2012 Seat Ibiza 5D brake pads

155
Driving
WARNING
You could lose control of the vehicle if you accelerate on slippery road
surfaces. Risk of serious injury.
● Be particularly careful when using the kickdown features on slippery
road surfaces. With a fast acceleration, the vehicle could lose traction
and skid.
● You should use the kickdown feature only when traffic and weather
conditions allow it to be used safely.

Handbrake Using the handbrake
The handbrake should be applied firmly to prevent the vehi-
cle from accidentally rolling away.
Fig. 111 Handbrake be-
tween the front seats Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
Applying the handbrake
–
Pull the handbrake lever up firmly ⇒ Fig. 111.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the lever up slightly and press the release knob in the di-
rection of the arrow ⇒ Fig. 111 and guide the handbrake lever
down fully ⇒ 
.
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake 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 the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

168Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running-in Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km (1000
miles).
Up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles)
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres (600 to 900 miles)
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on, when all the moving parts have bedded in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consump-
tion reduced. Running in tyres and brake pads
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the first 500 km
(300 miles). New brake pads should be run-in carefully for
the first 200 km (120 miles).
During the first 200 km (120 miles), you can compensate for the reduced
braking effect by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. In case of a
sharp braking, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than
with brake pads which have been run-in.
WARNING
● At first, new tyres do not give maximum grip, and require running-in.
This may cause an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the first
500 km (300 miles).
● New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction
properties during the first 200 km (120 miles). However, the reduced
braking capacity may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a
little harder.

Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions
under which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you
often drive in town, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we 

169
Driving and the environment
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by a
Technical Service more frequently than recommended in the Maintenance
Programme.
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 (120 miles). However, the reduced braking ca-
pacity may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little hard-
er. 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
transmission). 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, va-
pour bubbles can form in the brake system. This reduces the efficiency of
the brakes.
WARNING (Continued)
● 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 185, Technical modifi-
cations.
● If a brake system circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased
considerably. Contact a specialised workshop immediately and avoid un-
necessary journeys.

Exhaust gas purification system Catalytic 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 201, Topping up engine oil .
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary
⇒ page 242.
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 63. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the en-
vironment. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

177
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care of the vehicle exterior Automatic car washing tunnel
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash tunnel, the
brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative
products.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such
as closing the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to note apart from
that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes could take some time to respond as the brake
discs and pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. Dry the brakes by
braking several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brake system can reduce braking effectiveness.
Risk of accident.
CAUTION
Before putting the vehicle through the car washing tunnel, do not tighten
the aerial if it is folded because it can be damaged. Washing by hand
Vehicle washing
–
First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water.
– Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a
glove or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different
sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
– In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the brakes
by braking several times. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

208Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the serv-
ice schedule.
Fig. 133 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
– 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 en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ page 253. 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
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 63.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 195.

Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid
change intervals. We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ 
in
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 195 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.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4. 

209
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ page 195.
● 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 Pro-
gramme. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake
fluid is left in the brake system for too long. This would seriously affect
the effectiveness of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may
cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from
the paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be collected and disposed of accord-
ing the applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the
necessary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing
of this waste material. Vehicle battery
Warnings on handling the battery
Wear eye protection
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection!
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery
is under charge.
Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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 extremely corrosive. 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. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Index
A
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Acoustic warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Adaptive headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
AFS headlight bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Airbag covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Air conditioner Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Air conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Air recirculation Semi-automatic air conditioning . . . . . . . . 133
Air recirculation mode Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Alarm system Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Alternator Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Anti-lock brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Anti-theft wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Aquaplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Aspects to note before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ASR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
ASR (Traction control system) Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Audible warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Automatic anti-dazzle interior rear vision mirror Activating the anti-dazzle function . . . . . . 110
Deactivating the anti-dazzle function . . . . 110
Automatic car washing tunnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Kick-down feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Automatic lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Automatic windscreen wiper/washer . . . . . . . 107
AUX/USB input connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Auxiliary audio input connection (AUX) . . . . . 125
B
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Battery Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Before setting off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Biodiesel fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163, 168
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Bulb change double headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Single headlight bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Bulb changes General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Bulb defect Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Buzzer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 139
C
Car care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Car phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
269
Index

RRadio frequency remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Changing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Rear drink holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Rear fog light control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Emergency opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Rear seat folding down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Rear view mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Rear window automatic wiper/washer . . . . . . 109
Rear window wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Recommended gear display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Remote control key Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Removing and fitting the wheel . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Repairs Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacement keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Reverse gear
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Roll-back function panoramic/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Roof rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Running in Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Running in tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
S Safe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safe Security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety instructions Coolant temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Safety notes Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Deactivating front passenger airbag . . . . . . 40
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Using child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 Seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113, 116
Seat belt cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Seat belt control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Seat belt position
Pregnant women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Seat belt protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat belt release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Incorrectly fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Not worn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Seat belt tensioner control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Seat belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Seat heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Selective opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Semiautomatic air conditioning controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Service interval display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Side lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Single headlight bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Sitting position driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sitting position, occupants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216, 252
274 Index