8Safe driving
The safety equipment mentioned above works together to provide you and
your passengers with the best possible protection in the event of an acci-
dent. However, these safety systems can only be effective if you and your
passengers are sitting in a correct position and use this equipment proper-
ly.
Therefore, information is provided about why this equipment is so impor-
tant, how it protects you, what you have to consider when using it and how
you and your passengers can achieve the greatest possible benefit from the
safety equipment fitted. This manual includes important warnings that you
and your passengers should note in order to reduce the risk of injury.
Safety is everyone's business!
Before starting every trip
The driver is always responsible for the safety of the passen-
gers and the safe operation of the vehicle.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, always note
the following points before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn signals are working
properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and good view of the
surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured ⇒ page 17.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere with the pedals. –
Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vision mirrors properly
according to your size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear seats always have the
head restraints in the in-use position ⇒ page 15
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head restraints according to
their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child seats and properly ap-
plied seat belts ⇒ page 46.
– Assume the correct sitting position. Instruct your passengers al-
so to assume a proper sitting position. ⇒ page 10.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your passengers also to
fasten their seat belts properly. ⇒ page 20.
What affects driving safety?
Driving safety is largely determined by your driving style
and the personal behaviour of all vehicle occupants.
As a driver, you are responsible for yourself and your passengers.
When your concentration or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as others on the road
⇒
, for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not get distracted by pas-
sengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is impaired (e.g. by medi-
cation, alcohol, drugs).
69
Controls and displays
Control lamps
Summary
The control lamps indicate certain functions or faults accompanied by an
audible warning.
When the ignition is switched on some of the warning lamps light up for
several seconds for the purpose of the control systems of the vehicle. These
warning lamps must switch off several seconds after the ignition is switched
on.
Handbrake⇒ page 70
Brake system⇒ page 70
Fasten your seat belt⇒ page 70
Alternator⇒ page 71
Door open⇒ page 71
Engine oil (red or yellow colour)⇒ page 71
Coolant temperature/level (red or blue colour)⇒ page 72
Power steering⇒ page 72
Electronic stability control (ESC)⇒ page 72
Traction control system (ASR)⇒ page 73
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)⇒ page 73
Rear fog light⇒ page 73
Bulb fault⇒ page 74
Emission control system⇒ page 74
Glow plug system (diesel engines)⇒ page 74
Engine electronics control (petrol engines)⇒ page 74
Particulate filter (diesel engines)⇒ page 74
Fuel reserve⇒ page 75
Airbag system⇒ page 75
Tyre pressure⇒ page 76
Liquid level in the window washer system⇒ page 76
Turn signals (left/right)⇒ page 76
Fog lights⇒ page 76
Cruise speed⇒ page 77
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
76Controls and displays
If the front passenger airbag has been disabled with the airbag switch loca-
ted in the storage compartment side:
● When the ignition is turned on, the warning light switches on for
around 4 seconds.
● The airbag is disabled, signalled with the warning lamp which
lights up with the word placed in the centre part of the
dash panel ⇒ Fig. 24 ⇒ page 44.
WARNING
When there is a fault in the airbag system, have an inspection carried out
by an Authorised Service. Otherwise the airbags may fail to trigger in an
accident.
Tyre pressure monitoring*
If the warning lamp lights up, the pressure of a tyre has decreased signif-
icantly. Check and adjust the pressure of all the tyres ⇒ page 196.
If the warning lamp flashes, there is a fault in the system.
Seek professional help.
Further information ⇒ page 201, Tyre pressure *.
Note
If the battery is disconnected the warning lamp lights up when the igni-
tion is switched on. This warning lamp must switch off after covering a short
distance. Windscreen washer fluid level
If the warning lamp lights up, the level of windscreen washer fluid in the
tank is very low. Fill the windscreen washer fluid ⇒ page 190, Windscreen
washer.
The informative display indicates:
Refill windscreen washer fluid!
Turn signals
Depending on the position of the turn signal lever the left warning lamp on
the left or right flashes.
If there is a turn signal fault the warning lamp flashes at approximately dou-
ble speed.
All the turn signals flash in addition to both warning lamps when the hazard
warning lights are switched on.
Further information ⇒ page 100, Turn signal and main beam lever.
Fog lights
The control lamp lights up when the fog lights are switched on
⇒ page 98.
116Seats and storage
CAUTION
Make sure sharp objects stored in the luggage compartment cannot not
damage the rear window heating filaments.
Note
Tyre pressure must be adapted to suit the load ⇒ page 197, Tyre useful life.
Luggage compartment light
The light switches on automatically when the rear lid is opened. The light
switches off automatically 10 seconds after the rear lid has been opened.
Category N1 vehicles
Category N1 vehicles with no protection grille must use a retaining set com-
pliant with Standard EN 12195 (1 – 4) to secure the load. Retaining elements*
Fig. 75 Luggage com-
partment: Retaining ele-
ments
The following retaining elements are fitted in the luggage compartment
⇒ Fig. 75.
Rings to secure the load and the retaining nets.
Rings used solely for the retaining nets.
CAUTION
The rings support a maximum load of 3.5 kN (350 kg).
Note
The front ring B is below the folding backrest of the rear seats
⇒ Fig. 75.
A
B
143
Driving
● Vehicle modifications (e.g. to the engine, brakes, frame or a combina-
tion of wheels and tyres) could impair the brake assist systems
⇒ page 204, Accessories, modifications and spare parts.
