Operation
Note
● The tyre pr e
ssure must be adjusted accord-
ing to the load. When necessary check the
tyre pressures on the label located on the in-
side fuel tank flap ››› page 213.
● Air circulation in the vehicle helps reduce
fogging of
the windows. Used air escapes
through ventilation slits in the side trim of
the luggage compartment. Ensure that the
ventilation slots are never covered.
● Straps for securing the load to the fasten-
ing rings* ar
e commercially available from ac-
cessory shops. Fastening rings*
3 Applies to the model: IBIZA ST
Fig. 157
Location of fastening rings in lug-
g ag
e c omp
artment. There may be four fastening rings included in
the lug
g
ag e c
ompartment for fastening lug-
gage and other objects ››› Fig. 157 (arrows).
– Always use suitable and undamaged straps
to secure lug
gage and other objects to the
fastening rings ››› in Loading the lug-
g ag
e c omp
artment on page 135.
– Pull up the fastening rings to attach the
straps.
Ex
ample: An object weighing 4.5 kg is lying
unsecured in the vehicle. During a frontal col-
lision at a speed of 50 km/h (31 mph), this
object generates a force corresponding to 20
times its weight. That means that the effec-
tive weight of the object increases to approxi-
mately 90 kg. You can imagine the severity of
the injuries which might be sustained if this
“object” strikes an occupant as it flies
through the interior of the vehicle. This in-
creased risk of injury will be further increased
if a loose object is struck by an inflating air-
bag. WARNING
● If piece s
of baggage or other objects are se-
cured to the fastening rings with inappropri-
ate or damaged retaining cords, injuries
could result in the event of braking manoeu-
vres or accidents.
● Never secure a child seat on the fastening
rings. Stretched luggage net*
3 Applies to the model: IBIZA ST
Fig. 158
Stretched luggage net. The luggage net can be used to secure and
r
et
ain light it
ems in the luggage compart-
ment.
Luggage net
– Secure the luggage net to the four fasten-
ing rings
››› Fig. 158 (arrows). WARNING
The luggage net should only be used to hold
obj ect
s weighing up to 5 kg. Heavier objects
cannot be safely secured (risk of injury). 136
Operation
At speeds of up to approximately 80 km/h
(50 mph), it i
s ab
le to balance out differences
in the speed of the driven wheels of approxi-
mately 100 rpm/min caused by a partially
slippery road surface. It does this by braking
the wheel which has lost traction and distrib-
uting more driving force to the other driven
wheel via the differential.
To prevent the disc brake of the braking
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out au-
tomatically if subjected to excessive loads.
The vehicle will continue to function normally
without EDL. For this reason, the driver is not
informed that the EDL has been switched off.
The EDL will switch on again automatically
when the brake has cooled down.
Control lamp
A malfunction in the EDL is indicated by the
ABS control lamp ››› page 158. Take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible. WARNING
● When accel er
ating on a slippery surface,
for example on ice and snow, press the accel-
erator carefully. Despite EDL, the driven
wheels may start to spin. This could impair
the vehicle's stability.
● Always adapt your driving style to suit road
conditions and the tr
affic situation. Do not let
the extra safety afforded by EDL tempt you in- to taking any risks when driving, this can
cause ac
c
idents. CAUTION
Modifications to the vehicle (e.g. to the en-
gine, the br ake sys
tem, running gear or any
components affecting the wheels and tyres)
could affect the efficiency of the EDL
››› page 190. Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)*
The function (Hydraulic Brake Assist HBA) is
on
ly
inc luded in
vehicles with ESC.
In an emergency, most drivers brake in time,
but not with maximum force. This results in
unnecessarily long braking distances.
This is when the brake assist system comes
into action. When pressing the brake pedal
rapidly, the assistant interprets it as an emer-
gency. It very quickly builds up the full brake
pressure so that the ABS can be activated
more quickly and efficiently, thus reducing
braking distance.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake ped-
al, since the brake assist system switches off
automatically as soon as you release the
brake. Automatic hazard warning lights activation
The brake lights fl
ash automatically to indi-
cate that the vehicle is braking suddenly or in
an emergency situation. If the emergency
braking continues until the vehicle comes to
a standstill, the hazard warning lights will
then come on and the brake lights will re-
main on permanently from that moment. The
warning lights will automatically switch off
when the vehicle begins to move again or
when the "warning" light button is pressed. WARNING
● The risk of ac
cident is higher if you drive
too fast, if you do not keep your distance from
the vehicle in front, and when the road sur-
face is slippery or wet. The increased acci-
dent risk cannot be reduced by the brake as-
sist system.
