191
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Never mix the windscreen washing water with anti-freeze used for the
cooling system or other additives.
● If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight washer system, only mix a de-
tergent that does not damage polycarbonates with the water.
Note
On topping up the fluid, do not move the filter on the container opening, as
this could contaminate the fluid pipes and, therefore, lead to a windscreen
washer malfunction.
Battery Introduction
Warning symbols on the battery
SymbolMeaning
Always wear safety glasses!
Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Always wear gloves and
hearing protection!
Keep open flames, sparks, uncovered lights and lit cigarettes
away when working on the battery!
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge!
Keep children away from the battery!
Incorrect handling of the vehicle battery could lead to damage. We therefore
recommend all work on the vehicle battery be performed by an authorised
SEAT dealer.
Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical system.
Therefore, always observe the warnings and follow all general safety pre-
cautions.
WARNING
● Battery acid is very corrosive, therefore, the battery must be handled
with the utmost care. Wear protective gloves and protect your eyes and
skin when handling batteries. The corrosive fumes in the air irritate and
inflame the respiratory tract and cause conjunctivitis. It corrodes tooth
enamel and causes deep, difficult-to-heal wounds when in contact with
the skin. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes skin disease (in-
flammation, ulcers and fissures). When in contact with water, acids dilute
and develop a great deal of heat.
● Do not tilt the battery, as acid could leak out of the vapour vents. Pro-
tect your eyes with glasses or a protective helmet! Risk of blindness! If
acid should splash into the eyes, rinse the affected eye immediately for
several minutes using clean water. Then seek medical care immediately.
● Neutralize any acid splashes on the skin or clothing with soap solu-
tion as quickly as possible and rinse off with plenty of water. If acid is
swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immediately.
● Keep children away from the battery.
● Hydrogen is released and a highly explosive mixture of gases is gen-
erated when the battery is under charge. Sparks when disconnecting or
releasing cable terminals with the ignition switched on could also cause
an explosion.
● A short circuit is produced if the battery terminals are bridged, e.g.
using metal objects, cables, etc. Possible consequences of a short cir-
cuit: melting of lead plates, battery explosion and fire, splashing acid.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
192Checking and refilling levels
WARNING (Continued)
● The following is forbidden while working on the battery: fire and open
flames, smoking and activities that could produce sparks. Avoid causing
sparks when handling cables or electrical apparatus. Risk of injury in the
event of large sparks.
● Before working on the electrical system, you must switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the cable
from the negative terminal (-) of the battery. To change a bulb, simply
switch off the corresponding light.
● Never charge a frozen or thawed out battery. Risk of explosion and
acid burns! Replace a frozen battery.
● Never use the jump leads on batteries in which the electrolyte level is
too low. Risk of explosion and acid burns.
● Never use a damaged battery. Risk of explosion! Replace a damaged
battery immediately.
CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery when the ignition is switched on, as the
electrical system (electronic components) of the vehicle could be damaged.
When disconnecting the battery from the vehicle electrical system, discon-
nect its negative terminal (-) first. Only then may the positive terminal (+) be
disconnected.
● When connecting the battery, connect the positive terminal (+) first. On-
ly then may the negative terminal (-) be connected. The battery cables must
never be connected to the wrong battery terminals. Risk of burning the elec-
trical installation.
● Make sure the battery acid does not come into contact with the body-
work. Risk of paintwork damage.
● Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight to protect it from ultraviolet
radiation. ●
If the vehicle is not used for 3 or 4 weeks, the battery could run flat. This
is because some components use electricity even in standby mode (e.g.
control units). Prevent the battery from running flat by disconnecting its
negative terminal or leave it charging at a low current.
● If you frequently use the vehicle for short trips, the battery may not fully
charge and could run flat.
For the sake of the environment
A flat battery is particularly harmful waste for the environment. It must
therefore be disposed of according to current local law.
Note
Replace a battery once it is older than 5 years.
Battery cover
Fig. 129 Battery: Open-
ing the cover
The battery is located beneath a plastic cover in the engine com-
partment.
– Open the battery cover in the direction indicated by the arrow
⇒ Fig. 129.
195
Checking and refilling levels
Note
Despite any measures taken by the control unit, the battery could drain. e.g.
with the engine is switched off, the key is turned in the ignition for a long
period or the side lights or parking lights are switched on. The switching off
of certain electrical components does not impair driving comfort and the
driver will often not even realise.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
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.
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
200Wheels and tyres
Follow the instructions below when driving with this wheel fitted.
● After fitting the wheel, the warning sign must not be covered.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph) with this spare wheel and
take great care during the trip. Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and
fast cornering.
● The tyre pressure is the same as that of the standard tyres.
● Only use this spare wheel to reach the nearest Official Service, as it is
not designed for permanent use.
WARNING
● Under no circumstances must damaged spare wheels be used.
● If the spare wheel is different in size or design to the tyres currently
fitted, never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). Avoid heavy accelera-
tion, hard braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Follow the instructions given on the temporary spare wheel label.
Note
The tyre pressure of the spare wheel must always correspond to the highest
pressure prescribed for the model of vehicle in question.
Wheel trim
Removing
– Place the hook from the vehicle tool kit on the reinforced edge
of the wheel trim. –
Insert the box spanner through the hook, supporting it on the
tyre and remove the wheel trim.
Fitting
– First press the wheel trim onto the wheel at the cut out de-
signed for the valve. Then press the wheel trim on both sides in
the direction of the valve so that it fits correctly in place around
all the perimeter.
CAUTION
● Press down by hand, do not hit the wheel trim! Knocking it sharply, par-
ticularly at points where the wheel trim has not yet been inserted, could re-
sult in damage to the wheel trim guiding and centring elements.
● Before fitting the trim on a steel alloy wheel attached with an anti-theft
wheel bolt, make sure the bolt is in the hole in the valve area ⇒ page 211,
Anti-theft wheel bolts*.
● Where trim is fitted at a later date, ensure enough air inflow is guaran-
teed in order to cool the brake system.
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 134 Pull off the
wheel bolt cap
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.
204Accessories, modifications and spare parts
Accessories, modifications and spare parts
General notes
If you wish to retrofit accessories in the vehicle, or if a part of the vehicle
has been replaced by a new part or technical modifications are required, the
following instructions must be taken into account.
● Before purchasing accessories or spare parts and before making techni-
cal modifications, always request advice from an Authorised SEAT dealer
⇒
.
● In the event that technical modifications are carried out on the vehicle,
the instructions and regulations specified by the company, SEAT, must be
observed.
No damage will be caused to the vehicle if the established procedures are
respected, which guarantees safe driving and operation. After the modifica-
tions are carried out, the vehicle will comply with the restrictions and regu-
lations of the highway code. More information can be obtained at an Au-
thorised SEAT dealer, where all jobs required can be carried out appropriate-
ly.
Vehicle improvements and modifications
The owner must store the technical documents regarding the modifications
carried out on the vehicle to be handed over to those responsible for the
processing of the end-of-life vehicle. This ensures end-of-life processing of
the vehicle, while protecting the environment.
Work done on the electrical components and software can cause disruption
in operations. Due to the interconnection of electronic components, this
disruption can also negatively influence systems that are not directly affec-
ted. This can adversely affect reliability of the vehicle, and can produce ex-
cessive wear of the parts.
Damage caused by technical modifications that are not made with the con-
sent of SEAT will be excluded from the warranty – see warranty certificate.
WARNING
● Jobs or modifications unduly carried out on your vehicle can cause
disruption to operations - Risk of accident!
● We recommend that you use only expressly authorised SEAT Original
Accessories and ® SEAT Original Spare Parts for your vehicle. The relia-
bility, safety and compatibility with your vehicle of SEAT Original Acces-
sories and ® SEAT Original Spare Parts has been checked.
● Despite the continuous observation of the market, we cannot judge
nor guarantee the suitability of other products for your vehicle, be they
authorised products or products approved by a state testing facility.
Note
SEAT Original Accessories and ® SEAT Original Spare Parts can be pur-
chased at authorised SEAT dealers where the purchased parts can also be
fitted.