Advice
●
Never s t
art the engine when the vehicle is
raised! The vehicle may fall from the platform
due to the engine vibrations.
● If it is necessary to work underneath the ve-
hicle whi
le it is raised, you should check that
the supporting stands have an adequate load
capacity.
● Never climb onto the lifting platform.
● Always make sure that the weight of the ve-
hicle doe
s not exceed the lifting platform
load capacity. CAUTION
● Never r ai
se the vehicle at the engine oil
sump, the gearbox or the rear or front axles.
● Always use an intermediate rubber support
to prev
ent damage to the vehicle underbody.
Check that the arms of the lifting platform are
able to move with obstruction.
● The arms should not come into contact with
the side runnin
g boards or other parts of the
vehicle. Caring for and cleaning the ve-
hic
le e
xterior
Introduction Regular maintenance and washing help to
m
aint
ain the
value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for acknowl- edging warranty claims in the event of body-
work c
orrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle
are available at any technical service. WARNING
Car-care products may be toxic and hazard-
ous. If c
ar care products are not suitable or
are used inappropriately, this could result in
accident, serious injury, burns or intoxica-
tion.
● Car care products must always be stored in
the original
container which should be kept
closed.
● Observe information provided by the manu-
factur
er.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care
products
in empty food cans, bottles or other
containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of chil-
dren.
● Harmfu
l vapours may be produced when us-
ing car c
are products. Therefore, care prod-
ucts should only be used in well-ventilated
spaces or in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, ace-
tone or any
other volatile liquid to wash,
clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic
and highly flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle
component s
may effect the vehicle safety
equipment, increasing the risk of severe in-
jury.
● Vehicle components should only be
cle
aned and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care
products. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will
dam ag
e the material. For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle in areas allocated for
this p
urpose, to prevent dirty water which
may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel,
from entering the drains. In some places,
even washing it outside the planned areas is
banned. For the sake of the environment
Where possible, always use products which
re s
pect the environment. For the sake of the environment
The remains of car care products should not
be dis po
sed of with ordinary household170
Care and maintenance
waste. Observe information provided by the
manuf
act
urer. Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird
drop
pin
gs, resinous tree sap, road dirt, in-
dustrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and
other aggressive materials remain on the ve-
hicle, the more damage they do to the paint-
work. High temperatures (for instance due to
strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should
also be thoroughly washed at regular inter-
vals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at
the automatic car wash. The standard pre-
cautionary measures prior to entering the car
wash should be taken to avoid damage to
the vehicle (close all windows and the roof,
fold in exterior mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted
with additional components (spoiler, roof-
rack, aerial, etc.), check with the car wash su-
pervisor whether these can enter the car
wash ››› .
The v
ehic
le paintwork is so durable that the
vehicle can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, wear and damage to the paintwork
will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT recommends the use of car washes
without bru
shes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to
prevent wiper blades from scratching, please
observe the following ››› page 172, Cleaning
windows and exterior mirrors .
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.
Start at the roof and work downwards. Spe-
cial car shampoo 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
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause
injury .
● Pr
otect arms and hands from sharp edges
when cle
aning the vehicle undercarriage or
the interior of the wheel hubs. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect
will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The wat er t
emperature should not exceed
+60°C (+140°F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which
coul
d damage the surface to clean away the
traces of insects.
● Never wipe the headlights with a dry cloth
or spong
e, always moisten first. It is best to
use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! CAUTION
To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle,
pl e
ase check the following points before us-
ing an automatic car wash: » 171
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Care and maintenance
De-icing the door lock cylinder To de-ice the lock cylinders, SEAT recommend
the use of
g
enuine SEAT spray with lubricat-
ing and anti-corrosive properties. CAUTION
The use of products containing degreasing
agent s
to de-ice the locks may rust the lock
cylinder. Protection of vehicle undercarriage
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it
fr
om c
hemic
al and mechanical damage. The
protective coat on the undercarriage may
wear from use while driving. Therefore, SEAT
recommends that the protective coating on
the undercarriage and on the running gear
should be regularly checked, and repaired if
necessary. WARNING
Additional underseal or anti-corrosion prod-
ucts c
ould catch fire due to the high tempera-
tures reached by the exhaust gas system and
other engine components.
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-
corro
sion products to the exhaust pipes, cat-
alytic converters, heat shields or other parts
of the vehicle which reach high temperatures. Cleaning the engine compartment
The engine compartment of any motor vehi-
cl
e i
s a potentially hazardous area
››› page 187.
The engine compartment should only be
cleaned by qualified personnel. If it is not
correctly cleaned, the anti-corrosion coating
and consequently electrical components may
be damaged. Moreover, water may filter di-
rectly into the vehicle interior through the wa-
ter chamber ››› .
If the en gine c
ompartment is very dirty, al-
ways take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop for professional cleaning. SEAT recom-
mends taking your car in for technical serv-
ice.
