2012 Seat Mii oil type

146Starting, changing gears, parking
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi / + 200 kPa) can help to save fuel.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 ltr/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle. Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.


180In the engine compartment
Care, cleaning and maintenance
In the engine compartment
Working in the engine compartmentIntroduction
Before working in the engine compartment, make sure that the vehicle is
parked on horizontal and firm ground.
The engine compartment of the vehicle is a hazardous area. Never work on
the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar with the op-
erations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially if
you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒ 
! In such
a case, have any work carried out by a Specialised workshop. Negligent
work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Windscreen wash system ⇒ page 91
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Brake fluid ⇒ page 134
● Checks when filling up ⇒ page 171
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 189
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
If the vehicle moves unexpectedly, this could cause serious injury.
● Never work underneath the vehicle if it is not secured against moving.
If you must work underneath the vehicle with the wheels in contact with
the ground then it should be parked on flat ground, the wheels should be
prevented from moving and the key must be removed from the ignition.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
The jack is not intended for this kind of work and its failure could lead to
severe injuries.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system.
WARNING
The engine compartment is a dangerous area capable of causing serious
injury.
● For all type of work, always take the utmost precautions, work care-
fully and note the general safety standards in force. Never take personal
risks.
● Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not
familiar with the necessary operations. If you are not sure about proce-
dures then visit a Specialised workshop to carry out the necessary work.
Incorrect work can cause serious injuries. 

186In the engine compartment
The correct oil must be used to ensure the correct operation and long serv-
ice life of the engine. The engine comes with a high-quality multigrade oil
that can generally be used all year round.
Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT standards whenever possible
⇒ 
. Only refill engine oil using approved engine oil in accordance with the
corresponding SEAT standard ( ⇒ table on page 186). All oils indicated are
synthetic multigrade oils .
Engine oils are being continuously further developed. Technical Services
are permanently informed of any modifications. SEAT therefore recommends
that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Service.
EnginesSpecifications of engine oil with a service dependent on time/dis- tance travelled
44 kW - 55 kW Petrol enginesVW 504 00, VW 502 00
CAUTION
● Only use engine oils whose specifications are expressly approved by
SEAT. The use of any other type of engine oil could cause engine damage!
● No additives should be used with engine oil. Any damage caused by the
use of such additives would not be covered by the factory warranty. Checking the engine oil level and topping up
Fig. 111 Marked engine
oil dipstick
Fig. 112 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Preparations
● Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the engine oil reading is correct.
● The engine must be hot to be able to check the engine oil level. Stop the
engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back into the sump. 

198Vehicle care and maintenance
For the sake of the environment
The remains of vehicle care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly wash-
ed at regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior mir-
rors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the
car wash ⇒ 
.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washes without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following ⇒ page 200, Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors.
Washing the vehicle by hand
When washing the vehicle by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt
first, and rinse off as well as possible. Then clean the vehicle with a soft
sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special vehicle shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
● Protect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.
● 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, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 

207
Vehicle care and maintenance
Type of stainCleaning the vehicleWater-based stains ,
e.g. coffee or fruit
juice.– Use a sponge and wipe with a solution of water
and wool wash.
– Dry with a dry, absorbent cloth.
Persistent stains ,
e.g. chocolate or
make-up.– Apply a washing paste a)
directly to the stain and
allow it to work.
– Apply clean water using a sponge or damp cloth to
remove the cleaning product deposits.
– Dry with a dry absorbent cloth.
Grease-based
stains, e.g. oil or lip-
stick.– Apply neutral soap or cleaning paste a)
and allow it
to work.
– Remove dissolved grease or colour particles with
an absorbent cloth.
– Then apply clean water. Take care not to soak the
upholstery.
a) Bile soap can be used as a cleaning paste.
CAUTION
Brushes should only be used to clean the mats and floor mat! Other surfa-
ces may be damaged if a brush is used.
CAUTION
Do not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more encrusted
in the material when steam is applied.
CAUTION
Never use brushes for cleaning damp material as they could damage the
surface. Cleaning storage compartments, drinks holders and
ashtray
Fig. 118 In the front part
of the centre console:
Storage compartment
with cup holder
Fig. 119 Ashtray re-
moved and open with
area to stub cigarettes

Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

211
Vehicle care and maintenance
About your tyres and wheels
Fig. 120 Diagram for
changing wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most
stress and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the
support offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between
the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care
they receive and the correct fitting.
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 characteris-
tics of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre
⇒  page 216.
● The instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed. ●
Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible ⇒ page 216.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible damage ⇒ page 216.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle ⇒ page 218.
● Do not allow tyres (including the spare wheel) to come into contact with
aggressive substances, grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid ⇒ 
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best
when rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates
the direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread ⇒ page 218. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with ex-
treme caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of partic-
ular importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as
possible or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system ⇒ Fig. 120. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a Specialised workshop to have
the tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for
long periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile
than tyres which are in constant use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres (including the spare wheel) which appear to be in 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

222Vehicle care and maintenance
Accessories, replacements, repairs and
modifications
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Seat belts ⇒ page 57
● Airbag system ⇒ page 67
● Roof carrier ⇒ page 104
● Ashtray and cigarette lighter ⇒ page 115
● Power socket ⇒ page 117
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Parking distance warning system ⇒ page 149
● Cruise control system (CCS) ⇒ page 152
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Engine oil ⇒ page 185
● Engine coolant ⇒ page 189
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 197
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 205
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
● ⇒ Booklet Radio system
● Instruction Manual for the Portable Navigation System (supplied by
SEAT) in the equipment.
WARNING
The use of unsuitable spare parts and accessories, or incorrectly per-
formed modifications or repairs may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use SEAT approved accesso-
ries and SEAT ®
original spare parts. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried out at a Specialised work-
shop. Specialised workshops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifications as the parts fitted at
factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over the covers of the airbag modules or within their deployment
zones.
● Only use wheels and tyre combinations which have been approved by
SEAT for your vehicle type.


Fault finding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Fault memoryConnector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Fire extinguisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
First-aid kit Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
First aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 see First aid kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Floor mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Fluids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Front airbags See "Airbag system" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Front passenger airbag Deactivating using the key switch . . . . . . . . 73
See "Airbag system" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177 Information on consumption . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Type of fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Fuel consumption Economic driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
¿Why does it increase? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Fuel tank flap
close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261 Fuse box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Identifying blown fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Identifying by colours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Preparation before replacing . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
G Glove compartment see Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110, 111
H Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Hazard warning lights system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamp range adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Headlight range control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Headlights Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Headlight washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Heated rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Heated seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Heating and ventilation system Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
see also Air conditioning system . . . . . . . 164
High pressure cleaning apparatus . . . . . . . . . 199
Hill-start aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162 Hill hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Start-Stop system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
I
Identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Identification plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Ignition See "Engine and ignition" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Ignition key see vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 30
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Safety interlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Unauthorised vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Operating fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
In case of a breakdown Securing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
In case of an emergency Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Hazard warning lights system . . . . . . . . . . 240
In case of a breakdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Protecting yourself and securing the vehi-cle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
In case of emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Indicator Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . 185
Engine oil pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Information on consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
296 Index