
63
Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Fig. 45 Correct position-
ing of seat belts during
pregnancy
Seat belts offer their maximum protection in the event of an accident and
reduce the risk of sustaining severe or fatal injuries only when they are
properly positioned. Furthermore, if the webbing is correctly positioned, the
seat belt will hold the vehicle occupants in the optimum position to ensure
the airbag provides the utmost protection. The seat belt must therefore al-
ways be worn and the webbing correctly positioned.
Incorrectly worn seat belts can cause severe or even fatal injuries
⇒ page 47, Adjusting the seat position.
Correct seat belt position
● The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoulder,
never across the neck or the arm, under the arm or behind the shoulder.
● The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across the
stomach.
● The seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably. Pull the belt tight if neces-
sary to take up any slack.
In the case of pregnant women , the seat belt must lie evenly across the
chest and as low as possible over the pelvis, never across the stomach and
must be worn properly at all times during the pregnancy ⇒ Fig. 45. Adapting the position of the belt webbing to your size
The seat belt can be adapted using the following equipment:
●
Seat height adjustment (front seats).
WARNING
An incorrectly worn seat belt web can cause severe injuries in the event
of an accident or sudden braking or manoeuvre.
● The seat belt cannot provide optimum protection if it is not correctly
worn and the seat backrest is not tilted slightly backwards.
● The seat belt itself or a loose seat belt can cause severe injuries if the
belt moves from hard areas of the body to soft areas (e.g. the stomach).
● The shoulder part of the seat belt must lie on the centre of the shoul-
der, never across the neck or the arm.
● The seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the torso
● The lap part of the seat belt must lie across the pelvis, never across
the stomach. The seat belt must lie flat and fit comfortably on the pelvis
Pull the belt tight if necessary to take up any slack.
● For pregnant women, the lap part of the seat belt must lie as low as
possible over the pelvis and always lie flat, “surrounding” the stomach.
● Do not twist the seat belt while it is fastened.
● Never pull the seat belt away from your body using your hand.
● Do not lie the seat belt across rigid or fragile objects, e.g. glasses,
pens or keys.
● Never use seat belt clips, retaining rings or similar instruments to al-
ter the position of the belt webbing.
Note
If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct posi-
tion of the belt webbing, contact a specialised workshop for help with any
special devices to ensure the optimum protection of the seat belt and air-
bag. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
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64Ensuring you are correctly and safely seated
Automatic belt retainer, belt tensioner, belt tension limiter
Seat belts are part of the vehicle safety concept ⇒ page 65 and consist of
the following important functions:
Automatic belt retainer
Every seat belt is equipped with an automatic belt retainer on the shoulder
belt. If the belt is pulled slowly or during normal driving, the system allows
for total freedom of movement on the shoulder belt. However, during sud-
den braking, during travel in mountains or bends and during acceleration,
the automatic belt retainer on the seat belt is locked is pulled quickly.
Belt tensioners
The seat belts for the occupants in the front seats are equipped with belt
tensioners.
Sensors will trigger the belt tensioners during severe head-on, lateral and
rear collisions and retract and tighten the seat belts. If the seat belt is
loose, it is retracted to reduce the forwards movement of occupants or
movement in the direction of the collision. The belt tensioner works in com-
bination with the airbag system. The belt tensioner will not be triggered in
the event of the vehicle overturning if the side airbags are not deployed.
If the belt tensioner is triggered, a fine dust is produced. This is normal and
it is not an indication of fire in the vehicle.
Belt tension limiter
The belt tension limiter reduces the force of the seat belt on the body in the
event of an accident.
Note
The relevant safety requirements must be observed when the vehicle or
components of the system are scrapped. These requirements are known to
specialised workshops ⇒ page 64. Service and disposal of belt tensioners
If you work on the belt tensioners or remove and install other parts of the
vehicle when performing other repair work, the seat belt may be damaged.
The consequence may be that, in the event of an accident, the belt tension-
ers function incorrectly or not at all.
So that the effectiveness of the belt tensioner is not reduced and that re-
moved parts do not cause any injuries or environmental pollution, regula-
tions must be observed. These requirements are known to specialised work-
shops.
WARNING
Improper handling and homemade repairs of seat belts, automatic belt
retainers and tension devices increase the risk of sustaining severe or fa-
tal injuries. The belt tensioner may fail to trigger or may trigger in the
wrong circumstances.
● Never attempt to repair, adjust or remove or install parts of the belt
tensioners or seat belts. Any work must be performed by a specialised
workshop only ⇒ page 222.
● Belt tensioners and automatic belt retainers cannot be repaired and
must be replaced.
For the sake of the environment
Airbag modules and belt tensioners may contain perchlorate. Observe the
legal requirements for their disposal.

85
Lights and visibility
WARNING
The side lights or daytime driving lights are not bright enough to illumi-
nate the road ahead and to ensure that other road users are able to see
you.
● Always use your dipped beam head lights if it is raining or if visibility
is poor.
Lights and visibility: functions
Parking light remains on both sides
If when switching off the ignition, the light control remains in the posi-
tion and the vehicle is closed from outside, both headlights, in addition
to the side lights and the rear lights will light up.
Daytime driving light
The daytime driving light consists of individual lights in the front head-
lamps.
When the daytime driving light is switched on, only the individual lights
come on ⇒
.
The daytime lights are switched on each time the ignition is turned on if the
light switch is in position .
Switching the daytime driving light on and off
To switch the daytime driving light on or off, it is necessary to fit or remove
the corresponding fuse. Ask for professional assistance for this.
WARNING
If the road is not well-lit and the vehicle is not clearly visible to other
drivers, there is a risk of accident.
● Never use the daytime driving light if the road is not well-lit as a re-
sult of the weather conditions and poor visibility. The daytime driving
lights are not bright enough to illuminate the road ahead and to ensure
that other road users are able to see you.
● The rear lights do not come on with the daytime driving light. A vehi-
cle which does not have the rear lights on may not be visible to other
drivers in the darkness, if it is raining or in conditions of poor visibility.
Note
The headlights, rear lights and turn signals may mist up temporarily on the
inside in cool or damp weather. This is normal and in no way effects the
useful life of the vehicle lighting system.
Adjusting the headlights
In those countries where vehicles drive on the other side of the road to the
home country, the asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers of oncom-
ing vehicles.
For this reason, stickers may need to be used to cover the headlights when
driving abroad. For further information, please refer to a specialised work-
shop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Note
The use of stickers to cover headlights is only permitted over a short period.
To modify the direction of the headlamps more permanently, please take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Techni-
cal Service.
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89
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper and washer
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Exterior detail ⇒ page 6
● Air recirculation mode ⇒ page 164
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 180
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 197
WARNING
Water from the windscreen washer water bottle may freeze on the wind-
screen if it does not contain enough anti-freeze, reducing forward visibili-
ty.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer contains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the wash/wipe system unless
you have warmed the windscreen with the ventilation system. The anti-
freeze could freeze on the windscreen and reduce visibility.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
● Always replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
CAUTION
In icy conditions, always check that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
glass before using the wipers for the first time. In cold weather, it may help
to leave the vehicle parked with the wipers in service position ⇒ page 91. Window wiper lever
Fig. 60 Using the wind-
screen wipers
Fig. 61 Using the rear
window wipers
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91
Lights and visibility
Windscreen wiper service position
Fig. 62 Wipers in service
position
The wiper arms can be raised when the wipers are in service position
⇒ Fig. 62. To place the windscreen wipers in the service position, proceed
as follows:
● The bonnet must be closed
⇒ page 180.
● Switch the ignition on and off.
● Press the windscreen wiper lever downwards briefly
⇒ Fig. 60 4
.
Before driving, always lower the wiper arms. When the ignition is switched
on, the windscreen wiper arms return to their initial position upon activating
the windscreen wiper lever.
Lifting and returning windscreen wiper arms
● Place the wiper arms in the service position
⇒
.
● Only hold the wiper arms at the point where the blade is fixed.
CAUTION
● To prevent damage to the bonnet and the wiper arms, only leave them in
the service position.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper arms.
Checking and topping up the windscreen washer reservoir
with water
Fig. 63 In the engine
compartment: wind-
screen washer reservoir
top
Check the water level in the windscreen washer reservoir regularly and top
up as required.
● Open the bonnet ⇒ page 180.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the symbol on the lid ⇒ Fig. 63.
● Check there is enough water in the reservoir.
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92Lights and visibility
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT ⇒
.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water from freezing ⇒
.
Reservoir capacity
The washer bottle capacity is approximately. 3 litres.
WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other similar additives with the
windscreen washer water. A greasy layer may be formed on the wind-
screen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to the water in the reservoir.
CAUTION
● Do not mix cleaning products recommended by SEAT with other prod-
ucts. This could lead to flocculation and may block the windscreen washer
jets.
● When 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!

139
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the
strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and fail.
Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
Make use, when having the front brake pads checked, and have the rear
pads checked also. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked vis-
ually and regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them
thoroughly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Brake assist systems
The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS, EBV, BAS, ASR, TC and EDL only
operate when the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC* detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on
the driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual
wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC* is also subject to
the laws of physics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all situations with
which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters
a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will not provide assis-
tance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aquaplaning”), the ESC* will not be
able to assist the driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence
with the road surface preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driv-
en through series of bends at high speed, the ESC* will not always be as
effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driving is not the same as at re-
duced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit visibility, and weather, road and
traffic conditions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; im-
prove the transmission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC* as-
sists in maintaining vehicle control in extreme situations and uses the
movements of the steering made by the driver to maintain the vehicle mov-
ing in the desired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it
will leave the road before ESC* can intervene then the system cannot pro-
vide assistance.
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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 damages the vehicle paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from
the paintwork immediately.