Advice
Engine compartment Chec k
ing levels Fig. 221
Diagram for the location of the various
el ements. 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 dipstick
Engine oil filler cap
Brake fluid reservoir
Vehicle battery (underneath the cover)
Windscreen washer reservoir
1 2
3
4
5
6 The checking and refilling of service fluids
ar
e c
arried out on the components men-
tioned above. These operations are descri-
bed in ››› page 282.
Overview
You will find further explanations, instruc-
tions and restrictions on the technical speci-
fications as of ››› page 301. Work in the engine compartment Read the additional information carefully
› ›
› page 11
Always be aware of the danger of injury and
scalding as well as the risk of accident or fire
when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Al-
ways observe the warnings listed below and
follow all general safety precautions. The en-
gine compartment of the vehicle is a poten-
tially hazardous area ››› .
282
Advice
WARNING
● For s
afety reasons the bonnet must always
be completely closed when the vehicle is
moving. Therefore, after closing the bonnet,
always check that the locking element is
properly engaged. This is the case if the bon-
net is flush with the adjacent body panels.
● Should you notice that the bonnet is not
saf
ely secured when the vehicle is moving,
stop the vehicle immediately and close the
bonnet. Failure to follow this instruction
could result in an accident. Engine oil
Gener a
l notes The engine comes with a special, multi-grade
oi
l
that 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
diesel engines together, it means that the oil
can be used for both types of engines. We recommend that the oil change indicated
in the Maint
enance Programme, be per-
formed by a technical service or specialised
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine
are listed in the ›››
page 49, Oil proper-
ties.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife
service) or fixed (dependent on time/dis-
tance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the
Maintenance Programme booklet is PR QI6,
this means that your vehicle has the LongLife
service programmed. If it lists the codes QI1,
QI2, QI3, QI4 or QI7, the interval service is
dependent on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife service
intervals*)
Special oils and processes have been devel-
oped which, depending on the characteris-
tics and individual driving profiles, enable
the extension of the oil change service (Long-
Life service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the
service intervals, it must only be used ob-
serving the following indications:
● Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service in-
ter
vals. ●
Only
in exceptional circumstances, if the
engine oil level is too low ››› page 285 and
LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to
top up (once) with oil for fixed service inter-
vals ›››
page 49 (up to a maximum of 0.5
litres).
Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife
service interval” or it has been disabled (by
request), you may use oils for fixed service
intervals, which also appear in
››› page 49, Oil properties
. In this case,
your vehicle must be serviced after a fixed in-
terval of 1 year/15,000 km (10,000 miles)
(whatever comes first) ››› Booklet Mainte-
nance Programme.
● In exceptional circumstances, if the engine
oil
level is too low ››› page 285 and you can-
not obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can add a small quantity of oil conform-
ing to the specification ACEA A2 or ACEA A3
(petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (die-
sel engines) (up to 0.5 l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
The Maintenance Programme states whether
your vehicle is fitted with a diesel particulate
filter.
Only VW 507 00 engine oil, with reduced ash
formation, may be used in diesel engines
equipped with particulate filter. Using other
284
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
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
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
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