
Driving141
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•The engine coolant temperature is insufficient.•The alternator is faulty, for example the V-belt has ruptured.•If any of the conditions described in the previous section are not fulfilled.WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the engine off for any reason. You 
could lose control of your vehicle. This could cause an accident and serious 
injury.•The brake servo does not work with the engine off. You need more force 
to stop the vehicle.•Power steering does not work when the engine is not running. That is 
why it is much more difficult to turn the steering wheel.•Disconnect the Start-Stop system when driving through water (fording 
streams, etc.).Note
•For vehicles with the Start-Stop function and a manual gearbox, when the 
engine is started, the clutch must be pressed.•When the conditions for the Start-Stop function are not fulfilled, the 
instrument panel displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.•The vehicle can be restarted by rotating the steering wheel three times, 
that is, more than 270°.
Switching the Start-Stop function on and offEvery time the ignition is switched on, the Start-Stop function is 
automatically switched on.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop function
– Press button    ⇒fig. 105  located on the centre console. When 
the Start-Stop function is switched off, the indicator lamp comes 
on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then the engine starts  immediately.
Switching the Start-Stop function on manually
– Press button    ⇒fig. 105  located on the centre console. The 
indicator lamp will turn off.
Fig. 105  The Start-Stop 
function button.
AAAA
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Driving
142Driver messagesFig. 106  Display on the instrument panel during Start-Stop function operation.When the engine is turned off by the Start-Stop function, this is displayed on 
the instrument panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on, the 
 › lamp will appear on the 
instrument panel.
Note
There are different versions of the dash panel; the display of indications on 
the screen may differ.
Manual gearboxDriving with a manual gearboxEngaging the reverse gear
– The vehicle should be stationary with the engine idling. Press the  clutch down thoroughly.
– Place the gear lever into neutral and push the lever downwards.
– Slide the gear lever to the left, and then into the reverse position  shown on the gear lever.Certain versions of the model may include a 6-speed manual gearbox, and its 
diagram is shown on the gear lever.
The reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary. When 
the engine is running and before engaging this gear, wait about 6 seconds 
with the clutch pressed down thoroughly in order to protect the gearbox.
Fig. 107  Centre Console: 
gear shift pattern of a 5-
speed manual gearbox
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Driving145
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Driving a car with an automatic gearbox
The gearbox changes gear ratios automatically as the vehicle 
moves.Starting
– Start the engine with the selector lever in position  P or  N.
Driving
– Hold the brake pedal pressed down.
– By holding the lock button (button on the left in the selector  lever), select  R, or  D.
– Release the lever and wait a little for the gearbox to engage the  gear (a slight movement can be felt).
– Release the brake and press the accelerator  ⇒. Stopping briefly
– If stopping for a short time, keep the vehicle stationary by 
pressing the foot brake hard to prevent the car moving back-
wards on a slope or “creeping” forwards, e.g. at traffic lights. The 
selector lever does not need to be put into the positions  P or N.
– Do not press the accelerator.
Parking the vehicle
– Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a  standstill  ⇒.
– Apply the handbrake.
– By pressing the lock button down, move the selector lever to  P 
and release the lock button.
Driving up and down hills
– Press the selector lever from position “D” to the right into the  tiptronic selector gate.
– Lightly press the selector lever back to change down.
Holding the car on a hill
– The brake must be always pressed down to prevent the vehicle  from rolling backwards  ⇒. Do not try to prevent the vehicle 
from rolling backwards by increa sing the engine speed while a 
range of gears is selected.
Starting the vehicle up hills
– Apply the handbrake.
Fig. 111  Automatic 
gearbox
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Driving151
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ fig. 115.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the direc- tion of the arrow  ⇒fig. 115  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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Driving153
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Reverse gear
The distance warning will begin as soon as an obstacle is detected by the 
system. The frequency of the bleeps emitted by the system will increase 
rapidly as the vehicle approaches the obstacle.
Within a short distance of about 30cm, a continuous signal sounds (stop 
signal). The driver should not reverse any further.
Models with a factory-fitted towing bracket: When the vehicle is less than 
0.35 m away from the obstacle the warning tone will sound continuously. The 
driver should then not reverse any further.
The warning tone decreases by 30% after 3 seconds from the start of the 
system.
Provided that it is not in continuous mode, the tone on the parking aid system 
stops when it detects a wall parallel to the vehicle.
Trailer towing
For vehicles factory-fitted with a towing bar, the parking aid system will not 
be activated by the engagement of the reverse gear when pulling a trailer, as 
the trailer’s electric connector will be plugged into the vehicle.
Possible faults
If a continuous beep sounds for some seconds when the reverse gear is 
engaged, this indicates that there is a fault in the parking aid system.
