Operation
situations the torque delivered to the inner
wheel i
s 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
grip on the front axle, resulting in understeer
or “lengthening” of the trajectory.
The XDS system can detect and correct this
effect via the sensors and signals of the ESC.
Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside
wheel and counter the excess driving torque
of that wheel. This means that the driver's
desired trajectory is much more precise.
The XDS system works in combination with
the ESC and is always active, even when ASR
traction control is disconnected, or the ESC in
Sport mode or disconnected.
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can
help the driver by braking to avoid the risk of
skidding during the accident, which could
lead to further collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side
or rear accidents, when the airbag control
unit records its activation level and the acci-
dent takes place at a speed of over 10 km/h
(6 mph). The ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not dam-
aged the ESC, the brake hydraulics or the on-
board network The following actions control automatic brak-
ing durin
g the accident:
● When the driver presses the accelerator,
the autom
atic braking does not take place.
● When the braking pressure through press-
ing the br
ake pedal is greater than the sys-
tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake
automatically.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available
if E
SC is malfunctioning. WARNING
● The E SC, ABS, ASR, ED
S and the electronic
torque control system cannot exceed the lim-
its imposed by the laws of physics. Always
bear this in mind, especially on wet or slip-
pery roads. If you notice the systems cutting
in, you should reduce your speed immediate-
ly to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do
not be encouraged to take risks by the pres-
ence of more safety systems. If you do, an ac-
cident may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk al-
wa
ys increases if you drive fast, especially in
corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow
too close behind the vehicle in front of you.
The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDS and the elec-
tronic torque control system cannot prevent
accidents: risk of accidents!
● Accelerate with caution on slippery surfa-
ce
s (for example, icy or snow-covered). De-
spite the control systems, the driven wheels could spin, affecting the stability of the vehi-
c
l
e: risk of accident! Note
● The ABS and ASR w
ill only operate correctly
if the four wheels have identical tyres. Any
differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power
when this is not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems
can m
ake noises when they intervene.
● If the warning lamp lights
up, or alter-
natively, there could be a fault ››› page 106. Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when
the en
gine i
s started, and only works when
the engine is running and includes the ABS,
EDS and ASR systems.
The ASR function should only be switched off
in situations in which traction is insufficient,
including:
● When driving in deep snow or on surfaces
that
are not very firm.
● To “free” the vehicle if it gets stuck.
Then swit
ch the ASR function back on.
174
Operation
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
t urn t
o a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures ››› page 292 to save fuel. If
the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation also increa-
ses tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
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.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerody-
namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. At speeds of 100-120
km/h (62-75 mph), this will save 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off
any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat
heating*.
Engine management and ex-
hau
st gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec
ause 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
arou
nd the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , , or re-
m
ain lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
3 Ap
plies to vehicles with petrol engine
The
vehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter 3 Ap
p
lies to vehicles with diesel engine
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. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
186
Driver assistance systems
with the operation of the Park Assist system
and c
au
se damage.
● The Park Assist system uses as a reference
park
ed vehicles, curbs and other objects.
Make sure that the tyres and wheels are not
damaged while parking. If necessary, oppor-
tunely interrupt the parking manoeuvre to
avoid damaging the vehicle.
● The ultrasound sensors on the bumper may
be dam
aged or shifted in the event of a colli-
sion, for example, when entering or exiting a
parking space.
● If you use high-pressure or vapour equip-
ment t
o clean the ultrasound sensors, do not
apply it directly unless very briefly and al-
ways from a distance of more than 10 cm.
● A registration plate or plate holder on the
front
with larger than the space for the regis-
tration plate, or a registration plate that is
curved or warped can cause:
– false detections,
– loss of sensor visibility,
– cancellation of the parking manoeuvre or
defective parking.
● If one of the ultrasonic sensors is damaged,
the are
a corresponding to that group of sen-
sors (front or rear) is deactivated and cannot
be activated until the fault is corrected. How-
ever, you can still use the sensors of the oth-
er bumper as per usual. If there is a fault in
the system, consult a specialist workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership
for this. Note
● In or der t
o guarantee good system opera-
tion, keep the ultrasound sensors of the
bumper clean, free of snow or ice, and do not
cover them with adhesives or other objects.
