maintenance Seat Exeo 2010 User Guide

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
212Regular wax applications help to protect the paintwork from environmental
contaminants ⇒page 209. It is also effective in protecting against minor
scratches.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the vehicle washing tunnel, it is
advisable to protect the paint with a hard wax coating at least twice a year.Polishing the paintwork
Polishing brings back gloss to the paintwork.Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot
be brought back by applying wax. Polishing products can be purchased in
your Authorised Service Centre.
The vehicle must be waxed after polishing if the polish used does not contain
wax compounds to seal the paint ⇒page 211, “Vehicle paint maintenance”.
Caution
To prevent damage to the paintwork:•Do not use polishes and hard wax on painted parts with a matte finish or
on plastic parts.•Do not polish your vehicle in a sandy or dusty environment.Caring for plastic parts
Solvents damage plastic parts.If normal washing fails to clean plastic parts, clean them with approved
solvent-free plastic cleaning and care products.
Caution
•The use of liquid air freshener directly over the air vents of the vehicle may
damage the plastic parts if the liquid is accidentally spilled.•Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Cleaning windows and exterior mirrorsCleaning windows
– Moisten the windows with commercially available, alcohol based glass cleaner.
– Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth.
Removing snow
– Use a small brush to remove sn ow from the windows and mirrors.
Removing ice
–Use a de-icer spray.Use a clean cloth or chamois leather to dry the windows. The chamois
leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable to clean windows because
they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the windows.
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper, push
it in one direction only without swinging it.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and sili-
cone deposits off.
Wax deposits can be removed with a special cleaner available in your Author-
ised Service Centre. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. Adding a window clea ner that dissolves wax to the wind-
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning213
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
screen washer fluid prevents wiper blades from juddering, but wax deposits
are not removed.
Caution
•Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack!•The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the
window. To prevent damage, do not put stickers on the heating elements
inside the window.Cleaning windscreen wiper bladesClean wiper blades are essent ial to provide clear vision.
1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
2. Use window cleaner to clean the windscreen wiper blades. Use a sponge or a cloth to remove stubborn dirt.Rubber seals maintenance
If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not freeze so
quickly.1. Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the rubber seals.
2. Apply a specialist care product to the rubber seals.
The rubber strips on the doors, windows, bonnet and tailgate will remain
pliable and last longer if they are treated with a suitable care product (for
example silicone spray).
Caring for rubber seals will also prevent premature ageing and leaks. The
doors will be easier to open. If rubber seals are well looked after, they will not
freeze so quickly in winter.Door lock cylinders
The door lock cylinders can freeze up in winter.To de-ice the lock cylinders you should only use spray with lubricating and
anti-corrosive properties.Cleaning chrome parts1. Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth.
2. Polish chrome parts with a soft, dry cloth.If this does not provide satisfying results, use a specialist chrome cleaning
product . Chrome cleaning products will remove stains from the surface.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:•Never use an abrasive cleaning product on chrome.•Do not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
214Steel wheel rims– Clean steel wheel rims regularly using a separate sponge.Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Any damage to the paint on
steel wheel rims should be repaired before starting to rust.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the
tyres. This may cause an accident.•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the
brakes by braking several times ⇒page 192.
Alloy wheel rimsEvery two weeks
– Wash salt and brake dust from alloy wheels.
– Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims.
Every three months
– Apply a hard wax compound to the wheels.Alloy wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. If road
salt and brake dust are not often removed, the aluminium finish will be
impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims. Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used. If the protective
coating is damaged, e.g. by flying stones, the damaged area should be
repaired immediately.
WARNING
•Never wash tyres with a cylindrical jet. Even at large spraying distances
and short cleaning times, visible and invisible damage can occur to the
tyres. This may cause an accident.•Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. Dry the
brakes by braking several times ⇒page 192.
Underbody protection
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical
and mechanical damage.The protective coating can be damaged when driving. We recommend you to
check the protective coating under the body and on the running gear, and
reinstated if necessary, before and after the winter season.
We recommend you to go to your Authorised Service Centre to carry out repair
work and additional anti-corrosion work.
WARNING
Do not apply underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the exhaust pipes,
catalytic converter or the heat shields on the exhaust system. The heat of
the exhaust system or the engine could cause them to ignite. Risk of fire.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning215
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Cleaning the engine compartment
Take special care when cleaning the engine compartment.Anti-corrosion treatment
The engine compartment and the surface of the power unit are given anti-
corrosion treatment at the factory.
Good corrosion protection is particularly important in winter when the vehicle
is frequently driven on salted roads. To prevent the salt corroding the vehicle,
the entire engine compartment should be thoroughly cleaned before and
after winter.
Yo u r A u t h o r i s e d S e r v i ce Ce n t re has got the necessary equipment to provide
the correct cleaning and preserving products. For this reason, we recommend
having this work performed by them.
The anti-corrosion protection is usually removed if the engine compartment
is cleaned with grease removing solutions, or if you have the engine cleaned.
