Seat ALTEA Owner's Manual page 17

WARNING
● Loose luggage and other objects in the luggage compartment could
cause serious injuries.
● Always stow objects in the luggage compartment and secure them on
the fastening rings.
● Use suitable 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
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
heavy objects; this may affect vehicle handling and lead to an accident.
Therefore, it is essential to adjust your speed and driving style accord-
ingly, to avoid accidents.
● Never exceed the allowed axle weights or allowed maximum weight.
If these weights are exceeded, the driving characteristics of the vehicle
may change, leading to accidents, injuries and damage to the vehicle.
● Never leave your vehicle unattended, especially when the rear lid is
open. Children could climb into the luggage compartment, closing the
door behind them; they will be trapped and run the risk of death.
● Never allow children to play in or around the vehicle. Close and lock
all the doors and rear lid when you leave the vehicle. Before you lock the
vehicle, make sure that there are no adults or children in the vehicle.
Note
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce fogging of the windows. Used
air escapes through ventilation slits in the side trim of the luggage compart-
ment. Ensure that these ventilation slits are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fastening rings are commercially
available.
Safety Operation
Fastening rings*
There can be four fastening rings in the luggage compartment for
fastening luggage and other objects.
– Always use suitable and undamaged straps to secure luggage
and other objects to the fastening rings ⇒
gage compartment on page 15.
– 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
"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. Dur-
ing a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h (30 mph), this object generates
a force corresponding to 20 times its weight. This 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 "object" strikes an occupant
as it flies through the interior of the vehicle. This increased risk of injury will
be further increased if a loose object is struck by an inflating airbag.
WARNING
● If pieces of baggage or other objects are secured to the fastening
rings with inappropriate or damaged retaining cords, injuries could result
in the event of sudden braking manoeuvres or accidents.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening rings.

Advice
Safe driving
in Loading the lug-

Technical specifications
15