● Certain sources of noise, such as rough as-
pha
lt or paving stones and the noise of other
vehicles can induce the Park Assist system or
ParkPilot to give erroneous warnings.
● In order to become familiar with the system
and its
functions, SEAT recommends that you
practice operating the Park Assist system in
an area where there is not too much traffic or
in a car park. Description of the Park Assist system
Fig. 200
At the top of the centre console: but-
t on t
o switch on the Park Assist system. The components of Park Assist system are
the u
ltr
asonic sensors located in the front and rear bumpers, the
› ››
Fig. 200
button
to switch the system on and off and the mes-
sages on the instrument panel display.
Prematurely stopping or automatically inter-
rupting the manoeuvres for parking or exit-
ing a parking space
Park Assist interrupts the manoeuvres for
parking or exiting a parking space in any of
the following cases:
● Button is pressed.
● The speed exceeds approximately 7 km/h
(4 mph).
● The driver takes hold of the steering wheel.
● The parking manoeuvre does not end with-
in ap pr
oximately 6 minutes following activa-
tion of the automatic steering.
● There is a fault in the system (the system is
tempor
arily unavailable).
● ASR is switched off.
● ASR or ESC intervene with regulation.
● The driver door is opened.
To r
estart the manoeuvre it is necessary that
none of these things occur and that button is pressed again.
»
233
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Operation
Tow rope
The t o
w rope must always be securely fixed
to the towing vehicle and loose enough so
that the vehicle can handle turns smoothly.
However, make sure that the cable does not
rub on the ground while driving.
Trailer rear lights
Always check the trailer's rear lights to en-
sure they are working correctly and that they
comply with the relevant safety regulations.
Make sure that the maximum permissible
power that can be absorbed by the trailer is
not exceeded ››› page 257.
Connection to the anti-theft system
The trailer is included in the anti-theft system
if the following conditions are met: ● If the vehicle is factory-equipped with an
anti-theft
alarm and towing bracket.
● If the trailer is electrically connected to the
to
wing vehicle through the trailer power
socket.
● If the electrical systems of the vehicle and
trai
ler are in perfect condition and have no
faults or damage.
● If the vehicle is locked with the key and the
anti-theft
alarm is activated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is trig-
gered if the electrical connection with the
trailer is cut off. Before hitching or unhitching a trailer, always
turn off
the anti-theft alarm. Otherwise, the
tilt sensor could cause the alarm to go off.
Trailers with LED rear lights
For technical reasons, trailers fitted with LED
rear lights cannot be connected to the anti-
theft alarm system.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm does
not go off when the electrical connection with
the trailer is cut if it has rear lights with light-
emitting diodes.
If the Eco driving profile was selected when
hitching the trailer, this will automatically
switch to the Normal profile. If the system
cannot detect the attached trailer or if the
towing bracket has been retrofitted by an au-
to repair shop other than SEAT, you must
manually select the Normal profile before you
start driving with a trailer attached. To recon-
nect the Eco profile once the trailer has been
unhitched, switch the ignition off and back
on once. WARNING
If the cables are improperly or incorrectly
c onnect
ed, it may lead to an excessive
amount of current supplied to the trailer,
which can cause abnormalities in the entire
vehicle electronic system, as well as acci-
dents and serious injuries. ●
En s
ure that any repairs that need to be car-
ried out on the electrical system are carried
out by a specialised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system
directly
to the electrical connections of the
tail lights or any other power sources. WARNING
Contact between the pins of the trailer power
soc k
et can cause short circuits, overloading
of the electrical system or failure of the light-
ing system, and consequently can cause acci-
dents and serious injuries.
● Never connect the pins of the trailer power
sock
et to each other.
● Make sure any work on bent pins is carried
out b
y a specialised workshop. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
c l
e when parked; place it on its support
wheel or its supports. If the vehicle rises or
falls due, for example, to a variation of the
load or a burst tyre, increased pressure will
be placed on the towing bracket and the trail-
er, and both the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. Note
● In c a
se of malfunctioning of the electrical
systems of the vehicle or trailer, as well as of 260
Towing bracket device*
the anti-theft system, have these checked out
b
y
a specialised workshop.
● If the trailer accessories consume energy
through the po
wer socket to the trailer and
the engine is turned off, the battery will dis-
charge.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the
electric
al connection with the trailer will be
automatically cut. Loading a trailer
Technically permissible maximum trailer
w
eight
and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice
The technically permissible maximum trailer
weight is the weight that the vehicle can tow
››› . The vertical load on the coupling load
i s
exerted vertically from above on the tow
hitch of the towing bracket ››› page 303.
The information on the maximum trailer
weight and vertical load on the coupling de-
vice contained in the type plate of the towing
bracket are experimental values only. The
correct figures for your specific model, which
may be lower than these figures, are given in
the vehicle documentation. The information
in the vehicle documentation takes prece-
dence at all times.
To promote safety while driving, SEAT recom-
mends making the most of the maximum ver-tical load
technically permissible on the cou-
p
ling device ››› page 255. An insufficient ver-
tical load has a negative influence on the be-
haviour of both the vehicle and trailer.
The vertical load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle's carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight of the towing ve-
hicle and trailer
The gross combination weight is the actual
weight of the loaded vehicle plus the actual
weight of the loaded trailer.
In some countries trailers are classified into
distinct categories. SEAT recommends ob-
taining information from a specialised work-
shop regarding which type of trailer is most
suitable for your vehicle.
Trailer loading
The weight of the towing vehicle and trailer
must be balanced. In order to do this, the
load must be as close as possible to the max-
imum vertical load technically permissible on
the coupling point, and it must be evenly dis-
tributed between the back and front of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
ob
jects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Secure the trailer load properly. Tyre pressure
Set the ty
re pressure of the trailer tyres in ac-
cordance with the trailer manufacturer's rec-
ommendations.
When towing a trailer, inflate the tyres of the
towing vehicle with the maximum allowable
pressure ››› page 292. WARNING
If the maximum permissible axle weight, the
m ax
imum load technically permissible on the
coupling point, the maximum authorised ve-
hicle weight or the gross combination weight
of the towing vehicle and trailer are excee-
ded, accidents and serious injuries may oc-
cur.
● Never exceed the values indicated!
● The actual weight on the front and rear
axl
es must never exceed the maximum per-
missible axle weight. The weight on the front
and rear axles must never exceed the maxi-
mum permissible weight. WARNING
A shift in weight could jeopardize the stabili-
ty and sec
urity of the towing vehicle and
trailer, which could lead to accidents and se-
rious injuries.
● Always load the trailer correctly.
● Always secure the load properly using belts
or str
aps that are suitable and in good condi-
tion. 261
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Care and maintenance
Automatic car washes
B ef
ore going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and roof. If the vehicle has spe-
cial accessories such as spoilers or a roof
rack or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisa-
ble to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving
bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure
cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the
spraying distance. Do not hold the nozzle too
close to soft materials such as rubber hoses
or seals. The same applies to the parking aid
sensors*, which are located in the rear bump-
er.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove or brush using only slight pressure.
You should start on the roof and work down. Special car
soap should only be used for very
persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
● The v
ehicle should only be washed with the
ignition switched off. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the
ins
ide of wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter
sea
son: water and ice in the brake system
can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Do not w
ash the vehicle in direct sunlight –
otherwise the paint can be damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household
spon
ges or similar to clean insect remains.
This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from
the hea
dlights at regular intervals, for in-
stance when filling the fuel tank. The head-
lights should only be washed with water, do not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It
i
s
best to use soapy water.
● Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the
wat
er out in a direct stream. This could dam-
age the tyres even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car w
ash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand,
always use the electrical power control. CAUTION
● Bef
ore washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please proceed as follows to lock
the wiper arms so that they are not moved to-
wards the top of the windscreen:
–the bonnet must be closed.
