2012 Seat Mii Owner's manual

143
Starting, changing gears, parking
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them. 
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144Starting, changing gears, parking
Ecological driving
Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on 3 factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Savings of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips.
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation.

Economic driving style
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph),
drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(30 mph) in fifth gear.
In addition, “skipping” gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather
and traffic conditions permitting. Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kickdown
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.


145
Starting, changing gears, parking
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the vehicle before starting your journey, and to drive a short dis-
tance with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly.
Only then should you close all the windows and switch on the air condition-
ing system. Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving
with the windows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window when it is not moist or covered in ice.
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 92 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at 2 different outside
temperatures
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the
next traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
Fig. 92 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F). 
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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.


147
Starting, changing gears, parking
Steering Introduction
The power steering* is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

(red)Electromechanical steering
faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.

(yellow)Electromechanical steering
operation reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short dis-
tance, the yellow warning light
no longer comes on, it will not
be necessary to take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.

(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not un-
locked or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. If necessary,
check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel dis-
play.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after
the ignition has been switched
on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance. 
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148Starting, changing gears, parking
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Information on the steering
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Mechanical steering lock
Lock the steering column by removing the key from the ignition when the
vehicle is stopped.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle ⇒ page 134.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Remove the ignition key from the ig-
nition.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical steering
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all. 

149
Driver assistance systems
Driver assistance systems
Parking distance warning system*
Introduction
The parking distance warning system assists the driver when parking. If the
rear of the vehicle is approaching an obstacle, an intermittent audible warn-
ing is emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between
tones. If the vehicle is too close to the obstacle, the audible warning be-
comes constant.
If you continue to approach an obstacle when the sound is continuous, this
means the system can no longer measure the distance.
Sensors situated on the rear bumper transmit and receive ultrasound. Using
the ultrasound signal (transmission, reflection from the obstacles and re-
ception), this system continuously calculates the distance between the
bumper and the obstacle.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
The parking distance warning system cannot replace the driver's assess-
ment of the situation.
● The sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
● Always observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not al-
ways detect small children, animals or objects.
WARNING (Continued)
● The surface of certain objects and some clothing do not reflect the ul-
trasound signals from the parking distance system. The system cannot
detect or incorrectly detects these objects and people wearing these
types of clothes.
● External sound sources can affect the parking distance aid signals. In
this case, under certain circumstances, people and objects will not be de-
tected.
CAUTION
● The sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer
draw bars, thin rails, fences, posts, trees and open boots, etc. This could re-
sult in damage to your vehicle.
● Although the parking distance warning system detects and warns of the
presence of an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of
measurement of the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no
longer indicate it. Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring
the warnings of the parking distance warning system could cause consider-
able damage to the vehicle.
● The bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
● To ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
● When cleaning the sensors with high-pressure or steam cleaning equip-
ment, spray the sensors briefly at a distance of no less than 10 cm.
● Different sources of noise can produce errors in the parking distance
warning system, i.e. parking distance warning systems from other vehicles,
inductive loops or construction works machines.
● Retrofitting of components to the vehicle, such as a bicycle carrier, may
interfere with the function of the parking distance warning system. 
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150Driver assistance systems
Parking distance warning system
Fig. 93 Parking distance
warning system sensors
on the rear bumper
The 3 sensors of the parking distance warning system are situated on the
rear bumper ⇒ Fig. 93. Switching the parking distance warning system on and off
● Switching on: With the ignition switched on, select reverse gear. A short
audible warning confirms that the parking distance warning system is
switched on and functioning.
● Switching off: release reverse gear.
Things to note on the parking distance warning system
● The parking distance warning system sometimes registers water on the
sensors as an obstacle.
● If the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loud-
ly after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will re-
main constant. ●
When the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound au-
tomatically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
● Your SEAT dealership can adjust the volume of the warning signals.
Note
A fault in the parking distance warning system is indicated through a brief
audible warning that is constant for about 3 seconds when switching on for
the first time. Check the parking distance warning system at a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible. 
Optical parking system* (OPS)
Fig. 94 On-screen OPS
display: A an obstacle
has been detected in the
collision zone. B
an ob-
stacle has been detected
in the segment. C
zone
recorded behind the vehi-
cle
The optical parking system is an extension of the parking distance warning
system ⇒ page 150. On the screen of the SEAT Portable System (supplied by SEAT) the area be-
hind the vehicle is shown registered by the sensors. Any obstacles are dis-
play in relation to the vehicle ⇒ 
. 