Driving and the environment175
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! Fire hazard!•
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.Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced
by burning diesel.The diesel engine dust filter eliminates most of the soot from the exhaust gas
system. The soot particulates accumulate in the filter where they are regularly
burned. In order to facilitate this process, occasional journeys at speeds of more than 60 kmh should be made. If the vehicle is only used for short trips
then the soot will build up in the particulate filter.
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into contact with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.Caution
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine particulate filter must not be refuelled
using biodiesel (RME), given that the fuel system may be damaged.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
Centres may only carr y 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.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Polishing the paintwork
Polishing brings back gloss to the paintwork.Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot
be brought back by applying wax. Polish can be obtained from your Author-
ised Service Centre.
The car must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain wax
compounds to seal the paint ⇒page 184, “Waxing the car”.
Caution
To prevent damage to the paintwork:•
Do not use polishes and hard wax on painted parts with a matt finish or
on plastic parts.
•
Do not polish your vehicle in a sandy or dusty environment.
Caring for plastic parts
Solvents will damage plastic parts.If normal washing fails to clean plastic parts, clean them with special solvent-
free plastic cleaning and care products.
Caution
•
The use of liquid air conditioners directly over the air vents of the vehicle
may damage the plastic parts if the liquid is accidentally spilled.
•
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrorsCleaning the windows
– Moisten the windows with commercially available, alcohol based glass cleaner.
– Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth.
Removing snow
– Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and mirrors.
Removing ice
– Use a de-icer spray.Use a clean cloth or chamois leather to dry the windows. Chamois leathers
that have been used on painted surfaces are not suitable for use on windows.
They will be soiled with wax deposits that would smear the windows.
If possible use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper, push
it in one direction only. Do not move it to and fro.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remove r to clean off rubber, oil, grease and
silicone deposits.
Wax deposits have to be removed with a special cleaner that is available from
your Authorised Service Centre. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause
the wiper blades to judder. A window cleaner specifically for removing wax
will stop the blades juddering if added to the windscreen washer fluid.
Grease removing cleaners will not remove wax deposits.
Caution
•
Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle
190•
To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qualified
workshop.
Cleaning seat belts
A dirty belt may stop the seat belt working properly.Keep the seat belts clean and check all seat belts regularly.
Cleaning seat belts
– Carefully pull the dirty seat belt right out and leave it out.
– Clean the dirty seat belts with a gentle soap solution.
– Allow the seat belt fabric to dry.
– Do not roll up the seat belt until it is dry.If large stains form on the belts the belt will not retract correctly into the auto-
matic belt retractor.
WARNING
•
Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can
impair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
•
Check the condition of all seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced by a specialist workshop.
•
Do not attempt to repair a damaged se at belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.
Caution
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dr y completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise the belt retractors could become damaged.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
192
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle can lead
to malfunctions and cause accidents.Roof aerial*The vehicle may be fitted with a collapsib le roof aeria l* with anti-theft
system*, which can be folded backwards, when, for example, going through
an automatic carwash.
To fold
Unscrew the aerial rod, tilting it backwards into a horizontal position and then
screw in again.
To return to working position
Continue in the reverse order to that given in the previous instruction.Mobile telephones and two-way radiosYou will require an external aerial for mobile phones and two-
way radios.SEAT has approved your vehicle for use with mobile telephones and two-way
radios providing the following conditions are observed:•
The correct installation of an external aerial,
•
transmitting power of maximum 10 watts.
An external aerial is needed to give the equipment its optimal range. First consult your Authorised Service Centre if you wish to use a mobile tele-
phone or a two-way radio with a transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.
Here you will receive information conce
rning the technical possibilities for
retrofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios should be fitted only by a qualified
workshop, for example an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•
Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while
driving you could have an accident.
•
Never attach the telephone mounti ngs to the surfaces covering the
airbag units or within the range of the ai rbags, danger of injury if the airbag
is triggered.
