2012 Seat Toledo Owner's manual

152Driving
● Engine at operating temperature
● Vehicle's battery sufficiently charged
● Vehicle not on a very steep slope
● Engine speed below 1200 rpm
● Vehicle's battery temperature is neither too high nor too low
● Sufficient brake system pressure
● Difference between outside temperature and set interior temperature
not too great
● Vehicle speed since last time the engine started was above 3 km/h (2
mph)
● Particulate filter ⇒ page 71 not being cleaned
● Front wheels not overly turned (steering wheel turned less than three
quarters of a turn)
Conditions for engine start up (Start phase)
● Clutch pedal pressed
● Max./min. temperature set
● Windscreen defrost function switched on
● High blower speed
● START-STOP button pressed
Conditions for automatic engine start up without driver involvement
● Vehicle moving at a speed of over 3 km/h (2 mph)
● Difference between outside temperature and interior temperature is too
great
● Vehicle's battery insufficiently charged
● Insufficient brake system pressure
If the driver seat belt is unfastened for more than 30 seconds in Stop phase,
the engine must be started using the ignition key. Please observe the mes-
sages on the general instrument panel display. Warnings on the instrument panel display (valid for vehicles not fitted with
an informative display)
FAULT: START-STOPFault in the START-STOP systemSTART-STOP IMPOSSIBLEEngine cannot be automatically shut
down
START-STOP ACTIVEAutomatic engine shut down (Stop
phase)
SWITCH OFF IGNITIONSwitch ignition off.START MANUALLYStart the engine manually
WARNING
● If the engine is switched off, neither the brake servo or the power
steering will work.
● Do not move the vehicle when the engine is switched off.
CAUTION
Switch off the START-STOP system ⇒  page 159 before driving through a
pool of water on the road.
Note
● The battery temperature may reflect the changes in outside temperature
after several hours. If the vehicle has been stopped outside at temperatures
below zero or in direct sunlight, for example, the battery temperature may
take several hours to reach the values required for the correct operating of
the START-STOP system.
● If the Climatronic system is operating automatically, this could impair
automatic engine shut down in certain conditions. 

153
Driving and the environment
Practical Tips Driving and the environment
The first 1500 km (900 miles) New engine
Over the first 1500 kilometres (900 miles) the engine must be run
in.
Up to 1000 kilometres (600 miles)
– Do not drive at more than 3/4 of the maximum speed corre-
sponding to the engaged gear, i.e. up to 3/4 of the maximum
permitted engine speed.
– Do not drive at full speed.
– Avoid high engine speeds.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres (600 to 900 miles)
– Slowly increase the engine speed until reaching the maximum
permitted speed of the engaged gear, i.e. the maximum permit-
ted engine speed.
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. How the
vehicle is driven over approximately the first 1500 kilometres (900 miles),
determines the success of the process of running in the engine. After the running in, the vehicle should not be driven at
high engine
speeds. The maximum permitted engine speed is marked at the start of the
red zone on the rev counter dial. The gear must be changed up when the red
area is reached in vehicles with a manual gearbox. Extremely high engine
speeds when accelerating are automatically limited, however the engine is
not protected against high engine speeds produced by incorrectly changing
to a lower gear, which could cause the engine to run at revs above the maxi-
mum permitted amount, and consequently result in damage to the engine.
Additionally, vehicles with a manual gearbox must also bear the following in
mind: do not drive with the engine speed too low. Change down to a lower
gear when the engine no longer runs smoothly. Observe the recommenda-
tions for changing gear ⇒ page 58, Recommended gear display.
CAUTION
All the information for speed and engine speed refers to an engine that op-
erates at operating temperature. Do not run the engine at high engine
speeds, neither when stopped or while driving.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds – an anticipated change
to a higher gear contributes to saving fuel, reducing operating noise and
protects the environment. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

154Driving and the environment
New tyres
New tyres must be submitted to “running in”, given that initially their grip is
not yet at the maximum level. During approximately the first 500 km (120
miles) drive very carefully. 
New brake pads
New brake pads do not yet provide maximum friction capacity. New brake
pads must be “run in” first. During approximately the first 200 km (120
miles) drive very carefully. 
Catalytic converter
An exhaust gas emission control system (catalytic converter) that functions
perfectly is vitally important for vehicle operation that respects the environ-
ment.
Please observe the following indications:
● Refuel only using unleaded petrol ⇒ page 172, Unleaded petrol in pet-
rol engine vehicles.
● Do not add too much oil to the engine ⇒ page 177, Checking the en-
gine oil level;.
● Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you are required to drive in a country where unleaded fuel is not available
and when returning to a country where using a catalytic converter is obliga-
tory, the catalytic converter must be replaced.
WARNING
● Due to the high temperatures that the catalytic converter can reach,
the vehicle must be stopped so that the catalytic converter does not
come into contact with easily flammable material underneath the vehicle.
Risk of fire!
● Never use substances for additional underbody protection or anti-cor-
rosion for the exhaust pipes, the catalytic converter or the antithermic
screen. Risk of fire!
CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! An irregular fuel supply can cause ig-
nition faults, which can result in damage to a substantial amount of engine
parts and the exhaust system.
● Refuelling just once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust system! 
Economical and ecological driving General notes
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on three factors:
● personal driving style
● the conditions in which the vehicle is used
● prior technical conditions
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. 

