
Driving and the environment163
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Driving abroadObservationsTo drive abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:•Fo r v eh icles f it te d  wit h a  ca ta lyt ic co nv er ter  e nsur e that  unleade d  pe tr ol is  
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded 
fuel.•In some countries, it is possible that your vehicle model is not sold, and 
therefore spare parts are not available or the Authorised Services can only 
carry out limited repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the 
technical preparations that you vehicle requires and also about necessary 
maintenance and repair possibilities.Adhesive strips for headlightsIf you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or 
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming 
traffic.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight 
lenses. Further information is available at your Authorised Service Centre.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the rotation system must previously be 
disconnected. To do this, please go to a specialised workshop.
Trailer towingWhat do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If the car is supplied with a  factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have 
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements 
for towing a trailer. If you wish to  retrofit a towing bracket, consult 
⇒ page 178.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection 
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a  7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is 
available in any SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight / drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up to 
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly 
steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for  altitudes up to 
1000 m above sea level. With increasing  altitude the engine power and there-
fore the vehicle’s climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced air 
density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The 
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for 
every 1000 m of height. The gross combination weight is the actual weight of 
the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer. When possible, 
operate the trailer with the maximum permitted  drawbar load on th e ba ll jo int  
of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified limit.
The figures for  trailer weights and  drawbar loads that are given on the data 
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct 
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Driving and the environment165
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Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an 
overrun brake, apply the 
brakes  gently at first  and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be 
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in due course before 
going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to 
slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low gear 
and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge 
⇒ page 49.
Electronic Stability Programme*
The ESP* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning167
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Vehicle exterior maintenanceAutomatic 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  ⇒page 158, “Braking capacity and 
braking distance”.
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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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning169
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Good quality 
hard wax products are available at your Authorised Service 
Centre.
Regular wax applications help to protect the paintwork from environmental 
contaminants  ⇒page 166. It is also effective in protecting against minor 
scratches.
Even if a  wax solution  is used regularly in the vehicle washing tunnel, it is 
advisable to protect the paint with a hard wax coating at least twice a year.
Polishing the paintwork
Polishing brings back gloss to the paintwork.Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot 
be brought back by applying wax. Polishing products can be purchased in 
your Authorised Service Centre.
The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain 
wax compounds to seal the paint  ⇒page 168, “Vehicle paint maintenance”.
Caution
To prevent damage to the paintwork:•Do not use polishes and hard wax on painted parts with a matte finish or 
on plastic parts.•Do not polish your vehicle in a sandy or dusty environment.
Caring for plastic parts
Solvents damage plastic parts.If normal washing fails to clean plastic parts, clean them with approved 
solvent-free  plastic cleaning and care products.
Caution
•The use of liquid air freshener directly over the air vents of the vehicle may 
damage the plastic parts if the liquid is accidentally spilled.•Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Cleaning windows and exterior mirrorsCleaning windows
– Moisten the windows with commercially available, alcohol based  glass cleaner.
– Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth.
Removing snow
– Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and mirrors.
Removing ice
–Use a de-icer spray.Use a clean cloth or chamois leather to dry the windows. The chamois 
leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable to clean windows because 
they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the windows.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning171
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If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist 
chrome cleaning 
product . Chrome cleaning products will remove stains from the surface.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:•Never use an abrasive cleaning product on chrome.•Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.Steel wheel rims– Clean steel wheel rims regularly using a separate sponge.Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Any damage to the paint on 
steel wheel rims should be repaired before starting to rust.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. 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. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the 
brakes by braking several times  ⇒page 158, “Braking capacity and 
braking distance”.
Alloy wheelsEvery two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy wheels.
– Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims.
Every three months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.Alloy wheels require regular attention to  preserve their appearance. If road 
salt and brake dust are not often removed, the aluminium finish will be 
impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheels.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective 
coating is damaged, e.g. by flying stones, the damaged area should be 
repaired immediately.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. 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. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the 
brakes by braking several times  ⇒page 158, “Braking capacity and 
braking distance”.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning173
Safety First
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Technical Specifications
Vehicle interior maintenancePlastic parts and dash panel cleaning– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash 
panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special  solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module surface with cleaners 
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the 
airbag triggered, plastic parts could become detached and cause injuries.
Caution
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Wooden trim cleaning*– Clean the wooden trim with a water-moistened clean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a  gentle soap 
solution.
CautionCleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
Cloth seat covers and fabric trim cleaningCloth seat covers and fabric trim on the doors, headlining etc. can be cleaned 
with a special interior cleaner or with dry foam and a soft brush.Cleaning the radio and climate controlsTo clean the radio and/or climate controls, use a soft damp cloth. For more 
resistant dirt, a neutral soap solution may be used.Leather cleaning*Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the  leather surfaces.
Cleaning stubborn stains
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap solution  (pure liquid soap; two tablespoons diluted in one litre of water) 
and a cloth.
– Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the  seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Leather maintenance
– The leather should be treated twice a year with a special leather- care product, available in your Authorised Service Centre.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications175
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Accessories, parts replacement and modificationsAccessories and spare partsAlways consult an Authorised Service Centre before 
purchasing accessories and parts.Your vehicle is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive safety.
Before purchasing accessories and parts, and before making technical 
changes to your vehicle, we recommend you to consult your Authorised 
Service Centre.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide you with the latest information 
about the use, legal requirements and recommendations from the manufac-
turer regarding accessories and parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved Accessories
® and SEAT 
Approved Spare Parts
®. This way, SEAT can guarantee that the product in 
question is suitable, reliable and safe. SEAT Authorised Service Centres have 
the necessary experience and facilities to ensure that parts are correctly and 
professionally installed.
Despite a continuous observation of the market, SEAT is not able to assess 
the reliability, safety and suitability of those parts  SEAT has not approved. For 
this reason, SEAT cannot assume responsibility for any non-genuine parts 
used, even if these par ts have been approved by an official testing agency or 
are covered by an official approval certificate.
Any  equipment subsequently installed  which has a direct effect on the 
driver's control of the vehicle (e.g. cruise control system or electronically-
controlled suspension) must be approved by SEAT and bear the  e mark (the 
European Union's authorisation symbol). Any 
additional electrical components  that do not affect the control of the 
vehicle itself (e.g. refrigerator box, laptop, ventilator fan, etc.), must bear the 
CE  mark (European Union manufacturer conformity declaration).
WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders or cup holders, should never 
be fitted on the covers, or within the working range, of the airbags. Other-
wise, there is a danger of injury if the airbag is triggered in an accident.Technical modificationsModifications must always be carried out according to our 
specifications.Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the 
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components 
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by the 
faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of compo-
nents, and also invalidate your vehicle registration documents.
SEAT Authorised Service Centres cannot be held liable for any damage 
caused by modifications and/or work incorrectly performed.
For this reason, we recommend that all work should be performed by an 
Authorised Service Centre using  Genuine SEAT 
® approved parts and acces-
sories .
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications177
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Caution
Failure to consider the above-mentioned conditions could cause the elec-
tronics to malfunction. The most common causes of faults are:•no external aerial,•external aerial incorrectly installed,•transmitting power output in excess of 10 watts.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way 
radio.
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