
Driving and the environment
192Diesel 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 cle an 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. See under Warning 
Lights.
WARNING
•
The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
tures; it should not enter into cont act with flammable materials under-
neath the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in fire.Caution
•
The vehicle is not designed for refuel ling with mixtures of FAME fuel 
(biodiesel) over 7% in accordance with  DIN 51628. The diesel particle filter is 
damaged when this mixture percentage is exceeded.
Economical and ecological drivingEconomical and environmental drivingFuel consumption, environmental pollution 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%. Next, we provide you with some tips in 
order to help reduce contamination 
and, at the same time, save money.
Driving ahead of the circumstances
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 preserves brakes and tyres from wear; the emis-
sions and fuel consumption are reduce d to zero (disconnection out of 
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.
Automatic gearbox:  Accelerate in moderation and avoid the “kick-down” 
position.
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 pollutant emissions are also especially high 
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Checking and refilling levels
226Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service 
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It 
should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine 
compartment diagram ⇒ page 273. The brake fluid reservoir has a black and 
yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the 
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear. However, if the level goes down noticeab
ly in a short time, or drops below the 
“MIN” mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low  ⇒page 73.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 213.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change 
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 213 in 
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the cour se of time, it will absorb water from 
the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake 
system could corrode. This also consider ably reduces the boiling point of the 
brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which 
could impair the braking effect.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard 
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the  use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
Fig. 164  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
228charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause 
injury.•
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is 
under charge. The batteries should be  charged in a well-ventilated room 
only.
•
Keep children away from acid and batteries.
•
Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the 
engine, the ignition and all consumers. The negative cable on the battery 
must be disconnected. When a light bulb is changed, you need only switch 
off the light.
•
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by unlocking the vehicle before you 
disconnect the battery! The alarm will otherwise be triggered.
•
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, 
disconnect first the negative cable and then the positive cable.
•
Switch off all electrical consumers before reconnecting the battery. 
Reconnect first the positive cable and  then the negative cable. Never 
reverse the polarity of the connections. This could cause an electrical fire.
•
Never charge a frozen battery, or one which has thawed. This could 
result in explosions and chemical burns. Always replace a battery which 
has frozen. A flat battery can freeze at temperatures around 0°C
•
Ensure that the vent hose is always connected to the battery.
•
Never use a defective battery. This may be fatally explosive. Replace a 
damaged battery immediately.Caution
•
Never disconnect the  battery if the ignition is switched on or if the engine 
is running. This could damage the electrical system or electronic compo-
nents.
•
Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight over a long period of time, as 
the intense ultraviolet radiation can damage the battery housing.
•
If the vehicle is left standing in cold conditions for a long period, protect 
the battery from frost. If it “freezes” it will be damaged.
Checking the electrolyte level
The electrolyte level should be checked regularly in high-
mileage vehicles, in hot countries and in older batteries.– Open the bonnet and open the battery cover at the front  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on 
page 213  ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on 
page 227.
– Check the colour display in the "magic eye" on the top of the  battery.
– If there are air bubbles in the window, tap the window gently until  they disperse.The position of the battery is show n in the corresponding engine compart-
ment diagram  ⇒page 273.
The round window (“magic eye”) on the top of the battery changes colour, 
depending on the charge level and electrolyte level of the battery.
If the colour in the window is  colourless or bright yellow, the electrolyte level 
of the battery is too low. Have the battery checked by a qualified workshop.
The colours green and black are used by the workshops for diagnostic 
purposes.
WARNING (continued)
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Wheels and tyres233
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators” 
⇒
page 232, fig. 165 , 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. Different 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 230.
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 232, fig. 166 . 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 tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced 
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive 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.Anti-puncture tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a 
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles equipped with anti-puncture
21)
 tyres from the factory indi-
cate the loss of tyre pressure on the instrument panel.
21)Depending upon version and country.
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If and when239
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Compact temporary spare wheel* (emergency wheel) 
The compact spare wheel (emergency wheel for vehicles 
without the anti-puncture kit) should only be used when 
strictly necessary.The temporary spare wheel is stored under the floor panel in the luggage 
compartment and is attached by a thumbnut.
How to use the compact temporary spare wheel
Should you ever have a punctured tyre, the compact temporary spare wheel 
is only intended for temporary use until you can reach a workshop. The 
standard-size road wheel should be replaced as soon as possible.
Please note the following  restrictions when using the compact temporary 
spare wheel. This spare wheel has been specially designed for your vehicle, 
thus, it cannot be changed with th e spare wheel from another vehicle.
No other type of tyre (normal summer  or winter tyre) may be fitted on the 
compact temporary spare wheel rim. Snow chains
For technical reasons, snow chains must not
 be used on the compact tempo-
rary spare wheel.
If you should have a puncture on one of the  front wheels when using snow 
chains, fit the compact temporary spare in place of one of the rear wheels. 
You can then attach the snow chains to the wheel taken from the rear and use 
this wheel to replace the punctured front wheel.
WARNING
•
The tyre pressures must be checked and corrected as soon as possible. 
The emergency tyre pressure for dimensions 125/70R16 125/70R18 
135/90R16 is 4.2 bar; for all other tyre di mensions please refer to the label 
on the fuel cap. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h. Hi gher speeds can cause an accident.
•
Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering. Risk of acci-
dent.
•
Never use two or more compact spare tyres at the same time, risk of 
accident.
•
No other type of tyre (normal summer or winter tyre) may be fitted on 
the compact temporary spare wheel rim.
Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit (for vehicles not including a spare wheel) is 
stored under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.Your vehicle is equipped with the Tyre Mobility System “Tyre repair kit”.
The tyre repair kit consists of a contai ner with sealing compound to repair the 
puncture and a  compressor to generate the required tyre pressure. The kit will 
Fig. 167  Luggage 
compartment. Access to 
the spare wheel
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If and when
252
Bulb changeGeneral notesBefore changing any  bulb, first turn off the failed component.
Do not touch the bulb glass. Fingerprints vaporise in the heat, causing a 
reduction in the bulb life and condensation on the mirror surface, thus 
reducing efficiency.
A bulb should only be replaced by one of the same type. The type is inscribed 
on the bulb, either on the glass part or on the base.
It is highly recommended to keep a box of spare bulbs in the vehicle. At the 
very least, the following spare bulbs, which are essential for road safety, 
should be kept in the vehicle.
Main headlights
Dipped beam - H7
Main beam - H1
Position - W5W
Indicator - PY21W
Xenon headlights
22)/ self-adjusting*
Dipped and full beam - D1S
23)
Daylight - P21W SLL
Position W5W
Indicators PY21W
15
Engine management
5
Pump relay
10
16
Right li ghting
30
17
Horn
15
18
Vacant
19
Clean
30
20
Water pump
10
Pressure sensor pump for 1.8 engine
20
21a)
Lambda probe
15
22
Brake pedal, speed sensor
5
23a)
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
Engine management
15
24
AKF, gearbox valve
10
25a)
ABS pump
40
26
Left lighting
30
27a)
Engine management
40
Engine management
50
28
Vacant
29a)
Electric windows (front and back)
50
Electric windows (front)
30
30
Ignition key
50
a)Ampere rating according to motorisationNumber
Consumer
Amperes
22)On this type of headlight, the bulb changes must be made by the SEAT dealer, given
that complex elements must be removed from the vehicle and a reset must be made
on the automatic control system incorporated.23)The Xenon bulbs discharge 2.5 times the light flux and have an average lifespan of 5
times more than that of halogen bulbs, this means that, except due to unusual circum-
stances, there is no need to change the bulbs for the whole life of the vehicle.
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If and when265
Safety First
Operating instructions
Practical tips
Te c h n i c a l  D a t a
Towing and tow-startingTo w - s t a r t i n g
The use of jump leads is preferable to tow-starting.We recommend that you do  not tow-start your vehicle. Jump-starting 
is preferable  ⇒page 262.
However, if your vehicle has to be tow-started:
–Engage the 2
nd or the 3
rd gear.
– Keep the clutch pressed down.
– Switch the ignition on.
– Once both vehicles are mo ving, release the clutch.
– As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear  lever into neutral. This helps to prevent driving into the towing 
vehicle.
WARNING
The risk of accidents is high when  tow-starting. The vehicle being towed 
can easily collide with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
CommentsPlease observe the following points if you use a tow-rope:
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
– Drive slowly at first until the tow-rope is taut. Then accelerate  gradually.
– Begin and change gears cautiously. If you are driving an auto- matic vehicle, accelerate gently.
– Remember that the brake servo and power steering are not  working in the vehicle you are towing. Brake earlier than you 
would normally, but with a more gentle pressure on the brake.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
– Ensure that the tow-rope remains taut at all times when towing.Tow-rope or tow-bar
It is easier and safer to tow a vehicle  with a tow-bar. You should only use a 
tow-rope if you do not have a tow-bar.
A tow-rope should be slightly elastic to  reduce the loading on both vehicles. 
It is advisable to use a tow-rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic 
material.
Attach the tow-rope or the tow-bar only to the towing eyes provided or a 
towing bracket.
Driving style
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both 
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. Inexperi-
enced drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow away another vehicle.
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