Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual

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Safe driving

Safety First

Safe driving

Brief introduction

Safety equipment

The safety equipment is a part of the occupant protection

Dear SEAT Driver

system and can reduce the risk of injury during an accident.

Safety first!

Never “gamble” with your safety and the safety of your passengers. In the

event of an accident, the safety equipment could reduce the risk of injury. The

This chapter contains important information, tips, suggestions and

following list includes most of the safety equipment in your SEAT:

warnings that you should read and follow in the interest of your own

• three-point seat belts,

safety and the safety of your passengers.

•

belt tension limiters for the front and rear side seats,

• belt tension devices for the front seats,

WARNING

• belt height adjustment for the front seats,

• This manual contains important information concerning the driver's

• front airbags,

and passengers' handling of the vehicle. The other booklets in the vehicle

• side airbags in the front seat backrests.

wallet also contain further information that you should be aware of for your

• curtain airbags,

own safety and for the safety of your passengers.

• crash-active front head restraints*,

• Ensure that the onboard documentation is kept in the vehicle at all

•

“ISOFIX” anchor points for child seats in the rear side seats with the

times. This is especially important when lending or selling the vehicle to

“ISOFIX” system,

another person.

• height-adjustable head restraints,

• head restraints with in-use position and non-use position

• adjustable steering column.

The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and

your passengers with the best possible protection in accident situations. But

this safety equipment cannot help you or your passengers if you or your

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Safe driving

passengers assume an incorrect sitting position or do not properly adjust or

- Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the

use this equipment.

head restraints in the in-use position ⇒ page 14.

Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important,

- Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to

how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and

their height.

your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety

equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you and your

- Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly

passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.

applied seat belts ⇒ page 46.

Safety is everyone's business!

- Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers

also to assume a proper sitting position ⇒ page 10.

Before every trip

- Fasten your safety belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to

fasten their seat belts properly ⇒ page 19.

The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the

operational worthiness of the vehicle.

For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note

What affects driving safety?

the following points before every trip:

Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and

- Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw-

the personal behaviour of all occupants.

lessly.

As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.

- Check tyre pressure.

When your concentration or driving safety is affected, you endanger

yourself as well as others on the road ⇒

, for this reason:

- Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the

surroundings.

– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you,

e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.

- Securely restrain all parcels ⇒ page 17.

- Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica-

- Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.

tion, alcohol, drugs).

- Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your

- Observe traffic laws and speed limits.

size.

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Safe driving

Proper sitting position for occupants

Proper sitting position for driver

The proper sitting position for the driver is important for safe

and relaxed driving.

Fig. 2 Proper head

restraint position for

driver

For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an

accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the driver:

- Adjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least

Fig. 1 The proper

25 cm between the steering wheel and the centre of your chest

distance between driver

⇒ fig. 1.

and steering wheel

- Move the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you are able

to press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with

your knees still slightly angled ⇒

– Ensure that you can reach the highest point of the steering

wheel.

- Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same

level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same

level as the top of your head ⇒ fig. 2.

- Move the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests

completely against it.

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Safe driving

– Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒ page 19.

Proper sitting position for front passenger

- Keep both feet in the foot well so that you have the vehicle under

The front passenger must sit at least 25 cm away from the

control at all times.

dash panel so that the airbag can provide the greatest

possible protection in the event that it is triggered.

Adjustment of the driver's seat ⇒ page 128.

For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an

accident, we recommend the following adjustments for the front

WARNING

passenger:

• An incorrect sitting position of the driver can lead to severe injuries.

- Move the front passenger seat back as far as possible ⇒

• Adjust the driver's seat so that there is at least 25 cm distance between

the centre of the chest and the hub of the steering wheel ⇒ page 10, fig. 1.

– Move the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests

If you are sitting nearer than 25 cm, the airbag system cannot protect you

completely against it.

properly.

• If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the

- Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same

minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop

level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same

will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.

level as the top of your head ⇒ page 13.

• 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. This reduces the

- Keep both feet in the foot well in front of the front passenger seat.

risk of injury when the driver airbag is triggered.

- Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒ page 19.

• 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). In such cases, you may

sustain injuries to the arms, hands and head.

It is possible to deactivate the passenger airbag in exceptional circum-

stances ⇒ page 25.

• To reduce the risk of injury to the driver during sudden braking manoeu-

vres or an accident, never drive with the backrest tilted far back! The airbag

For detailed information on how to adjust the front passenger's seat, see

system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection when the back-

⇒ page 131.

rest is in an upright position and the driver is wearing his or her seat belt

properly. The further the backrests are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk

of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web or the incorrect sitting

WARNING

position!

