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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
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Operation
● Use of
solv
ent-free adhesives.
● Use of CFC-free coolants in cooling sys-
tems.
● Recyc
ling and energy recovery from resi-
dues (RDF).
● Impro
vement in the quality of waste water.
● Use of systems for the recovery of residual
heat (thermal
recovery, enthalpy wheels,
etc.).
● The use of water-soluble paints.
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driving Fuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e
ar t o the en
gine, brakes and tyres de-
pends in large part on your driving style. By
adopting an economical driving style and an-
ticipating the traffic situation ahead, you can
easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
Some tips on how to help you reduce pollu-
tion while saving money are listed below.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle
may have active cylinder management
(ACT ®
).
The active cylinder management (ACT ®
) may
automatically deactivate some of the engine
cylinders if the driving situation does not re-
quire too much power. When it is switched off, no fuel is injected into these cylinders,
hence total
fuel consumption may be re-
duced. The number of active cylinders can be
seen on the instrument panel display
››› page 30.
Drive anticipating the traffic situation
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating.
When you anticipate situations, you have to
brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If
it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear
engaged, for example, if you see a red light
ahead. The braking effect achieved in this
way helps to reduce the wear of brakes and
tyres; emissions and fuel consumption are
reduced to zero (disconnection due to iner-
tia).
Change gear early to save energy
An effective way of saving fuel is to change
up quickly through the gears. Running the
engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses
an unnecessary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox: shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. We recommend
that, whenever possible, you change to a
higher gear upon reaching 2000 rpm. Follow
the “recommended gear” indication that ap-
pears on the instrument panel ››› page 161. Avoid driving at high speed
We advi
se you not to drive at the top speed
permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption,
exhaust emissions and noise levels all in-
crease very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving
at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Avoid idling
It is worthwhile switching off the engine
when waiting in a traffic jam, at level cross-
ings or at traffic lights with a long red phase.
The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is
greater than the amount of fuel needed to re-
start the engine.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Periodic maintenance
Periodic maintenance work guarantees that,
before beginning a journey, you will not con-
sume more than the required amount of fuel.
A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit
of improved fuel efficiency as well as maxi-
mum reliability and an enhanced resale val-
ue.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to
10% more fuel than necessary.
168
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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
Page 172 of 252

Operation
Catalytic converter To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
conv
er
ter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as l
ead damages the catalytic con-
verter.
– Do not let the fuel get too low in the tank.
– For engine oil changes, do not replenish
with too much en
gine oil ››› page 206, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea d
s if necessary ›››
page 52.
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or
loss of power when the vehicle is moving, re-
duce speed immediately and have the vehi-
cle inspected at the nearest specialised
workshop. In general, the exhaust warning
lamp will light up when any of the described
symptoms occur ›››
page 100. If this hap-
pens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust sys-
tem and escape into the environment. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry be-
cause the irr e
gularity of the fuel supply may
cause ignition problems. This allows unburnt
fuel to enter the exhaust system, which could
cause overheating and damage the catalytic
converter. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
workin g per
fectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur from the exhaust gas under some
conditions. This depends on the sulphur con-
tent of the fuel used. Quite often the problem
can be solved by changing to another brand
of fuel. Diesel engine particulate filter*
Fig. 173
Vehicle data sticker on back cover of
the M aint
enanc
e Programme. Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Partic-
u
l
at e Fi
lter) if the vehicle data sticker (back
cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists
the code PR 7GG ››› Fig. 173.
The diesel engine particulate filter eliminates
most of the soot from the exhaust gas sys-
tem. Under normal driving conditions, the fil-
ter cleans itself. If this is not possible (for ex- ample, multiple short trips) the filter will be
obstruct
ed by soot and the diesel engine
particulate filter warning lamp will light up.
This does not represent a fault, it is a warning
that indicates that the filter has not been
able to regenerate automatically and that you
must perform a cleaning cycle, as indicated
below.
Accumulation of soot in the diesel engine
particulate filter*
If the control lamp lights up you should
help the filter clean itself by driving in the ap-
propriate manner.
To do this, drive about 15 minutes in fourth
or fifth gear (automatic gearbox: S gear
range) at a minimum speed of 60 km/h
(37 mph), with the engine running at approxi-
mately 2,000 rpm. In this way, the soot build
up in the filter is burned. When cleaning is
successful, the control lamp turns off.
If the lamp does not turn off, or the three
lamps turn on (particulate filter , fault in
the emission control system and glow
plugs ), drive the vehicle to a specialised
workshop and have the fault repaired at the
earliest opportunity. WARNING
Always drive according to the road weather
conditions, the t err
ain and traffic. Driving rec-
ommendations should never lead to illegal
manoeuvres in surrounding traffic. 170
Page 173 of 252

