2012 Seat Mii brakes

140Starting, changing gears, parking
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are incorporated into the ESC*. The
ESC* is always on 1)
.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before
the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully with the brake pedal.
● When the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced,
ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any cir-
cumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo. Traction control system (ASR) or Traction Control (TC)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system ASR or TC reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. The ASR or TC makes
some situations easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going
uphill, even in unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the braking assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDL, ASR, TC and ESC*, provide more security, do not take unnecessary
risks while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC* and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dan-
gerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact with the ground in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without ad-
herence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Braking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions. 
1)
According to version

141
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING (Continued)
● Even though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
braking assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC* can be considerably reduced if other com-
ponents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or
are not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres
and other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR TC, EDL and ESC*.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
combinations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR, TC, EDL and
ESC* and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC* depends on the use of suitable
tyres ⇒ page 210.
Note
To ensure that the ESC*, ASR and TC work properly, all four wheels must be
fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESC*, ASR, TC and EDL will al-
so be affected.
Note
Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating. 
Brake fluid
Fig. 91 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the sys-
tem. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power,
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒ 
.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

142Starting, changing gears, parking
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒ 
.
Brake fluids conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from SEAT dealerships.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒ 
.
It is not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a Spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This
means that only brake fluid complying with the required specifications will
be used.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brake system may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instructions given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Only used brake fluid
that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or
even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. Other types of brake fluid
could affect brake operation and reduce braking power. Do not use a
brake fluid if the container does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
● To reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks bot-
tles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipients
even if the contents are clearly marked.
● Always keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children.
CAUTION
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately. 

156Driver assistance systems
Note
If the City Safety Assist function activates a brake, the brake pedal range is
reduced. This makes the brake pedal seem “harder”.
Note
Automatic brake intervention by the City Safety Assist function can be can-
celled by pressing the clutch pedal, the accelerator pedal or by a corrective
intervention.
Note
During the automatic braking by the City Safety Assist function you may
hear unusual noises. This is normal and is produced in the brakes system. 
Warning and control lamps
The City Safety Assist function is switched on every time the ignition is
switched on. No special indication is produced.
If the City Safety Assist function is switched off, functions or there is an error
in the system, this will be shown by a control lamp on the instrument panel
display.
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
 
The City Safety Assist func-
tion has been switched on
manually using the button  
⇒ Fig. 98.
The control lamp turns off after
about 5 seconds.
flashesPossible cause ⇒ Solution

fast: The City Safety Assist
system function brakes auto-
matically or has braked auto-
matically.Control lamp turns off automati-
cally.
slow: City Safety Assist func-
tion is not currently available.
If the vehicle is stopped, switch
off the engine and switch it on
again. If necessary, inspect the
laser sensor (dirt, frozen) ⇒ 
in Laser sensor on page 157. If
it still does not function, refer to
a Specialised workshop to have
the system inspected.


within the operating area of
5-30– km/h (3-19 mph): The
City Safety Assist function
has been switched off man-
ually using the button  
⇒ 
Fig. 98.
Switch on the City Safety Assist
function manually using the but-
ton  
⇒ Fig. 98.
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. 

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! 

199
Vehicle care and maintenance
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before en-
tering an automatic car wash :
● Compare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance be-
tween the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
● Switch off the rain sensor before taking the vehicle to an automatic car
wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash!
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the windscreen wipers on
the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the rear lid to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside
the car wash. 
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning apparatus
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the re-
quired pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
⇒ 
.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The
sensors of the parking distance warning system are situated on the rear
bumper ⇒ 
.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt ⇒ 
.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials.
This could result in serious accident.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may dam-
age the tyres.
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 be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● To ensure that the system functions well, the sensors located on the
bumper must be kept clean and free from ice. When cleaning with pressure
hoses and steam cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A
distance of 10 cm between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must
be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
● 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! 
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

223
Vehicle care and maintenance
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). 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 down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed, especially when the engine is cold, as this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Change down to a lower gear when the engine no longer
runs “smoothly”. Up to 1000 kilometres the following instructions apply:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel trims ⇒ page 210
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ page 134
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced. 
Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official Service before purchasing acces-
sories and spare parts or consumables. For example, when fitting accesso- ries at a later date, or when replacing a component. A SEAT Official Service
will advise you as to the legal requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories and genuine
SEAT spare parts ®
. These parts and accessories have been specially tested
by SEAT for suitability, reliability and safety. In addition the SEAT Technical
Service will guarantee that the assembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market, SEAT cannot guarantee that
products not approved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suitable for the vehi-
cle. Therefore, SEAT cannot accept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspection office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on vehicle control must
be approved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark (the Euro-
pean Union's authorisation symbol). This includes cruise control systems or
electronically controlled suspension.
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself, these must bear the  mark (European Union manu-
facturer conformity declaration). This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans.
WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to the vehicle may affect the per-
formance of the airbags, resulting in operating faults or fatal accident.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as drink holders or telephone
cradles over or next to the covers of the airbag modules or within their
deployment zones.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or within their deployment
zones, could lead to serious injury or loss of life if the airbags are trig-
gered.

Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical Data

malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
starting on a slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
stopping on a slope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Axle loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
B
BAS see Brake assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Battery Change in the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
discharge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Discharging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
See Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Battery acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Before consulting a specialised workshop . . . 238
Belt tension device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Service and disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Belt tension limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Bench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Bonnet Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Bottle capacity Windscreen washer water bottle . . . . . . . . . 94
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Brake assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Brakes
Assisted braking systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Brake fluid level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Changing the brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Emergency brake indicator in case of sud-den braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Running-in brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Warning lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138, 139
Brake system Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Brake systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Breakdown Securing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Bulb fault See changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
C
Capacities Fuel tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Care See "Care of your vehicle" . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Care of your vehicle Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Caring for paintwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Malfunctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
central locking Deadlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Central locking button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
locking and unlocking from the exterior . . . 34
locking and unlocking from the inside . . . . 36
Central locking system After airbag deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Opening doors individually . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Centre console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 13 Bottom part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Top part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Changing Windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Preparations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Raising the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264 Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Front bumper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Initial operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
in the headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Number plate light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Rear lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Sea changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
292 Index