
gency and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws
in the country concerned. Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different 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
⇒ page 250.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ page 250.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together
by special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance,
a better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims
should always be replaced and must only be repaired in a Specialised work-
shop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒ 
.
Wheel trims with bolted trims
Wheel trims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attach-
ed to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at
a Specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service
⇒ 
. 

213
Vehicle care and maintenance
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel trims could make driving more dan-
gerous and result in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel trims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
● Inspect wheel trims regularly for damage and replace as required.
WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel trims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loosened, this could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel trims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel trims with bolted trims should be carried
out at Specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Serv-
ice.

Replacement of new tyres and wheel trims
New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 600 km
(400 miles), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in
do not have such good grip ⇒ 
or braking capacity ⇒ .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyre and the tread pattern. Replacing tyres
●
Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒ 
.
● Only replace used tyres with those authorised by SEAT for the corre-
sponding type vehicle. Pay special attention to size, diameter, and maxi-
mum load and speed capacity.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres
are too big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage.
WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their max-
imum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken for the first 600 km (400 miles).
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in ac-
cordance with the vehicle design. If this is not the case, the tyres may
rub against parts of the running gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to
faults in the brake system or to tread detachment, and the risk of burst
tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyres manufactured and approved by SEAT and should not rub against
parts of the vehicle.
Note
Although tyres may be shown as being the same size, the true dimensions
of different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or tread
patterns may be different. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

214Vehicle care and maintenance
Note
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true tyre
dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the tyre
vendor should provide the manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indicat-
ing that this type of tyre is suitable for your vehicle. This certificate should
always be carried with the vehicle. 
Tyre pressures
Fig. 121 Position of tyre pressure specification plate
The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label
and is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label ⇒ Fig. 121 is either in
the driver door strut or inside the fuel cap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the vehicle's handling ⇒ 
. It is essential to maintain the
correct tyre pressures, especially if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre
pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out. The pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for
cold tyres. When the tyres are
hot, the pressures are greater.
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the required pressure. This could
result in very low tyre pressures which may lead to sudden blow-outs. 

215
Vehicle care and maintenance
Checking tyre pressures
Check tyre pressures only when the vehicle has not been driven for more
than a few kilometres at low speeds in the past three hours.
● Check tyre pressures regularly, and only when the tyres are cold. Always
check all tyres, including the spare wheel. Check tyre pressures more often
in colder regions, and only when the vehicle has not been driven recently.
Always use a correctly-operating tyre gauge.
● Adjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in the vehicle.
● After adjusting the tyre pressure, check that the caps are properly
screwed.
The spare wheel or temporary spare wheel must be at the maximum pres-
sure specified.
WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the tyre may deflate or burst
suddenly while driving. This could result in serious accident.
● If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could overheat, resulting in
tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● When driving at high speeds and/or fully loaded, the tyre could sud-
denly overheat, burst or be subject to tread detachment, with the resul-
tant loss of control of the vehicle.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the service life of
the tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
● Tyre pressures should be checked regularly, at least once a month
and before long journeys.
● Adjust the pressures of all the tyres to the vehicle load.
● Never deflate excess pressure from hot tyres.
CAUTION
● Take care not to tilt the manometer when placing it on the valve. Other-
wise, the valve may be damaged.
● To avoid damage to the valves, always replace valve caps correctly.
Check that the caps are identical to the standard caps and have been cor-
rectly tightened.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption. 
Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 122 Tyre tread:
tread wear indicators
Tread depth
Certain driving conditions require a deeper tread, as well as needing the
tread to be approximately the same on the front and rear tyres. This is par-
ticularly important when driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on wet
roads ⇒ 
. 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

216Vehicle care and maintenance
The minimum tread depth required by law in the majority of cases is
1.6 mm, measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indicators.
Observe legal requirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced when the tread has worn
to 4 mm (5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high ⇒ Fig. 122 tread wear
indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators are equal-
ly spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls (for exam-
ple, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the wear in-
dicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be re-
placed before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator.
WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of
the vehicle with serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same lev-
el as the tread pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfa-
ces, increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or dif-
ficult driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding.
 Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unusual
vibration or the vehicle pulling to one side, this may indicate that
one of the tyres is damaged ⇒ 
.
● Slow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest Specialised workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
● You should obtain professional assistance immediately.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings.
Driving style : driving round bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres
wear too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a Specialised
workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and sus-
pension. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again.
When a new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again. 

