Driving
146
Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒fig. 106 .
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the direc- tion of the arrow ⇒page 145, fig. 106 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.
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.
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
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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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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 58.
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. 123 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!
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Index255
Index
AABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Acoustic signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Air conditioner Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Air conditioning* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditioning . . . . . . . . 125
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Anti-freeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154 Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Anti-theft alarm
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Aspects to note before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror* Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 102
Deactivating anti-dazzle function . . . . . . . . 102
Automatic car washing tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Automatic windscreen wiper/washer . . . . . . . . . 99
AUX input connection/USB* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Auxiliary audio input connection: AUX . . . . . . . 116
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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Bulb changes General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Bulb defect Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96, 131
CCar phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Automatic speed dependent locking and un-locking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Locking system for involuntary unlocking . . 76
Selective unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Unlocking system* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
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