On commissioning this work, ensure that all surfaces, seams, joints and
components in the engine compartment are given anti-corrosion treatment.
WARNING
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings ⇒page 224.•Before opening the bonnet, switch the engine off, apply the handbrake
firmly and always remove the key from the ignition.•Allow the engine to cool before you clean the engine compartment.•Do not clean the vehicle underbody, wheel arches or wheel trims
without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut yourself on sharp-
edged metal parts. Failure to comply could result in injury.•Moisture, ice and salt on the brakes may affect braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. Directly after washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking.
•Never touch the radiator fan. It is temperature-controlled and could
start automatically, even when the key is removed from the ignition!For the sake of the environment
Fuel, grease and oil deposits could be removed when the engine is washed.
The polluted water must be cleaned in an oil separator. For this reason,
engine washing should be carried out only by a qualified workshop or a petrol
station.Vehicle interior maintenancePlastic parts and dash panel cleaning– Use a clean, damp cloth to clean plastic parts and the dash panel.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a special solvent-free plastic cleaning product.
WARNING
Never clean the dash panel and the airbag module surface with cleaners
containing solvents. Solvents cause the surface to become porous. If the
airbag triggered, plastic parts could become detached and cause injuries.
Caution
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
WARNING (continued)
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
216Wooden trim cleaning*– Clean the wooden trim with a water-moistened clean cloth.
– If this does not provide satisfactory results, use a gentle soap
solution.
CautionCleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.Cloth seat covers and fabric trim cleaningCloth seat covers and fabric trim on the doors, headlining etc. can be cleaned
with a special interior cleaner or with dry foam and a soft brush.Leather cleaning*Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the leather surfaces.
Cleaning stubborn stains
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap solution (pure liquid soap; two tablespoons diluted in one litre of water)
and a cloth.
– Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams. – Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Leather maintenance
– The leather should be treated twice a year with a special leather-
care product, available in your Authorised Service Centre.
– Apply these products very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
SEAT does everything possible to preserve the genuine qualities of this
natural product. Due to the natural properties of the specially selected hides
employed, the finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt, etc.
so a degree of care is required in everyday use and when looking after the
leather.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can scratch and damage the surface. If
the vehicle is under solar radiation for long periods, the leather should be
protected to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour variations in high-
quality natural leather are normal.
Caution
•Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or similar
products on leather.•To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qualified
workshop.Seat belt cleaning
A dirty belt may not work properly.Check all seat belts regularly and keep them clean.
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Vehicle maintenance and cleaning217
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Seat belt cleaning
– Pull the dirty seat belt right out and unroll it.
– Clean dirty seat belts with a gentle soap solution.
– Allow it to dry.
– Do not roll the seat belt up until it is dry.If large stains form on the belts, it will not retract correctly into the automatic
belt retractor.
WARNING
•Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can
impair the strength of the webbing. Ensure that belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.•Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals. If you notice
that the belt webbing, fittings, retractor mechanism or buckle of any of the
belts is damaged, the belt must be replaced by a specialist workshop.•Do not attempt to repair a damaged seat belt yourself. The seat belts
must not be removed or modified in any way.Caution
After cleaning, allow seat belts to dr y completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise, the belt retractors could become damaged.
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Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles some of the reservoirs mentioned below are
located on the other side of the engine compartment.Closing the bonnet– To close the bonnet, push it down until it overcomes the spring
pressure.
– Let the bonnet engage in the locking part. Do not force it ⇒ .
WARNING
•For safety reasons the bonnet must always be completely closed when
the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check that it is properly
secured. The bonnet must be flush with the adjacent body panels.•Should you notice that the bonnet is not safely secured when the
vehicle is moving, stop the vehicle immediately and close the bonnet.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Engine oilGeneral notesThe engine comes with a special, high quality, multi grade oil that can be
used in all seasons of the year except for those regions affected by extreme
cold. As the use of good quality oil is necessary for the correct operation and long
service life of the engine, when it becomes necessary to replenish or change
the oil, always use an oil that complies to the VW standards.
The specifications (VW standards) set out in the following page should
appear on the container of the service oil; when the container displays the
specific standards for petrol and diesel
engines together, it means that the
oil can be used for both types of engines.
We recommend that the oil change, indicated in the Maintenance
Programme, be performed by an Authorised Service Centre or a qualified
workshop.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in ⇒page 226, “Oil
properties”.
Service intervals
Service intervals can be flexible (LongLife service) or fixed (dependent on
time/distance travelled).
If the PR code that appears on the back of the Maintenance Programme
booklet is QG1, this means that your vehicle has the LongLife service
programmed. If it has the codes QG0 or QG2 the interval service is dependent
on time/distance travelled.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife*)
Special oils and processes have been developed which, depending on the
characteristics and individual driving profiles, allow to extend the oil change
service (LongLife service intervals).
Because this oil is essential for extending the service intervals, it must only
be used observing the following indications:
•Avoid mixing it with oil for fixed service intervals.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 226 and LongLife oil is not available, it is permitted to top up (once)
with oil for fixed service intervals (up to a maximum of 0.5 litres).
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Checking and refilling levels
226Fixed service intervals*
If your vehicle does not have the “LongLife service interval” or it has been
disabled (by request), you may use oils for fixed service intervals, which also
appear in ⇒page 226, “Oil properties”. In this case, your vehicle must be
serviced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (whatever comes first)
⇒ Booklet “Maintenance Programme”.•In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 226 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, you can
put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification ACEA A2 or
ACEA A3 (petrol engines) or ACEA B3 or ACEA B4 (diesel engines) (up to 0.5l).
Vehicles with diesel particulate filter*
All Exeo vehicles with a diesel engine have a diesel particulate filter and must
only be filled with VW 507 00 engine oil, which has a low level of soot forma-
tion. Using other types of oil will cause a higher soot concentration and
reduce the life of the DPF. Therefore:•Avoid mixing this oil with other engine oils.•Only in exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒ page 226 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle, can you
put in a small quantity of oil (once) conforming to the VW 506 00, VW 506 01,
VW 505 00, VW 505 01 or ACEA B3 / ACEA B4 specification. (up to 0.5 l).Oil properties
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration
caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.Checking the oil level
Engine type
Specification
Petrol
VW 502 00/ VW 504 00
Diesel. Engines with particu-
late filter (DPF)
a)
a)Only use recommended oils, otherwise you may damage the engine.
VW 507 00
Oils for LongLife service intervals *
Engine type
Specification
Petrol
VW 504 00
Diesel
VW 507 00
Fig. 166 Markings on oil
dipstick
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Checking and refilling levels
234Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional.Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, in the course of time it will absorb
water from the air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the brake
system could corrode. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid will be
considerably reduced. This could adversely affect the braking ability in
certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle’s Service Plan will tell you when the brake fluid has to be
renewed.
We recommend you have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular Inspec-
tion Service at a workshop. They are familiar with the procedure and have the
necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for
disposing of the old fluid.
Use only approved brake fluid. Specialised workshops are informed about
the factory-approved brake fluid -DOT 4-. The brake fluid must be new.
WARNING
•Brake fluid must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.•If the brake 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, leading to the risk of accident.Caution
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT service network has the necessary equip-
ment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this waste
material.Vehicle batteryGeneral notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend replacing the battery after 5 years.
Disconnecting the battery
If the battery is disconnected, some of the vehicle’s functions will become
inoperative (e.g. electric windows). These functions will require resetting
after the battery is reconnected. For this reason, the battery should only be
disconnected from the vehicle’s electrical system when absolutely necessary.
Long periods of non-use
The battery will gradually lose its charge because certain electrical equip-
ment continues to draw current even when the ignition is off. If you park the
vehicle for long periods of time in winter you should take the battery out of
the vehicle and store it in a place protected from frost. This way it will not
freeze and become damaged. At warm outside temperatures it is sufficient to
disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Even when the battery is not
connected you should charge it from time to time.
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Checking and refilling levels235
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Winter operation
The battery is drained more in cold weather, which means that the starting
power is reduced. For this reason, have the battery checked and charged if
necessary before the start of winter.
Replacing the battery
A replacement battery
must have the same capacity, voltage and current
rating. It must also have the same dimensions as the original, factory-fitted
battery and have sealed caps. The SEAT batteries which have been specially
developed fulfil the maintenance, performance and safety specifications for
your vehicle.
We recommend you use maintenance-free batteries.
WARNING
•All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. If work is required
on the battery, this should be performed by a Technical Service or qualified
workshop. Danger of caustic burns and explosion!•The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the battery’s
liquid level. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an
explosion.Caution
•The battery holder and clamps must always be correctly secured.•Before starting any work on the battery, always observe the warnings
listed under ⇒.For the sake of the environment
¡ Batteries contain toxic substances including sulphuric acid and lead.
Therefore, they must be disposed of in line with environmental regulations
and must not be disposed of with ordinary household waste. Make sure
disconnected batteries cannot tip over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt!
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle batteryThe battery is located at the back of the engine compartment ⇒ page 295.
WARNING
Always be aware of the danger of injury and chemical burns as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working on the battery and the electrical
system:•Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes, skin and clothing from acid and
particles containing lead.•Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective gloves and
eye protection. Do not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid through the
vents. Rinse battery acid from eyes immediately for several minutes with
clear water. Then seek medical care immediately. Neutralise any acid
splashes on the skin or clothing with a soapy solution, and rinse off with
plenty of water. If acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a doctor immedi-
ately.•Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited. When handling
cables and electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks and electrostatic
charge. Never short the battery terminals. High-energy sparks can cause
injury.
Wear eye protection

Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear protective
gloves and eye protection!
Ž
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are prohibited!
Ÿ
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the bat-
tery is under charge.

Keep children away from acid and batteries!
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