
Intelligent technology
194
NoteIf the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating.General notes
The traction control system (TCS) is one of the functions incorporated in the
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
The traction control system (TCS) helps the vehicle to start moving, accelerate
or climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be diffi-
cult or even impossible.
How it works
The TCS acts automatically, without the driver's intervention. With the aid of
the ABS sensors ⇒page 192, the TCS monitors the speed of the drive
wheels. If the wheels start to spin, the engine speed is reduced automatically
to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across the entire
speed range.
The TCS works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction occurs in the ABS,
the TCS will also be inoperative.
Note
To ensure that the TCS works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an undesired
reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒page 251.
BrakesGeneral notesNew brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 200 km;
first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
T h e r a t e o f we a r o n t h e brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive and
the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
When the speed is over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are on, the brake
system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds. This
occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a faster
response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehicle
is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot of salt
on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs and pads
has to wear off before braking.
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Driving and the environment199
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
on the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be
solved by changing to another brand of fuel.
Diesel engine particulate filter*
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates soot produced
by burning diesel.The diesel engine particulate 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. This
does not represent a fault, it is a warning that indicates that the filter has not
been able to regenerate automatically and that you must carry out a cleaning
cycle, as indicated in ⇒page 80.
WARNING
•The diesel engine particulate filter may reach extremely high tempera-
t u re s ; t h e ve h i c le s h o ul d b e pa r ke d s o t h at t h e e x ha u s t pi p e d o es n o t co m e
into contact with flammable materials underneath the vehicle. Otherwise
there is a risk of fire.Caution
•Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any
circumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the
diesel producer in accordance with standard EN 590 is authorised and will
not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.
•Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur content may significantly reduce the
working life of the diesel particulate filter. Your Authorised Service Centre will
be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur content.Economical and environmentally friendly
drivingEconomical and environmen tally friendly 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%. Some tips on how to help you reduce
pollution while saving money are listed below.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. 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 2000 rpm. Follow the recommended gear indication that appears on
the instrument panel ⇒page 73.
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Driving and the environment
200Avoid 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
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.
Periodic 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 consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the
tyre pressure is just 1 bar too low, fuel consumption can increase 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 year round as they increase fuel consumption 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 rack 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 vehicle will use about
12% more fuel as a result of the extra wind resistance caused by the roof rack
even when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need
for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always
turn off electrical components when you do not need them. Examples of
components that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear
window heating or the seat heaters*.
Note
•If you vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not recommended to disconnect this
function.•It is recommended to close the windows when driving at more than 60
km/h•Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal, as the pressure can
make the plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can burn the clutch plate
lining, causing a serious fault.
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Trailer towing205
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Equipment 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 weight (incl. the equipment mounted)
must not exceed 75 kg.
If the distance is 600 mm, the total weight (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) on the
towing bracket which has been officially approved.. If you wish to attach other
equipment please make sure that it has been approved by the manufacturer
for use on the towing bracket. 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 accessories ca n result in severe damage to the
towing bracket, which could 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. 161 Load distribu-
tion of equipment and
accessories
A1A1
AAAB
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Trailer towing
206Removable 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.•Vehicles with a spare wheel ⇒ fig. 162.
The ball joint can be fitted and removed by hand.
Accessories mounted on the towing bracket
Please note that the ball joint attachment 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 towing bracket be purchased through
your SEAT Dealer. Also see ⇒page 223.
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 accessories
can result in severe damage to the towing bracket, which could 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 qualified workshop.•Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly
⇒ page 209.•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 properly 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. 162 Luggage
compartment: Spare
wheel with towing bracket
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Trailer towing207
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Fitting the ball joint (step 1)– Remove the cover piece ⇒ fig. 163 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 207, “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. 163 Rear bumper:
Open the cover piece
A2
A1
Fig. 164 Removable
towing bracket: Ball jointFig. 165 Removable
towing bracket: Ball joint
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Trailer towing209
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Setting the spring mechanism to the ready position (if required)
– Insert the key ⇒page 208, fig. 166 in the lock on the knob
and turn it towards the red marking.
– Pull out the knob in direction , hold and turn in direction
until the locking pin engages and the release pin moves
out visibly ⇒ .
Inserting the ball joint
– With the spring mechanism in the ready position, insert the ball joint into the mounting fixture and push it upwards ⇒page 208,
fig. 167 in the direction indicated (arrow) ⇒. It should lock
into position automatically. You should now clearly hear it click
into place.
– Lock the ball joint by turning the key to the green marking.
– Remove the key.Cont ⇒page 209, “Fitting the ball joint (step 4)”.
WARNING
•If it is not possible to set the spring mechanism to the ready position as
described above, do not use the ball joint. Please contact a qualified work-
shop.•To avoid injury, keep your hands away from the knob or cover piece
when inserting the ball joint in the mounting fixture. Otherwise, you could
be injured.
Fitting the ball joint (step 4)
A1
AA
AB
A2
A3
Fig. 168 Removable
towing bracket: Safety
checkFig. 169 Rear bumper:
Pulling down the power
socket
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Trailer towing
210
Safety check
– Check that the green marking ⇒ page 209, fig. 168 on the
knob is inside the black zone marked on the ball joint.
– Check that the knob is directly against the ball joint, so that there is no gap between the knob and the ball joint -arrow-.
– Check that the ball joint is locked and the key is removed so that the knob cannot be pulled out ⇒.
– Check that the ball joint fits tightly in the mounting fixture (try moving it about to check).
To w i n g s o c k e t
– To plug in the electrical connection for the trailer, pull down the socket below the bumper ⇒ page 209, fig. 169.If the safety check is not satisfactory, the ball joint must be fitted again prop-
erly.
WARNING
To avoid accidents, the ball joint must meet all the safety requirements
listed in the safety check. The towing bracket must not be used if any one
of these requirements is not met. If this is the case, you should contact a
qualified workshop.
Removing the ball joint– Insert the key in the lock ⇒fig. 170 on the knob.
– Unlock the ball joint by turning the key to the red marking.
AA
Fig. 170 Removable
towing bracket: Removing
the ball jointFig. 171 Rear bumper:
fitting the cover piece
A1
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