– switch the ignition on and off.
– press the windscreen wiper lever forward
briefly (windscreen washer function).
This will lock the wiper arms. For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special
w a
sh bays. These areas are prepared to pre-
vent oily water from getting into the public
drains. In some places, washing vehicles out-
side the areas intended for this purpose is
prohibited. 267
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Tyre useful life Fig. 224
Location of the tyre pressure sticker. Correct inflation pressures and sensible driv-
in
g h
abits will increase the useful life of your
tyres.
– Check tyre pressure at least once a month,
and also prior t
o any long trip.
– The tyre pressure should only be checked
when the tyr
es are cold. Do not reduce the
pressure of warm tyres.
– Adjust tyre pressure to the load being car-
ried by
the vehicle. –
In v
ehicles with a tyre pressure indicator,
save the pressure of modified tyres
››› page 295, ››› page 292.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from
time to time.
The u
seful life of your tyres depends on the
following factors:
Tyre pressure
The tyre inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker inside the driver door pillar
››› Fig. 224.
Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly re-
duces the useful life of the tyres and adverse-
ly affects vehicle performance and ride. Cor-
rect inflation pressures are very important,
especially at high speeds.
Depending on the vehicle, tyre pressure can
be adjusted to medium load to improve driv-
ing comfort (“comfort” tyre pressure). When
driving with comfort tyre pressure fuel con-
sumption may increase slightly.
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according
to the load the vehicle is carrying. If the vehi-
cle is going to carry the maximum load, the
tyre pressure should be increased to the max-
imum value indicated on the sticker
››› Fig. 224. Do not forget the spare wheel when checking
the tyr
e pressures: Keep this spare wheel in-
flated to the highest pressure required for the
road wheels.
In the case of a minimised temporary spare
wheel (125/70 R18) inflate to a pressure of
4.2 bar as indicated on the tyre pressure la-
bel ››› Fig. 224.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard
braking (squealing tyres) all increase tyre
wear.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced.
However, certain circumstances may lead to
imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vi-
brations in the steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as
they otherwise cause excessive wear on
steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted
or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect running gear alignment causes ex-
cessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the
vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, you
should check wheel alignment at a SEAT Offi-
cial Service.
292
Wheels
WARNING
● Alw
ays adapt the tyre pressure accordingly
when the vehicle load changes.
● A tyre with low air pressure has to flex a lot
more when the
vehicle is heavily loaded or at
high speeds, therefore causing overheating
to occur. Under these conditions, the tyre
bead may be released or the tyre may burst.
Risk of accident! For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-
s umption. Wear indicators
Fig. 225
Tyre tread: tread wear indicators Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is
w
orn. The origin
al tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm high “tre
ad wear indicators” running
across the tread. Depending on the manufac-
turer, there will be 6 to 8 of them spaced at
equal distances around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters
“TWI” or a triangle) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators.
The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next
to the tread wear indicators). (Different fig-
ures may apply in other countries.) WARNING
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when
the tr e
ad is worn down to the tread wear indi-
cators. Failure to follow this instruction could
result in an accident.
● Especially in difficult driving conditions
suc
h as wet or icy roads. It is important that
the tyre tread be as deep as possible and be
approximately the same on the tyres of both
the front and the rear axles.
● The scant driving safety due to insufficient
tre
ad depth is particularly evident in vehicle
handling, when there is a risk of “aquaplan-
ing” in deep puddles of water and when driv-
ing through corners, and braking is also ad-
versely affected.
● The speed has to be adapted accordingly,
otherw
ise there is a risk of losing control over
the vehicle. Changing wheels
Fig. 226
Interchanging tyres. To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheel
s
should be changed round from
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 226. The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the same time.
New tyres or new wheels –
All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of
the s ame type, s
ize (rolling circumference)
and preferably the same tread pattern.
– Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs
and not indiv
idually (i.e. both front tyres or
both rear tyres together).
– Do not use tyres whose effective size ex-
ceed
s the dimensions of the factory-ap-
proved makes of tyre. »
293
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety