
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning217
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of 
accident.Caution
•Never remove dirt, mud or dust if the vehicle surface is dry. Never use a 
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes. This could scratch the paintwork 
or glass on your vehicle.•Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: when washing the vehicle with 
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the 
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Risk of freezing.For the sake of the environment
To protect environment, the vehicle should be washed only in specially 
provided wash bays. This prevents toxic, oil-laden waste water entering the 
sewerage system. In some places, washing vehicles outside wash bays is 
prohibited.
Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight.Washing the vehicle with a high pressure cleaner
Be particularly careful when using a high pressure cleaner!– Always observe the instructions for the high-pressure cleaner,  particularly those concerning the pressure  and the spraying 
distance. – Increase the spraying distance 
for soft materials and painted 
bumpers.
– Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from  windows  ⇒page 218.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotating jets”)  ⇒.
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes  by braking several times  ⇒page 205.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet (“rotating nozzle”). 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.Caution
•Do not use water hotter than 60 °C. This could damage the vehicle.•To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a sufficient distance from sensitive 
materials such as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing material, etc. This is 
also important for bumpers painted in the colour of the bodywork. The closer 
the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the wear on the material.Vehicle paint maintenance
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.You need to apply wax to your vehicle if water does not form small drops and 
run off the paintwork when it is  clean.
WARNING (continued)
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
220Steel 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 205.
Alloy wheel rimsEvery 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 wheel rims. 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 205.
Underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical 
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damaged  when driving. We recommend you to 
check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and 
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair 
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes, 
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of 
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of fire.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning221
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehicle 
is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle, 
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and 
after winter.
Yo u r  A u t h o r i s e d  S e r v i ce  Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide 
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend 
having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment 
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned. 
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and 
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety 
warnings  ⇒page 232.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake 
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims 
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk 
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could 
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed. 
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason, 
engine washing should be carried out only by a specialised workshop or a 
petrol station.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.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels245
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 291. 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 77.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe 
the warnings  ⇒page 232.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 232 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. 171  In the engine 
compartment: Brake fluid 
reservoir cover
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Checking and refilling levels
246•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and 
observe the warnings  ⇒page 232.•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 service network has the necessary equip-
ment 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 protec-
tive 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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Wheels and tyres
254New tyres and wheels
New tyres and wheels have to be run in.The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle’s design. The 
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics 
of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good road holding and safe 
handling  ⇒.
Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually (i.e. both front 
tyres or both rear tyres together). A knowledge of tyre designations makes it 
easier to choose the correct tyres. Radial tyres have the tyre designations 
marked on the sidewall, for example: 195/65 R15 91T
This contains the following information:
195 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
RTyre construction: Radial
15 Rim diameter in inches
91 Load rating code
TSpeed rating
The tyres could also have the following information:•A direction of rotation symbol•“Reinforced” denotes heavy-duty tyres.
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only 
on the inner side of the wheel).
“DOT ... 1103 ...” means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 11th 
week of 2003.
We recommend that work on tyres and wheels be carried out by an Authorised 
Service Centre. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary  special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of 
the old tyres.
Any Authorised Service Centre has full information on the technical require-
ments when installing or changing tyres, wheels or wheel trims.
WARNING
•We recommend that you use only wheels and tyres which have been 
approved by SEAT for your model. Failure to do so could impair vehicle 
handling. Risk of accident.•Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than 6 years old. If you 
have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all 
times.•Never use old tyres or those with an unknown history of use.•If wheel trims are retrofitted, you must ensure that the flow of air to the 
brakes is not restricted. This could cause them to overheat.•All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size 
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country concerned.
Note
•For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from 
other vehicles. This can also apply to wheels of the same model. The use of 
wheels or tyres which have not been approved by SEAT for use with your 
model may invalidate the vehicle’s type approval for use on public roads.•If the spare tyre is not the same as the tyres that are mounted on the 
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres) you should only use the spare tyre for a short period 
of time and drive with extra care. Refit the normal road wheel as soon as 
possible.
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If and when271
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Some of the electrical items listed in the table are only fitted on certain 
models or are optional extras. Please note that the above list, while correct at the time of printing, is subject 
to alterations. If discrepancies should occur, please refer to the sticker on the 
inside of the fuse cover for the correct information for your model.
Fuses layout, engine compartment, left partFuses
40
Trailer control unit (turn signals, brakes and left 
side)
20
41
Trailer control unit (fog light, reverse light and 
right side)
20
42
BCM wiring switchboard
20
43
Trailer pre-installation
40
44
Heated rear window
25
45
Electric windows (front)
30
46
Rear electric windows
30
47
Engine (Fuel control unit, petrol relay)
15
48
Convenience controls
20
49
Heating controls
40
50
Heated seats
30
51
Sunroof
20
52
Headlight washer system
20
53
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
20
54
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
5
55
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
20
56
Taxi (taximeter power supply)
15
57
Telephone power supply with START STOP
10
58
Central locking control unit 
30
Number
Consumer
Amps
Number
Consumer
Amps
1
Windscreen wipers
20
2
DQ200 gearbox
30
3
Cable control unit
5
4
ABS
20
5
AQ gearbox
15
6
 Instrument panel/Steering column
5
7
Ignition key
40
8
Radio
15
9
Te lep ho ne /TomTo m Na viga tor
5
10
Engine management
5
Engine management
10
11
Vacant
12
Electronic control unit
5
13
Petrol injection module supply
15
Diesel injection module supply
30
14
Coil
20
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Technical Specifications
292Petrol engine 1.4 63 kW (85 PS)Engine specifications
Performance
Weights
Trailer weight Power output in kW (PS) 
rpm 63 (85)/ 5000
Maximum torque in Nm at rpm 132/ 3800
No. of cylinders/ capacity in cm
3
4/ 1390
Fuel Super unleaded 95 RON or Normal unleaded 91 RON
a)
a)Slight power loss.Maximum speedin km/h 169
Acceleration from 0-80 km/h in sec. 9.8
Acceleration from 0-100 km/h in sec. 15
Gross vehicle weight in kg 1886
Weight in running order (with driver) in kg 1366
Gross front axle weight in kg 940
Gross rear axle weight in kg 984
Permitted roof load in kg 75
Trailer without brakes 680
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 8% 1200
Trailer with brakes, gradients up to 12% 1000
Altea_EN.book  Seite 292  Donnerstag, 2. September 2010  2:00 14