Checking and refilling levels
types of oil will cause a higher soot concen-
tr ation and r
educe the life of the DPF. There-
fore:
● Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.
● Only in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oi
l level is too low ››› page 285 and
you cannot obtain the oil specified for your
vehicle, you can use a small quantity of oil
(once) conforming to the VW 506 00,
VW 506 01, VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or
ACEA B3/ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).
Checking engine oil level Fig. 222
Engine oil dipstick. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 48
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of
the oil. Checking oil level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Briefly run the engine at idle speed until
the operatin
g temperature is reached and
then stop.
– Wait for about two minutes.
– Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with
a cl
ean cloth and insert it again, pushing it
in as far as it will go.
– Then pull it out once more and check the oil
lev
el ››› Fig. 222. Top 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 must be carried out
cautiously.
● When working in the engine compartment,
alw
ays observe the safety warnings
››› page 282. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
s t
art the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a Technical Service. Topping up engine oil
Fig. 223
In the engine compartment: Engine
oi l
filler cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 48
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe
the warnings ››› in Work in the engine
c omp
artment on page 283.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown
in the corresponding engine compartment il-
lustration ››› page 282.
Engine oil specification ›››
page 49. »
285
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil
c ome
s into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up. CAUTION
If the oil level is above the area A do not
s t
art the engine. This could result in damage
to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact
a specialised workshop. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Other w
ise oil can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an
en gine oi
l that conforms to the correspond-
ing VW specifications and recommend keep-
ing it in the vehicle. This way, the correct en-
gine oil will always be available for a top-up if
needed. Changing engine oil
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 48.
The engine oil must be changed at the inter-
vals given in the service schedule. We recommend that you have the engine oil
ch
anged by a Technical Service.
The oil change intervals are shown in the
Maintenance Programme. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
h av
e the specialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serv
e the warnings ››› page 282.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
ma
y cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as
acid burns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
fing
ers, keep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
cont
act with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
st
ored in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
Thi s
could result in engine damage. Any dam-
age caused by the use of such additives
would not be covered by the factory warranty. For the sake of the environment
● Bec
ause of disposal problems and the spe-
cial tools and specialist knowledge required,
we recommend that you have the engine oil
and filter changed by a Technical Service.
● Never pour oil down drains or into the
grou
nd.
● Use a suitable container when draining the
used oi
l. It must be large enough to hold all
the engine oil. Cooling system
Top
ping up coolant Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 49
Top up coolant when the level is below the
MIN (minimum) mark.
Checking coolant level
– Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
– Switch the ignition off.
– Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pan
sion tank. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be between the marks.
When the engine is hot, it may be slightly
above the upper mark.
286
Checking and refilling levels
Topping up coolant
– Wait for the engine to cool down.
– Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a c loth and c
arefully unscrew it to the left
››› .
– Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the e
xpansion tank, otherwise you
could damage the engine. If there is no
coolant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professio- nal assistance ››› .
– If there is still some coolant in the expan-
sion t
ank, top up to the upper mark.
– Top up with coolant until the level becomes
st
able.
– Screw the cap back on correctly.
Any
loss of coolant fluid normally indicates a
leak in the cooling system. Take the vehicle
straight to a specialised workshop to have
the cooling system examined. If there are no
leaks in the engine cooling system, a loss of
coolant can only occur if the coolant boils
and is forced out of the system as a result of
overheating. WARNING
● The c oo
ling system is under pressure. Do
not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns! ●
The antifr eez
e and coolant fluid can be a
health hazard. Therefore, the antifreeze
should be stored in the original container in a
safe place out of reach of children. Failure to
comply could result in poisoning.
● If working inside the engine compartment,
remember th
at, even when the ignition is
switched off, the radiator fan may start up au-
tomatically, and therefore there is a risk of in-
jury. WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the cool-
ant sy
stem, the engine may fail leading to se-
rious damage.
● Please make sure that the percentage of
ad
ditive is correct with respect to the lowest
expected ambient temperature in the zone in
which the vehicle is to be used.
● When the outside temperature is very low,
the coo
lant could freeze and the vehicle
would be immobilised. In this case, the heat-
ing would not work either and inadequately
dressed passengers could die of cold. CAUTION
Do not top up the expansion tank with cool-
ant fluid if
it is empty! Air could enter the
cooling system. In this case, stop driving.
