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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