Water box
The water box is in the engine compartment,
between the windscreen and the engine, and
beneath a perforated cover. Air is taken in
through the water box from outside to the ve-
hicle interior via the heating and air condi-
tioner.
Leaves and other loose objects should be
regularly cleaned away from the water box ei-
ther by hand or with a vacuum. WARNING
When working on the engine or in the engine
comp ar
tment, there is a risk of injury, burns,
accident or fire.
● Before starting work, please ensure you are
famili
ar with the required procedure and the
safety precautions ››› page 187.
● SEAT recommends getting a specialised
workshop t
o do these jobs. CAUTION
If water is manually poured into the water box
(e.g. u s
ing a high pressure cleaning appli-
ance), this could cause significant damage to
the vehicle. For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas
al loc
ated for this purpose, to prevent dirty
water which may be contaminated by oil,
grease or fuel, from entering the drains. In
some places, even washing this compartment
outside planned areas for this purpose is
banned. 175
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
●
To av oid d
amage to the bonnet and to the
windscreen wiper arms, only open it when
the windscreen wipers are in place against
the windscreen.
● Before driving, always lower the wiper
arms. For the sake of the environment
Service fluids leaks are harmful to the envi-
r onment . F
or this reason you should make
regular checks on the ground underneath
your vehicle. Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop to be checked if you see stains, oil
or other fluids on the ground. Collect any
spilt service fluids and allow a professional to
dispose of them. Engine oil
Intr oduction WARNING
Incorrectly handling engine oil can cause in-
jury and seriou
s burns.
● Always protect your eyes when handling
engine oil
.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the
reac
h of children. ●
Engine oi l
should only be kept in its origi-
nal packaging; the same goes for used oil un-
til it is disposed of.
● Never store engine oil in empty food con-
tainers
or bottles as other people may acci-
dentally drink it.
● Regular contact with engine oil can be bad
for the skin. If
you come into contact with en-
gine oil, wash your skin with soap and water.
● With the engine running, the engine oil
gets
extremely hot and can cause severe skin
burns. Always wait until the engine has fully
cooled. For the sake of the environment
Similar to the other service liquids, spilled
engine oi l
can be bad for the environment.
Collect these liquids in suitable containers
and dispose of them while respecting the en-
vironment. Warning and control lamps
Flashes
Engine oil pres-
sure too low.
Stop the vehicle!
Switch off the engine. Check the
engine oil level, and if necessary,
refill with ››› page 190.
engine oil - If the warning indicator
flashes although the oil level is cor-
rect, do not continue driving or
leave the engine running. Other-
wise, the engine could be dam-
aged. Seek specialist assistance. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in On the
ins trument
panel on page 26. Engine oil specifications
Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 31
Replacement engine oil must strictly comply
with the specifications.
The correct oil must be used to ensure the
correct operation and long service life of the
engine. The engine comes with a high-quality
multigrade oil that can generally be used all
year round.
Only use an engine oil that complies to SEAT
standards whenever possible ››› . Only refill
»
189
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
engine oil using approved engine oil in ac-
c or
d
ance with the corresponding VW stand-
ard ( ›››
page 32). All oils indicated are
synthetic multigrade oils .
Engine oils are being continuously further
developed. Technical services are constantly
updated with any modifications. SEAT there-
fore recommends that you have the engine
oil changed by a technical service. CAUTION
● Only u
se engine oils whose specifications
are expressly approved by SEAT. The use of
any other type of oil could cause engine dam-
age!
● No additives should be used with engine
oil. An
y damage caused by the use of such
additives would not be covered by the factory
warranty. Checking engine oil level and topping
up
Fig. 168
Marked engine oil dipstick Fig. 169
In the engine compartment: Engine
oi l
fi
ller cap. Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 31 Preparations
●
Park the vehicle on flat ground so that the
engine oil
reading is correct.
● The engine must be hot to be able to check
the engine oil
level. Stop the engine and wait
a few minutes for the oil to drain back into
the sump.
● Open the bonnet ›››
page 187.
● The engine oil filler neck can be recognised
by the symbo
l on the cap ››› Fig. 169 and
the dipstick by its coloured handle.
Check the engine oil level
● Pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a clean
cloth.
● Rep
lace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as
it wi
ll go. If the dipstick to measure engine oil
has a mark, when you reintroduce it this
mark should slot into the corresponding
groove located on the upper end of the tube.
● Remove the oil dipstick again and check
the engine oil
level.
● After reading the oil level, replace the dip-
stick
in the tube completely. WARNING
Oil could catch fire if it comes into contact
with hot en
gine components. This could lead
to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
● Always ensure that after topping of oil, the
engine oil
filler cap is correctly tightened.190
Checking and refilling levels
This will avoid engine oil spilling onto hot en-
gine par
t
s when the engine is running. CAUTION
● If the en gine oi
l level is above the area
››› Fig. 168 A do not start the engine. Seek
spec i
alist assistance. Otherwise catalytic
converter and engine damage may occur.
