Your vehicle maintenance and cleaning207
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
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 lock 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 vehicles 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 208. – Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”)
⇒.
– Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry” ⇒page 189 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 vehicle.•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 the paintwork. The closer the nozzle is
to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.Vehicle paint maintenance requirements
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your car if water does not form small drops and run
off the paintwork when it is clean.
A good quality hard wax product is available from your Authorised Service
Centre.
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Checking and refilling levels221
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being released
from t he engine com par t ment . Fail ure to com ply could resul t in burns . Wait
until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.Work in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Therefore, always observe the warnings listed
below and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of
any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒
WARNING
•Switch the engine off.•Remove the ignition key.•Apply handbrake firmly.•If your vehicle is equipped with a manual gearbox, place the gearshift
lever in neutral. If you are driving an automatic vehicle, place the selector
lever in the position P.•Wait for the engine to cool down.•Children should not be allowed to approach the engine compartment•Never spill liquids involved in vehicle operations on the engine
compartment, as these may catch fire (e.g. anti-freeze containing liquid
coolant).
•Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especially
when working on the battery.•Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is hot, as the fan could
start up suddenly.•Never open the expansion tank when the engine is hot. The cooling
system is under pressure.•Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot liquid coolant
released by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the
expansion tank.•If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator
and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system.•Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system or
the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery.
− Do not smoke.
− Never work near open flames
− Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.Caution
When topping up fluids, make sure the correct fluid is put into the correct
filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunctions or engine
damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected in the garage.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels227
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Liquid coolant losses
Any loss of liquid coolant normally indicates a
leak in the cooling system. In
this case the cooling system should be inspected by a specialist garage
without delay. It is not sufficient merely to top up the liquid coolant.
If there are no leaks in the system, a loss of liquid coolant can only occur if
the coolant boils and is forced out of the system as a result of overheating.
Caution
Radiator sealants must not be added to the liquid coolant. Such additives
could seriously impair the function of the cooling system.Topping up the liquid coolant
Be careful when topping up with liquid coolant.– Switch the engine off.
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the cap on the expansion tank ⇒page 226, fig. 172 with a
cloth, and carefully unscrew the cap anti-clockwise ⇒.
– Add liquid coolant.
– Screw on the cap tightly.Make sure that the liquid coolant meets the required specifications
⇒page 225, “Liquid coolant”. Do not use a different type of anti-freeze if
anti-freeze G12++ is not available. In this case, use only water and bring the
anti-freeze concentration back up to the correct level as soon as possible.
Always top up with new liquid coolant. Do not fill above the “max” mark. Excess liquid coolant is forced out of the
system through the valve in the filler cap when the engine gets hot.
If a lot of liquid coolant has been lost, wait for the engine to
cool down before
putting in cold coolant. Failure to do so could result in serious engine
damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the
expansion tank when the engine is hot. Failure to comply could result in
burns.•The anti-freeze and liquid coolant can be a health hazard. Therefore,
the anti-freeze should be stored in the original container in a safe place out
of reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.For the sake of the environment
Drained off coolant should not be used again. Drain off the used coolant into
a suitable container and dispose of it in the proper manner (observe environ-
mental regulations).Radiator fan
The radiator fan can start running spontaneously.The auxiliary fan can continue to run for as long as 10 minutes after stopping
the engine – even after the ignition is switched off. It may also start running
suddenly ⇒ after some while if•stored heat raises the coolant temperature, or•the hot engine compartment is additionally heated up by the sun.
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Wheels and tyres235
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for da mage (cuts, cracks or blisters,
etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel
rims.New tyres
New tyres have to be run-in.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.•Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.•If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
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 inflatio n 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.
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Wheels and tyres239
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒
page 238, fig. 178 , 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
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the car's handling. The inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Correct inflation pressures are very important, especially at high speeds. The
pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting any long journey.
Tyre pressure monitoring (RKA+ )*
Monitoring of the tyre pressures is based on the tyre pressures you have
stored. The tyre pressure monitoring system cannot function as intended if
you store tyre pressure settings for a normal load, but then drive with the
vehicle fully laden. The tyre pressure must be adapted to the actual load and
stored accordingly in the tyre pressure monitoring system ⇒page 237.
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 cha nge t he m ar oun d as sh own ⇒ page 238, fig. 179. 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.
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Wheels and tyres
242
For the sake of the environmentOld tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your
model may invalidate the vehicle's type approval for use on public roads.•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the
vehicle - for example with winter tyres - you should only use the spare tyre for
a short period of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel
as soon as possible.Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model ⇒page 214.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e che cke d as s o on as p ossible wit h a to rqu e w re nch. ⇒ The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.•Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
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If and when
252The sealing compound must not be used in the following cases:•On cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm ⇒page 251, fig. 188 •if the wheel rim has been damaged •if you have been driving with ver y low pressure or a completely flat tyre
How to use the TMS (tyre mobility system) is described in the section
Repairing a tyre ⇒ page 253 and in the instructions supplied with the tyre
sealant can.
The TMS (tyre mobility system) can be used at outside temperatures down to
-20°C.WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h.•Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.•Vehicle handling could be impaired.•Tyres which have been sealed using the Tyre Mobility System are only
suitable for temporary use over a short period.•After using the tyre sealant the tyre pressure monitoring system* may
malfunction. Therefore, please drive carefully to the next available quali-
fied workshop.•The Tyre Mobility System must NOT be used,
− on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm
− if the wheel rim has been damaged
− if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat
tyre•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.•Do not allow the sealant to come into contact with your eyes, skin or
clothing.
•If you do come into contact with the sealant immediately rinse the eyes
or skin affected with clean water.•Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the tyre sealant.•Make sure you do not breathe in the fumes!•If any of the tyre sealant is accidentally ingested, immediately rinse the
mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water.
−Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical assistance if needed.•If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.•Keep the sealant away from children.For the sake of the environment
Used bottles of sealing compound can be returned to the Technical Service
for disposal.
Note
•If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you can pull
it off like a piece of foil.•Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.
A1
A2
A3
WARNING (continued)
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If and when253
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Repairing a tyrePreparations
– If you have a flat tyre or punctu re, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible.
–Apply the handbrake firmly to prevent the vehicle from moving
accidentally on slopes.
– Engage 1st gear .
– Check whether a repair is possibl e using the Tyre Mobility System
⇒ page 251.
– Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle and move away from
the danger area ⇒ .
–Take the tyre sealant can and the compressor out of the luggage
compartment. – Stick the “max. 80 km/h” adhesive, which is included with the
tyre sealant can, onto the instrument panel where the driver will
see it.
Filling the tyre
– Shake the tyre sealant can well.
– Screw the enclosed filling hose onto the sealant can as far as it will go. This will automatically pierce the foil sealing the can.
– Take the valve cap off the tyre valve and use the enclosed valve insert tool to unscrew the valve insert ⇒fig. 189 .
– Place the valve insert onto a clean surface.
– Remove the sealing plug from the filling hose and insert the hose into the tyre valve.
– Hold the tyre sealant can upside down and fill the complete contents of the can into the tyre.
– Then disconnect the hose and screw the valve insert firmly back into the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the compressor filling hose onto the tyre valve and plug the connector into the cigarette lighter.
– Pump the tyre up to 2.0 to 2.5 bar and monitor the pressure shown on the pressure gauge.
Fig. 189 Repairing a tyre
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