Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
180
– Apply these products very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.SEAT does everything possible to preserve the genuine qualities of this
natural product. Due to the natural properties of the specially selected hides
employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt, etc.
so a degree of care is required in everyday use and when looking after the
leather.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can scratch and damage the surface. If
the vehicle is under solar radiation for long periods, the leather should be
protected to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour variations in high-
quality natural leather are normal.
Caution
•Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar
products on leather.•To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialised
workshop.Seat belt cleaning
A dirty belt may not work properly.Check all seat belts regularly and keep them clean.
Seat belt cleaning
– Pull the dirty seat belt right out and unroll it.
– Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap solution.
–Allow it to dry. – Do not roll the seat belt up until it is dry.
If large stains form on the belts, it will not retract correctly into the automatic
belt retractor.
WARNING
•Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can
impair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.•Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced by a specialised workshop.•Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.Caution
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise, the belt retractors could become damaged.
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Checking and refilling levels191
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
If the bonnet does not close, do not press downwards. Open it once more and
let it fall as before.
WARNING
If the bonnet is not closed properly, it could open while you are driving and
completely obscure your view of the road. Risk of accident.•After closing the bonnet, always check that it is properly secured. The
bonnet must be flush with the surrounding body panels.•If you notice that the bonnet latch is not secured when the vehicle is
moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet properly. Risk
of accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold.
As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a specialised
workshop. The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in
⇒page 192, “Oil
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 192 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once)
with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 192 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which also
appear in ⇒page 192, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 192 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
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Checking and refilling levels
192Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in
diesel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:•Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 192 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can
use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00, VW 506 01,
VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).Oil properties
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
Engine type
Specification
Petrol without flexible service inter-
val
VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service interval
(LongLife)
VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particulate
filter (DPF)
VW 505 01 / VW 506 01 / VW 507 00
Diesel. Engines with particulate filter
(DPF)
With or without flexible service inter-
val (with or without LongLife)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Fig. 126 Engine oil
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels
194
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area , carefully close the cap.The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒page 241.
Engine oil specification ⇒page 192.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area . Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the
exhaust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule.We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
WARNING
Only change the oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required!•Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 188, “Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment”.•Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.•Wear eye protection to avoid injuries caused by splashes of oil.•When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm hori-
zontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.•Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.•Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.Caution
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
•Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and
specialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by an Authorised Service Centre.
AB
AA
AA
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Checking and refilling levels
200Brake 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 241. 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 188.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 188 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. 132 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels201
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 188.•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, avoid 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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Checking and refilling levels203
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Charging and changing the vehicle battery
The battery is maintenance-free and is checked during the
inspection service. All work on the vehicle battery requires
specialist knowledge.If you often drive short distances or if the vehicle is not driven for long
periods, the battery should be checked by a specialised workshop between
the scheduled services.
If the battery has discharged and you have problems starting the vehicle, the
battery might be damaged. If this happens, we recommend you have the
vehicle battery checked by an Authorised Service Centre where it will be re-
charged or replaced.
Charging the battery
The vehicle battery should be charged by a specialised workshop only, as
batteries using special technology have been installed and they must be
charged in a controlled environment.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the conditions of its location and has
special safety features.
Genuine SEAT batteries fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety spec-
ifications of your vehicle.
WARNING
•We recommend you use only maintenance-free or cycle free leak-proof
batteries which comply with standards T 825 06 and VW 7 50 73. This
standard applies as of 2001.•Before starting any work on the batteries, you must read and observe
the warnings ⇒ in “Warnings on handling the battery” on page 201.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They
m ust b e d isp os ed o f a ppro p ria tely and m ust not be d isp ose d of wi th o rd ina r y
household waste.WheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and at a right angle.
– 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
– When you remove the tyres, mark them in order to maintain the same direction of rotation when they are installed again.
– 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 must be run in ⇒ page 164.
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Description of specifications237
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Technical SpecificationsDescription of specificationsImportant informationImportant
The information in the vehicle documentation always has
precedence.All technical specifications provided in this manual are valid for the standard
model in Spain. The vehicle data card included in the Maintenance
Programme or the vehicle registration documents shows which engine is
installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models, for special vehicles and for other countries. Abbreviations used in the Technical Specifications section
Abbreviation
Meaning
kW
Kilowatt, engine power measurement.
PS
Pferdestärke (horsepower), formerly used to denote engine
power.
rpm
Revolutions per minute - engine speed.
Nm
Newton metres, unit of engine torque.
l/100 km
Fuel consumption in litres per 100 km.
g/km
Carbon dioxide emissions in grams per km travelled.
CO2
Carbon dioxide
CN
Cetane number, indication of the diesel combustion power.
RON
Research octane number, indication of the knock resist-
ance of petrol.
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