● When refilling or changing service liquids,
ensur
e that you put the liquids into the right
tank. Making a mistake when refilling could
cause serious malfunctions and damage the
engine! For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above area A .
Otherw i
se oil can be drawn in through the
crankcase breather and escape into the at-
mosphere via the exhaust system. Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be differ-
ent
fr
om one en
gine to another and can vary
during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on how you drive and the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-
sumption can be up to 1 ltr./2000 km. In the
case of new vehicles, the consumption can
exceed this figure over 5,000 kilometres. For
this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular intervals, preferably when
fillin
g the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for in-
stance during sustained high-speed motor-
way cruising in summer or when climbing
mountain passes, the oil level should pref-
erably be kept within area ››› Fig. 168 A .
Topping up engine oil Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 31.
The engine oil must be changed regularly ac-
cording to the specifications of the Mainte-
nance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of
used oil and the need for suitable tools and
special knowledge, always visit a specialised
workshop to have the engine oil and filter
changed. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.
Detailed information on the service intervals
is shown in the Maintenance Programme.
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after
the engine has been running for a short peri-
od. This is normal and does not mean more
frequent oil changes are required. WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you
hav e the s
pecialist knowledge required!
● Before opening the bonnet, read and ob-
serve the w
arnings ››› page 187.
● Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil
may
cause burn injuries.
● Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such
as ac
id burns, caused by splashes of oil.
● When removing the oil drain plug with your
finger
s, keep your arm horizontal to help pre-
vent oil from running down your arm.
● Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into
contact
with engine oil.
● Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be
stor
ed in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren. CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil.
This c
ould 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
Before changing the engine oil, find a suita-
bl e loc
ation or service for proper disposal. For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost
re s
pect for the environment. Never dispose of » 191
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
used engine oil in places such as a garden,
wood
s, dr
ains, roads, paths, rivers and drain-
age systems. Engine coolant
Introduction WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original
c ont ainer
, tightly shut and in a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food
container
s or bottles as other people may ac-
cidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of
chil
dren.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine cool-
ant ad
ditive corresponds to the lowest out-
side temperature to which the vehicle will be
exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low,
the engine coo
lant could freeze causing the
vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the
heating to stop working, vehicle occupants
without warm clothing could freeze. 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, w
ith r
espect to the environment. Coolant warning lamp
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a f
ew sec
onds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
It lights up red
Excessive engine
coolant temperature.
Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as soon
as possible. Switch off the en-
gine and let it cool.
Insufficient engine
coolant level.
¡Stop the vehicle!
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with en-
gine coolant ››› page 193.
Engine coolant sys-
tem faulty. Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assis-
tance.
Flashes red
Engine coolant sys-
tem faulty.Seek specialist assistance.
It lights up blue
The natural gas en-
gine coolant tempera-
ture is low. The en-
gine has not reached
the operating temper-
ature.As long as the warning lamp is
on, avoid high engine speeds
and pushing the engine too
hard.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ›››
in On the
ins trument
panel on page 26. 192
Wheels and tyres
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pr e
s
sure, driving style, the care they receive
and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential
part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and
rims approved by SEAT are specially matched
to the characteristics of the vehicle and our
critical to good road holding and safe han-
dling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obs
tacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(punct
ures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the
outside of the ty
re tread and ensure that they
have not passed through the wall of the tyre
››› page 205.
● In addition, the instructions for tyre control
syst
ems should always be observed.
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as
poss
ible ››› page 205.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible dam-
age ››
› page 205.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle ››› page 208.
● Do not allow tyres (including the spare
wheel) to come int
o contact with aggressive substances, grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid
›››
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced imme-
di at
ely
.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been designed to operate best when rotating
in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre
sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread ››› page 208. Al-
ways observe the direction of rotation indica-
ted when mounting the wheel. This guaran-
tees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direc-
tion of rotation, drive with extreme caution,
as the tyre is no longer being used correctly.
This is of particular importance when the
road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon
as possible or remount it with the correct di-
rection of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheels should be changed round from
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 173. The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed. Tyres over 6 years old
Tyr
es are subject to an ageing process as a
result of physical and chemical processes.
This may affect their performance. Tyres
which are stored for long periods of time
without being used, harden and become
more fragile than tyres which are in constant
use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years
old are replaced with new tyres. This also ap-
plies to tyres (including the spare wheel)
which appear to be in perfect condition on
the outside and which have a tread depth
within the values stipulated by the Law ››› .
The d at
e of
manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ( ) ››› page 208.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate
the direction of rotation (left, right, forwards,
backwards). This ensures you will be able to
mount them correctly when you replace
them. When removed, the wheels and/or
tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and pref-
erably dark location. Do not place tyres
mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from
dirt by storing them in suitable bags and
standing them on the ground on their tread. »
201
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety