Get Tips and Maintenance -> Driving and the environment Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

Driving and the environment 169

Safety First Handling instructions Tips and Maintenance Technical Data

Driving and the environment

Running-in

Running in a new engine

The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1,500 km.

Up to 1,000 kilometres

– Do not drive faster than three quarters of top speed.

– Do not accelerate hard.

– Avoid high engine revolutions.

– Do not tow a trailer.

From 1000 to 1500 km

–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.

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.

Running in tyres and brake pads

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.

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.

WARNING

• 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

properties during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity

may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder.

Braking effect and braking distance

The braking effect and braking distance are influenced by

driving situations and road conditions.

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

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Driving and the environment170

Authorised Service Centre more frequently than recommended in the Service

Schedule.

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.

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

Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk

of accidents.

• New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction

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.

• 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

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.

• 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.

• Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the

brakes and cause them to overheat. Observe the relevant instructions

before purchasing accessories ⇒ page 186, “Modifications”.

• If a brake circuit fails, the braking distance will be increased consider-

ably. Contact a qualified workshop immediately and avoid unnecessary

journeys.

Catalytic converter*

To conserve the useful life of the catalytic converter

– Always use unleaded petrol.

– Do not run the fuel tank dry.

– For engine oil changes, do not replenish with too much engine oil

⇒ page 199, “Topping up engine oil ”.

– Never tow the vehicle to start it, use jump leads if necessary

⇒ page 240.

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 71. If this happens,

unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and escape into the environment.

The catalytic converter can also be damaged by overheating.

WARNING (continued)

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Driving and the environment 171

Safety First Handling instructions Tips and Maintenance Technical Data

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 under carriage or anti-corrosion coatings to the

exhaust pipes, catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust

system. These materials could catch fire when the vehicle is driven.

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.

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.

Driving abroad

Notes

For driving abroad, the following must be taken into consideration:

• 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.

• 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

Centres may only carry out limited repairs.

SEAT importers and distributors will gladly provide information about the

technical preparation of your vehicle in addition to necessary maintenance

and repair possibilities.

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.

To prevent dazzling, you must apply stickers to certain parts of the headlight

lenses. Further information is available from your Authorised Service

Centre.

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Driving and the environment172

Covering headlights for driving on the left

On the right hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the

right-hand side to the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 127.

On the left hand side headlight, if you are changing from driving on the left-

hand side to the right-hand side ⇒ fig. 128.

Covering headlights for driving on the right

Fig. 127 Right headlight

Fig. 128 Left headlight

Fig. 129 Right headlight

Fig. 130 Left headlight

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Driving and the environment 173

Safety First Handling instructions Tips and Maintenance Technical Data

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.

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 188.

Connectors

Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection

between the trailer and the vehicle.

If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is

available from any Technical Service.

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.

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”.

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.

Tyre pressure

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.

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.

WARNING

Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.

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Driving and the environment174

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.

Ball coupling of towing bracket*

The removable towing bracket ball coupling is stored on the

left of the luggage compartment, behind a cover.

The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the

ball coupling of the towing bracket.

WARNING

The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage

compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and causing

injury.

Note

• By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed

and it obscures the number plate.

Driving tips

Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.

Weight distribution

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.

Speed

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.

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.

Heating

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 55.

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.

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Driving and the environment 175

Safety First Handling instructions Tips and Maintenance Technical Data

Driving economically and with respect for the

environment

General notes

Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving

style.

Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and

tyres depend largely on three factors:

• Personal driving style

• 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.

Think ahead when driving

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.

A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.

Check the oil level every time you fill the tank ⇒ page 198. 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.

Avoid short journeys

The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working

temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.

Fig. 131 Fuel consump-

tion in litres per 100 km at

two different ambient

temperatures

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Driving and the environment176

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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Tips and Maintenance -> Driving and the environment for Your Seat Leon 4 Door First Generation (1999-2006)

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