155
Driving and the environment
Fuel consumption also depends on factors that cannot be influenced by the
driver. It is normal for consumption to be greater in winter or in difficult con-
ditions, on roads in poor condition, when towing a trailer, etc.
Fuel consumption can also vary considerably from that stated by the manu-
facturer due to the outside temperature, the weather and driving style.
The vehicle has factory-fitted technical conditions in order to save fuel and
to operate in economic mode. SEAT pays special attention to minimize the
environmental impact. Take the following indications in this chapter into ac-
count in order to conserve and to take advantage of these qualities:
The engine speed must be maintained at the maximum in order to prevent
vehicle resonance and high fuel consumption. 
Foresighted driving
The vehicle consumes the majority of fuel when accelerating, therefore
avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking. If you think ahead when driv-
ing, you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. For example, when
approaching a red traffic light, allow the vehicle to decelerate freely or use
the engine braking effect. Saving energy when changing gear
Fig. 112 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
(miles) relating to the en-
gaged gear
Changing up early to the next higher gear will save fuel.
Manual gearbox
● Drive in first gear only at a length of approximately one length of the ve-
hicle.
● When 2000 revs have been reached, change up to the next gear.
An efficient way of saving fuel is to change up early to a higher gear. Ob-
serve the recommendations for changing gear ⇒ page 58, Recommended
gear display.
An appropriately engaged gear can influence fuel consumption ⇒ Fig. 112.
Automatic gearbox
● Press the accelerator pedal slowly. Avoid pressing the pedal to the kick-
down position.
● If you press the accelerator pedal slowly with an automatic gearbox, and
economical program will automatically be selected.
Note
Observe the recommendations for changing gear ⇒ page 58.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

156Driving and the environment
Avoid driving at full speed
Fuel can be saved by driving at a slower speed.
Accelerating slowly not only considerably reduces fuel consumption, but al-
so reduces the environmental impact and vehicle wear.
If possible, you should never take advantage of the maximum speed of your
vehicle. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions of toxic substances and
noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds.
You can reduce fuel consumption by about one half if you do not drive faster
than three quarters of top speed. 
Reduce idling
Idling also consumes fuel.
In a vehicle that does not have the START-STOP function, stop the engine in
traffic jams, level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for a long
period of time. After 30-40 seconds with the engine switched off, the fuel
savings are greater that the quantity of fuel required to restart the engine
again.
When the engine is idling, a great deal of time is required in order for the
engine to reach operating temperature. When heating the vehicle, however,
engine waste and emissions of toxic substances are elevated. Therefore, im-
mediately begin driving after switching on the engine. Doing so avoids high
engine speeds. 
Regular maintenance
A badly tuned engine unnecessarily consumes a large quantity of fuel. Conditions for economical driving can be created with regular maintenance
at an Official Service. Maintenance of your vehicle has positive repercus-
sions on traffic safety and conserving the value of the vehicle.
A badly tuned engine can result in fuel consumption that is 10% higher
than normal!
Additionally, check the
oil level after refuelling. Oil consumption depends
to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
driving style, oil consumption can reach 0.5 litres per 1000 km (600 miles).
It is normal for the oil consumption of a new engine not to reach its mini-
mum level until after a period of running in time. Therefore, the oil con-
sumption of a new vehicle can only be judged correctly after covering 5000
km (3000 miles).
For the sake of the environment
● An additional reduction in consumption can be achieved using high-per-
formance synthetic oils.
● In order to detect leaks in good time, check the ground underneath the
vehicle regularly. If you notice stains from oils or other operating liquids,
contact an Official Service.
Note
We recommend that you have regular maintenance performed on your vehi-
cle a the SEAT Authorised Service. 

157
Driving and the environment
Make less short journeys
Fig. 113 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
(miles) at different tem-
peratures
In short journeys fuel consumption quantity is incomparably high.
Therefore we recommend avoiding journeys of less than 4 km (2
miles) when the engine is cold. Immediately after starting, a cold engine consumes the maximum amount
of fuel. After driving approximately one kilometre (0.62 miles), consumption
drops approximately 10 litres per 100 km (62 miles). Consumption returns
to normal only after the engine and the catalytic converter have reached op-
erating temperature.
In this context, this is also determined by the outside temperature. Fuel
consumption is different for the same journey, as shown once at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and again at -10 °C (+14 °F) ⇒ Fig. 113. Your vehicle will consume
more fuel in winter than in summer. Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining correct tyre pressure saves fuel.
Always maintain correct tyre pressure. Insufficiently tyre pressure increases
rolling resistance. This leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but al-
so tyre wear and deteriorated vehicle behaviour.
Always check the tyre pressure when the tyre is
cold.
Do not carry unnecessary loads
Transporting unnecessary loads also consumes fuel.
Every additional kilo of weight increases fuel consumption. Check for un-
necessary objects in the luggage compartment.
The weight of the vehicle considerably influences fuel consumption, espe-
cially in urban traffic where frequent acceleration is required. As a general
rule, every 100 kg of weight increases consumption by approximately 1 litre
per 100 km (62 miles).
Your vehicle consumes almost 10% more fuel than the normal amount at a
speed of 100 – 120 km/h (62 – 75 mph) when a roof carrier without a load
is fitted. 
Save electrical energy
An electrical current is generated with help from the alternator when the en-
gine is running. The more electrical devices there are connected to the on-
board network, the larger the quantity of fuel is required for the alternator
service. This is why electrical devices should be disconnected when they
are not required. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

158Driving and the environment
Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new SEAT vehicle. Among other points, the following
has been taken into account.
Design measures
●Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● The purest raw materials and construction materials
● Marking of all the plastic parts according to the VDA 260 recommenda-
tion
● Reduction of fuel consumption and CO
2 emissions
● Minimization of the fuel exhaust in the case of an accident
● Reduction in the noise level
Choice of materials
● Recycled materials are widely used
● CFC-free coolant in air conditioner
● Cadmium has not been used
● Asbestos has not been used
● Reduction of plastic “evaporation”
Manufacturing methods
● Solvent-free cavity sealing
● Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit
● Solvent-free adhesives have been used
● CFCs have been eliminated from production ●
Mercury has not been used
● Water-soluble paint has been used
Collection and utilization of used vehicles
SEAT meets the demands placed on the brand and its products with respect
to protecting the environment and resources. Up to 95 % of all new SEAT
vehicles can be recycled and in general can be collected without charge 1)
.
Systems for returning your used vehicle have been created in many coun-
tries. After collection you will be given a receipt confirming that your vehicle
will be disposed of ecologically, respecting applicable legislation.
Note
More detailed information regarding the collection and utilization of use ve-
hicles can be obtained from an authorised SEAT dealer. 
Driving abroad General notes
It is possible that in some countries the SEAT dealer network is limited or
inexistent. Therefore it is difficult to acquire certain spare parts and the
workers at the specialised workshops can only carry out limited repair
works. SEAT will inform you about the technical requirements of your vehi-
cle, necessary maintenance work and possibilities for repair. 
1)
Always observe national legislation.

159
Driving and the environment
Unleaded petrol
Refuel only using unleaded petrol ⇒ page 154, Catalytic converter in petrol
engine vehicles. Automobile associations will provide information regarding
the network of petrol stations offering unleaded petrol. 
Headlights
Your dipped beam headlights are adjusted in an asymmetrical formation.
The side of the road on which you are driving is illuminated more brightly.
If you are driving in a foreign country where traffic drives on the opposite
side of the road this will dazzle the oncoming traffic. In order to avoid daz-
zling oncoming traffic, it is essential to have the headlights adjusted at an
authorised SEAT dealer.
Note
You will receive information about the modification of the headlights at an
authorised SEAT dealer. 
Preventing damage to the vehicle
In order to prevent damage to the vehicle, take special care:
● on roads in poor condition
● when mounting the kerb
● when approaching very steep ramps, etc.
● with the parts of the vehicle situated on the lower part of the vehicle, i.e.
the spoiler, the exhaust pipe, This applies especially to vehicles with a very low suspension (sport) and
when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Driving through water
Fig. 114 Driving through
water
To prevent the vehicle from being damaged when driving through water (i.e.
flooded roads), please observe the following:
● Determine the depth of the water before entering. The water can reach a
maximum height of below the door sill ⇒ Fig. 114.
● Drive at a maximum pace of walking speed. Driving at a higher speed
can cause a wave in front of the vehicle, which can cause water to enter the
engine air intake system or other parts of the vehicle.
● Never stop in the water, never reverse and never stop the engine.
● Before driving through water deactivate the START-STOP system
⇒ page 151. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications