fuel Seat Ateca 2017 Owner's Guide

Driving
Economical and environmentally-
friendly driv
ingFuel consumption, environmental pollution
and w
e

ar to the engine, brakes and tyres de-
pends largely on driving style. Fuel consump-
tion can be reduced by 10-15% with an eco-
nomical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section
gives you some tips on lessening the impact
on the environment and reducing your oper-
ating costs at the same time.
Active cylinder management (ACT ®
)*display
Depending on vehicle equipment, the active
cylinder management (ACT ®
) may automati-
cally deactivate some of the engine cylinders
if the driving situation does not require too
much power. When it is switched off, no fuel
is injected into these cylinders, hence total
fuel consumption may be reduced. The num-
ber of active cylinders can be seen on the in-
strument panel display ›››
 page 30.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume
more fuel. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus acceler-
ate less. Wherever possible, let the car roll
slowly to a stop, with a gear engaged (for in-
stance when you can see that the next traffic
lights are red). This takes advantage of the
engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emissions and fuel con-
s
umption w

ill drop to zero due to the overrun
fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in ad-
vance to a higher gear. Running the engine at
high rpm in the lower gears uses an unneces-
sary amount of fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second
gear as soon as possible. In any case, we rec-
ommend that you change to a higher gear
upon reaching 2,000 rpm. Choosing the right
gear enables fuel savings. Select the highest
possible gear appropriate for the driving sit-
uation (the engine should continue function-
ing with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and
without reaching the “kick-down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever pos-
sible. Fuel consumption, emission of harmful
gases and noise pollution multiply dispropor-
tionately as speed is increased. Driving at
moderate speeds will help to save fuel.
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling
is automatically reduced. In vehicles without
the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off
the engine, for example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long
periods
of time. When an engine has reached
operating temperature, and depending on
the cylinder capacity, keeping it switched off
for a minimum of about 5 seconds already
saves more than the amount of fuel necessa-
ry for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up
when it is idling. Mechanical wear and pollu-
tant emissions are also especially high dur-
ing this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore
best to drive off immediately after starting
the engine. Avoid running the engine at high
speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even
before the engine is started. 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.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to
reach their optimal operating temperature in
order to minimise fuel consumption and
emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate
amount of fuel. The engine reaches its work-
ing temperature after about four kilometres »
185
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
(2.5 miles), when fuel consumption will re-
t urn t
o a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the
correct pressures ››› page 292 to save fuel. If
the pressure is below half bar, fuel consump-
tion may increase by 5%. Due to the greater
rolling resistance, under-inflation also increa-
ses tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they
increase fuel consumption by up to 10%.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of extra weight will in-
crease the fuel consumption, it is advisable
to always check the luggage compartment to
make sure that no unnecessary loads are be-
ing transported.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerody-
namic drag of the vehicle, you should remove
it when not needed. At speeds of 100-120
km/h (62-75 mph), this will save 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby gen-
erating electricity. This implies that any in-
crease in power consumption also increases
fuel consumption! For this reason, switch off
any unneeded electrical devices. Devices that
use a lot of electricity includes the blower at a high setting, the rear window heating or
the seat
heating*.
Engine management and ex-
hau
st gas purification system
Introduction WARNING
● Bec

ause of the high temperatures which
can occur in the exhaust purification system
(catalytic converter or diesel particulate fil-
ter), do not park the vehicle where the ex-
haust can come into contact with flammable
materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at
the forest edge). Fire hazard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle
arou
nd the area of the exhaust system: Fire
hazard! Note
While the control lamps , ,  or  re-
m
ain lit, there may be engine problems, fuel
consumption may increase and the engine
may lose power. Catalytic converter
3 Ap
plies to vehicles with petrol engine
The
vehicle must only be used with unleaded
petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will
be irreparably damaged.
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregu-
lar supply of fuel can cause faulty combus-
tion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches
the exhaust system, which can overheat and
damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter 3 Ap
p
lies to vehicles with diesel engine
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. The diesel particulate filter is
cleaned automatically without need for indi-
cation by the warning lamp . This may be
noticed because the engine idle speed in-
creases and an odour may be detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be car-
ried out (because only short trips are taken,
for example), soot will accumulate on the fil-
ter and the Diesel particulate filter warning
lamp will  switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning proc-
ess by driving in the following manner: drive
for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum
speed of 60 km/h (37 mph) in 4th or 5th gear
186

Operation
●
Do not s
top in the water, drive in reverse, or
stop the engine in any situation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite
direction m
ay splash water that could exceed
the maximum permitted water height for your
vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corro-
sion). Driver assistance systems
St ar

t-Stop System*
Description and operation The Start-Stop system helps save fuel and re-
duc
e C

O2 emissions.
In Start-Stop mode, the engine will automati-
cally switch off when the vehicle stops, when
stopping at traffic lights for example. The ig-
nition remains switched on during the stop-
ping phase. The engine automatically
switches back on when required. In this sit-
uation the light of the START ENGINE STOP but-
t on s

tays on.
As soon as the ignition is switched on, the
Start-Stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
Basic requirements for the Start-Stop mode
● The driver door must be closed.
● The driver must have their seat belt fas-
tened.
● The bonnet

must be closed.
● The engine must have reached a minimum
serv
ice temperature.
● The reverse gear must not be engaged.
● The vehicle must not be on a very steep
slope. WARNING
● Nev er sw

itch the engine off until the vehi-
cle is stationary. The brake servo and power
steering functions will not be completely cov-
ered under warranty. More force may also be
needed to turn the steering wheel or to brake.
As you cannot steer and brake in the normal
manner, there is a greater risk of accidents
and serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if
the v
ehicle is in motion. Otherwise, the steer-
ing could lock making it impossible to steer
the vehicle.
● To avoid injury, make sure that the Start-
Stop sy
stem is switched off when working in
the engine compartment ››› page 190. CAUTION
The Start-Stop system must always be
sw it

ched off when driving through flooded
areas ››› page 190. Stopping/Starting the engine
Vehicles with a manual gearbox
– When the vehicle is stopped, put it into
neutr al

and release the clutch pedal. The
engine will switch off. The warning lamp 
will appear on the instrument panel dis-
play.
188

Operation
Address
The po w
er steering varies its driving modes
and adapts to the profile selected, thus offer-
ing the best behaviour for each situation.
Air conditioning
In vehicles with Climatronic, this can operate
in Eco mode, especially restricting fuel con-
sumption.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
The acceleration gradient of the adaptive
cruise control varies according to the active
driving profile ››› page 197.
Electronic stability control (ESC)
In the Offroad and Snow driving profiles,
the electronic stability Control (ESC)
››› page 173 adjusts to adapt to the terrain.
In addition, hill descent control (HDC) is acti-
vated in the Offroad profile ››› page 190. Adjusting driving profile Fig. 197
Centre console: Driving Experience
b utt

on. 

› ›
›
table on page 2
You can select the Eco, Normal , Sport, In-
dividual , Offroad1)
and Snow 1)
profiles in
the following way:
● Turn the Driving Experience button until the
r equir

ed profile lights up on the Easy Con-
nect system display as well as on the Driving
Experience button ››› Fig. 197.
● OR: select the required profile on the
t

ouch-screen of the Easy Connect system, in
the menu that opens up on turning the
Driving Experience button. The features of each profile can be seen by
pre

ssing the Profile information button of the
Easy Connect system display.
In the Individual profile it is possible to
configure the characteristics of the vehicle
using the Profile setup button of the Easy
Connect system display.
An icon on the Easy Connect system display
provides information about the active profile
if it is different than Normal. The selector
identifies the profile chosen by means of a
red LED light.
Driving profileCharacteristics
Eco
Places the vehicle in a particularly low
state of consumption, facilitating a fuel-
saving driving style that is respectful to
the environment.
NormalOffers a balanced driving experience,
suitable for everyday use.
SportProvides a complete dynamic perform-
ance in the vehicle, enabling the user a
more sporty driving style.
Individ- ualIt allows you to personalise the configura-
tion. The functions that can be adjusted
depend on the equipment fitted in the ve-
hicle. 1)
Only for 4Drive models.
226

Driver assistance systemsDriving
profileCharacteristics
Offroad a)It adjusts the vehicle's parameters in or-
der to maintain optimal off-road driving.
Snowa)It adjusts the vehicle's behaviour for driv-
ing on slippery road surfaces, optimising
grip and manoeuvrability.
a)
Only for 4Drive models. WARNING
When operating SEAT Drive Profile, pay atten-
tion t o a

ll traffic: doing otherwise could cause
an accident. Note
● When the v

ehicle is switched off it will al-
ways store the driving profile that was selec-
ted when the ignition key was removed, ex-
cept in the following cases:
– When the vehicle is restarted after using
the Sport profile, the engine and the
gearbox will not restart in the sportiest
setting so as to reduce fuel consumption.
To return the engine and the gearbox to
their sportiest position, select the Sport
driving profile again.
– When the vehicle is restarted after using
the Offroad or Snow settings, the sys-
tem is always activated in the Normal
profile. ●
Your s

peed and driving style must always
be adjusted to visibility, weather, and traffic
conditions.
● The Eco profile is not recommended when
t

owing a vehicle. Kick-down
The Kick-down feature allows maximum ac-
c
el

eration to be reached.
If the Eco* profile has been selected in the
SEAT Drive Profile ››› page 226 and the
accelerator is pressed beyond a hard point,
the engine power is automatically controlled
to give your vehicle maximum acceleration. WARNING
Please note that if the road surface is slip-
per y

or wet, the kick-down feature could
cause the driving wheels to spin, which could
result in skidding. 227
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Towing bracket device*
Towing bracket device* T r
ailer mode
Introduction Take into account country-specific regula-
tion
s

about driving with a trailer and the use
of a towing bracket.
The vehicle has been developed primarily for
carrying people, although it can also be used
to tow a trailer if fitted with the correspond-
ing technical equipment. This additional load
has an effect on the useful life, fuel con-
sumption and vehicle performance and in
some cases can reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from
the vehicle, and thus more concentration
from the driver.
In winter, winter tyres should be fitted on
both the vehicle and the trailer.
Maximum vertical load technically permissi-
ble on the coupling
The maximum vertical load technically per-
mitted from the trailer draw bar on the towing
bracket's tow hitch is 85 kg.
Vehicles with the Start-Stop system
If the vehicle has a factory-fitted towing
bracket or one that is retrofitted by SEAT, the Start-Stop system operates as normal. No
s
pec

ial characteristics need to be taken into
account.
If the system does not recognise the trailer or
the trailer bracket has not been retrofitted by
SEAT, the Start-Stop system must be discon-
nected by pressing the corresponding button
in the lower part of the centre console before
driving with the trailer, and it should remain
off for the rest of the journey ››› .
V ehic

les with driving profile selection
If you are going to be towing a trailer, the use
of the Eco driving profile is not recommen-
ded. You are advised to select another of the
available driving profiles before beginning to
drive with a trailer. WARNING
Never use the trailer to transport people,
s inc

e it would put their life in danger and is
also prohibited. WARNING
Undue use of the towing bracket may cause
injur y

and accidents.
● Only use the towing bracket if it is in a per-
fect
state of repair and is properly secured.
● Never modify or repair the towing bracket
in any
way.
● In order to reduce the danger of injury in
the event
of rear-end collisions and to avoid injury to pedestrians and cyclists when park-
in
g the

vehicle, cover or remove the tow hitch
when you are not using a trailer.
● Never fit a towing bracket “with weight dis-
tribution” or “lo
ad compensation”. The vehi-
cle has not been designed for this type of
towing bracket. The towing bracket could fail
and the trailer could be released from the ve-
hicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or l ar

ge objects can affect driving properties
and even cause an accident.
● Always secure the load properly using belts
or str
aps that are suitable and in good condi-
tion.
● Adapt your speed and driving style at all
times
to suit visibility, weather, road and traf-
fic conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity are
more lik
ely to overturn than those with a low
one.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Take great care when overtaking.
● Reduce speed immediately if you notice
that
the trailer is swaying, however slightly.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when to
wing a trailer (or at more than
100 km/h (60 mph) in exceptional circum-
stances). This also applies in countries where
driving at higher speeds is permitted. Take » 255
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Care and maintenance
Automatic car washes
B ef
ore going through a car wash, be sure to
take the usual precautions such as closing
the windows and roof. If the vehicle has spe-
cial accessories such as spoilers or a roof
rack or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisa-
ble to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving
bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure
cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pres-
sure cleaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. This applies
particularly to the operating pressure and the
spraying distance. Do not hold the nozzle too
close to soft materials such as rubber hoses
or seals. The same applies to the parking aid
sensors*, which are located in the rear bump-
er.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt.
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.
You should start on the roof and work down. Special car
soap 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
● The v

ehicle should only be washed with the
ignition switched off. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the
ins
ide of wheel arches or wheel trims without
protecting your hands and arms. You may cut
yourself on sharp-edged metal parts. Other-
wise, there is a risk of sustaining cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter
sea
son: water and ice in the brake system
can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of acci-
dent! CAUTION
● Do not w

ash the vehicle in direct sunlight –
otherwise the paint can be damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household
spon
ges or similar to clean insect remains.
This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from
the hea
dlights at regular intervals, for in-
stance when filling the fuel tank. The head-
lights should only be washed with water, do not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It
i
s

best to use soapy water.
● Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the
wat
er out in a direct stream. This could dam-
age the tyres even if the spray is kept at a
distance and only used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic
car w
ash, please make sure to retract the ex-
terior mirrors to prevent them from being
damaged. Electrically retractable exterior
mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand,
always use the electrical power control. CAUTION
● Bef

ore washing the vehicle in an automatic
car wash, please proceed as follows to lock
the wiper arms so that they are not moved to-
wards the top of the windscreen:
–the bonnet must be closed.
– switch the ignition on and off.
– press the windscreen wiper lever forward
briefly (windscreen washer function).
This will lock the wiper arms. For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special
w a

sh bays. These areas are prepared to pre-
vent oily water from getting into the public
drains. In some places, washing vehicles out-
side the areas intended for this purpose is
prohibited. 267
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
You may also notice that the engine runs at a
s lightly
faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern. The increased idling speed allows the
alternator to meet the greater power require-
ment and charge the battery at the same
time. Checking and refilling levels
Fi l
ling the tank
Filling up Read the additional information carefully
› ›

›  page 48
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated cor-
rectly, it will switch itself off as soon as the
fuel tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more
fuel after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill
the expansion chamber in the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is giv-
en on a sticker on the inside of the fuel tank
flap. Further notes on fuel can be found at
››› page 277.
The capacity of your vehicle's fuel tank is giv-
en in ›››
 page 48. WARNING
Fuel is highly flammable and can cause seri-
ou s

burns and other injuries.
● When refuelling, turn off the engine, the
auxi
liary heater ››› page 161 and turn off the
ignition for safety reasons.
● Do not smoke when filling the fuel tank or a
cani
ster. Naked flames are forbidden in the
vicinity due to the risk of explosion. ●
Ob

serve legislation governing the use,
storage and carrying of a spare fuel canister
in the vehicle.
● For safety reasons we do not recommend
carr
ying a spare fuel canister in the vehicle.
In an accident the canister could be damaged
and could leak.
● If, in exceptional circumstances, you have
to c
arry a spare fuel canister, please observe
the following points:
– Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister
if it is inside or on top of the vehicle. An
electrostatic charge could build up during
filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite.
Danger of explosion. Always place the
canister on the ground to fill it.
– Insert the filling nozzle as far as possible
into the spare fuel canister.
– If the spare fuel canister is made of met-
al, the filling nozzle must be in contact
with the canister during filling. This
helps prevent an electrostatic charge
building up.
– Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the
luggage compartment. Fuel vapour is ex-
plosive. Risk of fatal accident! CAUTION
● If an

y fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it
should be removed immediately. It could oth-
erwise damage the paintwork.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irreg-
ul

ar fuel supply could cause misfiring. As a 276

Checking and refilling levels
result, unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust
sy
s
tem and damage the catalytic converter.
● When filling the fuel tank after having run it
comp
letely dry on a vehicle with a diesel en-
gine, the ignition must be switched on for at
least 30 seconds before starting the engine.
When you then start the engine it may take
longer than normal (up to one minute) to
start firing. This is because air needs to be
bled from the fuel system while starting. For the sake of the environment
Do not overfill the fuel tank, it may cause the
f uel

to overflow if it becomes warm. Note
There is no emergency mechanism for the
m anua

l release of the fuel tank flap. If neces-
sary, request assistance from specialised per-
sonnel. Note
Diesel vehicles are fitted with a protective de-
v ic

e that prevents the insertion of the wrong
fuel hose 1)
. It is only possible to refuel with
Diesel nozzles.
● If the pump nozzle is worn, damaged, or if
it i
s very small, it is possible that it will not
be able to open the protective device. Before
trying to insert the pump nozzle by turning it, try a different pump or request specialist
help
.
● If

you fill the tank from a reserve fuel canis-
ter
, the protective device will not open. One
way to resolve this is to pour the fuel in very
slowly. Fuel
Ty

pes of petrol The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the
f
uel

tank flap.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic con-
verter and must only be run on unleaded pet-
rol. The petrol must comply with European
Standard EN 228 or German standard DIN
51626-1 and must be unleaded. You can re-
fuel with a maximum ethanol proportion of
10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differenti-
ated by their octane rating (RON).
The following titles appear on the corre-
sponding adhesive on the fuel tank flap: Super unleaded 95 octane or normal 91 oc-
tane u

nleaded petrol
We recommend you use super 95 octane pet-
rol. If this is not available: normal 91 octane
petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
Super unleaded petrol with a minimum of 95
octanes
You should use super petrol with a minimum
of 95 octanes.
If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible.
Super unleaded 98 octane or super 95 oc-
tane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super plus 98 octane
petrol. If this is not available: super 95 oc-
tane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
If super is not available, in an emergency you
may refuel with normal 91 octane petrol. In
this case only use moderate engine speeds
and a light throttle. Refuel with super as soon
as possible. »1)
Depending on country
277
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Petrol additives
The quality of
the fuel influences the behav-
iour, power and service life of the engine.
This is why the petrol you use should carry
suitable additives already included by the
petrol industry, free of metals. These addi-
tives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the
fuel system clean and prevent deposits from
building up in the engine.
If good-quality petrol with metal-free addi-
tives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added
when refuelling ››› .
Not al

l petrol additives have been shown to
be effective. The use of unsuitable petrol ad-
ditives may cause significant damage to the
engine and the catalytic converter. Metal ad-
ditives should never be used. Metal additives
may also be contained in petrol additives for
improving anti-detonation ratings or octane
ratings ››› .
S EA

T recommends “genuine Volkswagen
Group Fuel Additives for petrol engines”.
These additives can be bought at SEAT deal-
ers, where information on how to use them
can also be obtained. CAUTION
● Do not r

efuel if the filler indicates that the
fuel contains metal. LRP ( lead replacement
petrol) fuels contain high concentrations of
metal additives. Using them may damage the
engine!
● Never refuel with fuels containing a large
propor
tion of ethanol (for example, E50, E85).
This could damage the fuel system.
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or
fuel
containing other metal additives would
seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic
converter.
● Only use fuel additives that have been ap-
pro
ved by SEAT. Octane boosting or anti-
knock additives may contain metal additives
that could seriously damage the engine or
the catalytic converter. These additives must
not be used.
● High engine speed and full throttle can
dam
age the engine when using petrol with an
octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine. Note
● You m

ay use petrol with a high octane num-
ber than the one recommended for your en-
gine.
● In those countries where unleaded petrol is
not av
ailable, you may refuel with a fuel with
a low lead content. Diesel fuel
Please note the information on the inside of
the f
uel

tank flap.
We recommend the use of diesel fuel which
complies to European standard EN 590. If
diesel fuel which meets European standard
EN 590 is not available, the Cetane number
(CZ) must, at minimum, be 51. If the engine
is equipped with a particulate filter, the sul-
phur content of the fuel must be below 50
parts per million.
Winter-grade diesel
Summer fuel becomes thicker in winter and it
is more difficult to start the engine. For this
reason, petrol stations in some countries al-
so offer winter diesel with improved fluidity
when cold (winter-grade diesel).
Water in the fuel filter 1)
If your vehicle has a diesel engine and is
equipped with a fuel filter with a water sepa-
rator, the instrument panel may display the
following warning:  Water in the
fuel filter. If this is the case, take the
vehicle to a specialised workshop so that
they can drain the fuel filter. 1)
Valid for the market: Algeria.
278