Advice
Checking levels Fig. 236
Diagram for the location of the various ele-
ments. From time to time, the levels of the different
fluid
s
in the
vehicle must be checked. Never
fill with incorrect fluids, otherwise serious
damage to the engine may be caused.
Coolant expansion tank
Engine oil level dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery
Windscreen washer reservoir
The checking and refilling of service fluids
are carried out on the components men- 1 2
3
4
5
6 tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in
››
›
page 267.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 285. Note
The layout of parts may vary depending on
the engine. Engine oil
Gener a
l
notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oil
th
at can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essen-
tial for the correct operation of the engine
and its long useful life, when topping up or
changing oil, use only those oils that comply
with VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in
the following page should appear on the con-
tainer of the service oil; when the container
displays the specific standards for petrol and
270
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
with c oo
lants which are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing
severe damage to the engine and the engine
cooling system.
● If the fluid in the expansion tank is not pur-
ple b
ut is, for example, brown, this indicates
that the G13 additive has been mixed with an
inadequate coolant. The coolant must be
changed as soon as possible if this is the
case! This could result in serious faults and
engine damage. For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the
env ir
onment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Chec k
in
g the brake fluid levelRead the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 57
The position of the brake fluid reservoir is
shown in the corresponding engine compart-
ment image ›››
page 270. The brake fluid res-
ervoir has a black and yellow cap. The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicl
e is being used as the brake pads are
automatically adjusted as they wear.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in
a short time, or drops below the “MIN” mark,
there may be a leak in the brake system. A
display on the instrument panel will warn you
if the brake fluid level is too low ››› page 117. WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake
fluid lev el, r
ead and observe the warnings
››› page 267. Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates brake
fluid c
h
an
ge intervals.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid
changed by a Technical Service.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and
follow the warnings ››› in safety notes for
w ork
in the en
gine compartment on
page 267 in section “Safety notes for work-
ing in the engine compartment”.
In the course of time, brake fluid becomes
hygroscopic and absorbs water from the am-
bient air. If the water content in the brake flu-
id is too high, the brake system could cor-
rode. This also considerably reduces the boil-
ing point of the brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour lock which
coul
d impair the braking effect.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid.
Only use brake fluid that expressly meets the
VW 501 14 standard.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid
in a SEAT dealership or a SEAT Official Serv-
ice. If none is available, use only high-quality
brake fluid that meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards, or USA Standards FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one
that is not of a high quality may affect opera-
tion of the brake system and reduce its effec-
tiveness. Never use a brake fluid if the con-
tainer does not state that it complies with VW
501 14, DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or
USA standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4. WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid im-
pair s
the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the
brake fluid l
evel, read and observe the warn-
ings ››› page 267.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed
original
container in a safe place out of reach
of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Perform the brake fluid change according to
the Mainten
ance Programme. Heavy use of
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the
brake fluid is left in the brake system for too » 275
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
