Page 156 of 258

Driving and the environment
154If you drive with  wet brakes, for example, after crossing water areas, in heavy 
rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is lessened as 
the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter): The brakes should be 
“dried” by pressing the pedal to restore full braking effect.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk 
of accidents.•
New brake pads must be run in and  do not have the correct friction 
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be 
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also 
applies when new brake pads are fitted.
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have 
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.
•
On steep stopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat. 
Before driving down a long steep stopes, it is advisable to reduce speed 
and change down into a lower gear (o r move the selector lever to a lower 
gear if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine 
braking and relieves the brakes.
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous 
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and the braking distance will 
increase. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.
•
Never let the vehicle run with the engine switched off. The braking 
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.
•
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid 
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the 
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions 
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 173, “Technical modifications”.
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary 
journeys.
Exhaust gasses purification systemCatalytic converter*To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Always use unleaded petrol.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not top the reservoir up  ⇒page 187, 
“Topping up engine oil  ”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 227.If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is 
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the 
nearest qualified workshop. In general,  the exhaust warning lamp will light 
up when any of the described symptoms occur  ⇒page 57. If this happens, 
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment. 
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Fire hazard!•
Never park where the catalytic convert er could come into contact with 
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.
•
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the 
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust 
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is being driven.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 154  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 186 of 258

Checking and refilling levels
184If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and 
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it  could open while you are driving and 
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•
After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The 
bonnet must be flush with  the surrounding body panels.
•
If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is 
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk 
of accident.
Engine oilEngine oil specifications
The engine oil used must conform with exact specifications.Specifications
The engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be 
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme 
cold.
As the use of good qualit y oil is necessary for the correct operation and long 
service life of the engine, when it be comes necessary to replenish or change 
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
If it is not possible to find oil conforming to the VW standards then oil 
conforming to the ACEA or API standards with an appropriate viscosity at 
atmospheric temperature should be used instead. The use of this type of oil  may have some repercussions on the performance of the engine for example, 
long starting time, increased consumption and a higher emission level.
If a top up is required then different oils may be mixed as long as they all 
conform to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should 
appear on the container of the service oil; the container will display together 
the different standards for petrol and diesel engines, the oil can be used for 
both types of engines.
Ibiza SC_EN.book  Seite 184  Dienstag, 8. Juli 2008  5:36 17 
         
        
        
     
        
        Page 188 of 258

Checking and refilling levels
186
NoteBefore a long trip, we recommend findin g an engine oil that conforms to the 
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the 
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature  is reached then stop.
– Wait two minutes. – Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and 
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level  ⇒fig. 125. Top 
up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area 
- Do not add oil.
Oil level in area 
- Oil  can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after the zone 
Oil level in area 
- Oil  must  be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after in zone 
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is used, oil 
consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1,000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be 
higher for the first 5,000 km. For this re ason the engine oil level must be 
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a 
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 181.Caution
If the oil level is above the area   do  not start the engine. This could result 
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Fig. 125  Engine oil 
dipstick
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
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