2021-2026 Seat Ibiza SUV Driving and the environment User Manual
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Driving and the environment for Your Seat Ibiza SUV Fifth Generation (2018-2026)

Driving and the environment  
143  
Driving and the environment  
Running in tyres and brake pads  
Running-in  
New tyres should be run-in carefully in the first 500 km. New  
brake pads should be run-in carefully in the first 200 km.  
Running in a new engine  
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.  
Up to 1,000 kilometres  
During the first 200 km, you can compensate for the reduced braking effect  
by applying more pressure to the brake pedal. If you need to make an emer-  
gency stop, the braking distance will be longer with new brake pads than with  
brake pads which have been run-in.  
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Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.  
Do not accelerate hard.  
WARNING  
Avoid high engine revolutions.  
Do not tow a trailer.  
•
New tyres do not give maximum grip to start with, and require running-  
in. This may be an accident risk. Drive particularly carefully in the first  
500 km.  
•
New brake pads must be “run in” and do not have the correct friction  
From 1000 to 1500 km  
properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity  
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.  
–
Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed  
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).  
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is  
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded in.  
Braking effect and braking distance  
The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by  
driving situations and road conditions.  
For the sake of the environment  
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil  
consumption reduced.  
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the brake pad wear. The rate  
of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions under  
which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you often  
drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving style, we  
recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads checked by an  
Safety First  
Operating instructions  
Tips and Maintenance  
Technical Data  
144  
Driving and the environment  
Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service  
Schedule.  
WARNING (continued)  
•
Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the  
If you drive with wet brakes, for example after driving through water, after  
heavy rainfall or after washing the car, the braking effect will be reduced as  
the brake discs will be wet, or possibly frozen (in winter): the brakes must be  
“dried” through careful braking.  
brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions  
before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 162, “Modifications”.  
•
If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-  
ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary  
journeys.  
The brake fluid must be changed every two years at the latest. Heavy use of  
the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the system for  
too long. This prevents the brakes developing their full braking effect.  
WARNING  
Catalytic converter*  
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk  
of accidents.  
To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter  
•
New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction  
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–
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Always use unleaded petrol.  
Do not run the fuel tank dry.  
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be  
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also  
applies when new brake pads are fitted.  
For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil  
•
If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have  
been gritted with salt, braking power may set in later than normal.  
On steep descents if the brakes are excessively used they will over heat  
⇒ page 175, “Topping up engine oil ”.  
•
–
Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary  
Before driving down a long steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce speed  
and change to a lower gear (or move the selector lever to a lower gear if  
your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of engine  
braking and relieves the brakes.  
⇒ page 214.  
If you notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the vehicle is  
moving, reduce speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected at the  
nearest qualified workshop. In general, the exhaust warning lamp will light  
up when any of the described symptoms occur ⇒ page 60. If this happens,  
unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.  
The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.  
•
Never let the brakes “rub” by applying light pressure. Continuous  
braking will cause the brakes to overheat and will increase the braking  
distance. Apply and then release the brakes alternately.  
•
Never let the vehicle coast with the engine switched off. The braking  
distance is increased considerably as the brake servo does not function.  
Very heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid  
is left in the system for too long. This impairs the braking effect.  
•
Driving and the environment  
145  
•
For vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter ensure that unleaded petrol is  
available for the journey. See the chapter “Refuelling”. Automobile organisa-  
tions will have information about service station networks selling unleaded  
fuel.  
WARNING  
The catalytic converter reaches very high temperatures! Risk of fire.  
•
Never park where the catalytic converter could come into contact with  
dry grass or inflammable materials under the vehicle.  
Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the  
•
In some countries it is possible that a vehicle model is sold under condi-  
tions where some spare parts are not available or that the Authorised Service  
Centre may only carry out limited repairs.  
•
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust  
system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.  
SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the  
technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance  
and repair possibilities.  
Caution  
Never fully drain the fuel tank, in this case, the irregularity 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.  
Adhesive strips for headlights  
If you have to drive a right-hand drive vehicle in a left-hand drive country, or  
vice versa, the asymmetric dipped beam headlights will dazzle oncoming  
traffic.  
For the sake of the environment  
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a  
smell of sulphur from the exhaust under some conditions. This depends on  
the sulphur content of the fuel used. Quite often the problem can be reme-  
died by changing to another brand of fuel.  
To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight  
lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service  
Centre.  
Driving abroad  
Notes  
For driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:  
Safety First  
Operating instructions  
Tips and Maintenance  
Technical Data  
146  
Driving and the environment  
On the left hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-  
Adjusting simple headlights for driving on the left  
hand side to the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 106.  
Covering simple headlights for driving on the right  
Fig. 105 Right headlight  
Fig. 107 Right headlight  
Fig. 106 Left headlight  
On the right hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the  
right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 105.  
Fig. 108 Left headlight  
Driving and the environment  
147  
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side  
to the right-hand side.  
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to  
the right-hand side.  
Covering bifocal headlamps for driving on the left  
Fig. 110 Left headlight  
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the right-hand side  
to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 109.  
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the right-hand side  
to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 110.  
Fig. 109 Right headlight  
Safety First  
Operating instructions  
Tips and Maintenance  
Technical Data  
148  
Driving and the environment  
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to  
Covering bifocal headlamps for driving on the right  
the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 112.  
Covering GDL headlamps for driving on the left  
Fig. 111 Right headlight  
Fig. 113 Right headlight  
Fig. 112 Left headlight  
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side  
to the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 111.  
Fig. 114 Left headlight  
Driving and the environment  
149  
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the right-hand side  
to the left-hand side ⇒ page 148, fig. 113.  
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the right-hand side  
to the left-hand side ⇒ page 148, fig. 114.  
Covering GDL headlamps for driving on the right  
Fig. 116 Left headlight  
On the right headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side  
to the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 115.  
On the left headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-hand side to  
the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 116.  
Fig. 115 Right headlight  
Trailer towing  
What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?  
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-  
ment.  
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have  
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements  
for towing a trailer. For the posterior fitting of a trailer towing bracket see  
⇒ page 164.  
Safety First  
Operating instructions  
Tips and Maintenance  
Technical Data  
150  
Driving and the environment  
Connectors  
Tyre pressure  
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection  
between the trailer and the vehicle.  
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the sticker  
on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in  
accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.  
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is  
available from any Technical Service.  
Exterior mirrors  
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the  
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors  
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension  
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.  
Trailer weight / draw bar loading  
Never exceed the authorised towing limit. If you do not load the trailer up to  
the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspondingly  
steeper gradients.  
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to  
1,000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and  
therefore the vehicle's climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced  
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The  
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for  
every further 1,000m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the  
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.  
Where possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted draw bar  
weight on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified  
limit.  
WARNING  
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.  
Note  
•
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-  
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the  
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.  
•
Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your  
country.  
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights that are given on the  
data plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The  
correct figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures  
for the towing bracket, are given in the registration documents and  
⇒ Section “Technical data”.  
Ball coupling of towing bracket*  
The ball coupling of the towing bracket is located in the tool  
box  
Distributing the load  
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as  
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them  
moving.  
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the  
ball coupling of the towing bracket.  
Driving and the environment  
151  
Heating  
WARNING  
When climbing long hills in hot weather with the engine running fast in a low  
gear, you should keep an eye on the coolant temperature gauge ⇒ page 51.  
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage  
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing  
injury.  
Electronic Stabilisation Program*  
Do not switch off the ESP* when towing a trailer. The ESP* makes it easier to  
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.  
Note  
•
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed  
and it obscures the number plate.  
Driving economically and with respect for the  
environment  
Driving tips  
General notes  
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.  
Weight distribution  
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving  
style.  
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very  
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow  
for the unbalanced weight distribution.  
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and  
tyres depend largely on three factors:  
Speed  
•
•
•
Personal driving style  
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For  
this reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed in  
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when  
driving downhill.  
Conditions of use (weather, road surface)  
Technical requirements  
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation  
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section  
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing  
your operating costs at the same time.  
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest  
sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.  
Always brake in good time. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the  
brakes gently at first and then firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be  
caused by the trailer wheels locking. Select a low gear in good time before  
going down a steep descent. This enables you to use the engine braking to  
slow down the vehicle.  
Safety First  
Operating instructions  
Tips and Maintenance  
Technical Data  
152  
Driving and the environment  
Think ahead when driving  
Avoid short journeys  
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,  
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let  
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next  
traffic lights are red.  
Regular servicing  
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you  
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-  
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as  
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.  
Fig. 117 Fuel consump-  
tion in litres per 100 km at  
two different ambient  
temperatures  
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.  
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank ⇒ page 174. Oil consumption  
depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending  
on your personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000  
km.  
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working  
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.  
Directly after a cold start, the engine uses about 50-70 litres of fuel per  
100 km. This figure then drops to 20-30 litres per 100 km after about one  
kilometre. The engine only reaches its working temperature after about four  
kilometres, when fuel consumption will return to a normal level. You should  
therefore avoid short journeys.  
The ambient temperature has a decisive influence.  
The illustration shows the different rates of fuel consumption for the same  
°
°
distance at both +20 C and -10 C. Your vehicle will use more fuel in winter  
than in summer.  

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