● The brake assist system cannot defy the
laws
of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with the brake assist system!
Therefore, it is essential that you adjust your
speed to suit the road and traffic conditions.
Do not let the extra safety features tempt you
into taking any risks when driving. Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
The anti-lock brake (ABS) system prevents
the wheel
s
fr om loc
king during braking and
is an important part of the vehicle's active
safety system.
158
Driving
How the ABS works
If one of
the wheel s
turns too slowly in rela-
tion to the vehicle's speed, and is close to
locking, the system will reduce the braking
pressure to this wheel. The driver is made
aware of this control process by a pulsating
of the brake pedal and audible noise. This is
a deliberate warning to the driver that one or
more of the wheels is tending to lock and the
ABS control function has intervened. In this
situation it is important to keep the brake
pedal fully depressed so the ABS can regu-
late the brake application. Do not “pump”.
If you brake hard on a slippery road surface,
the best possible control is retained as the
wheels do not lock.
However, ABS will not necessarily guarantee
shorter braking distances in all conditions.
Braking distance could even be further if you
brake on gravel or on fresh snow on a slip-
pery surface.
Control lamp
The control lamp lights up for a few sec-
onds when the ignition is switched on. It
goes out again after the system has run
through an automatic test sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
● The control lamp does not light
up when
the ignition is switched on. ●
The control
lamp does not go out again af-
ter a few seconds.
● The control lamp lights up when the vehicle
is mov
ing.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal
way, without the ABS function. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible.
If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC* and the
tyre pressure control lamp will also light up.
Brake system fault
If the ABS warning lamp lights up together
with the brake warning lamp , there is a
fault in the ABS function and in the brake
system ››› .
WARNING
● The anti-lock br ak
e system cannot defy the
laws of physics. Slippery and wet roads are
dangerous even with ABS! If you notice that
the ABS is working (to counteract locked
wheels under braking), you should reduce
speed immediately to suit the road and traffic
conditions. Do not let the extra safety fea-
tures tempt you into taking any risks when
driving.
● The effectiveness of ABS is also determined
by the tyr
es fitted ››› page 213.
● If the running gear or brake system is modi-
fied, the effectivenes
s of the ABS could be se-
verely limited. WARNING
● Befor e openin
g the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the warnings ››› page 201, Working in
the engine compartment.
● If the brake system warning lamp should
light up t
ogether with the ABS warning lamp
, stop the vehicle immediately and check
the brake fluid level in the reservoir
››› page 209, Brake fluid. If the brake fluid
level has dropped below the “MIN” mark you
must not drive on. Risk of accident. Obtain
technical assistance.
● If the brake fluid level is correct, the fault in
the brake sys
tem may have been caused by a
failure of the ABS system. This could cause
the rear wheels to lock quickly when you
brake. This could cause the rear to break
away. Risk of skidding. Stop the vehicle and
seek technical assistance. Electronic differential lock (XDS)*
When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-
ti
al
mec h
anism allows the outer wheel to turn
at a higher speed than the inner wheel. In
this way, the wheel that is turning faster (out-
er wheel) receives less drive torque than the
inner wheel. This may mean that in certain
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel is too high, causing the wheels to
spin. On the other hand, the outer wheel is
receiving a lower drive torque than it could
transmit. This causes an overall loss of lateral »
159
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Run-in and economical driving R u
nnin g in a new en
gineThe engine needs to be run in over the first
1,500 km.
Up to 1000 k
i
lometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3
the maximum speed.
– Do not
accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 k i
lometres (600 to 900
miles)
– Speeds can be graduall
y increased to the
maximum road speed or maximum permis-
sible engine speed (rpm).
During its first few hours of running, the in-
ternal friction in the engine is greater than
later on, when all the moving parts have bed-
ded in. For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be in-
cre a
sed and its oil consumption reduced. Tyre and brake pad run-in
New tyres should be run-in carefully for the
first
500
km (300 miles). New brake pads
should be run-in carefully for the first
200 km.
During the first 200 km, you can compensate
for the reduced braking effect by applying
more pressure to the brake pedal. In case of
a sharp braking, the braking distance will be
longer with new brake pads than with brake
pads which have been run-in. WARNING
● At firs t, new ty
res do not give maximum
grip, and require running-in. This may cause
an accident. Drive particularly carefully in the
first 500 km.
● New brake pads must be “run in” and do
not have the c
orrect friction properties during
the first 200 km. However, the reduced brak-
ing capacity may be compensated by press-
ing on the brake pedal a little harder. Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection is a top priority in
the de
s
ign, c hoic
e of materials and manufac-
ture of your new SEAT. Constructive measures to encourage recy-
cling
● Joints and c
onnections designed for easy
dismantling
● Modu
lar construction to facilitate disman-
tling
● Incre
ased use of single-grade materials.
● Plastic parts and elastomers are marked in
accord
ance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and
ISO 1629.
Choice of materials
● Use of recycled materials.
● Use of compatible plastics in the same part
if its components
are not easily separated.
● Use of recycled materials and/or materials
originating from r
enewable sources.
● Reduction of volatile components, includ-
ing odour, in pl
astic materials.
● Use of CFC-free coolants.
Ban on heavy met
als, with the exceptions
dictated by law (Annex II of ELV Directive
2000/53/EC): cadmium, lead, mercury, hexa-
valent chromium.
Manufacturing methods
● Reduction of the quantity of thinner in the
protective w
ax for cavities.
● Use of plastic film as protection during ve-
hicle tran
sport. »
167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Driving
Avoid short journeys
T o r
educ e the c
onsumption and emission of
polluting exhaust gases, the engine and the
exhaust gas filtration systems should reach
the optimum operating temperature.
With the engine cold, fuel consumption is
proportionally higher. The engine does not
warm up and fuel consumption does not nor-
malise until having driven approximately four
kilometres (2.5 miles). This is why we recom-
mend avoiding short trips whenever possi-
ble.
Maintain the correct tyre pressures
Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an ad-
equate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pres-
sure is just one bar (14.5 psi/100 kPa) too
low, fuel consumption can increase by as
much as 5%. Due to the greater rolling resist-
ance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear
wear and impairs handling.
The tyre pressures should always be checked
when the tyres are cold.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid unnecessary weight
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported. A roof rack is often left in place for the sake
of conv
enience, even when it is no longer
needed. At a speed of 100 km/h (62 mph)
and 120 km/h (75 mph) your vehicle will use
about 12% more fuel as a result of the extra
wind resistance caused by the roof rack even
when it is not in use.
Save electricity
The engine activates the alternator, which
produces electricity. With the need for elec-
tricity, fuel consumption also increases. Be-
cause of this, always turn off electrical devi-
ces when you do not need them. Examples of
devices that use a lot of electricity are: the
blower at high speeds, the rear window heat-
ing or the seat heaters*. Note
● If y our
vehicle has Start-Stop, it is not rec-
ommended that you switch this function off.
● It is recommended that you close the win-
do
ws when driving at more than 60 km/h
(37 mph)
● Do not drive with your foot resting on the
clutch pe
dal, as the pressure can make the
plate spin, more fuel will be used and it can
burn the clutch plate lining, causing a serious
fault.
● Do not hold the car on a hill with the clutch,
use the foot br
ake or hand brake, using the
latter to start. The fuel consumption will be lower and you will prevent the clutch plate
from being d
am
aged.
● On descents, use the engine brake, chang-
ing to the ge
ar that is more suitable for the
slope. Fuel consumption will be “zero” and
the brakes will not suffer. Engine management and ex-
haus
t
gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Becau se of
the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle
around the are
a of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
main lit, ther e m
ay be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. 169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Towing bracket device and trailer
Tyre pressure
Set ty
re pr
essure to the maximum permissi-
ble pressure shown on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pres-
sure of the trailer tyres in accordance with the
trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the
road behind the trailer with the standard rear
vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you
should have additional exterior mirrors fitted.
Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors
to give sufficient vision to the rear. WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could
res u
lt in fatal accidents. Note
● Tow in
g a trailer places additional demands
on the vehicle. We recommend additional
services between the normal inspection inter-
vals if the vehicle is used frequently for tow-
ing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply
to tow
ing a trailer in your country. Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instruc-
tions on fittin
g and r
emoving the ball cou-
pling of the towing bracket. WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be
stor ed sec
urely in the luggage compartment
to prevent them being flung through the vehi-
cle and causing injury. Note
● By l a
w, the ball coupling must be removed
if a trailer is not being towed if it obscures
the number plate. Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra
c
ar
e.
W eight
distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer
with an unladen vehicle is very unfavourable.
