Driving and the environment165
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 181, “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 193, “Topping up engine oil   E”.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  ⇒page 231.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 58. 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.
IbizaST_EN.book  Seite 165  Dienstag, 14. September 2010  1:31 13 
Checking and refilling levels185
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Checking and refilling levelsRefuellingThe tank flap is released manually. The tank holds approxi-
mately 45 litres.Unscrewing the tank cap
– Lift the lid.
– Hold the cap firmly with one hand, then insert the key into the 
lock and rotate 180° to the left.
– Unscrew the cap, turning it anti-clockwise.
Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap to the right, until the point of feeling a “click”. – Turn the key in the lock, without releasing the cap, clockwise 
through 180°.
– Remove the key and close the flap until it clicks into place. The  tank cap is secured with an anti-loss attachment
The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as 
soon as the tank is “full”. Never attempt to fill beyond this point, as this will 
fill the expansion chamber. Fuel may leak out if ambient conditions are warm.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of the 
fuel tank flap.
WARNING
•Fuel is highly flammable and can cause serious burns and other inju-
ries.
−Never smoke or use an open flame when filling the fuel tank of the 
vehicle, or a spare fuel canister, with fuel. This is an explosion hazard.
− Follow legal requirements for the use of spare fuel canisters.
− For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel 
canister in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident 
and leak.•If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canister, 
please observe the following points:
−Never fill the spare fuel canister inside the vehicle or on it. An elec-
trostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel fumes to 
ignite. This could cause an explosion. Always place the canister on the 
ground to fill it.
Fig. 123  Tank flap open
IbizaST_EN.book  Seite 185  Dienstag, 14. September 2010  1:31 13