2017 SEAT IBIZA ST maintenance

Driving
exhaust can come into contact with flamma-
bl
e m
aterials under the car (e.g. on grass or
at the forest edge). Fire hazard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle
around the ar
ea of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , ,  or  r
e-
m ain lit, ther

e may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
To maintain the useful life of the catalytic
c
on
v

erter
– Use only unleaded petrol with petrol en-
gines, as

lead 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 muc

h engine oil ››› page 203, Top-
ping up engine oil.
– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump
lea

ds 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 wi

ll light up when any of the described
symptoms occur ››› page 98. If this happens,
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system
and escape into the environment. The cata-
lytic converter can also be damaged by over-
heating. CAUTION
Never run the fuel tank completely dry be-
cau se the irr

egularity 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
work in

g perfectly, 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. 161
Vehicle data sticker on back cover of
the M aint
en

ance Programme. Your vehicle is fitted with a DPF (Diesel Partic-
u
l
at

e Filter) if the vehicle data sticker (back
cover of the “Maintenance Programme”) lists
the code PR 7GG ››› Fig. 161.
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
obstructed 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. »
167
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Driving
Driving tips Driv in
g abr
oadTo drive abroad, the following must be taken
into c
on

sideration:
● For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter
ensur
e that 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.
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers
to certain parts of the headlight lenses. Fur- ther information is available at any Technical
Servic

e.
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-
ing thr
ough w

ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the
low er edg

e of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed. WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge,
etc ., the br

aking 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
● Drivin g thr

ough flooded areas may severely
damage vehicle components such as the en-
gine, transmission, running gear or electrical
system. ●
Whenever driv in

g through water, the Start-
Stop system* must be switched off
››› page 170. Note
● Chec k the depth of

the water before enter-
ing the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the en
gine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction ma
y splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). 169
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
Accessories, replacement of parts and
modifications Your vehicle is designed to offer a high
s
t
and

ard of active and passive safety.
Before purchasing accessories and parts,
and before making technical changes to your
vehicle, we recommend that you consult your
Technical Service.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide
you with the latest information about the
use, legal requirements and recommenda-
tions from the manufacturer regarding acces-
sories and spare parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved
Accessories ®
and SEAT Approved Spare
Parts ®
. This way, SEAT can guarantee that
the product in question is suitable, reliable
and safe. SEAT Technical Services have the
necessary experience and facilities to ensure
that parts are correctly and professionally in-
stalled. Despite a continuous observation of the mar-
ket, S

EAT is not able to assess the reliability,
safety and suitability of parts that SEAT has
not approved . For this reason, SEAT cannot
assume responsibility for any non-genuine
parts used, even if these parts have been ap-
proved by an official testing agency or are
covered by an official approval certificate.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
impact on the driver's control of the vehicle,
such as a cruise control system or electroni-
cally-controlled suspension, must be ap-
proved by SEAT for use in your vehicle and
bear the e mark (the European Union's au-
thorisation symbol).
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, such as refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans, they must bear the CE mark
(European Union manufacturer conformity
declaration). WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders
or cup ho l

ders, should never be fitted on the
covers, or within the working range, of the
airbags. Otherwise, there is a danger of in-
jury if the airbag is triggered in an accident. Modifications
Modifications must always be carried out ac-
cor
din

g to our specifications. Unauthorised
modifications to the electronic components
or software in the vehicle may cause malfunc-
tions. Due to the way the electronic compo-
nents are linked together in networks, other
indirect systems may be affected by the
faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead
to excessive wear of components, and also
invalidate your vehicle registration docu-
ments.
SEAT Technical Services cannot be held liable
for any damage caused by modifications
and/or work incorrectly performed. For this
reason, we recommend having all work per-
formed by a SEAT Technical Service using
SEAT ®
Original Spare Parts. WARNING
Any type of work or modification performed
incorr ectly

on your vehicle can lead to mal-
functions and can cause accidents. Roof aerial*
The vehicle can be fitted with a foldable* and
anti-thef
t* r
oof

aerial which can be folded
backwards, for example when going through
an automatic car wash. »
187
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
To fold
Un s
c
rew the aerial rod, tilting it backwards
into a horizontal position and then screw in
again.
To return to working position
Continue in the reverse order to the previous
instruction. CAUTION
If an automatic car wash tunnel is used, be-
for e ent

ering the tunnel, put the aerial down
parallel to the roof and do not tighten to
avoid damage. Mobile phones and two-way radios
SEAT has approved for your vehicle the use of
mo
b
i

le telephones and two-way radios pro-
viding under the following conditions:
● The external aerial should be correctly in-
stal
led.
● The transmitting power should be a maxi-
mum 10 watts.
The optimal

reach of the equipment is only
achieved with an external aerial.
First consult your Technical Service if you
wish to use a mobile telephone or a two-way
radio with a transmitting power output in ex-
cess of 10 watts. Here you will receive infor- mation concerning the technical possibilities
for retr

ofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios
should be only fitted by a specialised work-
shop, for example a SEAT dealership. WARNING
● Alw a

ys concentrate primarily on driving. If
you are distracted while driving you could
have an accident.
● Never attach the telephone mountings to
the surf
aces covering the airbag units or
within the range of the airbags. There is a
high danger of injury if the airbag is trig-
gered.
● Using your mobile telephones or two-way
radio
s in the vehicle without an external aer-
ial, electromagnetic radiation in the vehicle
could exceed authorised limits. This also may
occur to external aerials that have not been
correctly installed. CAUTION
Failure to consider the above-mentioned con-
ditions c

ould cause the electronics to mal-
function. The most common causes of faults
are:
● no external aerial,
● external aerial incorrectly installed,
● transmitting power output in excess of 10
watts. Note
Please observe the operating instructions of
your mo b

ile telephone/two-way radio. Care and cleaning
Genera l

notes Vehicle maintenance
Re
gu

lar care and washing help to maintain
the value of the vehicle. This may also be one
of the requirements for acknowledging war-
ranty claims in the event of bodywork corro-
sion or paint defects.
The best way to protect your vehicle against
the harmful effects of the environment is
through correct maintenance and frequent
washing. The longer substances such as in-
sect remains, bird droppings, resinous tree
sap, road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or
road salt and other aggressive materials re-
main on the vehicle, the more damage they
do to the paintwork. High temperatures, for
instance in strong sunlight, further intensify
the corrosive effect.
After winter, a period when salt is put on the
roads, it is important to have the underside
of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
188

Care and maintenance
Products for vehicle maintenance
C ar
-c
are products are available in your Tech-
nical Services. Keep the product instructions
until you have used them up. WARNING
● Car -c

are products can be toxic. Because of
this, they must always be kept closed in their
original container. Keep them out of the reach
of children. Failure to comply could result in
poisoning.
● Always read and observe the instructions
and warning
s on the package before using
car-care products. Improper use could cause
health problems or damage the vehicle. The
use of certain products may produce noxious
vapours; they should be used in well ventila-
ted areas.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail
varnish r
emover or other volatile fluids.
These are toxic and highly flammable. Risk of
fire and explosion.
● Before washing your vehicle, or carrying
out any
maintenance, switch the engine off,
apply the handbrake firmly and remove the
key from the ignition. CAUTION
Never attempt to remove dirt, mud or dust if
the sur f

ace of the vehicle is dry. Never use a
dry cloth or sponge for cleaning purposes.
This could damage the paintwork or the win-
dows of your vehicle. Soak dirt, mud or dust
with plenty of water. For the sake of the environment
● When pur c

hasing car care products, try to
select ones that are not harmful to the envi-
ronment.
● The waste from car-care products should
not be dis
posed of with ordinary household
waste. Observe the disposal information on
the package. Care of the vehicle exterior
Autom atic

car wash tunnel The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the
v
ehic
l

e can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, the paintwork wear depends to a
large extent on the kind of the car wash tun-
nel, the brushes used, its water filtering and
the type of cleaning and preservative prod-
ucts.
Before going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and sunroof. There is nothing to
note apart from that.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as
spoilers or a roof rack or two-way radio aerial,
etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash
tunnel operator first. After washing, the brake

s could take some
time to respond as the brake discs and pads
could be wet, or even frozen in winter. “Dry”
the brakes by braking several times. WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduc e br

aking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. CAUTION
Before putting the vehicle through the car
wa sh, do not

tighten the aerial if it is folded
because it can be damaged. Hand-washing
Vehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with wa-
ter
.
– C

lean your vehicle from top to bottom with
a soft s
ponge, a glove or a brush. Use very
light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean
water

.
– Special car shampoo should only be used
for v

ery stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last,
usin

g a different sponge or glove. »
189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
Stickers attached by the factory Follow these directions to avoid damaging
the stic
k
ers:
● Do not use high pressure cleaners.
● To remove ice or snow from the stickers do
not use w
indow scrapers or ice scrapers.
● Do not polish the stickers.
● Do not use dirty cloths or sponges.
● Preferably wash using a soft sponge and
soft neutr
al soap.
Sensors and camera lenses ●
Use a small brush to remove snow and a
de-ic er s
pr

ay to remove ice.
● Clean the sensors with a solvent-free prod-
uct and a soft, dr
y cloth.
● Moisten the camera lens using a standard
alcohol-b
ased glass cleaning agent and
clean the lens with a dry cloth. CAUTION
● When y ou c

lean the vehicle with a pressure
washer:
–Stay a suitable distance from the sensors
on the front and rear bumpers.
– Do not clean the camera lenses or sur-
rounding area with the pressure washer. ●
Never u se w

arm or hot water to remove
snow and ice from the reverse camera lens,
as it could crack the lens.
● Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the
lens. Vehicle paint maintenance
Regular waxing protects the paintwork.
You need t
o ap

ply wax to your vehicle if water
does not form small drops and run off the
paintwork when it is clean.
Good quality hard wax products are available
at your Technical Service.
Regular wax applications help to protect the
paintwork from environmental contaminants
››› page 188. It is also effective in protecting
against minor scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the
vehicle washing tunnel, it is advisable to pro-
tect the paint with a hard wax coating at least
twice a year.
Polishing the paintwork Polishing is only necessary if the paint has
lo
s
t

its shine, and the gloss cannot be
brought back by applying wax. Polishing
products can be purchased in your Technical
Service. The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if
the polish u

sed does not contain wax com-
pounds to seal the paint ››› page 191, Vehicle
paint maintenance . CAUTION
To prevent damage to the paintwork:
● Do not use polishes and hard wax on pain-
ted p ar

ts with a matt finish or on plastic
parts.
● Do not polish your vehicle in a sandy or
dusty
environment. Caring for plastic parts
If normal washing fails to clean plastic parts,
c
l
e

an them with approved solvent-free plas-
tic cleaning and care products. CAUTION
● The use of li

quid air freshener directly over
the air vents of the vehicle may damage the
plastic parts if the liquid is accidentally spil-
led.
● Cleaning products which contain solvents
wil
l damage the material. 191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
CAUTION
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
● Never use an abrasive cleaning product on
chr ome.
● Do not
clean or polish chrome parts in a
sandy or du
sty environment. Steel wheel rims
–
Clean steel wheel rims regularly using a
separ at

e sponge.
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake
dust. Any damage to the paint on steel wheel
rims should be repaired before starting to
rust. WARNING
● Never w a

sh tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even
at large spraying distances and short clean-
ing times, damage can occur to the tyres.
This may cause an accident.
● Water, ice and salt on the brake system can
reduce br
aking effectiveness. Risk of acci-
dent. Directly after washing, avoid sudden
and sharp braking. “Dry” the brakes by brak-
ing several times ››› page 149, Braking ca-
pacity and braking distance . Alloy wheel rims
Every two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy
wheels.
– Use an ac

id free detergent to clean the
wheel rims.
Ev

ery 3 months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.
Allo
y wheels require regular attention to pre-
serve their appearance. If road salt and brake
dust are not often removed, the aluminium
finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy
wheel rims.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should
not be used for maintaining the rims. If the
protective coating is damaged, e.g. by flying
stones, the damaged area should be re-
paired immediately. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in Steel
wheel rims on p
age 193. Vehicle underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it
fr
om c
hemic

al and mechanical damage. The protective coating can be damaged when
driving.

We recommend that you check the
protective coating under the body and on the
running gear, and retouch it if necessary, be-
fore and after the winter season.
We recommend that you go to your Technical
Service to carry out repair work and addition-
al anti-corrosion work. WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion
co atin

gs to the exhaust pipes, catalytic con-
verter or the heat shields on the exhaust sys-
tem. The heat of the exhaust system or the
engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of
fire. Cleaning engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine
c
omp
ar

tment.
Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of
the power unit are given anti-corrosion treat-
ment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly im-
portant in winter when the vehicle is fre-
quently driven on salted roads. To prevent
the salt corroding the vehicle, the entire en-
gine compartment should be thoroughly
cleaned before and after winter. »
193
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
Cleaning leather* Normal cleaning
–
Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with wa-
ter and w ipe o
ver the leather surfaces.
Cleaning stubborn stains
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a
mild so

ap solution (pure liquid soap; two
tablespoons diluted in one litre of water)
and a cloth.
– Do not let the water soak through the leath-
er or soak int

o the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Leather m
aintenance
– The leather should be treated twice a year
with a spec

ial leather-care product, availa-
ble at Technical Services.
– Apply these products very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft cloth.
SEAT doe
s everything possible to preserve
the genuine qualities of this natural product.
Due to the natural properties of the specially
selected hides employed, the finished leath-
er has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt,
etc. so a degree of care is required in every-
day use and when looking after the leather.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can
scratch and damage the surface. If the vehi- cle is under solar radiation for long periods,
the leather shou

ld be protected to prevent it
from fading. However, slight colour variations
in high-quality natural leather are normal. CAUTION
● Do not u se so

lvents, wax polish, shoe
cream, spot removers or similar products on
leather.
● To avoid damage, stubborn stains should
be remov
ed by a specialised workshop. Seat belt cleaning
A dirty belt may not work properly. Check all
se
at
belts

regularly and keep them clean.
Seat belts cleaning
– Pull the dirty seat belt right out and unroll
it.
– Cl

ean dirty seat belts with a gentle so
ap
solution.
– Allow it to dry.
– Do not roll the seat belt up until it is dry.
If lar
ge stains form on the belts, the automat-
ic belt retractor will not work correctly. WARNING
● Do not u se c

hemical cleaning agents on the
seat belts, as this can impair the strength of
the webbing. Ensure that seat belts do not
come into contact with corrosive fluids.
● Check the condition of the seat belts at reg-
ular int
ervals. If you notice that the belt web-
bing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle
of any of the belts is damaged, the belt must
be replaced by a specialised workshop.
● Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat
belt y
ourself. The seat belts must not be re-
moved or modified in any way. CAUTION
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dry com-
pl et

ely before rolling them up. Otherwise, the
belt retractors could become damaged. 195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety