Seat Ateca 2016 Owner's Manual page 258

into account the speed limit for vehicles with
trailers in the corresponding country, as it
could be less than the speed limit for vehi-
cles without a trailer.
Never attempt to "straighten" the towing
●
vehicle and trailer while accelerating.
WARNING
If the towing bracket has been retrofitted by a
non-SEAT workshop, the Start-Stop system
must be disconnected manually whenever
driving with a trailer. Otherwise the brake
system could be damaged and could conse-
quently cause a serious accident or injury.
● Always disconnect the Start-Stop system
manually when using a towing bracket that
has not been fitted by a SEAT workshop.
Note
Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, al-
●
ways deactivate the anti-theft alarm
›››
page 112. Otherwise, the tilt sensor could
cause the alarm to go off.
● Do not drive with a trailer for the engine's
›››
first 1000 km page 184.
SEAT recommends that, if possible, the tow
●
hitch be disassembled or covered when it is
not going to be used. In the event of a rear-
end collision, the damage to the vehicle
could be greater if the bracket is fitted.
Some retrofitted towing brackets cover the
●
rear towing eye. In these cases, the towing
256
Operation
eye should not be used for tow-starting or for
towing other vehicles. For this reason, if the
vehicle has been retrofitted with a towing
bracket, always keep the tow hitch in the ve-
hicle when you disassemble it.
Control lamp
The tow hitch is not securely locked in

position.
Check that the towing bracket is locked
Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly when the ignition is switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
messages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es.
Stop the vehicle at the next opportunity
●
and in a safe place.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
sponding text messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle.
Technical requirements
Vehicles that are factory-equipped with a
towing bracket fulfil all the technical and le-
gal requirements for driving with a trailer.
If the vehicle is retrofitted with a towing
bracket, only a bracket that is authorised for
the maximum authorised load of the trailer
that is to be towed may be fitted. The towing
bracket must be suitable for the vehicle and
the trailer and must be properly secured to
the vehicle's chassis. Only use a towing
›››
page 257.
bracket that has been authorised by SEAT for
this vehicle. Always check and take into ac-
count the towing bracket manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a towing bracket "with
weight distribution" or "load compensation".
Towing bracket fitted on the bumper
Never fit a towing bracket to the bumper or to
the area where the bumper is mounted. The
towing bracket should not impair the bum-
per's function. Do not make modifications or
repairs to the exhaust system or the brake
system. Make regular checks to ensure that
the towing bracket is secure.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on
the engine and cooling system. The cooling
system should have sufficient coolant and be
prepared for the additional effort involved in
driving with a trailer.