179
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. 122
.
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. 122 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. 122.
– 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. 122 .
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
180Checking and refilling levels
–Press the tank flap with your hand to close it.
– Check that the fuel flap is correctly closed.
CAUTION
● Switch off the auxiliary heater (heater and independent heater) before
filling the tank.
● The fuel tank is full as soon as the automatic filler nozzle cuts out. Do
not continue filling, as this will fill the expansion chamber.
Note
The fuel tank capacity is around 55 litres, of which 7 litres are the reserve.
Unleaded petrol
Your vehicle must only be run on unleaded petrol that complies with the
Standard EN 228 (in Germany, also DIN 51626 – 1, or E10 for unleaded pet-
rol with 95 and 91 octane rating (RON) or DIN 51626 – 2, or E5 for unleaded
petrol with 95 and 98 RON).
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (95/91 RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with 91 RON can also be
used, although this will result in a slight loss of power.
If, as an emergency measure, you have to fill the tank with petrol with a low-
er RON to that prescribed, use only moderate engine speeds and light throt-
tle. High engine speed and full throttle can seriously damage the engine!
Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as soon as possible.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (min. 95 RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 95 RON. If unleaded petrol with
95 RON is not available, you can fill up with petrol
with 91 RON as an emergency measure. In this case, use only moderate en-
gine speeds and a light throttle. High engine speed and full throttle can se-
riously damage the engine! Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as soon
as possible.
Petrol with a RON below 91 cannot be used, even as an emergency meas-
ure. Risk of seriously damaging the engine!
Unleaded petrol with higher RON
Unleaded petrol with a higher RON to that prescribed can be used without
limits.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded petrol with 95/91 RON, there is
no notable increase in power or lower fuel consumption when petrol with a
RON higher than 95 is used.
In vehicles running on prescribed unleaded petrol with min. 95 RON, there
is an increase in power and a lower fuel consumption when petrol with a
RON higher than 95 is used.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol (98/(95) RON)
Use unleaded petrol with 98 RON. Unleaded petrol with 95 RON can also be
used, although this will result in a slight loss of power.
If unleaded petrol with 98 or 95 RON is not available, you can fill up with
petrol with 91 RON as an emergency measure. In this case, use only moder-
ate engine speeds and a light throttle. High engine speed and full throttle
can seriously damage the engine! Fill up with petrol with the correct RON as
soon as possible.
Petrol with a RON below 91 cannot be used, even as an emergency meas-
ure. Risk of seriously damaging the engine!
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences the behaviour, performance and service
life of the engine. This is why the petrol you use should carry suitable addi-
tives already included by the petrol industry, free of metals. These additives
181
Checking and refilling levels
will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent de-
posits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with metal-free additives is not available or engine
problems arise, the necessary additives must be added when refuelling
⇒
.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuita-
ble petrol additives may cause significant damage to the engine and the
catalytic converter. Metal additives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for improving anti-detonation rat-
ings or octane ratings ⇒
.
SEAT recommends “genuine Volkswagen Group fuel additives for petrol en-
gines”. These additives can be bought at SEAT Authorised Services, where
information on how to use them can also be obtained.
CAUTION
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of metal additives.
Using them may damage the engine!
● All SEAT vehicles with petrol engines can only run on unleaded petrol.
Refuelling just once with leaded petrol disables the exhaust system!
● Use of petrol with a lower RON to that prescribed could damage the en-
gine components.
● Fuels marked as containing metal on the garage fuel pump cannot be
used. Risk of damage to most engine parts or the exhaust system!
● The use of unsuitable additives in petrol can cause damage to most en-
gine parts or the exhaust system. Diesel fuel
Your vehicle can only run on
diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN
590 (in Germany, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590 , in Russia
also GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 ).
Winter driving – winter-grade diesel
In winter use diesel fuel that complies with the Standard EN 590 (in Germa-
ny, also DIN 51628, in Austria also ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia also GOST R
52368-2005/EN 590:2004). “Winter-grade diesel” still performs well at
-20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with other weather conditions, diesel is often available that be-
haves differently with regards to the temperature. The authorised SEAT deal-
ers and petrol stations in each country will inform you on the normal diesel
fuel of the country in question.
Preheating the fuel filter
The vehicle is fitted with a glow plug system for the fuel filter. Therefore, the
reliability of the diesel is ensured at ambient temperatures of down to ap-
prox. -25 °C (-13 °F).
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, known as “thinners” (petrol or similar substances) should
not be mixed with the diesel fuel.
CAUTION
● Even one tankful of diesel fuel that does not comply with the standard
could damage engine parts, the fuel system and the exhaust system!
