
Driving135
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
– Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition lock. 
Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle  ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle would roll against the kerb if it did 
start to roll.•
If the vehicle is facing  downhill, turn the front wheels  so that they point 
towards the kerb.
•
If the vehicle is 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 
selecting first gear.
WARNING
•
Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle 
unattended.
•
Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable 
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
•
Never allow vehicle occupants to re main 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 occupants.
•
Never leave children unsupervised in the vehicle. They could set the 
vehicle in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gear 
lever / selector lever.
•
Depending on weather conditions, it  may become extremely hot or cold 
inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.
Cruise control system (CCS)*Description
The cruise control system is able to maintain the set speed in 
the range from approx. 30 km/h to 180 km/h.Once the speed setting has been saved, you may take your foot off the accel-
erator.
WARNING
It could be dangerous to use the cruise control system if it is not possible 
to drive at constant speed.•
For safety reasons the cruise control system should not be used in 
dense traffic, in sections with bends or where roads conditions are poor 
(e.g. aquaplaning, loose chippings, slippery surfaces, snow). Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Always switch off the CCS when you have finished using it. This will 
prevent you using it by mistake.
•
It is dangerous to use a set speed which is too high for the current road, 
traffic or weather conditions. Risk of accident.Note
The cruise control cannot maintain a constant speed when descending gradi-
ents. The vehicle will accelerate under its own weight. Use the foot brake to 
slow the vehicle.
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Intelligent technology
142Anti-lock brake system (ABS)The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking during 
braking ⇒  page  140.Electronic differential lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock helps prevent the loss of trac-
tion caused if one of the driven wheels starts spinning.EDL helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The system will control the revolutions of the drive wheels using the ABS 
sensors (in case of an EDL fault the warning lamp for ABS lights up) 
⇒page 65.
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h, it is able to balance out differ-
ences in the speed of the driven wheel s of approximately 100 rpm caused by 
a slippery road surface on one side  of the vehicle. It does this by braking the 
wheel which has lost traction and distributing more driving force to the other 
driven wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts 
out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle will continue to 
function normally without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not informed that 
the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
•
When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, 
press the accelerator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven wheels may start to 
spin. This could impair the vehicles stability.
•
Always adapt your driving style to  suit road conditions and the traffic 
situation. Do not let the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you into taking 
any risks when driving, this can cause accidents.Caution
Modifications to the vehicle (e. g. to  the engine, the brake system, running 
gear or any components affecting the wh eels and tyres) could affect the oper-
ation of the EDL  ⇒ page 162.The traction control system (TCS)The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from spinning when the 
car is accelera ting  ⇒
  page 140.WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment
144Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service 
Schedule.
If you drive with  wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after 
heavy rainfall or after washing the car,  the braking effect will be reduced as 
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be 
“dried” through careful braking.
The brake fluid  must be 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 prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk 
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and  do not have the correct friction 
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also 
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have 
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over heat 
Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear if 
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine 
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking 
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid 
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers  could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions 
before purchasing accessories  ⇒page 162, “Modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Catalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not run the fuel tank dry.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil  ⇒page 175, “Topping up engine oil  ”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 214.If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is 
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest qualified workshop. In general,  the exhaust warning lamp will light 
up when any of the described symptoms occur  ⇒page 60. If this happens, 
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment. 
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment145
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Risk of fire.•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with 
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.
•
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the 
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust 
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.Caution
Never fully drain the fuel tank, in this case, the irregularity of the fuel supply 
may cause ignition problems. This allow s unburnt fuel to enter the exhaust 
system, which could cause overheating and damage the catalytic converter.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a 
smell of sulphur from the exhaust unde r some conditions. This depends on 
the sulphur content of the fuel used.  Quite often the problem can be reme-
died by changing to another brand of fuel.Driving abroadNotesFor driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:
•
For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is 
available for the journey. See the chap ter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded 
fuel.
•
In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service 
Centre may only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the 
technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance 
and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or 
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming 
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight 
lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service 
Centre.
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Driving and the environment151
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage 
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing 
injury.
Note
•
By law, the ball coupling must be re moved if a trailer is not being towed 
and it obscures the number plate.
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very 
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow 
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For 
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in 
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when 
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediat ely if the trailer shows the slightest 
sign of  snaking . Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an  overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Se lect a low gear in good time before 
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle. Heating
When climbing long hills in hot weather 
with the engine running fast in a low 
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge  ⇒page 51.
Electronic Stabilisation Program*
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to 
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the 
environmentGeneral notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving 
style.Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and 
tyres depend largely on three factors:•
Personal driving style
•
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•
Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation 
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section 
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing 
your operating costs at the same time.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle153
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Cleaning and caring for your vehicleGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your 
vehicle.Regular care
Regular and expert care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may 
also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims in the 
event of corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to 
wash and wax it frequently. The longer substances such as insects, bird drop-
pings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt 
and other aggressive materials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they 
do to the paintwork. High temperatur es (for instance in strong sunlight) 
further intensify the corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the 
underside  of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Car care products
Car care products are available from your Authorised Service Centre. Keep the 
product instructions until you have used up the product.
WARNING
•
Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept 
closed in their original container. Keep out of children's reach. Failure to 
comply could result in poisoning.
•
Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package 
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or  your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours; 
these should be used in well ventilated areas.
•
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other 
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. There is a fire / explo-
sion risk.
•
Before you wash your vehicle, or carry out any maintenance, switch off 
the engine, apply the handbrake firmly  and remove the key from the igni-
tion.Caution
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is dry. 
Never use a dry cloth or sponge for clea ning purposes. This could damage the 
paintwork or glass on your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty of 
water.
For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing car care products, try to select ones which are not 
harmful to the environment.
•
Left over car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary house-
hold waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
154Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washesThe paint is so durable that the car can normally be washed without problems 
in an automatic car wash. However, the effect on the paint depends to a large 
extent on the design of the car wash, the brushes used, the filtering of the 
wash water and the type of detergents and wax solutions used, etc.
After the car has  been washed, the  brakes  could respond later than normal 
as the brake discs and brake pads will be wet, or even frozen in winter. You 
must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes carefully several times 
⇒ page 143, “Braking effect and braking distance”.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk of 
accident.Washing by handWashing the vehicle
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse off.
– Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a glove or a brush. Start on 
the roof and work your way down. Use only light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove as much as possible.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt. – Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. last using a different sponge or 
glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the surface of the vehicle gently using a chamois leather.
–If it is cold , dry the rubber seals and the surfaces they touch with 
a cloth to prevent them freezing. Apply silicone spray to the 
rubber seals.
After cleaning the vehicle
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the  vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times  ⇒page 143, “Braking effect and braking 
distance”.
WARNING
•
The ignition must always be switched off before the vehicle is washed.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when 
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of 
injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident.Caution
•
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if the surface of the vehicle is 
dry. Never use a dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch 
the paintwork or glass on your vehicle.
•
Washing the vehicle in cold weather: if the vehicle is rinsed with a hose, 
do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the doors, 
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle155
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
luggage compartment, or bonnet. This could cause them to freeze. Otherwise 
there is a risk of malfunction.
For the sake of the environment
In the interests of environmental protection, the car should be washed only 
in specially provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water 
entering the sewerage system. In some districts, washing vehicles anywhere 
else may be prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the car with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner, 
particularly those concerning the  pressure and  the  spraying 
distance .
– Increase the spraying distance for soft materials and painted  bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from  windows  ⇒page 156.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzl es or so-called “dirt blasters” 
⇒ .
– If possible, avoid sudden braking directly after washing the  vehicle. You must “dry” the brakes by applying the brakes care-
fully several times  ⇒page 143.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or cylindrical jet (“rotating 
nozzle”). Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, visible 
and invisible damage can occur to the tyres. This may be an accident risk.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes  may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident.Caution
•
Do not use water hotter than 60
°C. This could damage the car.
•
To avoid damage to the vehicle, maintain a sufficient distance from sensi-
tive materials for example: flexible hoses,  plastic, sound proofing, etc. This is 
especially important for bumpers painte d in the same colour as the vehicle. 
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
Waxing the car
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run 
off the paintwork when it is  clean.
Good quality  hard wax is available from your Authorised Service Centre.
A good coat of wax helps to protects the paintwork from environmental 
contaminants ⇒  page 153. It  is  also effective in protecting  against minor 
scratches.
Even if a  wax solution  is used regularly in the car wash, it is advisable to 
protect the paint with a coat of hard wax at least twice a year.
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