Driving
CAUTION
● Your v ehic
le is not designed to use biodie-
sel fuel. Never, under any circumstances re-
fuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel
could damage the engine and the fuel sys-
tem. The addition of biodiesel to diesel by
the diesel producer in accordance with stand-
ard EN 590 is authorised and will not cause
damage to the engine or the fuel system.
● Using diesel fuel with a high sulphur con-
tent ma
y significantly reduce the useful life of
the diesel particulate filter. Your Technical
Service will be able to tell you which coun-
tries have diesel with a high sulphur content. Engine management*
This warning lamp monitors the engine man-
ag
ement
sys
tem for petrol engines.
The warning lamp (Electronic Power Con-
trol) lights up when the ignition is switched
on while system operation is being verified. It
should go out once the engine is started.
If there is a fault in the electronic engine
management system while you are driving,
this warning lamp will light up. Take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop as soon as
possible and have the engine checked. Emission control system* Control lamp
flashes:
When ther
e is misfiring that can damage the
catalytic converter. Reduce speed and drive
carefully to the nearest specialised workshop
to have the engine checked.
The control lamp lights up:
If a fault has developed during driving which
has reduced the quality of the exhaust gas
(e.g. lambda probe fault). Reduce speed and
drive carefully to the nearest specialised
workshop to have the engine checked.
Engine pre-heating/fault system* The warning lamp lights up to show that the
glo
w p
lugs
are preheating the diesel engine.
The control lamp lights up
If the control lamp lights up when the en-
gine is started it means that the glow plugs
are preheating. The engine can be started
straight away when the lamp switches off.
Control lamp flashes
If a fault develops in the engine management
system while you are driving, the glow plug
system lamp will flash . Take the vehicle to
a specialised workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked. Driving tips
Driving abro
ad To drive abroad, the following must be taken
into con
s
ideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensure th
at 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. »
171
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Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 174 of 252

Operation
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
t o c
ert
ain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur-
ther information is available at any Technical
Service.
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-
in
g thr
ough w at
er, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
lower edge of
the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc., the br ak
ing 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
● Driving thr ough flooded ar
eas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system. ●
Whenever drivin g thr
ough water, the Start-
Stop system* must be switched off
››› page 172. Note
● Chec k the depth of the w
ater before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in an
y situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction may
splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar
t-
Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop function stops the engine
when the vehic
l
e 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 el
ease 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 will
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 keep the br
ake 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 wil
l start up again. The warning
lamp will switch off.
172
Page 175 of 252

Driver assistance systems
Start-Stop function conditions
● The driver seat belt must be buckled.
● The bonnet must be closed.
● The engine must be at operating tempera-
t ur
e.
● The s t
eering 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 comfor
t limits (A/C button should
be sel ect
ed).
● The w ind
screen de-mist function must be
off.
● If in an incr
ease in airflow is not request
ed.
● The temperature must not be set to HI or
LO .
● The driver door must be closed.
● The diesel particulate filter must not be in
regener
ation mode, for diesel engines.
● The battery charge must not be low for the
next st
art.
● 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 vehicl
e starts moving.
● The brake pedal is pressed several times in
a row.
● The b
attery has been discharged excessive-
ly.
● The Star
t-Stop System is manually deacti-
vated.
● The wind
screen de-mist function is turned
on.
● The temperature of the interior exceeds the
comfort
limits ( A/C button).
● If the airflow is increased by more than 3
pr e
sse
s.
● Temperature setting HI or LO is select
ed.
● The engine coolant temperature is insuffi-
cient.
● The altern
ator is faulty, for example the V-
belt has
ruptured.
● If any of the conditions described in the
previous
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. WARNING
Never allow the vehicle to move with the en-
gine off for 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. You need mor
e force to stop the vehi-
cle.
● Power steering does not work when the en-
gine is not ru
nning. That is why it is much
more difficult to turn the steering wheel.
● Turn off the Start-Stop system when driving
through water (f
ording streams, etc.). Note
● For v ehic
les 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 are not
fulfilled, the instrument pan-
el displays the Start-Stop indicator dimmed.
● If the steering wheel is turned more than
270°, it wil
l 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 disp
lay of indications on the
screen may differ. 173
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Page 176 of 252

Operation
Activating and deactivating the Start-
St op f
unction Fig. 174
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. 174 b
utton 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 star
ts immediately. Switching the Start-Stop function on manual-
ly
– Press the
› ››
Fig. 174
butt
on located on
the centre console. The warning lamp will
switch off.
Fatigue detection (break rec-
ommendation)* Introduction
››› t
able 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 sys t
em 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 drivin
g to their full capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of
the driver in all
circumstances. Consult the in-
formation in the section ››› page 175, System
limitations. ●
In some situation s, the sy
stem may incor-
rectly interpret an intended driving manoeu-
vre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the ef-
fect ca
lled microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the in-
strument panel
and act as is necessary. Note
● Fatigue detection h a
s been developed for
driving on motorways and well paved roads
only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it
checked b
y a specialised workshop. Function and operation
Fig. 175
On the instrument panel display: fa-
tigue det ection symbo
l. Fatigue detection determines the driving be-
h
av
iour of the driv
er when starting a journey,
174