Driving
Driving tips Driv in
g abr
oadTo drive abroad, the following must be taken
into c
on
sideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensur
e that unleaded petrol is available for
the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Au-
tomobile organisations will have information
about service station networks selling unlea-
ded fuel.
● In some countries, it is possible that your
car model i
s not sold, and therefore some
spare parts are not available or the technical
services may only be able to carry out limited
repairs.
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly
provide information about the technical prep-
aration that your vehicle requires and also
about necessary maintenance and repair
possibilities.
Adhesive strips for headlights
In countries where vehicles drive on the other
side of the road to your home country, the
asymmetric dipped beam may dazzle drivers
of oncoming vehicles.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
to certain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur- ther information is available at any Technical
Servic
e.
In vehicles with adaptive headlights, the ro-
tation system must previously be disconnec-
ted. To do this, please go to a specialised
workshop.
Driving on flooded roads To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
low er edg
e of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc ., the br
aking effect can be delayed slight-
ly due to moisture build-up on the discs and
brake pads. Applying the brakes carefully
several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect. CAUTION
● Drivin g thr
ough flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system. ●
Whenever driv in
g through water, the Start-
Stop system* must be switched off
››› page 170. Note
● Chec k the depth of
the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the en
gine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction ma
y splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). 169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Driver assistance systems
St ar
t
-Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop function stops the engine
when the v
ehic
le is stopped and starts it au-
tomatically when required.
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutral and r
elease the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.
– When the clutch pedal is pressed the en-
gine wil
l start up again. The warning lamp
will switch off.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
– Use the foot brake to bring the vehicle to a
stop and k
eep the brake pedal pressed
down with your foot. The engine will switch
off. The warning lamp will appear in the
display.
– When you take your foot off the brake pedal
the engine wi
ll start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off. Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating tempera-
ture.
● The s
teering wheel must be straight.
● The vehicle must be on flat ground.
● The vehicle must not be in reverse.
● A trailer must not be connected.
● The temperature of the interior must be
within the comf
ort limits (A/C button should
be sel ect
ed).
● The w
indscreen de-mist function must be
off.
● If in an inc
rease in airflow is not reques
ted.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or
LO .
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in
reg
eneration mode, for diesel engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the
next s
tart.
● Battery temperature must be between -1°C
(+30°F) and +55°C (+131°F).
Star
t-Stop function interruption
In the following situations, the Start-Stop
function will be interrupted and the engine
will automatically start: ●
The vehic
le starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in
a row
.
● The battery has been discharged excessive-
ly.
● The St
art-Stop System is manually deacti-
vated.
● The w
indscreen de-mist function is turned
on.
● The temperature of the interior exceeds the
comfor
t limits ( A/C button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3
pr e
s
ses.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is sel
ected.
● The engine coolant temperature is insuffi-
cient.
● The alt
ernator is faulty, for example the V-
belt ha
s ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the
previou
s section are not fulfilled.
When the engine is turned off by the Start-
Stop function, this is displayed on the instru-
ment panel.
If the Start-Stop system is not switched on,
the warning lamp will appear on the instru-
ment panel.
170
Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the en-
gine off f or an
y reason. You could lose control
of your vehicle. This could cause an accident
and serious injury.
● The brake servo does not work with the en-
gine off. Y
ou need more force to stop the vehi-
cle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not
running. That is why it is much
more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving
through wat
er (fording streams, etc.). Note
● For v
ehicles with the Start-Stop function
and a manual gearbox, when the engine is
started, the clutch must be pressed.
● When the conditions for the Start-Stop
function ar
e not fulfilled, the instrument pan-
el displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, it wi
ll not be possible to start the vehi-
cle again. To start the vehicle, straighten the
steering wheel so that it is turned less than
270°.
● There are different versions of the dash
panel; the dis
play of indications on the
screen may differ. Activating and deactivating the Start-
St
op f
u
nction Fig. 162
The Start-Stop function button. Every time the ignition is switched on, the
St
ar
t
-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Manually deactivating the Start-Stop func-
tion
– Press the
› ›
› Fig. 162
button located on
the centre console. When the Start-Stop
function is switched off, the warning lamp
comes on.
– If the Start-Stop function is operating then
the engine st
arts immediately. Switching the Start-Stop function on manual-
ly
– Press the
› ››
Fig. 162
b
utton located on
the centre console. The warning lamp will
switch off.
