
Checking and refilling levels
196
For the sake of the environmentBatteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They 
must be disposed of appropriately and must not be disposed of with ordinary 
household waste.WheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters,  etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them  to indicate the direction of 
rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly 
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a  cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel  rims.
New tyres
New tyres have to be run in  ⇒page 151.
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 re adily 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 di rection 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 cause an accident.
•
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.
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Checking and refilling levels
198Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators” 
⇒ page 197, fig. 134 , running across the tread . Depending on the make, 
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on 
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the 
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by 
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. D ifferent figures may apply in export 
countries  ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out. 
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month 
⇒ page 197.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable 
to change them around as shown  ⇒page 197, fig. 135. All the tyres will then 
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results 
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive 
wear on steering, suspension and tyre s. A wheel must also be rebalanced 
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessiv e tyre wear, impairing the safety of 
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
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.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 
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Checking and refilling levels199
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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 indicated 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.
WARNING
•
We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been 
approved by SEAT for your model. Fa ilure to do so could impair vehicle 
handling. Risk of accident.
•
Avoid running the vehicle on tyres th at are more than six years old. If 
you have no alternative, you should dr ive slowly and with extra care at all 
times.
•
Never use old tyres or those with an unknown “history of use”.
•
If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the 
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.
•
All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size 
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of accordi ng to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from 
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of 
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your 
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.
•
If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the 
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for 
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel 
as soon as possible.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are 
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt 
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels201
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Note
•
The rims of the IBIZA CUPRA have been designed so as not to obstruct the 
optional 4-cylinder brake unit.
•
The CUPRA version has a specific tyre for driving in winter of 205/40 17 XL 
84H. When you use this winter tyre, do not exceed 210 km/h.
Snow chainsSnow chains are only permitted on the front wheels and only for tyres 155/80 
R13; 165/70 R14 and 185/80 R14. Snow ch ains must have fine-pitch links 
which do not protrude more than  15 mm, including tension device.
Remaining tyres can be fitted with chains no thicker than 9 mm.
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.
Note
In some countries, the speed limit for using snow chains is 50 km/h. The legal 
requirements of the country should be followed.
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If and when207
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Wheel trims
The wheel trims must be removed to gain access to the wheel 
bolts.Dismantle
– Insert the extraction hook  from the tools in the corresponding 
hole  ⇒fig. 139.
– Pull off the  hub cap.
Wheel covers*
The wheel covers must be removed for access to the wheel 
boltsDismantle
– Remove the wheel cover using the wire hook  ⇒fig. 140.
– Hook this into one of the cut-outs of the wheel cover.
Fit
– Fit the wheel cover onto the wheel rim by pressing it firmly. Put  pressure initially on the point of the cut-out for the valve. Next fit 
the rest of the hubcap.
Fig. 139  Changing the 
wheel: Removing a hub 
cap
Fig. 140  Remove the 
complete hub cap
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Index267
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Sunroof blind
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Switch Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rear window heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Switches Electric windows  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135TTailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Tank fuel level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
reserve indicator  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
tank capacity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
TCS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
TCS (Traction control system) Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
The danger of not using the seat belt  . . . . . . . . 18
Tightening torque of wheel bolts  . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Towing  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  158, 240
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Towing bracket, fitting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Towing eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tow-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Traction control system
warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Trailer turn signals Indicator lamps  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Trailer weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Trips, checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  8
Turn signals  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63, 94
Two-way radio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Tyre Mobility-System (Tyre repair kit) . . .  205, 211
Tyre pressure  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Tyre pressures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Tyre repair kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  205, 211
Tyres and wheels Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Tyres service life  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Tyres tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Tyres with directional tread pattern  . . . . . . . . . 196
UUnderbody sealant  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
USB* connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116VVehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Vehicle data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Vehicle identification data  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Vehicle identification number  . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Vehicle interior heating or cooling system  . . . 123
Vehicle paint
Car care products  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Vehicle tools Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle wallet storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
vent wings*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Ventilation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Ventilation slits  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Volumetric sensor* Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Deactivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
WWarning lamp  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Warning triangle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Washer fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Washing by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Washing the vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Washing with high pressure cleaners  . . . . . . . 165
Water in the windscreen washer tank  . . . . . . . 189
Wear indicators  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Wheel bolts  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  208, 241Torque  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Wheel change  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Wheel trims  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  196, 240
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