2008 Seat Exeo Owner's manual

Driving and the environment183
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
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. Under normal driving conditions, the filter cleans itself. If the driving
conditions do not allow the filter to clean itself (for example, multiple short
trips) the filter will be obstructed by dust and pollen and the indicator
 for
the diesel engine particulate filter indicator will light up. See section on
Warning Lights.
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
•
The vehicle is not designed for refuelling with mixtures of FAME fuel
(biodiesel) over 7%. The diesel particle filter is damaged when this mixture
percentage is exceeded.
Economical and environmentally friendly
drivingEconomical and environmentally friendly drivingFuel consumption, environmental pollut ion and wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. By adopting an econom- ical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can easily
reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. Some
tips on how to help you reduce
pollution while saving money are listed below.
As you drive try to anticipate the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accele rating. When you anticipate the situa-
tion, you have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible,
let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this way helps to reduce the wear of
brakes and tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are reduced to zero
(disconnection due to inertia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change up quickly through the gears.
Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary
amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We
recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon
reaching 2,000 rpm.
Avoid driving at high speed
We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel
consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at
higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level
crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only
30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the
engine.
The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at idling
speed. Mechanical wear and pollutan t emissions are also especially high
during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately
after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.
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Driving and the environment
184Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you
will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum
reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
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 consumptio n does not regularise until having
driven some four kilometres. This is the reas on 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.
A roof carrier is often left in place for the sake of convenience, even when it is
no longer needed. At a speed of 100-120 km/h your car will use about 12%
more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof carrier
even when it is not in use. Saving electrical energy
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is al
so increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical equipment 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*.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority 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
•
Recycled materials used in manufacture
•
Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics
•
CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning
Compliance with prohibited materials laws: cadmium, asbestos, lead,
mercury, chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods
•
Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts
•
Solvent-free cavity sealing
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Driving and the environment185
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
•
Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit
•
Solvent-free adhesives
•
No CFCs used in production
•
Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building
materials
•
Overall water consumption reduced
•
Heat recovery systems
•
Water-soluble paint
Driving abroadObservationsTo drive 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 chapter “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
Centre may only carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the
technical preparation of your vehicle and also about necessary maintenance
and repair possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight
lenses. Further information is available in your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with self-directing headlights, the rotation system must previ-
ously be disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialist workshop.
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Trailer towing
186Trailer towingTrailer towingTechnical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical requirements.Your car is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or caravan.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects fo r trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased from any SEAT Dealer.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the car is purchased, this must be done
according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 195.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by a
specialist garage.•
Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive up
long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine would
heat up.
•
Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked before
towing a trailer or caravan.– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒page 282.Trailer weights
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weights.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you
can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the car and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every subse-
quent 1000 m (or part thereof) . This figure refers to the combined weight of
the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the draw bar weight that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒page 274. Also
refer to ⇒ page 282.
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.
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Trailer towing187
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
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.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your car, and adjust for “full load” conditions
(refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may also be
necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the recom-
mendations of the trailer manufacturer.
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. The two exterior mi rrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means of
the headlight range control. See ⇒page 116.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have vehicle serviced between
services.
Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additi onal attention by the driver.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.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. Therefore,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in an unfavour-
able road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies when driving
downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of swaying. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake , first brake gently and then more severely. This will prevent brake
tapping by the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine
braking to slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer load.
They can be purchased and installed at a Dealer.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather wi th the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning light
 in the instrument cluster should start
flashing, stop the car and let the engine cool down by running it at idling
speed for a few minutes.
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Trailer towing
188Equipment and accessories
Before mounting equipment and accessories (e.g. bicycle
rack) please observe the following notes.The equipment/accessories mounted must not protrude more than 700 mm
from the ball joint .
The total weight (mounted equipment plus the load) must not exceed 75 kg.
The maximum load depends on where the centre of gravity lies.
The maximum weight decreases as the distance between the centre of gravity
and the ball joint increases.
The following limits apply:
If the distance is 300 mm, the total we ight (incl. the equipment mounted)
must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total we ight (incl. the equipment mounted)
must not exceed 35 kg. Only bicycle racks for
a maximum of three bicycles may be used.
Equipment and accessories mounted on the towing bracket
SEAT recommends that you only mount equipment (e.g. bicycle rack) which
has been officially approved on the ball joint. If you wish to attach other
equipment please make sure that it has been approved by the manufacturer
for use on the ball joint. If you mount unsuitable equipment, this can cause
damage to the towing bracket. In an extreme case, damage to the towing
bracket could cause it to break ⇒.
WARNING
•
If you wish to mount equipment which has not been approved by SEAT,
please ensure that it is suitable for use on SEAT vehicles.
•
The use of unsuitable accessory equipment can result in severe damage
to the towing bracket, and it could then break while pulling a trailer - Risk
of accident.
•
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device , no longer guaranteeing the correct
working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.
Fig. 147 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and
accessories
A1A1
AAAB
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Trailer towing189
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l D a t a
Removable towing bracketIntroduction
Special care is required when fitting and removing the towing
bracket.The removable ball joint attachment for the towing bracket is stored under the
floor panel in the luggage compartment.•
On vehicles with a spare wheel ⇒fig. 148 .
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
Equipment / Accessories mounted on the towing bracket
Please note that the ball joint attach ment can be damaged by using unsuit-
able equipment that is mounted onto the towing bracket (e.g. bicycle rack).
Due to the material construction, such damage to the towing bracket dramat-
ically increases safety risks and in extreme cases could lead to breakage of
the towing bracket while towing ⇒ . Therefore, before buying
such equipment, ensure that it is suitable for
mounting onto the vehicle's towing bracket and that it is approved for this
purpose. To prevent damage to the ball joint from unsuitable equipment, we
recommend that equipment for the to wing bracket be purchased through
your SEAT Dealer. Also refer to ⇒page 206.
WARNING
•
Only mount equipment on the towing bracket of your vehicle if you are
certain it will not damage the bracket. The use of unsuitable accessory
equipment can result in severe damage to the towing bracket, and it could
then break while pulling a trailer - Risk of accident.
•
Never use tools of any kind when fitting and removing the ball joint.
This would damage the locking device, no longer guaranteeing the correct
working order of the bracket. This could lead to an accident.Note
•
Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing bracket
components.
•
Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket, or
suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a specialist garage.
•
Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly
⇒ page 192.
•
Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still hitched or
with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
•
It is advisable to remove the ball joint when you are not towing a trailer.
Make sure that the cover piece is proper ly fitted on the mounting fixture on
the vehicle.
•
Remove the ball joint before washing the vehicle with pressurised steam
equipment. Make sure the cover piece is fitted correctly onto the mounting
fixture.
Fig. 148 Luggage
compartment: Spare
wheel with towing bracket
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Trailer towing
190Fitting the ball joint (step 1)– Remove the cover piece ⇒fig. 149 on the mounting fixture
below the bumper as far as it will go. The cover piece is held
automatically in the open position.
– Make sure the mounting fixture is clean. If not, clean it ⇒.Cont ⇒page 190, “Fitting the ball joint (step 2)”.
WARNING
It is important to keep the mounting fixture clean. Otherwise the ball joint
may fail to engage safely and securely. This could lead to an accident.
Fitting the ball joint (step 2)
Fig. 149 Rear bumper:
Open the cover piece
A2
A1
Fig. 150 Removable
towing bracket: Ball jointFig. 151 Removable
towing bracket: Ball joint
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