Fatigue detection (break rec-
ommendation)* Introduction
›› ›
table on page 2
The Fatigue detection informs the driver
when their driving behaviour shows signs of
fatigue. WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Fatigue
detection sy s
tem tempt you into taking any
risks when driving. Take regular breaks, suffi-
cient in length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibil-
ity of driv
ing to their full capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of
the driver in al
l circumstances. Consult the in-
formation in the section ››› page 172, System
limitations. » 171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
●
In some sit uation
s, the system may incor-
rectly interpret an intended driving manoeu-
vre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the ef-
fect c
alled microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the in-
strument p
anel and act as is necessary. Note
● Fatigue det ection h
as been developed for
driving on motorways and well paved roads
only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
check
ed by a specialised workshop. Function and operation
Fig. 163
On the instrument panel display: fa-
tigue det ection symbo
l
.Fatigue detection determines the driving be-
h
av
iour of
the driver when starting a journey, making a calculation of tiredness. This is
cons
tantly compared with the current driving
behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a
sound and an optic warning is shown with a
symbol and complementary message on the
instrument panel display ››› Fig. 163. The
message on the instrument panel display is
shown for approximately 5 seconds, and de-
pending on the case, is repeated. The system
stores the last message displayed.
The message on the instrument panel display
can be switched off by pressing the button on the windscreen wiper lever or the
b
utt
on on the multi function steering
wheel
›
›
› page 25.
The message can be recalled to the instru-
ment panel display using the multifunction
display ›››
page 25.
Conditions of operation
Driving behaviour is only calculated on
speeds above about 65 km/h (40 mph) up to
around 200 km/h (125 mph).
Switching on and off
Fatigue detection can be activated or deacti-
vated in the Easy Connect system with the
button and the function button
›››
pag e 99. A mark indicates that the adjust-
ment
has been activated. System limitations
The Fatigue det
ection h
as certain limitations
inherent to the system. The following condi-
tions can limit the Fatigue detection or pre-
vent it from functioning.
● At speeds below 65 km/h (40 mph)
● At speeds above 200 km/h (125 mph)
● When cornering
● On roads in poor condition
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● When a sporty driving style is employed
● In the event of a serious distraction to the
driver
Fatigue det
ection will be restored when the
vehicle is stopped for more than 15 minutes,
when the ignition is switched off or when the
driver has unbuckled their seat belt and
opened the door.
In the event of slow driving during a long pe-
riod of time (below 65 km/h, 40 mph) the
system automatically re-establishes the tired-
ness calculation. When driving at a faster
speed the driving behaviour will be recalcula-
ted.
172
Operation
To resume cruise control, release the brake or
c lut
c
h pedal or reduce the vehicle speed to
less than 180 km/h (112 mph) and press
once on the upper part of the rocker switch RES+ ››› Fig. 170 2 .
Complete system deactivation Vehicles with a manual gearbox
The sys
t
em is completely turned off by mov-
ing the control ››› Fig. 170 1 all the way to
the right h and s
ide (set into the OFF posi-
tion), or when the vehicle is stationary,
switching off the ignition.
Vehicles with an automatic gearbox
To completely disengage the system, the se-
lector lever must be placed in one of the fol-
lowing positions: P, N, R or 1 or with the vehi-
cle stopped and the ignition turned off. “SEAT Drive Profile” system
Fu nction and oper
ation Fig. 171
In the centre console: button to ad-
ju s
t
the "SEAT Drive Profile" system The “SEAT Drive Profile” system modifies the
s
u
s
pension system's characteristics and
power steering behaviour.
you can choose between 2 different settings
with different characteristics.
CONVEN-
IENCEBalanced setting, suitable, e.g. for day-to-
day use.
SPORTThis gives the vehicle sporty characteristics
and is suitable for a sporty driving style. Settings can be changed when the vehicle is
s
t
ation
ary or in movement. When a “SEAT
Drive Profile” setting is changed it is activa-
ted immediately. Selecting the system setting
● If necessary, switch on the ignition.
● To select SPORT mode, press the
›››
Fig. 171 b utt
on u
ntil it lights up.
The CONVENIENCE mode is active when the button is not lit. The set mode remains
sel ect
ed af
ter the ignition is switched off.
CUPRA vehicle version
The modes of operation for the CUPRA are
Normal and Sport rather than Comfort and
Sport. The vehicle always starts up in Nor-
mal. The last selection does not remain once
the vehicle is turned off. WARNING
Adjusting the “SEAT Drive Profile” modifies
drivin g pr
operties. The “SEAT Drive Profile”
system should never encourage you to take
risks.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times t
o suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es. 182
Towing bracket device and trailer
●
Stop the v
ehicle at the next opportunity
and in a safe place. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps and corre-
s pondin g t
ext messages when they light up
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system presents a
fau lt, the
symbol appears on the instrument
panel, with the message Fault: Damping
setting . Indication on the display and warning
l
amp
There is a fault in the “SEAT Drive Pro-
file” suspension.
See a specialised workshop immediately and have the
“SEAT Drive Profile” suspension checked.
