25
Before starting the engine
Prior to a journey... Before starting the engine
Tips for driving
Introduction
Depending upon how you expect to use your vehicle, it may a good idea to
protect the engine from below. A guard underneath the engine may help to
reduce the risk of damage to the lower part of the vehicle and the oil sump
when driving over kerbs, or along dirt tracks or rough roads... Before instal-
lation, SEAT recommends going to a SEAT dealership.
Additional information and warnings:
● Ensure you are correctly seated ⇒ page 47
● Transporting ⇒ page 95
● Starting, changing gears, parking ⇒ page 119
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 144
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, medication or narcotics
may result in severe accidents and even loss of life.
● Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics may significantly alter per-
ception, affect reaction times and safety while driving, which could result
in the loss of control of the vehicle.
Journey preparations and safe driving
Check list
For your own safety, for the safety of passengers in the car, and for that of
other road users, the following should be checked before and during each
journey
⇒
:
Check that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
Check the tyre pressures (
⇒ page 210) and level of fuel
(⇒ page 171).
Ensure there is good visibility through all the windows.
Make sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in
the luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are se-
curely fastened
⇒ page 95.
Ensure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot ped-
als.
Use child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight
and height
⇒ page 74.
Correctly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit
your height
⇒ page 47, ⇒ page 93.
Wear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the
pedals correctly.
The driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal
area unobstructed.
Before starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in
this position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers
in the vehicle
⇒ page 47.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications
27
Before starting the engine
CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genu-
ine spare parts.
Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The wa-
ter should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork ⇒
.
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
making it difficult to cross the water.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system whenever crossing water.
WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due to damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
● 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.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres.
CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications
55
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
WARNING
People whose pain and temperature threshold has been affected by some
kind of medicine, paraplegia or chronic illness (e.g. diabetes) may sus-
tain burns to the back, buttocks and legs from use of the seat heating
that may lead to a long healing process or that may never completely
heal. Seek medical advice if you have doubts regarding your health.
● People with a limit pain and temperature threshold must never use
seat heating.
CAUTION
● To avoid damaging the heating elements of the seat heating, please do
not kneel on the seat or apply sharp pressure at a single point to the seat
cushion and backrest.
● Liquids, sharp objects and insulating materials on the seat could dam-
age the seat heating.
● In the event of smells, switch off the seat heating immediately and have
the unit inspected by a specialised workshop.
For the sake of the environment
The seat heating should remain on only when needed. Otherwise, it is an
unnecessary fuel waste.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications
82Lights and visibility
Lights and visibility
Lights Introduction
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
The driver is personally responsible for the correct use and adjustment of
the lights in all situations.
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 22
● Changing bulbs ⇒ page 266
WARNING
If the headlights are set too high and the main beam is not used correct-
ly, there is a risk of dazzling or distracting other road users. This could
result in a serious accident.
● Always make sure that the headlights are correctly adjusted.
● Never use the main beam or flashed headlamps as this could dazzle
other drivers.
Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 84.
Fog lights switched on⇒ page 84.
Left or right turn signal.
The control lamp flashes twice
as fast when a vehicle turn sig-
nal is faulty.If necessary, check the vehicle
lighting.
Main beam on or flasher on.⇒ page 83.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
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.
● Park the vehicle at a suitable distance away from the traffic ensuring
that the exhaust system is not in contact with inflammable material, for
example, dry grass, fuel, oil, etc.
● A faulty vehicle represents a risk of accident for the driver and for oth-
er road users. If necessary, switch on the hazard warning lamps and put
out the warning triangle to advise other drivers.
94Lights and visibility
Turn the rotary control ⇒ Fig. 66 to the required position:
Switch on the exterior mirror heating
Adjust the left-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
Zero position. Exterior mirror heating switched off, it is not
possible to adjust the exterior mirrors.
Adjust the right-hand exterior mirror by turning the knob for-
wards, backwards, to the left or to the right.
Folding in the exterior mirrors and returning them to their original position
is possible through a mechanical system. Carefully fold the exterior rear vi-
sion mirror casing towards the side window or pull it away from the window
until it clicks into place.
WARNING
Fold and unfold the exterior mirror, taking care to avoid injuries.
● Only fold or unfold the exterior mirror when there is no-one in the way
of the mirror.
● When moving the mirror, take care not to trap fingers between the
mirror and the mirror bracket.
