
Safe driving
8Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so important, 
how it protects you, what you have to observe when using it and how you and 
your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the safety 
equipment fitted. This manual includes  important warnings that you and your 
passengers should observe in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!Before every trip
The driver bears the responsibility for his passengers and the 
operational worthiness of the vehicle.For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note 
the following points before every trip:
– Ensure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals operate flaw- lessly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the  surroundings.
– Secure all baggage  ⇒page 15.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals.
– Adjust front seat, head restraint and mirrors properly for your  size.
– Ensure that the passenger in the central rear seat always has the  head restraint in the correct position for use. – Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to 
their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly  applied seat belts  ⇒page 42.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers  also to assume a proper sitting position.  ⇒page 9.
– Fasten your safety belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to  fasten their seat belts properly  ⇒page 16.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style and 
the personal behaviour of all occupants.As driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers. 
When your concentration or driving  safety is affected, you endanger 
yourself as well as others on the road  ⇒, for this reason:
– Do not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic around you,  e.g. by passengers or telephone conversations.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medica- tion, alcohol, drugs).
– Observe traffic laws and speed limits.
– Always reduce your speed as appropriate for road, traffic and  weather conditions.
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Intelligent technology
148Anti-lock brake system and traction control 
ABSAnti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake system prevents the wheels locking 
during braking.The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle’s active 
safety system.
How the ABS works
If one of the wheels is turns too slowly in relation to the road speed, and is 
close to locking, the system will reduce the braking pressure for this wheel. 
The driver is made aware of this control process by a  pulsating of the brake 
pedal  and audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the driver that one or 
more of the wheels is tending to lock  and the ABS control function has inter-
vened. In this situation it is important to keep the brake pedal fully depressed 
so the ABS can regulate the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface, the best possible control is 
retained as the wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter braking distances in  all 
conditions. The braking distance could even be longer if you brake on gravel 
or on fresh snow covering a slippery surface.
WARNING
•
The anti-lock brake system cannot defy the laws of physics. Slippery 
and wet roads are dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that the ABS is 
working (to counteract locked wheels  under braking), you should reduce 
speed immediately to suit the road and  traffic conditions. Do not let the 
extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when driving.
•
The effectiveness of ABS is also determined by the tyres fitted 
⇒ page 196.
•
If the running gear or brakes are mo dified, the effectiveness of the ABS 
could be severely limited.
Traction control system (TCS)*
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from 
spinning when the car is acce lerating. The system always 
includes ABSDescription and operation of the traction  control system during acceleration 
(TCS)
TCS reduces engine power to help prevent the drive wheels of front-wheel 
drive vehicles losing traction during acceleration. The system works in the 
entire speed range in conjunction with ABS. If a malfunction should occur in 
the ABS, the TCS will also be out of action.
TCS helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate and climb a gradient in slip-
pery conditions where this may otherwise be difficult or even impossible.
The TCS is switched on automatically when the engine is started. If necessary, 
it may be turned on or off pushing  the button on the centre console.
When the TCS is off, the warning lamp is lit. The TCS should normally be left 
switched on at all times. Only in exceptional circumstances, when slipping of 
the wheels is required, should it be disconnected, for example•
With compact temporary spare wheel.
•
When using the snow chains.
•
When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
•
When the vehicle is bogged-down, to free it by “rocking.”WARNING (continued)
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Driving and the environment151
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.Up to 1,000 kilometres
– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 km
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed 
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal fric tion in the engine is 
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life  of the engine will be increased and its oil 
consumption reduced.
Deep water (Cupra version)The speed of the vehicle through puddles and passages of water must not 
exceed 25 km/h.Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New 
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect 
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with 
brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip  to start with, and require running-
in. This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 
km.
•
New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction 
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity 
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
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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 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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Checking and refilling levels197
Safety First
Operating instructions
Tips and Maintenance
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
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 inflation 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 sticker.
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.
Tyre service life 
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving 
style and fitting.
Fig. 134  Tyre tread wear 
indicatorsFig. 135  Changing 
wheels
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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 
IBI_ANG_0707  Seite 198  Montag, 6. August 2007  3:59 15