● If fuel different to the prescribed diesel fuel (e.g. petrol) is used by mis-
take, never start the engine or switch on the ignition! Risk of serious dam-
age to the engine! Contact an authorised SEAT dealer to clean the engine
fuel system.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
182Checking and refilling levels
● Water allowed to collect in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
● Your vehicle is not prepared for use of biofuel (RME) and, therefore, this
fuel must not be used for refuelling or driving. The use of biofuel (RME)
could cause serious damage to the engine or the fuel system.
Engine compartment
Introduction
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working in the engine compartment, e.g. when check-
ing and refilling fluids. Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow
all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of any motor vehi-
cle is a potentially hazardous area .
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see steam, smoke or coolant escaping
from the engine compartment. Risk of scalding! Wait until no steam or
coolant can be seen before opening the bonnet.
● Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
● Engage neutral in vehicles with manual gearbox and move the selec-
tor lever to position P in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be closed when the vehi-
cle is moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet always check that it is
properly secured.
WARNING (Continued)
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the ve-
hicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet prop-
erly. Risk of accident!
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Do not touch hot engine parts. Risk of burns!
● Never spill fluids on hot engine compartments. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● Never touch the radiator fan when the engine is hot. The fan may start
running suddenly!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure!
● Protect face, hands and arms from any hot steam or hot coolant re-
leased by covering the cap with a large, thick rag when opening the ex-
pansion tank.
● Do not leave any objects, such as cloths and tools, in the engine com-
partment.
● When working underneath the vehicle, secure it so that it cannot roll
away and support it safely on suitable supports. The hydraulic jack is not
sufficient for this purpose. Risk of injuries!
● If any tests have to be performed with the engine running, there is an
extra safety risk from rotating parts, such as the drive belt, alternator
and radiator fan, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition system. You
should also note the following:
–Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
– Keep away from moving engine parts when wearing jewellery,
loose clothing or long hair. Risk of fatal injuries! All jewellery must be
removed, hair tied back and close-fitting clothing worn.
● 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.
196Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
WARNING
● During the first 500 km (300 miles), new tyres do not give maximum
grip, therefore you should drive carefully. Risk of accident!
● Never drive with damaged tyres. Risk of accident!
● Only use wheels and tyres that been authorised by SEAT or your vehi-
cle model. Failure to do so could impair road safety. Risk of accident!
● Never exceed the maximum speed permitted for your tyres. Risk of ac-
cident due to tyre damage and loss of vehicle control.
● Under-inflated tyres are submitted to greater rolling resistance. This
means that they can overheat at high speeds. This can cause tread sepa-
ration and even tyre blow-out.
● For driving safety, tyres should be replaced at least in pairs according
to the axle and not individually. The tyres with the deepest tread should
always be used on the front wheels.
● Never fit used tyres of an unknown age or prior use.
● Tyres must be immediately changed at the very latest when they have
worn down to the tread wear indicators.
● Worn tyres reduce the necessary grip at high speeds on damp surfa-
ces. This could lead to “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled vehicle movement –
“skidding” on damp surfaces).
● Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately.
WARNING (Continued)
● Do not use summer or winter tyres that are more than 6 or 4 years old
respectively.
● Wheel bolts should be clean and screw easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loos-
en while the vehicle is moving. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque
of the wheel bolts is too high, the bolts and threads could be damaged,
leading to the permanent deforming of the rim support surfaces.
● Incorrectly handled wheel bolts could lead to a wheel coming loose
while the vehicle is moving. Risk of accident!
● The national regulations on the use of snow tyres and chains should
be observed.
CAUTION
● Where a spare wheel that is not compatible with the wheels fitted is
used, follow the instructions ⇒ page 199.
● The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts on steel and alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
● Protect your tyres from coming into contact with oil, grease and fuel.
● Replace any lost valve caps immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres increases fuel consumption.
197
Wheels and tyres
Note
● We recommend having all work on tyres and wheels carried out by an
authorised SEAT dealer.
● We recommend using wheels, tyres, hub caps and snow chains from the
SEAT Original Accessories programme.
Tyre useful life
Fig. 131 Side view of
tyres with tread wear in-
dicators
Tread wear indicator
The base of the side of the original tyres on your vehicle show 1.6 mm high
tread wear indicators ⇒ Fig. 131. The position of these indicators is given
on the tyre sidewalls by the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other sym-
bols. The useful life of the tyres depends primarily on the following factors:
Tyre pressure values
Under-inflation or over-inflation will considerably reduce the useful life of
the tyres and impair the vehicle's handling. Therefore, check the tyre pres-
sure, including the spare wheel, at least once a month and before any long
journey.
