
Checking and refilling levels
204•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings ⇒ page 201
Closing the bonnet– Raise the bonnet slightly
– Release the bonnet stay and replace it in its support.
– At a height of about 30 cm let it fall so it is locked.If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it onc e more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it  could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with  the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine used must conform to exact specifications.Specifications
A special high-quality multigrade oil is put in the engine at the factory. This 
can be used all the year round, except in exceptionally cold climates.
As the use of good quality oil is nec essary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used in stead. The use of this type of oil 
may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels215
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the 
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low 
⇒page 71.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 201.Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid must be renewed every two years.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please  read and follow the warnings ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 201 in 
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se of time, it will absorb water from 
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake 
system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling point of the 
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which 
could impair the braking effect.
For this reason the brake fluid must be renewed every two years.
It important that you use only use brake fluid compliant with the US standard 
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•
Before opening the bonnet to check  the brake fluid level, read and 
observe the warnings  ⇒page 201.
•
Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe 
place out of reach of children.  This represents a toxic danger.
•
Have the brake fluid changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use 
of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system 
for too long. This would seriously affect  the efficiency of the brakes and the 
safety of the vehicle. This may be an accident risk.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the 
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing 
environmental regulations.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
216BatteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the 
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical 
system:•
Wear eye protection. Protect your ey es, skin and clothing from acid and 
particles containing lead.
•
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and 
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the 
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with 
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralize any acid 
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with 
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.
•
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoki ng are prohibited. When handling 
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic  charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause 
injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the battery is 
under charge. The batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room 
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the 
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The minus cable on the battery 
must be disconnected. When a light bu lb is changed, you need only switch 
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you 
disconnect the battery! The alar m will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, 
disconnect first the negative ca ble and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery. 
Reconnect first the positive cable and then the negative cable. Never 
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could 
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which 
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0
°C.
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a 
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine 
is running. This could damage the elec trical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time , as 
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protec-
tive gloves and eye protection!
Fires, sparks, naked lights and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is given off when the 
battery is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
220Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear 
indicators” ⇒page 219, fig. 162  running across the tread. Depending on the 
make, there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Mark-
ings o n the tyre sidewall  (fo r instance  the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indi-
cate the positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth 
required by law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread 
wear indicators). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in 
export countries  ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out. 
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month 
⇒ page 219.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable 
to change them around as shown  ⇒page 219, fig. 163. All the tyres will then 
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results 
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive 
wear on steering, suspension and tyre s. A wheel must also be rebalanced 
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessiv e tyre wear, impairing the safety of 
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to 
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn 
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater 
risk of “aquaplaning”.
•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes 
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre 
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always  observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.
•
If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked 
by an Authorised Service Centre.
•
Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.
•
Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essen tial part of the vehicles design. The 
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics 
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe 
handling  ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front 
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it 
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If and when225
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Compact temporary spare wheel
The compact temporary spare wh eel is only intended for 
temporary use over short distances.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage 
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the compact temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the compact temporary spare wheel 
is only intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The 
standard-size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following  restrictions when using the compact temporary 
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle, 
thus, it cannot be changed with th e spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer  or winter tyre) may be fitted on the 
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not
 be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you should have a puncture on one of the  front wheels when using snow 
chains, fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. 
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use 
this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•
The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible. 
The tyre pressure for the spare wheel is 4.2 bar. Failure to do so could result 
in an accident.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. High er speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering, risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of 
accident.
•
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on 
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Tyre repair kit
The tyre repair kit is stored under the floor panel in the 
luggage compartmentYour vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a contai ner with sealing compound to repair the 
puncture and a  compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will 
reliably seal punctures up to a size of about 4 mm caused by the penetration 
of a foreign body into the tyre.
Fig. 164  Luggage 
compartment. Access to 
the spare wheel
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If and when
240Position in engine compartment: side boxFuses
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain 
models or are optional extras.
Please note that the above list, while corr ect at the time of printing, is subject 
to alterations. Lamp changeGeneral notesBefore changing any lamp first turn off the equipment concerned.
Do not touch the lamp glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a 
reduction in the lamp life and conden sation on the mirror surface, thus 
reducing efficiency. A lamp should only be placed by one of the same type. The designation is 
inscribed on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare lamps in the vehicle. At the 
very least, the lamps that most affect 
road safety should have spares in the 
vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Full beam - H1
Position - W5W
Indicator - PY21W
Number
Electrical equipment Amperes
B1 Alternator < 140 W
150
Alternator > 140 W 200
C1 Power steering 80
D1 PTCs (Supplementary electrical heating using air) 100
E1 Ventilator > 500 W / Ventilator < 500 80/50
F1 Multi-terminal voltage supply “30”. Internal fuse box 100
G1 Trailer fuse voltage supply in internal fuse box 50
H1 Vacant
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If and when241
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Xenon headlights
18)
Dipped beam and full beam - D1S
19)
Light burst and additional full beam - H1
Position W5W
Indicators PY21W
Fog lights
Fog lights - H3
Upper rear light
Stop/Position - P21W
20)
Indicators - R10W
Lower rear light
Fog lights - P21W
Reverse light - P21W
Side turn indicator
Side turn indicator - W5W
Registration plate light
Registration plate light - C5W
Note
•
Due to the difficulty in accessing the lamps, these must be changed by an 
Authorised Service Centre. However, the following is a description of how to 
change the lamps except for the  fog lights* and interior lamps.
Main headlight lamps
Turn signals
Dipped headlights
Main beam headlights
Side lights
18)For these type of headlights, the bulbs must be changed by an Authorised Service
Centre, given that complex elements of the vehicle must be removed and that the au-
tomatic control system must be reset.19)Xenon discharge lamps emit 2.5 times as much light flux and have a useful life five
times greater than halogen lamps, this means that, except in case of an abnormal
fault, there is no need to change the bulbs during the vehicle life.20)Electronically controlled single filament  lamp for Stop/Position lamp. If the lamp
blows it will not work in either position or Stop position
Fig. 173  Main headlight 
lamps
AAABACAD
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If and when253
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate 
gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not  working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you 
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.
Fitting the towing eye
– Take the towing ring and the wheel spanner out of the vehicle  tool kit.
– Pull the lower front cover down and leave the cover hanging on  the vehicle.
– Remove the cover of the screw hole, insert a screwdriver into the  lower slot and lever gently.
– Screw the towing eye as shown by arrow  anti-clockwise  to the 
limit position in the front  ⇒page 252, fig. 194  or rear 
⇒ page 252, fig. 195  threaded hole.
– Use the wrench for leverage to tighten the towing eye.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle with a tow-bar. You should only use a 
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar. A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to
 reduce the loading on both vehicles. 
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic 
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a 
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both 
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
Do not pull too hard with the towing vehicle and take care to avoid jerking the 
tow-rope. When towing on an unpaved road, there is always a risk of over-
loading and damaging the anchorage points.
The ignition of the vehicle being towed must be switched on to prevent the 
steering wheel from locking and also to  allow the use of the turn signals, 
horn, windscreen wipers and washers.
As the brake servo does not work if th e engine is not running, you must apply 
considerably more pressure to the brake pedal than you normally would.
As the power assisted steering does not  work if the engine is not running, you 
will need more strength to  steer than you normally would.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
•
Put the selector lever into position “N”.
•
Do not drive faster than 50 km/h when towing a vehicle.
•
Do not tow further than 50 km.
•
If a breakdown vehicle is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front 
wheels raised.Note
•
Observe legal requirements when towing or tow-starting.
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