If the yellow warning lamp does not light up again after
the engine is restarted and the vehicle has travelled a
short distance, you do not need to take it to a special-
ised workshop. Some warning and control lamps will light up
briefly
when the ignition i
s
switched on to
check certain functions. They will switch off
after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and the corresponding
mes s
ages are ignored when they light up, the
vehicle may stall in traffic and cause acci-
dents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or messag-
es. WARNING
Changing the “SEAT Drive Profile” settings
whil e the
vehicle is in motion can distract you
from the road and lead to accidents. CAUTION
Failure to heed the control lamps when they
light up and the c orr
esponding messages
may result in damage to the vehicle. Note
If the “SEAT Drive Profile” system does not
work a
s described in this chapter, have it
checked immediately by a specialised work-
shop. Towing bracket device and
tr
ai
l
er
Trailer mode What do you need to bear in mind
when towing a trailer? Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer
when fitted w
ith the c
orrect equipment.
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow-
ing bracket it will already have the necessary
technical modifications and meet the statuto-
ry requirements for towing a trailer. If you
wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult
››› page 185.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector
for the electrical connection between the
trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to
use an adapter cable. It is available at any
Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If
you do not load the trailer up to the maxi-
mum permitted trailer weight, you can then
climb correspondingly steeper slopes. »
183
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
●
Never t ouc
h hot engine parts. There is a
risk of burns.
● Never spill liquids on a hot engine or on a
hot exh
aust gas system. This is a fire hazard.
● Avoid causing short-circuits in the electri-
cal
system, particularly at the points where
the jump leads are attached ›››
page 52.
The battery could explode.
● Never touch the radiator fan. It is tempera-
ture c
ontrolled and could start automatically,
even when the engine has been switched off
and the key removed from the ignition!
● Never cover the engine with additional in-
sul
ating materials such as a blanket. Risk of
fire!
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant ex-
pans
ion tank when the engine is hot. If the
coolant is hot, the cooling system will be
pressurised!
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering
the cap with a l
arge, thick cloth to protect
against escaping coolant and steam.
● Always make sure you have not left any ob-
jects, s
uch as cleaning cloths or tools, in the
engine compartment.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle,
you mus
t use suitable stands additionally to
support the vehicle, there is a risk of acci-
dent!. A hydraulic jack is insufficient for se-
curing the vehicle and there is a risk of injury.
● If any work has to be performed when the
engine is
started or with the engine running,
there is an additional, potentially fatal, safety
risk from the rotating parts, such as the drive belts, alternator, radiator fan, etc., and from
the high-v
o
ltage ignition system. You should
also observe the following:
– Never touch the electrical wiring of the
ignition system.
– Ensure that jewellery, loose clothing and
long hair do not get trapped in rotating
engine parts. Danger of death. Before
starting any work remove jewellery, tie
back and cover hair, and wear tight-fit-
ting clothes.
– Never accelerate with a gear engaged
without taking the necessary precau-
tions. The vehicle could move, even if the
handbrake is applied. Danger of death.
● If work has to be carried out on the fuel
syst
em or on electrical components, you
must observe the following safety notes in
addition to the above warnings:
– Always disconnect the battery from the
on-board network. The vehicle must be
unlocked when this is done, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always have a fire extinguisher on hand. WARNING
If the bonnet is not correctly closed, it could
sud den
ly open while driving leaving the driv-
er without visibility. This could result in a se-
rious accident. ●
Aft er c
losing the bonnet, always check that
it is properly secured by the locking mecha-
nism in the lock carrier piece. The bonnet
must be flush with the surrounding body pan-
els.
● While driving, if you notice that the bonnet
is not
correctly closed then stop immediately
and close it correctly.
● Only open and close the bonnet when there
is no
body within its range. CAUTION
When topping up service fluids, make sure
not to mi
stake them. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage! For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
ronment . F
or this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. If you find spots of oil or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected in a speci-
alised workshop. Opening the bonnet
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 10
The bonnet is released from inside the vehi-
cle. »
199
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
If this warning symbol starts to flash, and is
ac c
omp
anied by three audible warnings,
switch off the engine and check the oil level.
If necessary, add more oil ››› page 203.
If the warning lamp flashes although the oil
level is correct, stop driving. Do not even run
the engine at idle speed! Obtain technical as-
sistance.
Checking oil level
If the warning lamp is yellow the engine
oil level should be checked as soon as possi-
ble. Top up the oil at the next opportunity
››› page 203.
Oil level sensor faulty*
If the yellow warning lamp flashes, take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have
the oil level sensor checked. Until then it is
advisable to check the oil level every time
you refuel. Check engine oil level Fig. 175
Engine oil dipstick. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operating t
emperature is reached and
then stop.
– Wait for about two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with
a cle
an cloth and insert it again, pushing it
in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out again and check the oil lev-
el. T
op up with engine oil if necessary.
Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be higher for the first
5,000 km. For this
reason the engine oil level
must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-
bly when filling the tank and before a jour-
ney. WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine compart-
ment or on the en gine mu
st be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alwa
ys observe the safety warnings
››› page 198. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
st ar
t the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a Technical Service. Topping up engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 41
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings ››› in safety notes for work in
the en gine c
omp
artment on page 198.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration ›››
page 201.
Engine oil specification ›››
page 42. »
203
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety