Seat ALTEA Owner's Manual page 162

160 Driving
The handbrake warning lamp lights up when the handbrake is applied with
the ignition on . The warning lamp turns off when the handbrake is re-
leased.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display:
will also hear an audible warning.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. Select the 1st
gear also.
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the vehicle is
parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Select the 1st gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .
HANDBRAKE ON. You
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb.
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb.
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and en-
gaging 1st gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
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materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
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