217
Vehicle care and maintenance
Running gear settings : an incorrectly positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a Specialised workshop.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the vehicle pulls to one side while driv-
ing, this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified as-
sistance immediately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest Specialised workshop and have the vehicle checked.

Spare wheel or temporary spare wheel*
Fig. 123 In the luggage
compartment: hand con-
trolled wheel for securing
the spare wheel Removing the spare wheel
●
Open the rear lid and lift the luggage compartment shelf ⇒ page 100.
● If necessary, remove the luggage compartment variable floor
⇒ page 100.
● Lift up the carpet from the recess and remove it from the luggage com-
partment.
● If necessary, take out the vehicle tool kit with the container.
● Completely remove the hand controlled wheel from the centre of the
spare wheel ⇒ Fig. 123 by turning it in an anticlockwise direction, and take
out the spare wheel.
Storing the replaced wheel
● Pull back the carpet.
● With the wheel rim facing downwards, situate the replaced wheel in the
spare wheel well so that the wheel rim central hole coincides with the open-
ing.
● Turn the hand controlled wheel with the shank screwed clockwise until
the replaced wheel is secured.
● If necessary, store the vehicle tool in the container, inside the luggage
compartment.
● Replace the carpet on the luggage compartment floor.
● Lower the rear shelf.
● Close the rear lid.
If the spare wheel is different to the rest of the vehicle tyres
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the vehicle
- for example with winter tyres or the temporary spare wheel - 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.
Please observe driving advice: 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

218Vehicle care and maintenance
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
● Snow chains on the temporary spare wheel are not permitted
⇒ page 220.
● After mounting the spare wheel or the temporary spare wheel, check the
tyre pressure as soon as possible ⇒ page 214.
It is advisable to check the spare wheel or temporary spare wheel tyre pres-
sure when checking the rest of the vehicle wheels at least once a month.
The spare wheel should have the highest pressure allowed for the vehicle
⇒ page 214. The sticker situated on the temporary spare wheel shows the
tyre pressure.
WARNING
Incorrect handling of the spare wheel or the temporary spare wheel can
cause loss of vehicle control, producing collisions or other serious acci-
dents and injury.
● Never use the spare wheel or the temporary spare wheel if it is dam-
aged or worn to the wear indicator.
● In some vehicles the spare wheel is smaller than the original tyres.
This can be seen on a sticker showing the text “80 km/h” and “50 mph”.
This text indicates the maximum velocity permitted for this type of tyre.
● Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Avoid powerful accelera-
tion, hard braking and taking corners at high speed.
● Never drive more than 200 km (120 miles) with a temporary spare
wheel fitted to the drive axle.
● Replace the temporary spare wheel for a normal wheel as soon as
possible. The compact temporary spare wheel is only intended for tempo-
rary use over short distances.
● The temporary spare wheel must always be secured with the factory
supplied wheel bolts.
WARNING (Continued)
● You should never use more than one temporary spare wheel.
● After mounting the temporary spare wheel, check the tyre pressure as
soon as possible ⇒ page 214.
● Snow chains on the temporary spare wheel are not permitted.
Note
Wherever possible, secure the spare wheel, temporary spare wheel or the
replaced wheel safely in the luggage compartment. In vehicles with anti-
puncture kit, it is not possible to secure the defective wheel. 
Tyre code
Fig. 124 Universal code on tyres 