Seek specialist assistance. Otherwise, there
is a risk of engine damage. CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed
w ith c
oolants 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-
pl
e but 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
en v
ironment. If any fluids are spilled, they
should be collected and correctly disposed
of, with respect to the environment. Brake fluid
Top
ping up brake fluid Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the
MIN and MAX markings. »
287
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
However, if the brake fluid level goes down
notic e
ably in a short time, or drops below the
MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake
system. Seek specialist assistance. A warn-
ing light on the instrument panel display
monitors the brake fluid level ››› page 106.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
reservoir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.
Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid
should be replaced are listed in the Mainte-
nance Programme. We recommend you have
it replaced at a SEAT Official Service, during
an Inspection Service. WARNING
● Br ak
e fluid should be stored in the closed
original container in a safe place out of reach
of children. Risk of poisoning!
● If the brake fluid is left in the system for
too lon
g and the brakes are subjected to
heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the
brake system. This would seriously affect the
efficiency of the brakes and the safety of the
vehicle. This may cause an accident. CAUTION
Brake fluid should not come into contact with
the v
ehicle paintwork, as it is abrasive. Windscreen washer reservoir
Chec k
ing and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50
Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.
The container for the windscreen washer con-
tains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen,
the rear window and the headlight washer
system*.
● Open the bonnet ›
›
›
page 282.
● The windscreen washer reservoir is marked
with the symbo
l on the cap.
● Check there is enough windscreen water in
the re
servoir.
Recommended windscreen wipers
● For the hottest seasons we recommend
summer G 052 184 A1 f
or clear glass. Propor-
tions of the mixture in the washer fluid tank:
1:100 (1 part concentrate per 100 parts wa-
ter).
● All year round, G 052 164 A2 for clear
gla
ss. Approximate proportion of the winter
mixture, up to -18°C (0°F): 1:2 (1 part con-
centrate per 2 parts water); otherwise, a 1:4 proportion of mixture in the washer fluid
tank.
C
apacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3 litres in
versions without headlight washer and 5 li-
tres in versions with headlight washer. WARNING
If the water from the windscreen washer does
not c
ontain enough anti-freeze, it may freeze
on the windscreen and rear window, reducing
forward and rear visibility.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer
cont
ains enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the
wind
screen wiper system unless you have
warmed the windscreen with the ventilation
system. The antifreeze could freeze on the
windscreen and reduce visibility. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
s imi
lar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by
SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the wat
er in the reservoir.288
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Do not mi
x cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely
certain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage!
● Not having windscreen wiper fluid reduces
vi
sibility through the windscreen, and leads
to loss of visibility in headlights in models
with headlight washer. Battery
Gener a
l information Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 50.
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment and is almost maintenance-free. It is
checked as part of the Inspection Service.
Nevertheless, check the terminals are clean
and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in
exceptional cases. When the battery is dis- connected, some of the vehicle's functions
are “lo
st” (››› table on page 289). These
functions will require resetting after the bat-
tery is reconnected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you
disconnect the battery Otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
FunctionReprogramming
One-touch function of
the electric windows››› page 128, One-touch
opening and closing.
Remote control key
If the vehicle does not re-
spond to the key, they
should be synchronised
››› page 120.
Digital clock››› page 104.
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few me-
tres, the warning lamp goes
out again. If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The
v
ehicle has a system for monitoring the
current consumption when the engine is left
unused for long periods of time ››› page 274.
Some functions, such as the interior lights, or
the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running
flat. These functions will come back on as
soon as the ignition is switched on and the
engine started. Winter conditions
Durin
g the winter, the starting power may be
reduced, and if necessary, the battery should
be charged ››› in Important safety warn-
in g
s for handling a vehicle battery on
page 290
Important safety warnings for han-
dling a
vehicle battery All work on batteries requires specialist
kno
wl
edge. Please refer to a SEAT Official
Service or a workshop specialising in batter-
ies: risk of burns or exploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to
change the fluid level of the battery. Other-
wise explosive gas is released from the bat-
tery that could cause an explosion.
Wear eye protection.
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear
protective gloves and eye protection. In the event
of electrolyte splashes, rinse off with plenty of
water.
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited.
The battery should only be charged in a well-ven-
tilated zone. Risk of explosion!
Keep children away from acid and batteries!»
289
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
WARNING
● When r ep
airing or working on the electrical
system, proceed as follows:
–1. Remove the key from the ignition. The
negative cable on the battery must be
disconnected.
