2011 Seat Exeo ST ESP

181
Driving
Deactivating the cruise control temporarily
Fig. 152 Controls for the
cruise control system
– Press the brake pedal or
– The clutch or
– Press the lever A
⇒ fig. 152 to position a (click stop not en-
gaged).
– Any intervention of the TCS or the ESP will switch off the cruise
control.
The speed stored at this point remains in the memory if the system is only
temporarily deactivated.
To resume the programmed cruising speed, release the clutch or brake ped-
al and pull the lever A
to position b.
If no speed was stored when the system was temporarily disabled, a new
speed can be set as follows: drive at the desired cruising speed and briefly
press button ⇒ fig. 151 B
(SET).
WARNING
Retrieve the programmed speed only if this is not excessive for the cur-
rent traffic conditions. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Deactivating the cruise control
While driving
– Move lever A
⇒ fig. 151 to position 2 (click stop engaged).
While the vehicle is stationary
– Switch the ignition off. 
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190Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) General notes
The Electronic Stability Programme increases the vehicle's
stability on the road.
Fig. 160 Centre console
with ESP switch
The ESP is designed to increase the degree of control in situations where
the vehicle approaches the limits of adhesion, especially when accelerating
and cornering. It reduces the risk of skidding and improves stability in all
road conditions. The system is active across the entire speed range. The anti-lock brake system (ABS), the electronic differential lock (EDL) and
the traction control system (TCS) are all integrated into the Electronic Stabil-
ity Programme.
How it works
The ESP control unit processes data from the three integrated systems. It al-
so processes additional inputs provided by other high-precision sensors.
These register the vehicle's rotation about the vertical axis (yaw rate), later-
al acceleration, brake pressure and steering wheel angle.
The system uses the steering wheel angle and road speed to calculate the
changes of direction desired by the driver, and constantly compares them
with the actual behaviour of the vehicle. If the desired course is not being
maintained (for instance, if the vehicle is starting to skid), then the ESP
compensates automatically by braking the appropriate wheel.
The forces acting on the braked wheel bring the vehicle back to a stable
condition. If the vehicle
over swerves (tendency of the rear to leave the
road), the brakes will act on the front wheel facing the outside of the bend.
If the vehicle under swerves (tendency to leave the bend), the braking force
is applied to the rear wheel facing the inside of the bend.
The ESP works in conjunction with the ABS ⇒ page 191. If a malfunction
should occur in the ABS, the ESP will also stop working.
Deactivating
The ESP is activated automatically when the engine is started and performs
a self-test routine. 

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Intelligent technology
If required, the ESP can also be enabled and disabled manually by briefly
pressing the ESP
button ⇒ 
fig. 160. The ESP warning lamp lights up when
the system is switched off, see ⇒ page 68.
In general, the ESP should be left switched on at all times. In particular cir-
cumstances where a certain amount of wheel slip is desirable, it may be ad-
visable to switch off the ESP. Examples:
● when driving with snow chains
● when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
The ESP should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
WARNING
The ESP is not able to overcome the physical limits of adhesion. Even
with ESP, you should always adjust your speed to suit the conditions.
Please bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery road surfaces. Do
not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any risks when
driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system. However, the ABS will not necessarily guarantee shorter
stopping distances in all conditions. For instance, on loose gravel or fresh
snow on top of an icy surface (conditions which anyway require extreme
care and reduced speed), the stopping distance with ABS may even be
slightly longer. How the ABS works
The system runs an automatic self-check when the vehicle reaches a road
speed of about 6 km/h. This may be accompanied by a noise from the ABS
pump.
When one of the wheels is turning very slowly in relation to the road speed
and is close to locking up, the system will reduce the brake pressure on that
wheel. The driver is made aware of this adjustment process by a
vibration of
the brake pedal and an audible noise. This is a deliberate warning to the
driver that one or more of the wheels is tending to lock up and the ABS con-
trol function has intervened. In this situation it is important to keep the
brake pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regulate the brake application,
but do not “pump” the brake pedal.
WARNING
The grip provided by ABS is still subject to the physical limits of adhe-
sion. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads. If you
notice that the ABS is working (to counteract locked wheels under brak-
ing), you should reduce speed immediately to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into taking any
risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, this is indicated by a warning lamp
⇒ page 67. 
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192Intelligent technology
Brake assist system
The brake assist system helps the driver to achieve optimum
braking effect.
The brake assist system helps to increase braking power and thus to ach-
ieve a shorter stopping distance. If the driver presses the brake pedal very
quickly, the brake assist system automatically boosts the braking force to
the maximum level, up to the point where the anti-lock brake function (ABS)
intervenes to stop the wheels from locking. You should then keep the brake
pedal pressed until the vehicle has braked to the required speed. The brake
assist system switches itself off as soon as you release the brake pedal.
The brake assist system will not be operative if there is a malfunction in the
ABS or the ESP.
WARNING
Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive too
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. An increased accident risk cannot be
compensated even by the brake assist system. Risk of accident.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)
The electronic differential lock prevents the loss of traction
caused if one wheel starts spinning. General notes
The electronic differential lock (EDL) helps the vehicle to start moving, ac-
celerate and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may other-
wise be difficult or even impossible. How it works
The EDL works automatically, without the driver's involvement. With the aid
of the ABS sensors, the system monitors the rotational speed of the drive
wheels
⇒ page 191. If a considerable difference in revs is detected (approx.
100 rpm) in the speed of the drive wheels, e.g. when only one part of the
surface supporting the wheels is slippery, the system applies the brake to
slow down the skidding wheel so that more of the power is directed to the
other wheels. The systems works up to a speed of approx. 80 km/h. The
system will make noise while it is working.
Starting the vehicle
If one wheel has less grip and starts spinning (for instance, if one of the
drive wheels is on ice), keep pressing the accelerator gradually until the ve-
hicle starts moving.
Overheating of the brakes
To prevent the brake disk of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. In this case, the vehi-
cle will continue to run and will have the same running properties as those
of another without EDL.
The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has cooled
down.
WARNING
● When accelerating on a uniformly slippery surface (for instance all
four wheels on ice or snow), press the accelerator gradually and careful-
ly. Despite EDL, the drive wheels may otherwise start to spin. This could
impair the vehicle's stability. Risk of accident.
● Even with EDL, you should always adjust your speed to suit the road
and traffic conditions. Do not let the extra safety features tempt you into
taking any risks when driving. Failure to do so could result in an accident. 

