
Driving and the environment155
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
On the left headlight, if you are changi
ng from driving on the right-hand side 
to the left-hand side  ⇒page 154, fig. 112.
Covering simple headlights for driving on the right*
On the right headlight, if you are chan ging from driving on the left-hand side 
to the right-hand side  ⇒fig. 113 .
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to 
the right-hand side  ⇒fig. 114 .
Fig. 113  Right headlightFig. 114  Left headlight
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Driving and the environment157
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
On the right hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-
hand side to the right-hand side 
⇒page 156, fig. 117 .
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to 
the right-hand side  ⇒page 156, fig. 118 .
Covering GDL headlamps for driving on the left*
On the right headlight, if you are changi ng from driving on the right-hand side 
to the left-hand side  ⇒fig. 119 .
On the left headlight, if you are changi ng from driving on the right-hand side 
to the left-hand side  ⇒fig. 120 .
Fig. 119  Right headlight
Fig. 120  Left headlight
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Driving and the environment159
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted 
draw bar 
weight  on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified 
limit.
The figures for  trailer weights and draw bar weights  that are given on the 
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The 
correct figures for your sp ecific model, which may be  lower than these figures 
for the towing bracket, are give n in the registration documents  ⇒Section 
“Technical data”.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as 
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them 
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker 
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in 
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the 
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors 
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should  be mounted on hinged extension 
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give  sufficient vision to the rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
Note
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the  normal inspection intervals if the 
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your 
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the tool 
boxThe ball coupling is provided with in structions on fitting and removing the 
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
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 we ight distribution.
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Driving and the environment161
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees 
that, before beginning a journey, you 
will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of  improved 
fuel efficiency  as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A maladjusted engine may mean an increase of 10 % over normal fuel 
consumption.
Check the  oil level every time you fill the tank.  Oil consumption depends to a 
great extent on the  engine load and engine speed. It  is quite normal that the 
oil consumption of a new engine only  reaches its lowest level after a certain 
mileage. This means that the oil consumption can only be properly assessed 
after about 5,000 km. Depending on your personal driving style, oil consump-
tion can be up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and 
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum  service tempera-
ture .
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine 
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having 
driven some  four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding 
short trips wherever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping  the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the 
tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by 
as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also 
increases  tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are  cold.
Do not use  winter tyres  all through the year: they will increase fuel consump-
tion by up to 10 %. Avoid unnecessary weight
Every kilo of 
extra weight  will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth 
checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnec-
essary loads are being transported.
Save electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, whic h produces electricity. With the need 
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always 
turn off electrical equipme nt when you do not need them. Examples of equip-
ment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window 
heating or the seat heaters*.
Logbook
A good way of keeping a check on  fuel consumption is to take regular notes. 
You will be able to note the variations (both positive and negative) and react 
accordingly.
 Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priori ty in the design, choice of materials 
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•
Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling
•
Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
•
Increased use of single-grade materials
•
Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043, 
ISO 11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
•
Nearly all materials used can be recycled
•
Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle163
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 vehicle165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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 low temperatures: if the vehicle is rinsed with a 
hose, do not direct the water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the 
doors, luggage compartment, or bonnet. Otherwise there is a risk of malfunc-
tion.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 166.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles 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 152.
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 cause an accident.
•
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.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle167
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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 remover to clean off rubber, oil, grease and 
silicone deposits.
Wax deposits have to be removed with a special cleaner which is available 
from your Authorised Service Centre. Wax deposits on the windscreen could 
cause the wiper blades to judder. A window cleanser specifically for removing 
wax will stop the blades juddering if added to the windscreen washer fluid. 
Grease removing cleansers 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!
•
The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the 
window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers over the heating elements on 
the inside of the window.
Cleaning windscreen wiper bladesClean wiper blades are essential for clear vision.
1.  Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen  wiper blades.
2.  Use window cleanser to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use  a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn stains.
Care of rubber seals
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so 
quickly.1.  Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2.  Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.The weather strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and rear lid will remain 
pliable and last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for 
example silicone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The 
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not 
freeze so quickly in winter.Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and 
anti-corrosive properties.Cleaning chrome parts1.  Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2.  Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth.
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Cleaning and caring for your vehicle169
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to protect it from corro-
sion and damage.The protective coating could be damaged when driving. We recommend that 
the protective coating under the body and on the running gear should be 
checked, and reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend that repair work and additional anti-corrosion work is carried 
out by your Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of 
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! This is a fire 
hazard.Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the car is 
frequently driven on salted roads. To  prevent the salt corroding the vehicle, 
the entire engine compartment should  be thoroughly cleaned before and 
after the salting period.
Your Authorised Service Centre  is able to provide the correct cleaning and 
preserving products and has the necessary equipment. For this reason, we 
recommend having this work performed by them. The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment 
is cleaned with grease remo
ving solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned. 
If this job is carried out, you should ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and 
components in the engine compartmen t are given anti-corrosion treatment 
afterwards.
WARNING
•
When working in the engine compartm ent, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 180.
•
Switch off the engine, apply the parking brake firmly and always 
remove the key from the ignition before you open the bonnet.
•
Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.
•
Do not clean the underside of vehicle, wheel arches without protecting 
your hands and arms. You may cut your self on sharp-edged metal parts. 
Failure to comply could result in injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes  may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. If possible, avoid sudden braking immediately after washing 
the vehicle.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed. 
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason, 
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a suit-
able filling station.
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