WARNING
Failure to correctly estimate the distance of the vehicle behind could lead
to serious accident.
● Rear-view convex or aspheric mirrors increase the field of vision, how-
ever objects appear smaller and further away in the mirrors.
● The use of these mirrors to estimate the distance to the next vehicle
when changing lane is imprecise and could result in serious accident.
● If possible, use the rear vision mirror to estimate distances to vehi-
cles behind you or in other circumstances.
● Make sure that the rear visibility is adequate.
For the sake of the environment
The exterior mirror heating should be switched off when it is no longer nee-
ded. Otherwise, it is an unnecessary fuel waste.
Note
In the event of faults, the electric exterior mirrors can be adjusted manually
by pressing the edge of the mirror surface.
104Transporting
Roof carrier system
Introduction
The vehicle roof has been designed to optimise aerodynamics. For this rea-
son, conventional roof carrier systems cannot be secured to the water
drains.
Given that the water drains have been incorporated into the roof for aerody-
namic reasons, only the SEAT approved basic supports and roof carrier sys-
tems can be used.
When the roof carrier system should be removed:
● When it is not being used.
● When the vehicle is being washed in a car wash.
● When the vehicle height exceeds the maximum height, for example, in a
garage.
Additional information and warnings:
● Light ⇒ page 82
● Transporting ⇒ page 95
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 144
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
The risk of an accident is increased by transporting heavy or bulky loads
on the roof, which affects the car's handling by shifting the centre of
gravity and increasing susceptibility to cross winds.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
● Large, heavy, wide and flat loads negatively affect the vehicle aerody-
namics, centre of gravity and handling.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
CAUTION
● Always remove the roof carrier system from the roof before entering a car
wash.
● The height of your vehicle is changed by the installation of the roof carri-
er and the load secured on it. Compare the vehicle height with the passage
height, for example in underground car parks or entering garage doors.
● The roof antenna and the range of the rear lid should not be affected by
the roof carrier system and the load being transported.
● Take extra care not to let the rear lid strike the roof load when opening.
For the sake of the environment
The vehicle uses more fuel when the roof carrier system is fitted.
119
Starting, changing gears, parking
While driving
Starting, changing gears, parking
Stopping and starting the engine Introduction
Immobiliser display
When an invalid key is used or in the event of a system fault, is dis-
played on the instrument panel. The engine cannot be started.
Pushing or towing
For technical reasons, the vehicle must not be push- or tow-started. Jump
starting is preferable.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 28
● Changing gear ⇒ page 124
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Steering ⇒ page 147
● Refuelling ⇒ page 171
● Fuel ⇒ page 177
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 244
● Jump starting ⇒ page 275
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 278
WARNING
Switching off the engine while driving makes stopping the vehicle diffi-
cult. As a consequence you may lose control of the vehicle and there is a
risk of serious accident.
● The assisted braking and steering systems, the airbag system, seat
belts and certain safety equipment are only active while the engine is
running.
● The engine should only be switched off when the vehicle is at a
standstill.
WARNING
While the engine is running or starting it could help reduce the risk of se-
rious injury.
● Never start or leave the engine running in poorly ventilated or closed
spaces. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a toxic, colourless and
odourless gas. Carbon monoxide can cause people to lose conscious-
ness. It can also cause death.
● Never leave the vehicle unattended if the engine is running. The vehi-
cle could move off suddenly or something unexpected could happen re-
sulting in damage and serious injury.
● Never use start boosters. Cold start sprays could explode or increase
the engine speed unexpectedly.
Vehicle diagramPrior to a journey...While drivingCare, cleaning and mainte-
nanceIf and whenTechnical specifications
120Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
● Never apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem.
Ignition lock
Fig. 86 Vehicle key positions
Car keys ⇒ Fig. 86 No key in the ignition lock: The steering lock may be activated.0Ignition switched off. Key can be removed from the vehicle.1Ignition is switched on. The steering lock can be unlocked.2Switch on the engine. Release the key when the engine has star-
ted. When it is released, the key returns to position 1.
Key not authorised for the vehicle
If a key which is not authorised for this vehicle is inserted in the ignition
lock, it can be removed as follows:
●
Automatic gearbox : the key cannot be removed from the ignition lock.
Press and release the selector lever locking button. Key can be removed
from the vehicle.
● Manual gearbox: Remove the key from the ignition.