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Note
If the ABS warning lamp lights up, this can also mean there is a fault in the
EDL. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the drive wheels from
spinning when the vehicle is accelerating. General notes
The traction control system (TCS) is one of the functions incorporated in the
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
The traction control system (TCS) helps the vehicle to start moving, acceler-
ate or climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be
difficult or even impossible.
How it works
The TCS acts automatically, without the driver's intervention. With the aid of
the ABS sensors ⇒ page 191, the TCS monitors the speed of the drive
wheels. If the wheels start to spin, the engine speed is reduced automati-
cally to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across the
entire speed range.
The TCS works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction occurs in the
ABS, the TCS will also be inoperative.
Note
To ensure that the TCS works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an unde-
sired reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒  page 247.Brakes
General notes
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first 200
km; first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity may
be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid over-
loading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
When the speed is over 80 km/h and the windscreen wipers are on, the
brake system moves the pads towards the brake discs for a few seconds.
This occurs - without the driver knowing - at regular intervals and allows a
faster response from the brakes when driving on wet roads.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often. 
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199
Driving and the environment
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at lev-
el crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after
only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart
the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey,
you will not consume more than the required amount of fuel. A well-serviced
engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and
the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service tempera-
ture.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine
does not warm up and fuel consumption does not normalise until having
driven approximately four kilometres. This is why we recommend avoiding
short trips whenever possible.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If
the tyre pressure is just one bar too low, fuel consumption can increase by
as much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also
increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold.Do 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 un-
necessary 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, al-
ways 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
suitable for the slope. The fuel consumption will be lower and the brakes
will not suffer. 
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201
Trailer towing
Trailer towing Trailer towing
Technical requirements
The towing bracket must meet certain technical require-
ments.
Your vehicle is intended mainly for transporting passengers and luggage.
However, if suitably equipped, it can also be used to tow a trailer or cara-
van.
If your vehicle has been factory-supplied with a towing bracket, all of the
necessary technical and legal aspects for trailing towing have been taking
into account during manufacturing.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer has a 7-pole connector you
can use an adapter cable. This can be purchased at an Authorised Service.
If a towing bracket is to be fitted after the vehicle is purchased, this must be
done according to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer
⇒ page 209.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, the installation should be carried out by
a qualified workshop.
● Particularly in high outdoor temperatures, it is not possible to drive
up long steep gradients without a suitable cooling system. The engine
would heat up.
● Incorrect installation can result in a safety risk!
 Notes on towing
There are a number of points which need to be checked be-
fore towing a trailer or caravan.
– Observe the maximum permitted trailer weights ⇒ page 296.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the maximum permitted trailer weight.
If you do not load the trailer up to the maximum permitted trailer weight,
you can then climb correspondingly steeper gradients.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer must be reduced by about 10% for every
subsequent 1000 m (or part thereof). This figure refers to the combined
weight of the (loaded) vehicle and (loaded) trailer.
The figures for the drawbar load that appear on the identification plate of
the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct figures for
your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for the towing
bracket, are given in the registration documents and on ⇒ page 289. Also
refer to ⇒ page 296.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing. 
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202Trailer towing
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressures on your vehicle, and adjust for “full load” condi-
tions (refer to the sticker listing the tyre pressures on the door pillar). It may
also be necessary to adjust the tyre pressures on the trailer according to the
recommendations of the trailer manufacturer.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. The two exterior mirrors should be fitted on folding arms. Adjust the
mirrors to give sufficient rear vision.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, check the headlight beam settings with the trailer
hitched up. If necessary, alter the height of the headlight beams by means
of the headlight range control. See ⇒ page 119.
Power supply
When you remove the ignition key, the power supply to the trailer is inter-
rupted.
Removable ball joint coupling
Vehicles with a factory-fitted towing bracket are equipped with a removable
ball joint coupling. This is stored in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment together with the necessary fitting instructions.
Note
If you frequently tow, we recommend you also have the vehicle serviced be-
tween services. Notes on towing
Towing a trailer involves additional attention by the driver.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slow to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed.
Therefore, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This especially applies
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of swaying. Never try to stabilise the trailer by accelerating.
Anticipate hazards and brake in good time. If towing a trailer with an inertia
brake, first brake gently and then harder. This will prevent brake tapping by
the trailer wheels when they lock. Select a low gear in due course before go-
ing down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine braking to
slow down the vehicle.
Swaying and pitching can be reduced by stabiliser aids. We recommend
having stabiliser aids installed when towing trailers with a high trailer
weight. They can be purchased and installed at a Technical Service.
Reheating
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in low
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 60.
Reduce speed immediately if the needle moves to the right end of the scale.
If the temperature warning lamp  in the instrument panel should start
flashing, stop the vehicle and let the engine cool down by running it at
idling speed for a few minutes. 