However, if this cannot be avoided, drive ex-
tra slowly to allow for the unbalanced weight
distribution. Speed
The stabi
lity of the vehicle and trailer is re-
duced with increasing speed. For this reason,
it is advisable not to drive at the maximum
permissible speed in an unfavourable road,
weather or wind conditions. This applies es-
pecially when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately
if the trailer shows the slightest sign of snak-
ing. Never try to stop the “snaking” by in-
creasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has
an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at
first and then, firmly. This will prevent the
jerking that can be caused by locking of trail-
er wheels. Select a low gear in due course
before going down a steep downhill. This en-
ables you to use the engine braking to slow
down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during pro-
longed slopes, driving with a low gear and
high engine speed; always monitor whether
the excessive coolant temperature gauge is
activated ››› page 207.
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Care and maintenance
– Rin se the
vehic
le thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a cha-
mois le
ather.
– In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals
and their surf
aces to prevent them from
freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle – After washing, avoid sudden and sharp
braking. “Dr
y” the brakes by braking sever-
al times. WARNING
● Wash y
our vehicle with the ignition switch-
ed off.
● Protect your hands and arms from cuts on
sharp metal
edges when cleaning the under-
body, the inside of the wheel housings etc.
Risk of injury.
● Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduce brak
ing effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
● Never remo v
e dirt, mud or dust if the vehi-
cle surface is dry. Never use a dry cloth or
sponge for cleaning purposes. This could
scratch the paintwork or glass on your vehi-
cle. ●
Washin g the
vehicle in low temperatures:
when washing the vehicle with a hose, do not
direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors, rear lid, or sunroof.
Risk of freezing. For the sake of the environment
To protect the environment, the vehicle
shou ld be w a
shed only in specially provided
wash bays, to prevent toxic, oil-laden waste
water from entering the sewer system. In
some places, washing vehicles outside wash
bays is prohibited. Note
Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight. Washing the vehicle with a high pres-
s
ur
e c l
eaner Be particularly careful when using a high
pr
e
ss
ure cleaner!
– Always observe the instructions for the
high-press
ure cleaner, particularly those
concerning the pressure and the spraying
distance.
– Increase the spraying distance for soft ma-
terials
and painted bumpers. –
Do not use a high pre
ssure cleaner to re-
move ice or snow from windows
››› page 194.
– Never use concentrated jet nozzles (“rotat-
ing jets”) ››
› .
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp
br ak
ing. “Dr
y” the brakes by braking sever-
al times ››› page 152. WARNING
● Never wa sh ty
res with a concentrated jet
(“rotating nozzle”). Even at large spraying
distances and short cleaning times, damage
can occur to the tyres. This may cause an ac-
cident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduce brak
ing effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
● Do not use w at
er hotter than +60 °C
(+140 °F). This could damage the vehicle.
● To avoid damage to the vehicle, keep a suf-
ficient dis
tance from sensitive materials such
as flexible hoses, plastic, soundproofing ma-
terial, etc. This also applies to bumpers pain-
ted in the colour of the bodywork. The closer
the nozzle is to the surface, the greater the
wear on the material. 193
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Wheels
Wheels
Wheel s
and ty r
es
General notes Avoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obs t
acle, drive very slowly and at a right
angle.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(cuts, cr ac
ks or blisters, etc.). Remove any
foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– When you remove the tyres, mark them in
order to maint
ain the same direction of ro-
tation when they are installed again.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be st
ored in a cool, dry and prefera-
bly dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position, if they are
not fitted on wheel rims.
New ty
res
New tyres must be run in ›››
page 167.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording to the type and make of tyre and the
tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to ty
res and rims is often not readily
visible. If you notice unusual vibrations or the
vehicle pulling to one side, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged. They
should be checked immediately by a Techni-
cal Service.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the di-
rection of rotation on tyres with directional
tread. Always observe the direction of rota-
tion indicated when fitting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid
aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear. WARNING
● New tyre s
do not have maximum grip dur-
ing the first 500 km. Drive particularly care-
fully to avoid possible accidents.
● Never drive with damaged tyres. This may
cause an acc
ident.
● If you notice unusual vibrations or if the ve-
hicle pu
lls to one side when driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and check the tyres for
damage. Tyre pressure monitoring system
Fig. 188
Location of the tyre pressure sticker. The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the
s
tic
ker on the in
side of the fuel tank flap
››› Fig. 188.
1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the stick
er. The values refer to Sum-
mer tyres.
2. The tyre pressures should only be checked when the tyres
are cold. The slightly raised
pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
3. Adjust the tyre pressure to the load you are carry
ing. »
213
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety