
Driving145
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 107.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒fig. 107 and guide the handbrake lever down
fully ⇒ .Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent you from
driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ .
The handbrake warning lamp
H lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning turns off when the handbrake is
released.
WARNING
•Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied to
the rear wheels. Risk of accident!•If it is only partially released, this will cause rear brakes overheating,
which can impair the function of the brake system and could lead to an acci-
dent. This also causes premature wear on the rear brake pads.Caution
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The 1st gear should
also be selected.
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle.
– Apply the handbrake.
– The 1st gear should also be selected.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you car keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ .Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.•If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that they
point towards the kerb .•If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .•Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and
engaging 1st gear.WARNING
•Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehicle
unattended.
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Driving and the environment
158Driving and the environmentRunning-inRunning in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km.Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres
–Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consumption
reduced.
Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km. New
brake pads should be run-in carefully for the first 200 km.During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. In case of a sharp braking, the
braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with brake pads
which have been run-in.
WARNING
•At first, new tyres do not give maximum grip, and require running-in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first 500 km.•New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.
Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service
Plan.
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Driving and the environment159
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If you drive with
wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case the
brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
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 the brake pads have to be changed further on.•If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal.•On steep slopes, if brakes are excessively used, they will overheat.
Before driving down a long steep slope, it is advisable to reduce speed and
change down into a lower gear or range (depending on the type of trans-
mission). This makes use of engine braking and relieves the brakes.•Never let the brakes “drag” 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 when the brake servo is not active.•If the brake fluid loses its viscosity and is subjected to heavy use,
vapour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.•Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat. Before purchasing accessories please
observe the relevant instructions ⇒page 175, “Technical modifications”.•If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-
ably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary
journeys.
Exhaust gas purification systemCatalytic converter*To maintain the useful life of the catalytic converter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol engines, as lead damages the catalytic converter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil ⇒page 188, “Topping up engine oil E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary ⇒page 224.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 specialised workshop. In general, the exhaust gas warning lamp will
light up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒page 56. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the envi-
ronment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.
WARNING
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! There is a risk of
fire.•Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with
dry grass or flammable 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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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning167
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Care of the vehicle exteriorAutomatic car washing tunnelThe vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash 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 rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes could take some time 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 car washing tunnel, do not tighten the
aerial if it is folded because it can be damaged.
Washing by handVehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a glove 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.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
–In cold temperature , dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes by braking several times.
WARNING
•Wash your vehicle 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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Checking and refilling levels195
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Brake 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 illustration ⇒page 235. 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 noticeably 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 56.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 183.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme 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 183 in
section “Safety notes for working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course 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 considerably 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 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. 124 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
196•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 183.•Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.•Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Programme. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the effi-
ciency of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an acci-
dent.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the necessary
equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste
material.
Vehicle batteryWarnings on handling the battery
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, av oid causing sparks and electrostatic
WARNING (continued)
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves
and eye protection!
Ž
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
Ÿ
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is
under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
Ibiza_EN.book Seite 196 Mittwoch, 1. September 2010 5:24 17

Index255
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Air conditioner Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditioning . . . . . . . . 124
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Anti-theft alarm
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Aspects to note before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 101
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 101
Automatic car washing tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Automatic windscreen wiper/washer . . . . . . . . . 98
AUX input connection/USB* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Auxiliary audio input connection: AUX . . . . . . . 115
BBall coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 158
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Bulb changes General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb defect Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 130
CCar care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Emergency unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Locking system for involuntary unlocking . . 74
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Index
260Rear seat
folding down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Rear window automatic wiper/washer . . . . . . 100
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Recommended gear display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Reverse gear Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Roll-back function Panorama/ tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Roof rack* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Running in Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Running in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
SSafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe Security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety instructions
Coolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Safety notes Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Deactivating front passenger airbag . . . . . . 36
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 107
Seat belt cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Seat belt position Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat belt protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Seat belt tensioner Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat belt warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Selective opening* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Semiautomatic air conditioning controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Sitting position Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sitting position, occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203, 234
Soot accumulation in the diesel engine particulate filter *
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Spanner symbol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Spare parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Speed selector lever lock warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Starting Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
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