241
Care and cleaning
Carbon components
The carbon parts on your vehicle have a painted surface. They do not need
any special care and are cleaned just like any other painted part
⇒ page 238.
Paint damage
Minor damage to the paint, such as scratches or stone chips, should be
touched up without delay before the metal starts to corrode. Suitable touch-
up brushes or sprays for your car can be obtained from a SEAT Official Serv-
ice.
The number of the original paint finish on the vehicle is given on the data
sticker ⇒ page 305.
If corrosion is already visible it must be thoroughly removed by a special-
ised workshop.
Windows
Clear vision is an essential safety factor.
The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax, otherwise
the windscreen wipers will not function properly (juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a window
cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can only be removed
with a special cleaner. Your SEAT Official Service will be able to provide you
with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular intervals. Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for waxing
and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibility
conditions (e.g. in the rain, dark or with a low sun), these coatings may
cause dazzle: risk of accident! Such coatings can also cause the wind-
screen wiper blades to make noise.
CAUTION
● Remove snow and ice from windows and exterior mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the scraper
should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to and fro.
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. To avoid damaging them, do not apply stickers to the heating
elements.
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!
Rims
The wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is im-
portant to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regu-
lar intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-free" clean-
ing agent for alloy wheels. This is available from SEAT Official Services and
specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on the rims for any lon-
ger than specified in the instructions before rinsing it off. If the wheel clean-
er fluid contains acid it can attack the surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
243
Care and cleaning
sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a washing paste can be applied
directly onto the stain and worked into the fabric. The surface will then have
to be wiped with clear water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do
so, use a damp cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent
cloth.
Remove chocolate or make-up stains with a cleaning paste (for e.g., soft
soap). Then remove the soap with water (wet sponge).
A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or ball
point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off with an ab-
sorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the stain once more us-
ing washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend that you
have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company with a shampoo
and spray.
Note
Open Velcro fasteners on clothes can damage the seat upholstery. Make
sure that Velcro fasteners are closed.
Natural leather
SEAT does everything possible to preserve the genuine qual-
ities of this natural product. General information
Our range of leathers is large. The main type used is nappa in various forms,
that is, leather with a smooth surface in various different colours.
The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties of leath-
er. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its typical natural
napped appearance and confers excellent all-weather properties to the
seats. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and a subtle variation in shading remain visible; these are the characteristic features of genuine
natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating of dye. It
is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. This should be borne in mind
if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there are other factors that
could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be more resist-
ant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day use. However, this
means that the typical natural characteristics of the surface are less appa-
rent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Due to the natural properties of the specially selected hides employed, the
finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt, etc. so a degree
of care is required in everyday use and when looking after the leather. Dark
clothing (especially if damp or incorrectly dyed) may stain leather uphols-
tery. Dust and grit in the pores and seams can scratch and damage the sur-
face. Therefore leather should be cleaned at regular intervals, depending on
the actual amount of use. When they have been in use for a certain time,
your car seats will acquire a typical and unmistakable patina. This is charac-
teristic for leather as a natural product and is a sign of genuine quality.
To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the following
points:CAUTION
● Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, otherwise it
may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a prolonged period
in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.
● Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners, rivets or
similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough marks on the surface
of the leather.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
252Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine compartment while the engine
is running, the rotating components (for example, poly-V belt, alternator,
radiator fan) and the high voltage ignition system are an additional haz-
ard.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available.
CAUTION
When changing or topping up service fluids, make absolutely certain that
you fill the fluids into the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids could
cause serious malfunctions and engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any leaks are
detected at an early stage. If you find spots of oil or other fluids, have your
vehicle inspected at the workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/reservoirs mentioned
below are located on the other side of the engine compartment. Opening the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.
Fig. 153 Release lever in driver footwell and cam below the bonnet
Check that the windscreen wiper arms are not unfolded. Otherwise
the paint may be damaged.
The bonnet can only be unlocked when the driver door is open.
– Pull the lever under the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
⇒ Fig. 153.
– Lift the bonnet slightly ⇒
.
– Press the release catch under the bonnet upwards ⇒ Fig. 153
2
. This will release the arrester hook under the bonnet.
– Open the bonnet. Release the bonnet stay and secure it in fix-
ture designed for this in the bonnet.
253
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Never open the bonnet if you see steam or drips of coolant being re-
leased from the engine compartment. Failure to comply could result in
burns. Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
bonnet.
Closing the bonnet
– Slightly raise the bonnet.
– Release the bonnet stay before pressing it back into its support.
– Carefully close the bonnet.
– Press the bonnet down until it locks into place.
– Make sure that the bonnet catches onto its clasp. Do not press
down too hard ⇒
.
WARNING
● For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed
when the vehicle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet, always
check that the locking element is properly engaged. This is the case if
the bonnet is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet. Fail-
ure to do so could result in an accident.
Engine oil
General notes
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year
round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of
the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use on-
ly those oils that comply with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should ap-
pear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance Pro-
gramme, be performed by a Technical Service or a specialised workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the ⇒ page 254,
Oil properties.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the “Maintenance Programme”
booklet is PR QI6, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service pro-
grammed. If it lists the codes QI1, QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service
is dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, enable the extension of the
oil change service (LongLife service intervals).
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
254Checking and refilling levels
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 255 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up
(once) with oil for fixed service intervals ⇒ page 254 (up to a maximum of
0.5 litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which al-
so appear in ⇒ page 254, Oil properties. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year/15 000 km (10 000 miles)(whatever
comes first) ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 255 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5
l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The “Maintenance Programme” states whether your vehicle is fitted with a
diesel particulate filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash formation, may be used in die-
sel engines equipped with particulate filter. Using other types of oil will
cause a higher soot concentration and reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 255 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you
can use a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3/ACEA B4 specification. (up
to 0.5 l). Oil properties
Engine typeSpecificationPetrol without flexible service in-
tervalVW 502 00/VW 504 00
Petrol with flexible service inter-
val (LongLife)VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines without Particu-
late filter (DPF)VW 505 01/VW 506 01/VW 507 00
Diesel. Particulate Filter Engines
(DPF).
With or without flexible service in-
terval (with and without Long-
life)
a)VW 507 00
a)
Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and recommend keeping it in the vehicle.
This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if nee-
ded.
255
Checking and refilling levels
Checking engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Fig. 154 Engine oil dip-
stick
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the operating tempera-
ture is reached and then stop.
– Wait two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and
insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ⇒ Fig. 154.
Top up with engine oil if necessary.
Oil level in area A
Do not add oil
⇒ .
– Oil level in area
B
You can add oil, but keep the level in this zone.
Oil level in area C
Oil
must be added. Afterwards, the oil level should be in the lined area
B.
Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the vehicle is
used, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely
to be higher for the first 5000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must
be checked at regular intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before
a journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compartment or on the engine must
be carried out cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒ page 251.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a Technical Serv-
ice.
–
–
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
256Checking and refilling levels
Topping up engine oil
Top up gradually with small quantities of engine oil.
Fig. 155 In the engine
compartment: Engine oil
filler cap
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings ⇒
in
Working on components in the engine compartment on page 251.
– Unscrew cap from engine oil filler opening ⇒ Fig. 155.
– Top-up oil in small amounts, using the correct oil.
– To avoid over-filling with engine oil, you should top-up using
small quantities, wait a while and check the oil level before
adding any more oil.
– As soon as the oil level is in area B
, carefully close the cap.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment illustration ⇒ page 309.
Engine oil specification ⇒ page 253.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot
engine components when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact a specialised work-
shop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A. Otherwise oil can be drawn in
through the crankcase breather and escape into the atmosphere via the ex-
haust system.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals given in the
service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
The oil change intervals are shown in the Maintenance Programme.
257
Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge
required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
⇒ page 251.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such as acid burns, caused by
splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm
horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of
the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine
damage. Any damage caused by the use of such additives would not be
covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
● Because of the disposal problems, the necessary special tools and spe-
cialist knowledge required, we recommend that you have the engine oil and
filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
● Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large
enough to hold all the engine oil. Cooling system
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially trea-
ted mixture of water and, at least, 40 % of the additive G 13 (TLVW 774 J).
The engine coolant additive is recognisable by its purple colour. This mix-
ture of water and additive gives the necessary frost protection down to
-25°C (-13 °F) and protects the light alloy parts of the cooling system
against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and considerably raises the boil-
ing point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the percentage of additive must al-
ways be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze protection is
not required.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, de-
crease the cooling capacity.
When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and, at
least, 40 % of the G 13 or G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) additive (both are
purple) to obtain an optimum anticorrosion protection ⇒
. The mixture of
G 13 with G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G 12 (red) or G 11 (green-blue) engine
coolants will significantly reduce the anticorrosion protection and should,
therefore be avoided ⇒
.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications