2012 Seat Toledo engine

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

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

160Driving and the environment
WARNING
● Driving through water, dirt and mud can reduce braking capability
and prolong the braking distance – Risk of accident!
● Do not carry out any sudden or strong braking manoeuvres after driv-
ing through water.
● Clean and dry the brakes as soon as possible after driving through
water by breaking intermittently. Carry out braking in order to dry the
brakes and clean the brake discs only if traffic so permits. Do not put oth-
er drivers at risk.
CAUTION
● In the event of driving through water the parts of the vehicle can be seri-
ously damaged, such as the engine, gearbox, catalytic converter, suspen-
sion or the electrical system.
● Oncoming vehicles that drive through water can cause waves that ex-
ceed your vehicle's permitted level for driving through water.
● There may be pot-holes mud or rocks under the water that can hinder or
prevent driving through water.
● Do not drive through salt water. The salt can cause rust. All components
that are exposed to salt water must be rinsed immediately with fresh water.
Note
After driving through water we recommend that you contact a specialised
service for an inspection. 

161
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Driving the vehicle with a trailer Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket or is equipped with a se-
lection of SEAT Original Accessories, it meets all the relevant technical and
legal requirements.
In vehicles with a towing bracket it is possible to remove the ball joint, situ-
ated (together with the special assembly instructions) in the housing for the
spare wheel in the vehicle luggage compartment ⇒ page 198, Vehicle tool
kit*.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power socket for the electrical connec-
tion between the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer you are going to use
has a 7-pin connector, the corresponding adaptor, acquired from the SEAT
Original Accessories Catalogue, can be used.
If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the car, it must be done according
to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
Note
Any queries that may arise can be directed to an authorised SEAT dealer. 
Trailer weight
Trailer weight
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. To do so use the maxi-
mum permitted towing bracket load. An insufficient weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint of the towing bracket will have a negative
impact upon the response of the vehicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distribu-
tion is incorrect. However, if these conditions cannot be avoided, drive very
slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to “total load” ⇒ 
page 188, Tyre
useful life.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight under any circumstances
⇒  page 226, Description of the data.
The trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m
above sea level. Due to a lower air density the engine power decreases de-
pending on the increase in altitude, this also causes the climbing ability to
decrease, which requires a reduction of the weight of the vehicle with a
trailer by 10 % for every 1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of the as-
sembly is calculated by adding the vehicle weight (loaded) to the trailer
weight (loaded). Always drive with special care when towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information that is displayed on the tow-
ing bracket manufacturers label are only values for the verification of the
device. The correct figures for your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documentation of your vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

162Driving the vehicle with a trailer
WARNING
● Exceeding the maximum established load per axle and the maximum
towing bracket load in addition to the maximum permitted load or the
load of the vehicle + trailer assembly can cause accidents and serious in-
juries.
● A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle + trailer assembly, resulting in accidents and serious injuries.

Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Observe the relevant statutory requirements of
the country you are in.
Headlights
Before starting a journey, also check the headlight beam settings with the
trailer hitched up. Adjust the headlight range settings if necessary
⇒ page 96, Range control of main lights .
Driving speed
For your own safety do not drive faster than the maximum permitted speed
indicated on the trailer.
At all times, immediately reduce speed if you detect the slightest swaying
movement of the trailer. Never try to “return the trailer to a straight posi-
tion” by accelerating.
Brakes
Brake in due course! If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes
gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Change to a lower gear in good time be-
fore descending a slope in order to take advantage of the engine brake.
The trailer is incorporated into the vehicle anti-theft alarm system.
●
When the vehicle has a factory-fitted anti-theft alarm and a towing
bracket
● When the trailer is electrically connected to the vehicle via the towing
bracket socket
● When the vehicle electrical device and the towing bracket are operation-
al
● When the vehicle is locked and the vehicle anti-theft alarm device is ac-
tivated
Once the electrical connection is interrupted with the vehicle trailer locked,
the alarm sounds.
Always switch off the vehicle anti-theft alarm device before connecting or
disconnecting a trailer. The vehicle anti-theft alarm device could cause the
alarm to sound ⇒ page 88, Anti-theft alarm system.
Engine overheating
In the event that the coolant temperature gauge needle moves to the right
section of the scale or to the red area, immediately reduce speed. If the con-
trol lamp  flashes on the general instrument panel, stop the vehicle and
switch off the engine. Wait several minutes and check the coolant level in
the tank ⇒ page 179.
Please observe the following indications ⇒ page 68, Coolant level and tem-
perature .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. 

168Care of the vehicle and cleaning
Note
● Make sure, when washing the vehicle, that the least amount of water
possible enters the lock cylinders.
● We recommend the use of products from the selection of SEAT Original
Accessories to care for the door lock cylinder. 
Wheels
Wheel trims
If you wash the vehicle regularly, you must also thoroughly wash the wheel
trims. Regularly remove any brake abrasion residue and road salt from the
wheels, otherwise the wheel material could be damaged. Repair any dam-
age to the wheel paintwork immediately.
Alloy wheels
After thorough washing, treat the wheels with a protective product for alloy
wheels. Do not use abrasive products to care for the wheels.
WARNING
Moisture, ice and road salt may affect braking efficiency. Risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
Heavy dirt on the wheels could lead to their misalignment. This could result
in vibrations being transmitted to the steering wheel that under certain con-
ditions may cause premature steering wear. This dirt must be removed.
Note
We recommend you leave paint damage repairs to a SEAT Authorised Serv-
ice. Underbody sealant
The underside of the vehicle is coated to permanently protect it from chemi-
cal and mechanical agents.
Given that damage to the
protective coating during driving cannot be com-
pletely ruled out, we recommend you check the condition of the protective
coating on the underbody and suspension at regular intervals, preferably
before the start and end of the coldest season of the year.
Authorised SEAT dealers have suitable special products and the necessary
facilities and are aware of the techniques required for their application. We
therefore recommend all touch-up work or additional anti-corrosion meas-
ures be performed by an authorised SEAT dealer.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter, particulate filter or heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. Once the engine has reached operating temperature, these substan-
ces could catch fire. Risk of fire!

Cavity waxing
All cavities on the vehicle exposed to corrosion are permanently factory-pro-
tected by a wax solution .
This wax solution does not need to be checked or touched up. Should wax
run out of the cavities at high ambient temperatures, remove it using a plas-
tic scraper and clean away any stains using lighter fluid. 

171
Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels Fuel
Introduction
The correct type of fuel for your vehicle is indicated on a sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap, along with the tyre size and pressure. ⇒ Fig. 115
 .
The scraper ⇒  Fig. 115  to remove snow and ice from windows and mirrors
⇒  page 167, Windows and exterior mirrors is located on the inside of the
fuel tank flap.
WARNING
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on transporting spare fuel can-
isters. For safety reasons, we do not recommend carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident and fuel
may leak. Risk of fire!
CAUTION
● Never completely empty the tank! If there is an irregular fuel supply, mis-
firing can occur that can cause damage to many of the engine parts and the
exhaust system.
● If any fuel is spilt onto the paintwork of the vehicle, it should be re-
moved immediately. Risk of damage to paintwork! Refuelling
Fig. 115 Vehicle as seen from the rear right: Fuel tank flap/fuel tank flap with tank un-
screwed cap attached
Opening the tank cap
– Press the flap in the direction of the arrow 1
⇒ Fig. 115.
– Open the cover in the direction indicated by the arrow 2
.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and unlock it using
the ignition key, turning it anti-clockwise.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and place it on top of the
tank flap ⇒ Fig. 115 .
Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap clockwise until it clicks into place.
– Hold onto the fuel tank cap with one hand and lock it using the
ignition key, turning it clockwise 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications