Operation
Catalytic converter The catalytic converter permits the subse-
quent tr
e
atment of the exhaust gases thus
reducing contaminating gas emissions. To
ensure a longer working life for the exhaust
system and catalytic converter in a petrol en-
gine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil
›››
page 189.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter
cab l
es ›››
page 43.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven run-
ning or loss of power when the car is moving,
reduce speed immediately. Have the car in-
spected by a specialised workshop. If this
happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust
system and escape into the atmosphere. The
catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is
work in
g perfectly, there may be a smell of
sulphur under certain conditions. This de-
pends on the sulphur content of the fuel
used. Driving tips
Driv in
g abr
oad In some countries, certain safety regulations
and requir
ements
are in force relating to ex-
haust gas emissions, which differ from the
technical characteristics of the vehicle. Be-
fore travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you
consult a technical service about the legal re-
quirements and the following points:
● Does the vehicle need technical modifica-
tions f
or driving abroad, for example, adjust-
ment of the headlamps?
● Does the vehicle have all the tools, diag-
nostic
s equipment and spare parts required
for inspections and repairs?
● Are there any SEAT dealers in the destina-
tion countr
y?
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol avail-
able at
the right octane rating?
● For diesel engines: is diesel fuel available
with a low s
ulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ›››
page 189) and
other engine fluids complying with SEAT
specifications available in the destination
country?
● Are special tyres required in the destination
countr
y? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage
to the v
ehicle due to the use of a lower quali-
ty fuel, an inadequate service or the non-
availability of genuine spare parts. Driving through flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driv-
ing thr
ough w
ater, for example, along a floo-
ded road, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before enter-
ing the flooded z
one. The water should never
come above the lower edge of the bodywork
››› .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear
or sw it
c
h off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which
raise the l
evel of the water, making it difficult
to cross the water.
● Disconnect the Start-Stop system whenever
cro
ssing water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted
sno w
, etc., please remember that due to
damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in win-
ter, the braking effect may be delayed, there-
fore the required braking distance is greater. 152
Care and maintenance
Notes for the user Intr oduction WARNING
Failure to treat the vehicle with the correct
car e inc
reases the risk of accident and injury.
● Observe legal requirements.
● Observe the Instruction Manual. CAUTION
If the vehicle is not properly cared for, dam-
age m a
y occur.
● Observe legal requirements.
● Carry out regular maintenance of the vehi-
cle, ac
cording to specifications in the Mainte-
nance Programme.
● Observe the Instruction Manual. Labels and plates
Fig. 163
Warnings relating to handling of the
C ity
Safety Assist system laser sensor func-
tion. Some parts in the engine compartment come
fr
om the f
act
ory with certificates of safety, la-
bels or plates containing important informa-
tion regarding the operation of the vehicle,
for example, on the fuel tank flap, on the pas-
senger's sun visor, on the driver door strut, or
on the floor of the boot.
● Never remove these certificates of safety,
labels
or plates, and ensure they are kept in
good condition and are legible.
● If a vehicle part, bearing a certificate of
safety
, label or plate, is replaced, the special-
ised workshop should attach the information
back in the same place. Certificate of safety
A certific
ate of safety on the door strut states
that all the safety standards and regulations
established by the national traffic authorities
responsible for road safety were met at the
time of manufacture. It may also give the
month and year of manufacture, together
with the chassis number.
Warning of high voltage label
There is a label close to the bonnet lock
which warns of high voltage in the vehicle's
electrical system.
Warning relating to the City Safety Assist
system laser sensor
There are some warning and information
signs on the City Safety Assist system laser
sensor ››› Fig. 163.
Using your vehicle in other countries
and continents The vehicle is manufactured at the factory for
u
se in a p
ar
ticular country in accordance with
the national legislation in force at the time of
manufacture.
If the vehicle is sold in another country or
used in another country for an extended peri-
od of time, the applicable legislation of that
country should be observed. »
179
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
Checking and refilling levels
Checking the coolant level and top-
pin g up Fig. 170
In the engine compartment: Marking
on c oo
l
ant expansion tank Fig. 171
In the engine compartment: Coolant
e xp
an
sion tank cap Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 32
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warn-
ing indicator will light. Preparations
● Park the vehicle on even, flat and firm
ground.
● A
llow the engine to cool ›››
.
● Open the bonnet › ›
›
page 187.
● The coolant expansion tank is easily recog-
nisab
le because of the symbol on the cap
››› Fig. 171.
Checking the engine coolant level ● When the engine is cold, check the coolant
level
using the side marking on the expan-
sion tank ››› Fig. 170.
● If the level is below the “MIN” mark, top up
with coo
lant. When the engine is hot it may
be slightly above the marked area.
Topping up the engine coolant level
● Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot c
oolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth over the coolant expansion tank
cap.
● Remove the cap very carefully ›››
.
● Only refill using new engine c
oo
lant ac-
cording to SEAT specifications
( ›››
page 32)
››› .
● The engine coolant level should be be-
tw een the m
ark
s on the coolant expansion
tank ››› Fig. 170. Do not exceed the top level
of the marked area ››› .
● Screw on the cap tightly. ●
If, in the ev
ent
of an emergency, you have
no coolant that is compliant to the required
specifications ( ›››
page 32), do not use
another type of additive. Instead, top up with
distilled water only ››› . Then re-establish
the c orr
ect
proportion of the mixture with the
correct additive as soon as possible
››› page 32. WARNING
Hot vapours and coolant can cause serious
burn s.
● Nev
er open the coolant expansion tank if
ste
am or coolant is coming from the engine
compartment. Wait until you cannot see or
hear any steam or coolant escaping.
● Always wait until the engine has complete-
ly coo
led before very carefully opening the
expansion tank cap. Contact with hot ele-
ments of the engine can cause skin burns.
● When the engine is warm or hot, the cool-
ing sys
tem is pressurised. Do not unscrew
the cap on the expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. Otherwise, coolant may spray out
under pressure causing burns and serious in-
jury.
– Carefully and slowly unscrew the cap an-
ti-clockwise, gently pressing down on it.
– Always protect your face, hands and arms
from hot coolant and steam using a large,
thick cloth. » 193
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Checking and refilling levels
the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
› ›
›
.
Br ak
e fluid
s conforming to the standard
VW 501 14, fulfil the American requirements
of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the
German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
However, fluids that comply with the Ameri-
can FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the Ger-
man DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard do not
necessarily comply with the VW 501 14
standard. Always check the information on
the brake fluid container and ensure that you
are using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from
SEAT dealerships.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be
between the MIN and MAX marks, or above
the MIN mark ››› .
It i
s
not always possible to check the level of
the brake fluid, as in some models the en-
gine components make it difficult to see the
brake fluid reservoir. If you cannot read the
exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the
vehicle is being used due to wear of the
brake pads and the automatic readjustment
of the brake. Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid shou
ld be changed in accord-
ance with the instructions given in the Main-
tenance Programme. Have the brake fluid
changed by a specialised workshop. SEAT
recommends taking your car in for technical
service. This means that only brake fluid
complying with the required specifications
will be used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
bl e/o
ld brake fluid is used, the brake system
may fail or braking power may be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid
level
regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regular-
ly in acc
ordance with the instructions given
in the Maintenance Programme.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake
fluid. Only u
sed brake fluid that conforms to
the VW 501 14 standard, FMVSS 116 DOT 4
standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard. Other types of brake fluid could af-
fect brake operation and reduce braking pow-
er. Do not use a brake fluid if the container
does not specify compliance with the
VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed
original
container in a safe place out of reach
of children. Risk of poisoning! ●
If the br ak
e fluid is left in the system for
too long 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 damages the vehicle paintwork.
W ipe off an
y brake fluid from the paintwork
immediately. For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Co l
lect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them. Windscreen washer reservoir
Chec k
in
g and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir with water Read the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 33
Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.
● Open the bonnet ›››
page 187.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the
symbol
on the lid. »
195
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Checking the battery electrolyte level
● Make sure there is sufficient lighting to
c l
e
arly recognise the colours. Never use
flames or shiny objects as a light source.
● Depending on the level of acid, the Magic
eye on the top of
the battery will change col-
our.
Colour indica-
torNecessary operations
Light yellow or
colourlessThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's
battery is too low. Have the battery
checked and, where applicable, re-
placed by a specialised workshop.
BlackThe electrolyte level of the vehicle's
battery is correct. WARNING
Working with the vehicle battery involves a
risk of
corrosion, explosions and electric
shock.
● Never tilt the vehicle battery. Battery acid
coul
d spill out of the openings for the release
of gases and cause corrosion damage.
● Never open the vehicle battery.
● If battery acid splashes on you, immediate-
ly rinse
your eyes and skin abundantly with
water for several minutes. Then seek medical
care immediately.
● If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediat
ely. Charging, replacing and connecting or
di
s
c
onnecting the battery Charging the battery
The v
ehic
le battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries us-
ing special technology have been installed
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
vironment ››› . SEAT recommends taking
your c ar in f
or technical service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Vehicles fitted with the Start-Stop system are
equipped with a special battery. Therefore,
this battery must only be replaced by another
with the same specifications. Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If
y
ou must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment.
● The v
ehicle must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the b
attery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positiv
e ››› .
C onnectin
g the
vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all
electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negativ
e ››› .
Diff er
ent
control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short
trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 88. Respect the maximum service in-
tervals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
198