– 2. When the repair is finished, reconnect
the negative pole of the battery.
● Switch off all electrical devices before re-
connectin
g the battery. Reconnect first the
positive cable and then the negative cable.
Never reverse the polarity of the connections.
This could cause an electrical fire.
● Ensure that the vent hose is always connec-
ted t
o the battery.
● Never use damaged batteries. This could
cau
se an explosion! Replace a damaged bat-
tery immediately. CAUTION
● Nev er di
sconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components. Charging the battery
Terminals for charging the battery are fitted
in the en
gine c
ompartment. –
Note the w
arnings ››› in Important safety
w arnin
gs for handling a vehicle battery on
page 290 and ››› .
– Switch off all electrical devices. Remove the
ignition k ey
.
– Raise the bonnet ››
› page 283.
– Open the battery cover.
– Connect the charger clamps as described
to the
positive pole of the battery (+) and
exclusively to an earth on the bodywork
(–).
– Only use a charger which is compatible for
use w
ith 12 V nominal voltage batteries.
The charge must not exceed a voltage of 15
V.
– Now connect the battery charger to the
pow
er socket and switch on.
– After charging the battery: switch off the
batt
ery charger and disconnect the power
socket cable.
– Finally disconnect the charger cables from
the batt
ery.
– Replace the battery cover correctly.
– Close the bonnet ››
› page 283.
Important: Before you charge the battery
make sure you read the manufacturer's in-
structions for using the battery charger. WARNING
Never charge a battery that has frozen: re-
p l
ace battery! Failure to do so may lead to an
explosion. Note
Use only the terminals in the engine compart-
ment t
o charge the battery. Replacing the battery
The new battery should have the same speci-
fic
ation
s (amperage, load and voltage) as the
used battery.
Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the
distribution of electrical energy ›››
page 274.
The power management function ensures
that the battery is charged much more effi-
ciently than on vehicles without a power
management system. To maintain this func-
tion after replacing the battery, we recom-
mend that the replacement battery used is of
the same make and type as the original fitted
battery. To make proper use of the power
management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to the
power management mode at a specialised
workshop.
290
Wheels
CAUTION
● Some v
ehicles, for example those with the
Start-Stop system* are fitted with a special
battery (AGM-type or EFB-type battery). If any
other type of battery is fitted, the Start-Stop
function may be considerably reduced and
the vehicle may not stop on repeated occa-
sions.
● Make sure that the vent hose is always at-
tac
hed to the original opening on the side of
the battery. Gases or battery acid can other-
wise escape and possibly cause damage.
● The battery holder and clamps must always
be corr
ectly secured.
● Before starting any work on the battery, al-
wa
ys observe the warnings listed under
››› page 289, Important safety warnings for
handling a vehicle battery .
● Do not forget to replace the battery cover-
ing
s, where applicable. It is a protection for
high temperatures. This in turn extends the
vehicle service life. For the sake of the environment
B atteries contain toxic substances includ-
in
g sulphuric acid and lead. They must be
disposed of appropriately and must not be
disposed of with ordinary household waste.
Make sure disconnected batteries cannot tip
over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt! Wheels
Wheel s
and tyres
General notes –
When driving with new ty r
es, be especially
careful during the first 500 km (300 miles).
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
ob
stacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the obstacle.
– Check from time to time if the tyres are
dam
aged (punctures, cuts, cracks or
dents). Remove any foreign objects embed-
ded in the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-
pl
aced immediately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as
pos
sible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so
that
they rotate in the same direction when
put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should
be st
ored in a cool, dry and preferably dark
place.
New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight
away and should therefore be “run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for
about the fir
st 500 km (300 miles). This will
also increase the useful life of the tyres.
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 tyres and rims is often not readily
visible. If you notice unusual vibration or the
car pulling to one side, this may indicate that
one of the tyres is damaged. Reduce speed
immediately if there is any reason to suspect
that damage may have occurred. Inspect the
tyres for damage. If no external damage is
visible, drive slowly and carefully to the near-
est specialised workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the di-
rection of rotation on single drive tyres. Al-
ways note the direction of rotation indicated
when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplan-
ing, excessive noise and wear.
Retrofitting accessories
If you wish to change or fit wheels, rims or
wheel trims, we recommend that you consult
with a SEAT Official Service centre for advice
regarding current techniques.
291
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
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