
Checking and refilling levels171
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the environment. For this reason you 
should make regular checks on the  ground underneath your vehicle. If you 
find spots of oil or other fluids, have  your vehicle inspected in a qualified 
workshop.Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.Before opening the bonnet ensure that the windscreen wipers are in 
rest position.
– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dashboard  ⇒fig. 120  in the direction indicated (arrow). The bonnet will be 
released by a spring action  ⇒. – Lift the bonnet using the rele
ase lever (arrow) and open the 
bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fixture designed for this  in the bonnet.
WARNING
Hot coolant can scald!•
Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping 
from the engine compartment.
•
Wait until no more steam, smoke or coolant is emitted from the bonnet, 
then carefully open the bonnet.
•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 169
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 pr ess downwards. Open it once 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.
Fig. 120  Arrester hook 
for bonnet.
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Checking and refilling levels179
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Washer fluid and windscreen wiper bladesTopping up washer fluid 
The water for cleaning the windscreen should always be 
mixed with washer fluid.The windscreen washer  and the headlight washing system  are supplied with 
fluid from the windscreen washer fluid container in the engine compartment. 
The container holds approx. 2 litres; in vehicles with headlamp washers* it 
holds approx. 4.5 litres.
The reservoir is located on the right-hand side of the engine compartment.
Plain water is not enough to clean the windscreen and headlights. We recom-
mend that you always add a product to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Approved windscreen cleaning products exist on the market with high deter-
gent and anti-freeze properties, these may be added all-year-round. Please 
follow the dilution instructions on the packaging.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 169Caution
•
Never put radiator anti-freeze or other additives into the windscreen 
washer fluid.
•
Always use approved windscreen cleansing products diluted as per 
instructions. If you use other washer fl uids or soap solutions, the tiny aper-
tures in the fan-shaped nozzles could become blocked.
Fig. 125  In the engine 
compartment: Cap of 
windscreen washer fluid 
reservoir.
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Checking and refilling levels
182Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It 
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the coolant expansion tank is shown in the corresponding 
engine compartment diagram  ⇒page 224. The brake fluid reservoir has a 
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeab
ly 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 60.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 169.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 169 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 consider ably 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.
Fig. 128  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
•
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and 
observe the warnings  ⇒page 169.
•
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.
BatteryWarnings 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 eyes , 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 batter ies. 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 
WARNING (continued)
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!
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Checking and refilling levels
184charge. 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 bulb is changed, you need only switch 
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you 
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, 
disconnect first the negative cable 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 electrical 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.
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect 
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 169  ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on 
page 183.
– Check the colour display in the magic eye on the top of the  battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until  they disperse.The position of the battery is show n in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram  ⇒page 224.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour, 
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is  colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level 
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic 
purposes.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels
186New tyres
New tyres have to be run in  ⇒page 143.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre 
and the tread pattern.
Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual 
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres 
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with 
directional tread. Always observe the  direction of rotation indicated when 
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.
•
Never drive with damaged tyres.  This may be an accident risk.
•
If you notice unusual vibration or if  the vehicle pulls to one side when 
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the 
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflatio n pressure from the sticker. The 
values  refer to Summer tyres. For  Winter  tyres,  you must add  
0.2 bar to the values  given on the sticke r.
2.  The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are  cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be 
reduced.
3.  Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially  important at high speeds. The pressure 
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a 
journey.
WARNING
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•
At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes 
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation 
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.
•
If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
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If and when191
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
If and whenVehicle tools, spare wheelVeh icle To ols
The tools and jack are stored under the floor panel in the 
luggage compartment.– Lift floor panel
– Remove the tools or jack.The tool kit includes:•
Hook for removing wheel covers* or hub caps*
•
Box spanner for wheel bolts
•
Reversible screwdriver with handle (i ncluding hexagonal interior) for the 
wheel bolts. The screwdriver is a combination tool.
•
Towing ring*
•
Adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts*
Before replacing the jack in the storage area, wind the arm of the jack down 
as far as it will go.
Some of the items listed are only provided on certain models, or are optional 
extras.
WARNING
•
Do not use the hexagonal socket in  the screwdriver handle to tighten 
the wheel bolts. It is impossible to  tighten the bolts with the torque neces-
sary, risk of accident.
•
The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels 
on this model. On no account attempt  to use it for lifting heavier vehicles 
or other loads, risk of injury.
•
Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•
Never start the engine when the vehicle is on the jack, risk of accident.
•
I f  w o r k  is  t o  b e  ca r r i e d  o ut  un d e r n ea t h  t h e  v e h i cle ,  t h is  m u st  b e  s e c ure d  
by suitable stands. Otherwise, there is a risk of injury in an accident.
Wheel changePreparation work
What you must do before changing a wheel.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away  from the flow of traffic as possible. Choose a location that is as 
level as possible.
– All passengers should leave the  vehicle. They should wait in a 
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
–Apply the handbrake  firmly.
WARNING (continued)
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If and when
192
– Engage the  first gear, or put the selector lever to position  P for 
those vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Take the  vehicle tools  and the spare wheel  out of the luggage 
compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and pl ace the warning triangle in position. 
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
If you have to change the tyre on a gradient, block the wheel opposite the 
wheel being changed by placing a stone or similar object under it to prevent 
the vehicle from rolling away.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.Changing a wheelChange the wheel as described below
–  Rem ove the wheel  cover. Also  refer to ⇒  page 193.
–Slacken the wheel bolts.
– Raise the car with the jack in the corresponding zone –
Ta k e  o f f  the wheel and then  put on the spare wheel
– Lower  the vehicle.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly  in diagonal sequence with the box 
spanner
–Replace the cover .
After changing a wheel
After changing the wheel there are still tasks to complete.– Put the tools and jack back in the luggage compartment.
– Place the wheel with the defective tyre in the luggage compart-
ment and secure it.
– Check the tyre pressure of the newly fitted tyre as soon as  possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as  possible with a torque wrench. The prescribed torque is 120 Nm.
Note•
If you notice that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when 
changing a wheel, they must be replaced before having the wheel bolt torque 
checked.
•
In the interest of safety, drive at moderate speeds until the wheel bolt 
torque has been checked.
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