
Driving131
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
The immobiliser will be activated again automatically as soon as you pull the 
key out of the ignition lock.
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with its correct code.
Note
A perfect operation of the vehicle is ensured if genuine SEAT keys are used.Starting and stopping the engineStarting petrol engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the ne
utral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it  in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting  ⇒page 130 position.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts; the starter  motor must not run on with the engine.After starting a very hot engine, you may need to slightly press down the 
accelerator.
When starting a very cold engine, it may be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern. If the engine does not start immediately, switch the starter off after 
10 seconds and try again after half a minute. If the engine still does not start, 
the fuel pump fuse should be checked 
⇒page 211, “Fuses”.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon mono xide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should avoid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter th e catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the batt ery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 227, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.
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Driving
132Starting diesel engines
The engine can only be started using a genuine SEAT key with 
its correct code.– Move the gear lever to the neutral position and depress the 
clutch pedal thoroughly and hold it in this position for the starter 
to turn the engine on.
– Turn the ignition key to the starting position.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 130, fig. 93   . The 
indication lamp 
 will light for engine pre-heating.
– When the warning lamp turns off, turn the key to position   to  start the engine. Do not press the accelerator.
– Let go of the ignition key as soon as the engine starts, the starter  motor must not be allowed to run on with the engine.
When starting a very cold engine, it ma y be a little noisy for the first few 
seconds until oil pressure has built up in the hydraulic valve compensators. 
This is quite normal, and no cause for concern.
If there are problems starting the engine, see the  ⇒page 227.
Glow plug system for the diesel engine
To avoid unnecessary discharging of the battery, do not use any other major 
electrical equipment while th e glow plugs are pre-heating.
Start the engine as soon as the glow plug warning lamp turns off.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has been completely run dry
If the fuel tank has been completely run dry, it may take longer than normal 
(up to one minute) to start the engine afte r refuelling with diesel fuel. This is 
because the system must eliminate air first.
WARNING
•
Never start or run the engine in unventilated or closed rooms. The 
exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, an odourless and colourless 
poisonous gas. Risk of fatal accidents. Carbon monoxide can cause loss of 
consciousness. It can also cause death.
•
Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running.
•
Never use “cold start sprays”, they could explode or cause the engine 
to run at high revs. Risk of injury.Caution
•
When the engine is cold, you should av oid high engine speeds, driving at 
full throttle and over-loading the  engine. Risk of engine damage.
•
The vehicle should not be pushed or towed more than 50 metres to start 
the engine. Unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
•
Before attempting to push-start or tow a vehicle in order to start it, you 
should first try to start it using the battery of another vehicle. Note and follow 
the instructions  ⇒page 227, “Jump-starting”.For the sake of the environment
Do not warm-up the engine by running th e engine with the vehicle stationary. 
You should drive off as soon as you start the engine. This helps the engine 
reach operating temperature faster and reduces emissions.Switching the engine off– Stop the engine.
– Turn the ignition key to position  ⇒page 130, fig. 93   .
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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.
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Driving and the environment
162Economical and ecological drivingGeneral notes
Fuel consumption depends to a large extent on your personal 
driving style.Fuel consumption, environmental impact  and engine, brakes and tyres wear 
depend largely on three factors:•
Personal driving style
•
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•
Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving styl e and anticipating the traffic situation 
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section 
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing 
your operating costs at the same time.
Foresight when drivingA vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you  think ahead when driving, 
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, take 
advantage of your vehicle inertia, for instance when you see that the next 
traffic light is red.Regular servicesBy taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you 
can establish a basis for good fuel economy  before you start driving. 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.
Check the  oil level every time you fill the tank  ⇒page 186. Oil consumption 
depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending 
on your personal driving style, oil co nsumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 
km.
Avoid short journeysThe engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper  working 
temperature  in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
Directly after a cold start, the engine  uses about 50-70 litres of fuel per 100 
km. This figure then drops to 20-30 li tres per 100 km after about one kilo-
metre. The engine only reaches its working temperature after about  four kilo-
Fig. 119  Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km at 
two different ambient 
temperatures
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning
164Your vehicle maintenance and cleaningGeneral notesRegular washing and care help maintain the value of your 
vehicle.Your vehicle maintenance
Regular care and washing help to  maintain the value of the vehicle. This may 
also be one of the requirements for  acknowledging warranty claims in the 
event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
The best way to protect the car against environmental contaminants is to 
wash and mantain it  frequently. The longer substances such as insects 
remains, bird droppings, resinous tree sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, 
soot or road salt and other aggressive  materials remain on the vehicle, the 
more damage they do to the paintwork. High temperatures (for instance in 
strong sunlight) further intensify the corrosive effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the roads, it is important to have the 
underside  of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Products for vehicle maintenance
Car care products are available in your  Authorised Service Centre. Keep the 
product instructions until you have used them up.
WARNING
•
Car care products can be toxic. For this, they must always be kept 
closed in their original container. Keep them out of the reach of children. 
Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
•
Always read and observe the instructions and warnings on the package 
before using car care products. Improper use could damage your health or  your vehicle. The use of certain products may produce noxious vapours; 
they should be used in well ventilated areas.
•
Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail varnish remover or other 
volatile fluids. These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of fire and explo-
sion.
•
Before washing your vehicle, or carrying out any maintenance, switch 
the engine off, apply your handbrake firmly and remove the key from the 
ignition.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 clea ning purposes. This could damage the 
paintwork or the windows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust with plenty 
of water.
For the sake of the environment
•
When purchasing products for your ve hicle maintenance, select the ones 
which are not harmful  to the environment.
•
The leftovers of the car care products should not be disposed of with ordi-
nary household waste. Observe the disposal information on the package.WARNING (continued)
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning165
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Vehicle exterior maintenanceAutomatic car washing tunnelThe vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed 
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, the paint-
work wear depends to a large extent, on the kind of the car washing tunnel, 
the brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative 
products.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such 
as closing the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car washing tunnel oper-
ator.
After washing, the  brakes could hesitate to respond as the brake discs and 
pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry” the brakes by braking 
several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent.
Caution
Before putting the vehicle through the ca r washing tunnel, do not tighten the 
aerial if it is folded because it can be damaged.
Washing by handVe hicle washing
– First soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off.
– Clea n yo ur  ve hicle fro m to p to bo ttom  with a soft spo nge , a  g love   or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Clean the wheels, sill panels etc. until last with a different  sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry your vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–When  temperature is cold, dry the rubber seals and its surfaces 
to prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber 
seals.
After washing
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  ⇒page 153, “Braking effect and braking distance”the brakes by 
braking several times.
WARNING
•
Wash your car with the ignition switched off.
•
Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when 
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of 
injury.
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning
166•
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of 
accident.Caution
•
Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface 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: when washing the vehicle with 
a hose, do not direct water into the lo ck cylinders or the gaps around the 
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, 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 vehic les outside wash bays is 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 167.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”)  ⇒.
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry”  ⇒page 153 the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•
Never wash tyres with a concentrated  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.
•
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce 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, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive 
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This is 
also important for bumpers painted as th e paintwork. The closer the nozzle is 
to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.
WARNING (continued)
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Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning
170Underbody maintenance
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical 
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damage d when driving. We recommend you to 
ckeck the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and 
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair 
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corros ion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converter or the heat shield s on the exhaust system. The heat of 
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite! Fire hazard.Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularl y important in winter when the car is 
frequently driven on salted roads. To  prevent the salt corroding the vehicle, 
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and 
after winter.
Your Authorised Service Centre  has got the necessary equipment to provide 
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend 
having this work performed by them. The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment 
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned. 
On commissioning theis work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and 
components in the engine compartmen
t are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•
When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 181.
•
Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the parking 
brake firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.
•
Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.
•
Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches without protecting 
your hands and arms. You may cut your self on sharp-edged metal parts. 
Failure to comply could result in injury.
•
Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
•
Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed. 
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason, 
engine washing should be carried out only  by a qualified workshop or a petrol 
station.
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