If the fault continues until the ignition is turned off, the acoustic signal 
warning of the fault will not be emitted every time the system is reactivated 
(by engaging the reverse gear). Thus, the system ready indication will not 
sound either. Have the fault repaired by an Authorised Service Centre as soon 
as possible.
If there is no ready signal or no acoustic warning signal, then the parking aid 
loudspeaker is faulty and may not warn of obstacles.
To ensure that the system works properly, the sensors must be kept clean and 
free of ice and snow.
WARNING
•The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles may not be detected.•Always look out for small children and animals because the system will 
not always detect them. Always pay attention when reversing to avoid acci-
dents.•The parking aid is not a replacement for driver awareness. The driver 
must take full responsibility for parking and other manoeuvres.Caution
•Please note that low obstacles detected by the system may no longer be 
registered by the sensors as the car moves closer, so the system will not give 
any further warning. Certain kinds of obstacles (such as wire fences, chains, 
thin posts or trailer draw bars, high kerbs or painted railings etc) may not 
always be detected by the system, so there is a risk of damaging the vehicle 
in such cases.•In some cases, obstacles with uniform edges and bumps may not be 
detected immediately by the system due to their geometry. Take special care 
of this type of obstacle (corners, rectangular objects, etc.), as they can cause 
damage to the vehicle.•Be especially careful when manoeuvring into a corner between two 
perpendicular walls. Carefully watch the approach of the wall to the side of 
the vehicle (using the mirrors).•The parking aid system does not replace use of the mirrors for manoeu-
vres.•External ultra-sonic sources (pneumatic drills, construction machinery, 
other vehicles with PDC) may interfere with the operation of the system.•P e r i o d i c  c le a n i n g  o f  t h e  s e ns o r s ,  ta ke  ca r e  n o t  to  d a m a ge  o r  s cr a tch  t h e m .  
When cleaning with high pressure washers or steam cleaners, the sensors 
should be sprayed for only a very short period and from a distance of more 
than 10 cm.
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Driving and the environment
168Do 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.•Do not hold the vehicle on a hill with the clutch, use the foot brake or hand 
brake, using the latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will 
prevent the clutch plate from being damaged.•On descents, use the engine brake, changing to the gear that is more suit-
able for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes will not 
suffer.
Environmental friendlinessEnvironmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials 
and production of your new Seat.
Design measures for economical recycling•Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling•Modular construction to facilitate dismantling•Increased use of single-grade materials•Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials•Nearly all materials used can be recycled•Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling•Recycled materials used in manufacture•Reduction of volatile compounds in plastics•CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioner
Compliance with prohibited materials regulation : cadmium, lead, mercury, 
chrome VI.
Manufacturing methods•Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts•Solvent-free cavity sealing•Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit•Solvent-free adhesives•No CFCs used in production•Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building 
materials•Overall water consumption reduced•Heat recovery systems
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Checking and refilling levels193
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the service temperature 
is reached and stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and  insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ fig. 126. Top 
up with engine oil if necessary.Oil level in area 
–Do not add oil.
Oil level in area 
–Oil  can be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after the zone 
Oil level in area 
–Oil  must be topped up. The indicated oil level should be  after in zone 
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is used, 
oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000  km. Oil consumption is likely to be 
higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be 
checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a 
journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must be 
carried out cautiously.•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 188.
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 an Authorised 
Service Centre.Topping up engine oil 
 E
 
Top up gradually with small quantities of oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings  ⇒ in 
“Safety instructions on  working in the engine compartment” on 
page 188.
– Unscrew cap from oil filler opening  ⇒fig. 127 .
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
AAAB
AA
AC
AA
AA
Fig. 127  In the engine 
compartment: Engine oil 
filler cap
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Checking and refilling levels
204The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre 
and the tread pattern.
Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual 
vibrations or the vehicle pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the 
tyres is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised 
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with 
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when 
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•New tyres do not have maximum grip during the first 500 km. Drive 
particularly carefully to avoid possible accidents.•Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.•If you notice unusual vibrations or if the vehicle pulls to one side when 
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the 
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the sticker. The  values refer to Summer tyres. 2.  The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres are 
cold. The slightly raised pressu res of warm tyres must not be 
reduced.
3.  Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carrying.
Tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure is especially important at high speeds. The pressure 
should therefore be checked at least once a month and before starting a 
journey.
WARNING
A tyre can easily burst if the pressure is too low, causing an accident!•At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes 
more. In this way it becomes too hot, and this can cause tread separation 
and tyre blow-out. Always observe the recommended tyre pressures.•If the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the tyres will wear prema-
turely and the vehicle will not handle well. Risk of accident!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.
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