• An incorrect sitting position of the front passenger can lead to severe

• Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve optimal protection.

injuries.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Safe driving

- Keep both feet in the foot well in front of the rear seat.

WARNING (continued)

- Fasten your seat belt correctly ⇒ page 19.

• Adjust the front passenger seat so that there is at least 25 cm between

your breastbone and the dash panel. If you are sitting nearer than 25 cm,

- Use an appropriate child restraint system when you take children

the airbag system cannot protect you properly.

in the vehicle ⇒ page 46.

• If your physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the

minimum distance of 25 cm, contact a qualified workshop. The workshop

will help you decide if special specific modifications are necessary.

WARNING

• Always keep your feet in the foot well when the vehicle is moving; never

rest them on the instrument panel, out the window or on the seat. An incor-

• If the passengers on the rear seat are not sitting properly, they could

rect sitting position exposes you to an increased risk of injury in the event

sustain severe injuries.

of a braking manoeuvre or an accident. If the airbag is triggered, you could

• Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve maximum protection.

sustain severe injuries due to an incorrect sitting position.

• Seat belts can only provide optimal protection when backrests are in an

• To reduce the risk of injury to the front passenger during sudden

upright position and the passengers are wearing their seat belts properly.

braking manoeuvres or an accident, never travel with the backrest tilted far

If passengers on the rear seat are not sitting in an upright position, the risk

back! The airbag system and seat belts can only provide optimal protection

of injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web increases.

when the backrest is in an upright position and the front passenger is

wearing his or her seat belt properly. The further the backrests are tilted to

the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect positioning of the

belt web or the incorrect sitting position!

• Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve maximum protection.

Correct sitting position for passengers in the rear seats

Passengers in the rear seats must sit up straight, keep their

feet in the foot well s and wear their seat belts properly.

To reduce the risk of injury in the event of a sudden braking

manoeuvre or an accident, passengers on the rear bench seat must

observe the following:

– Adjust the headrest to the correct position ⇒ page 14.

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Safe driving

Correct adjustment of front seat head restraints

Adjust the head restraint properly to achieve maximum protection.

Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of

- Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same

occupant protection and can reduce the risk of injuries in

level as the top of your head, or as close as possible to the same

level as the top of your head and, at the very least, at eye level

most accident situations.

⇒ fig. 3 and ⇒ fig. 4.

Adjusting the head restraints ⇒ page 128.

WARNING

• Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted

increases the risk of severe injuries.

• Incorrectly adjusted head restraints could result in death in the event of

a collision or accident.

• Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury

Fig. 3 Properly adjusted

during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.

head restraint viewed

• The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the occu-

from the front

pant's size.

Headrests in use*

Vehicle occupants are pressed into their seats during a rear end collision. The

resulting body pressure on the backrest activates the crash-active head

restraint* on the front seat, which moves rapidly forwards and upwards at the

same time. This movement reduces the distance between the occupant's

head and the head rest, thus reducing the risk of head injuries such as brain

trauma.

Fig. 4 Properly adjusted

head restraint viewed

from the side

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Safe driving

Correct adjustment of rear seat head restraints

WARNING

Properly adjusted head restraints are an important part of the

Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted

increases the risk of severe injuries.

occupant protection and can reduce the risk of injuries in

• Incorrectly adjusted head restraints could result in death in the event of

most accident situations

a collision or accident.

• Incorrectly adjusted head restraints also increase the risk of injury

during sudden or unexpected driving or braking manoeuvres.

• The head restraints must always be adjusted according to the occu-

pant's size.

Note

The crash-active head restraints* could also be triggered if a vehicle occupant

applies a high level of pressure on the backrest (e.g. by “falling” back into the

seat when entering the vehicle) or if pressure is applied to a front seat head

restraint from the rear. This accidental activation is, however, not dangerous

as the crash-active head restraints will return to the original position immedi-

Fig. 5 Head restraints in

ately and are thus once again ready.

correct position

Fig. 6 Head restraint

position warning label

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Safe driving

Rear outer seat head restraints

Examples of incorrect sitting positions

- The rear outer seat head restraints have 3 positions.

An incorrect sitting position can lead to severe injuries to

- Two positions for use ⇒ page 14, fig. 5. In these positions, the

occupants.

head restraints are used normally, protecting passengers along

Seat belts can provide optimal protection only when the belt webs

with the rear seat belts.

are properly positioned. Incorrect sitting positions substantially

- And one position for non-use.

reduce the protective function of seat belts and increase the risk of

injury due to incorrect belt web position. As the driver, you are

- To fit the head restraints in position for use, pull on the edges

responsible for all vehicle occupants, especially children.

with both hands in the direction of the arrow.

- Never permit anyone to assume an incorrect sitting position in

Centre rear head restraint

the vehicle while travelling ⇒

- The centre head restraint only has two positions, in-use (head

restraint up) and non-use (head restraint down).

The following list contains examples of sitting positions that could be

dangerous for all occupants. The list is not complete, but we would like to

make you aware of this issue.

WARNING

Therefore, whenever the vehicle is in motion:

• Under no circumstances should the rear passengers travel while the

• Never stand in the vehicle,

head restraints are in the non-use position. See the warning label located

• never stand on the seats,

on the rear side fixed window ⇒ page 14, fig. 6.

• never kneel on the seats,

• Do not swap the centre rear head restraint with either of the outer seat

rear head restraints.

• never tilt your backrest far to the rear,

• Injury risk in case of an accident!

• never lean against the dash panel,

• never lie on the rear bench,

• never sit on the front edge of a seat,

Caution

• never sit sideways,

Note the instructions on the adjustment of the head restraints ⇒ page 129.

• never lean out of a window,

• never put your feet out of a window,

• never put your feet on the dash panel,

• never put your feet on the surface of a seat,

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Safe driving

• never travel in a foot well,

If a brake circuit fails, the brake pedal must be free to move further than

normal in order to bring the vehicle to a stop.

• never travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt,

• never carry any person in the luggage compartment.

Wear suitable shoes

Always wear shoes which support your feet properly and give you a good feel

for the pedals.

WARNING

• Every incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe injuries.

WARNING

• Sitting in an incorrect position exposes the occupants to severe injuries

if airbags deploy, striking an occupant who has assumed an incorrect

• Restricting pedal operation can lead to critical situations while driving.

sitting position.

• Never place objects in the driver foot well. An object could move into the

• Before the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-

pedal area and impair pedal operation. In the event of a sudden driving or

tain it throughout the trip. Before every trip, instruct your passengers to

braking manoeuvre, you will not be able to operate the brake, clutch or

assume the proper sitting position and to maintain it during the trip

accelerator pedal. Risk of accident!

⇒ page 10, “Proper sitting position for occupants”.

Floor mats on the driver side

Pedal area

Only floor mats may be used which can be securely fastened

in the foot well and do not impair operation of the pedals.

Pedals

- Ensure that the floor mats are securely fastened during the trip

The operation and freedom of movement of all pedals must

and do not obstruct the pedals ⇒

never be impaired by objects or floor mats.

Only use floor mats which leave the pedals clear and which are secured to

- Ensure that you can always press the accelerator, brake and

prevent them from slipping. You can obtain suitable floor mats from a quali-

clutch pedals unimpaired to the floor.

fied dealership.

- Ensure that the pedals can return unimpaired to their initial posi-

tions.

WARNING

• If the pedals are obstructed, you could cause an accident. Risk of

Use only floor mats which leave the pedal area free and can be securely

serious injuries.

fastened in the foot well.

• Ensure that the floor mats are always securely attached.

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Safe driving

WARNING (continued)

• Never lay or fit floor mats or other floor coverings over the original floor

• Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on

mats. This would reduce the pedal area and could obstruct the pedals. Risk

the fastening rings.

of accident.

• Use suitable specialist straps to secure heavy objects.

• During sudden manoeuvres or accidents, loose objects can be thrown

forward, injuring vehicle occupants or passers-by. This increased risk of

injury will be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating

Stowing luggage

airbag. If this happens, objects can be transformed into “missiles”. Risk of

fatal injury.

• Please note that the centre of gravity may shift when transporting

Loading the luggage compartment

heavy objects; this may affect the vehicle's handling and lead to an acci-

All luggage and other loose objects must be safely secured in

dent. Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style

accordingly, to avoid accidents.

the luggage compartment.

• Never exceed the allowed axle loads or allowed maximum weight. If the

Unsecured objects which shift back and forth could impair the

allowed axle load or the allowed total weight is exceeded, the driving char-

driving safety or driving characteristics of the vehicle by shifting the

acteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents, injuries and

damage to the vehicle.

centre of gravity.

• Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the tailgate is

- Distribute the load evenly in the luggage compartment.

open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment closing the door

behind them; they will remain trapped without help and there is a mortal

- Lay and stow heavy luggage as far forward as possible in the

risk.

luggage compartment.

• Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock

both the tailgate and all the doors when you leave the vehicle. Before you

- Stow heavy luggage as low as possible in the luggage compart-

lock the vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the

ment.

vehicle.

- Secure heavy objects to the fitted fastening rings ⇒ page 18.

• Never transport passengers in the luggage compartment. Every

passenger must be properly belted in ⇒ page 19.

WARNING

• Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment can

cause serious injuries.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Safe driving

Note

WARNING

• Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used

• If pieces of baggage or other objects are secured to the fastening rings

air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-

with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could result in the

ment. Ensure that the ventilation slits are never covered.

event of braking manoeuvres or accidents.

• Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially

• To prevent pieces of luggage or other objects from flying forward,

available.

always use appropriate retaining cords which are secured to the fastening

rings.

• Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.

Fastening rings

There are four fastening rings in the luggage compartment

which can be used to secure luggage and other objects.

- Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage

and other objects to the fastening rings ⇒

in “Loading the

luggage compartment” on page 17.

- Pull up the fastening rings to attach the straps.

During a collision or an accident, even small and light objects can build up so

much energy that they can cause very severe injuries. The amount of “kinetic

energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the weight of the object.

The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle.

Example: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying unsecured in the vehicle. During

a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, this object generates a force corre-

sponding to 20 times its weight. That means that the effective weight of the

object increases to about 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of the injuries

which might be sustained if this “projectile” strikes an occupant as it flies

through the passenger compartment. This increased risk of injury will be

further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.

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Seat belts

Introduction

Number of seats

Before driving: remember your seat belt!

Your vehicle has five passenger places, two individual front seats and three

places on the rear seat. Each seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt.

Properly worn seat belts can save lives!

In this chapter you will learn why seat belts are so important, how

WARNING

they work and how to properly fasten, adjust and wear them.

•

Never transport more people than there are seats available in the

- Read and observe all the information as well as the warnings in

vehicle.

this chapter.

• Every occupant in the vehicle must properly fasten and wear the seat

belt belonging to his or her seat. Children must be protected with an appro-

priate child restraint system.

WARNING

• If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe inju-

ries increases.

Seat belt warning lamp* 

• Properly worn seat belts can reduce severe injuries in the event of

sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents. Therefore, you and your passen-

The warning lamp acts as a reminder to the driver to fasten

gers should always wear the seat belts properly as long as the vehicle is in

the seat belt.

motion.

• Pregnant women or persons with physical disabilities must also use

Before starting the vehicle:

seat belts. Like all other occupants, these persons can also sustain severe

- Fasten your safety belt securely.

injuries if they are not wearing their seat belts properly.

- Instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly before

driving off.

- Protect children by using child seats of the correct height for the

age of the child.

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

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Seat belts

Why wear seat belts?

Frontal collisions and the laws of physics

In the event of a frontal collision, a large amount of kinetic

energy is generated.

Fig. 8 The vehicle hits

the wall: the occupants

are not wearing seatbelts

It is easy to explain how the laws of physics work in the case of a head-on

collision: When a vehicle starts moving ⇒ fig. 7 there is a certain amount of

energy known as “kinetic energy”, both in the vehicle and in the occupants.

The amount of “kinetic energy” depends on the speed of the vehicle and the

Fig. 7 Vehicle about to hit

weight of the vehicle and passengers. The higher the speed and the greater

a wall: the occupants are

not wearing seatbelts

the weight, the more energy there is to be “released” in an accident.

The most significant factor, however, is the speed of the vehicle. If the speed

doubles from 25 km/h to 50 km/h, for example, the kinetic energy increases

by a factor of four.

Because the passengers in our example are not restrained by seat belts, the

entire amount of kinetic energy has to be absorbed at the point of impact

⇒ fig. 8.

Even at speeds of 30 km/h to 50 km/h, the forces acting on bodies in a colli-

sion can easily exceed one tonne (1,000 kg). At greater speed these forces

are even higher.

Passengers not wearing seat belts are not “attached” to the vehicle. In a

frontal collision they will continue to move forward at the speed their vehicle

Safety First

Operating instructions

Tips and Maintenance

Technical Data

Seat Altea Freetrack. Service Manual - part 1