Inflation pressures for
summer tyres are listed on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap. The pressures for winter tyres are 0.2 bar (2.9 psi / 20 kPa) above
the summer values.
Always check the pressure when the tyre is cold. Do not reduce over-pres-
sure in warm tyres. The tyre pressures must be altered to suit notable
changes in the load being carried.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Wheel balancing
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. Various factors encountered
when driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results in vibra-
tion of the steering wheel.
The wheel must be rebalanced if a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect front or rear wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, frequent-
ly on one side, and also impairs vehicle safety. If tyre wear is very irregular,
contact an Official Service.
Tyre damage
To avoid damage to tyres and wheels, only drive over kerbs or similar obsta-
cles slowly and at a right angle if possible.
Check tyres and wheels regularly for damage (punctures, cracks, blisters,
deformities, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in outside of the
treads.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
199
Wheels and tyres
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel). DOT … 27 12…
means, for example, that the tyre was produced in the 27th week of 2012.
Follow the instructions ⇒ page 199 if you only have a temporary spare
wheel.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
The direction of rotation is indicated by the arrows on the tyre sidewall. The
direction of rotation indicated must be respected. This guarantees optimum
grip and helps avoid excessive noise, wear and aquaplaning.
In the event of a flat tyre, a spare wheel with an undetermined tread pattern
or an opposite tread pattern must be used and you must drive carefully, as
in these cases the tyres no longer offer maximum performance. Spare wheel*Fig. 133 Luggage com-
partment: spare wheel
The spare wheel is housed in a well under the floor panel in the luggage
compartment and is secured by a special bolt ⇒ Fig. 133.
Take out the tool box before removing the spare wheel.
The tyre pressure of the spare wheel must be checked (preferably whenever
the tyre pressure is checked – see sticker on fuel tank flap ⇒ page 197) to
ensure the spare wheel remains ready for use.
If the spare wheel is not the same size or design as the tyres that are moun-
ted on the car (for example if the car has winter tyres or tyres with direction
tread), only use the spare tyre for a short period of time in the event of
breakdown and drive with the corresponding care ⇒
.
It must be replaced as soon as possible for a wheel with a normal size and
finish.
Temporary spare wheel
If the vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare wheel, there will be a
warning sign on the rim of the wheel.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
202Wheels and tyres
WARNING
● If the warning lamp lights up, slow down immediately and avoid
any severe braking or steering manoeuvres. Stop and check the tyres and
their pressure as soon as possible.
● Under certain conditions (e.g. sporty driving style, driving on loose
surfaces or in the winter) the warning lamp may take a while to light
up or may remain switched off.
● Despite the tyre pressure monitoring system, the driver remains re-
sponsible for maintaining the correct tyre pressure. You must therefore
check the tyre pressure often.
Note
● The tyre pressure monitoring system is not a replacement for regularly
checking the tyre pressure, as it is unable to recognise an even drop in pres-
sure.
● The tyre pressure monitoring system is unable to warn of a sudden drop
in tyre pressure, e.g. a puncture. In this case, try to stop the vehicle carefully
with no severe braking or steering manoeuvres.
● To ensure the tyre pressure monitoring system works correctly, the basic
setting must be performed every 10 000 km (6000 miles) or once a year.
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts are matched to the rims. When installing different wheels,
e.g. to fit light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, it is important to use
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads. The is essential for the secure fit of the wheels and for the proper
function of the brake system. Winter tyres
Winter tyres will significantly improve handling of the vehicle in winter road
conditions. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip at temperatures below +7 °C (45 °F), on ice and
snow. This applies particularly to vehicles equipped with
wide section tyres
or high speed tyres (code letters H or V on the sidewall).
In order to preserve the performance of the vehicle as much as possible,
winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels, the minimum depth of the
tread must be 4 mm and the maximum age must be 4 years.
You can use winter tyres of a lower speed rating if the maximum speed limit
of these tyres will not be exceeded, even if the maximum speed limit for the
vehicle is higher.
For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again in time, as they give better handling on
roads free of snow and ice and at temperatures over +7 °C (45 °F). Summer
tyres have a shorter braking distance, produce less rolling noise and do not
wear down as quickly. They also reduce fuel consumption.
Snow chains
Snow chains must only be used on the front wheels.
In winter road conditions, snow chains not only help to improve grip but al-
so improve the braking capacity.
For technical reasons snow chains may only be used on tyres with the fol-
lowing wheel rim/tyre combinations.