•
If you use mobile telephones or two-way radios in the vehicle without
an external aerial, electromagnetic ra diation in the vehicle could exceed
authorised limits. This also applies to external aerials that have not been
correctly installed.Caution
Failure to observe the above conditio ns could cause the electronics to
malfunction. The most common causes of faults are:•
no external aerial,
•
external aerial incorrectly installed,
•
transmitting power in excess of 10 watts.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way
radio.
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Checking and refilling levels213
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released 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 negative 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 alar m 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 that 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 198 ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on
page 212.
– 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 260.
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 levels217
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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.Puncture-proof tyres*
Puncture-proof tyres will usually allow the vehicle to continue
even when one of the tyres has a puncture.Vehicles that are factory-fitted with puncture-proof tyres
20)
indicate
on the instrument panel when there is a loss of tyre pressure. Driving on puncture-proof tyres (emergency use)
– Leave the ESP/TCS (electronic stabilisation programme)
switched on, or switch on.
– Drive carefully and at moderate speed (80 km/h maximum).
– Avoid sharp turns and rapid manouevres.
– Avoid driving over obstacles (for example, kerbs) or potholes.
– If the ESP/TCS is frequently activated, check whether there is smoke coming from the tyres or a smell of rubber, or if the vehicle
vibrates or rattles. If this is the case, stop the vehicle.
Puncture-proof tyres are marked on the tyre wall as follows: “DSST”,
“Eufonia”, “RFT”, “ROF”, “RSC”, “SSR” or “ZP”.
The tyre walls of this type of tyre are reinforced. When the tyres lose air, the
tyre walls keep the tyre up (emergency use).
Loss of air pressure in the tyre is shown on the instrument panel. The vehicle
may still be driven for at least 80 km and, under ideal conditions (for example,
no load) further.
The faulty tyre should be replaced as soon as possible. The tyre rim should be
checked for damage at a specialised workshop and replaced as necessary.
We recommend you contact your Authorised Service Centre. If more than one
tyre is being used under emergency co nditions, this reduces the distance
which can be travelled.
Starting driving in emergency conditions
When the loss in tyre pressure is displayed on the instrument panel, this
implies that at least one tyre is being driven in emergency conditions ⇒.
End of emergency operation
Do not drive on if:
20)Depending upon version and country.
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Checking and refilling levels
218•
smoke is coming from one of the tyres,
•
there is a smell of rubber,
•
the vehicle vibrates,
•
there is a rattling noise.
WARNING
When driving in emergency conditions, the driving quality of the vehicle is
considerably impaired.•
Drive carefully and at moderate speed (80 km/h maximum).
•
Avoid sharp turns and rapid manoeuvres, and brake earlier than usual.
•
Avoid driving over obstacles (for example, kerbs) or potholes.
•
If one or more tyres is being driven in emergency conditions, the driving
quality of the vehicle is impaired and there is a risk of accident.Note
•
Puncture-proof tyres do not “deflate” on losing pressure as they are
supported by the tyre walls. Therefore defects in the tyre can not be deteced
with a visual inspection.
•
Snow chains must not be used on front tyres used in emergency
conditions.
New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run-in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essenti al part of the vehicle's 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
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations
marked on the sidewall, for example:
195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
T Speed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:
•
A direction of rotation symbol
•
“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicate d on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103 ...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels is carried out by an Authorised
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts, as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
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Checking and refilling levels
220Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code ⇒page 218, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits ⇒ :
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 218, “New tyres and wheels”.
WARNING
The maximum speed for the winter tyres must not be exceeded. Otherwise,
this could lead to tyre damage and thus, an accident risk.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres in good time. They are quieter, do not wear so quickly
and reduce fuel consumption.Snow chainsSnow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only to certain tyre
sizes ⇒page 258.
Snow chains must have fine-pitch link s which do not protrude more that 9
mm, including tension device.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains. For safety
reasons cover caps, available in any Authorised Service Centre, must then be
fitted over the wheel bolts.
WARNING
Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of snow.
Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
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