● In the event of a fault in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL are
switched off automatically. A fault in the ABS is indicated by the
⇒ page 73 warning lamp.
Brakes
Wear
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends on the driving style and on the
way in which the vehicle is used. The brake pads will wear more quickly if
you use your vehicle frequently in urban traffic and short trips or drive in a
sporty style. Under these demanding conditions, visit your specialised serv-
ice, even before the scheduled service date, so that the thickness of the
brake pads can be measured.
Wet roads or road salt
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have been
gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal. Dry the brakes
as soon as possible by braking repeatedly.
Corrosion
Long periods of inactivity and little use can lead to rust on the brake discs
and dirt on the brake pads. Where the brake system is subjected to light
stress or in the case of corrosion, clean the brake discs by braking fully sev-
eral times at a high speed.
Brake system fault
If you notice that the braking distance suddenly increases and the brake
pedal can be pressed down more fully, there may be a fault in the brake sys-
tem. Visit a specialised service immediately and adjust your driving style to
the extent of the damage and to limit the effect of the brakes. Low brake fluid level
Insufficient brake fluid could cause faults in the brake system. The brake flu-
id level is controlled electronically
⇒ page 70, Brake system .
Brake servo
The brake servo supplements the pressure you exert on the brake pedal.
The brake servo only works when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 102 Centre console:
handbrake
Applying the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up all the way.
Releasing the handbrake
– Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and press the unlock button
at the same time ⇒ Fig. 102.
– Keep the button pressed down and push the lever all the way
down.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications
160Driving and the environment
Make less short journeys
Fig. 112 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
(miles) at different tem-
peratures
In short journeys fuel consumption quantity is incomparably high.
Therefore we recommend avoiding journeys of less than 4 km (2
miles) when the engine is cold. Immediately after starting, a cold engine consumes the maximum amount
of fuel. After driving approximately one kilometre (0.62 miles), consumption
drops approximately 10 litres per 100 km (62 miles). Consumption returns
to normal only after the engine and the catalytic converter have reached op-
erating temperature.
In this context, this is also determined by the outside temperature. Fuel
consumption is different for the same journey, as shown once at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and again at -10 °C (+14 °F) ⇒ Fig. 112. Your vehicle will consume
more fuel in winter than in summer. Maintain correct tyre pressure
Maintaining correct tyre pressure saves fuel.
Always maintain correct tyre pressure. Insufficiently tyre pressure increases
rolling resistance. This leads not only to increased fuel consumption, but al-
so tyre wear and deteriorated vehicle behaviour.
Always check the tyre pressure when the tyre is
cold.
Do not carry unnecessary loads
Transporting unnecessary loads also consumes fuel.
Every additional kilo of weight increases fuel consumption. Check for un-
necessary objects in the luggage compartment.
The weight of the vehicle considerably influences fuel consumption, espe-
cially in urban traffic where frequent acceleration is required. As a general
rule, every 100 kg of weight increases consumption by approximately 1 litre
per 100 km (62 miles).
Your vehicle consumes almost 10% more fuel than the normal amount at a
speed of 100 – 120 km/h (62 – 75 mph) when a roof carrier without a load
is fitted.
Save electrical energy
An electrical current is generated with help from the alternator when the en-
gine is running. The more electrical devices there are connected to the on-
board network, the larger the quantity of fuel is required for the alternator
service. This is why electrical devices should be disconnected when they
are not required.
164Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Driving the vehicle with a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has a factory-fitted towing bracket or is equipped with a se-
lection of SEAT Original Accessories, it meets all the relevant technical and
legal requirements.
In vehicles with a towing bracket it is possible to remove the ball joint, situ-
ated (together with the special assembly instructions) in the housing for the
spare wheel in the vehicle luggage compartment ⇒ page 207, Vehicle tool
kit*.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pole power socket for the electrical connec-
tion between the trailer and the vehicle. If the trailer you are going to use
has a 7-pin connector, the corresponding adaptor, acquired from the SEAT
Original Accessories Catalogue, can be used.
If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the car, it must be done according
to the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
Note
Any queries that may arise can be directed to an authorised SEAT dealer.
Trailer weight
Trailer weight
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. To do so use the maxi-
mum permitted towing bracket load. An insufficient weight exerted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint of the towing bracket will have a negative
impact upon the response of the vehicle-trailer assembly on the road.
Weight distribution
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Ensure that the objects do not move.
If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distribu-
tion is incorrect. However, if these conditions cannot be avoided, drive very
slowly.
Tyre pressure values
Correct the tyre pressure in your vehicle to “total load” ⇒
page 197, Tyre
useful life.
Trailer weight
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight under any circumstances
⇒ page 233, Description of the data.
The trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to 1000 m
above sea level. Due to a lower air density the engine power decreases de-
pending on the increase in altitude, this also causes the climbing ability to
decrease, which requires a reduction of the weight of the vehicle with a
trailer by 10 % for every 1000 m increase in altitude. The weight of the as-
sembly is calculated by adding the vehicle weight (loaded) to the trailer
weight (loaded). Always drive with special care when towing a trailer.
The towed load and support load information that is displayed on the tow-
ing bracket manufacturers label are only values for the verification of the
device. The correct figures for your specific vehicle, which are usually lower
than these figures, are given in the documentation of your vehicle.
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