Seat Exeo ST 2010 Owner's manual

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning219
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Steel 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 197.
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 197.
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 cleaning
220Cleaning 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.
G o o d co r r o s i o n p r o t e c t i o n is p a r t i cu la r l y i m p o r t a n t i n wi n te r w h e n t h e v e h i c le
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 r e 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 229.•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 cleaning221
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Wooden 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 cleaning
222
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 dry completely before rolling them up.
Otherwise, the belt retractors could become damaged.
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications223
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Accessories, parts replacement and modificationsAccessories and spare partsAlways consult an Authorised Service Centre before
purchasing accessories and parts.Your vehicle is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive safety.
Before purchasing accessories and parts, and before making technical
changes to your vehicle, we recommend you to consult your Authorised
Service Centre.
SEAT dealerships will be happy to provide you with the latest information
about the use, legal requirements and recommendations from the manufac-
turer regarding accessories and parts.
We recommend you use only SEAT Approved Accessories
® and SEAT
Approved Spare Parts
®. This way, SEAT can guarantee that the product in
question is suitable, reliable and safe. SEAT Authorised Service Centres have
the necessary experience and facilities to ensure that parts are correctly and
professionally installed.
Despite a continuous observation of the market, SEAT is not able to assess
the reliability, safety and suitability of those parts SEAT has not approved. For
this reason, SEAT cannot assume responsibility for any non-genuine parts
used, even if these par ts have been approved by an official testing agency or
are covered by an official approval certificate.
Any equipment subsequently installed which has a direct effect on the
driver's control of the vehicle (e.g. cruise control system or electronically-
controlled suspension) must be approved by SEAT and bear the e mark (the
European Union's authorisation symbol). Any
additional electrical components that do not affect the control of the
vehicle itself (e.g. refrigerator box, laptop, ventilator fan, etc.), must bear the
CE mark (European Union manufacturer conformity declaration).
WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders or cup holders, should never
be fitted on the covers, or within the working range, of the airbags. Other-
wise, there is a danger of injury if the airbag is triggered in an accident.Technical modificationsModifications must always be carried out according to our
specifications.Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components or software in the
vehicle may cause malfunctions. Due to the way the electronic components
are linked together in networks, other indirect systems may be affected by the
faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead to excessive wear of compo-
nents, and also invalidate your vehicle registration documents.
SEAT Authorised Service Centres cannot be held liable for any damage
caused by modifications and/or work incorrectly performed.
For this reason, we recommend that all work should be performed by an
Authorised Service Centre using Genuine SEAT
® approved parts and acces-
sories .
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Accessories, parts replacement and modifications
224
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other kind of work on your vehicle
can lead to malfunctions and cause accidents.Mobile phones and two-way radiosFirst consult your Authorised Service Centre if you wish to use a mobile tele-
phone or a two-way radio with a transmitting power output in excess of
10 watts. Here you will receive information concerning the technical possibil-
ities for retrofitting this equipment.
Mobile telephones and two-way radios should be only fitted by a specialised
workshop, for example an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
•Always concentrate primarily on driving. If you are distracted while
driving you could have an accident.•Never attach the telephone mountings to the surfaces covering the
airbag units or within the range of the airbags. There is a high danger of
injury if the airbag is triggered.Note
Please observe the operating instructions of your mobile telephone / two-way
radio.
Athermic windscreen*Vehicles with an athermic windscreen have an area without athermic treat-
ment above the rear view mirror ⇒fig. 173 . This area has been designed for
the operating of electronic components of fitted devices (e.g. electronic toll
collection system).
Note
The custom er should ensure that the electronic toll collection system is fitted
in the correct area to make sure it works correctly.
Fig. 173 Location of the
electronic toll collection
system
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Checking and refilling levels225
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
Checking and refilling levelsRefuellingThe tank flap is released manually. The tank holds approxi-
mately 70 litres.The flap that covers the tank cap is unlocked and locked automati-
cally by the central locking.
Unscrewing the tank cap
– Press the right side of the flap to open it.
– Unscrew the fuel tank cap anti-clockwise.
– Hook the cap onto the support fitted to the open tank flap
⇒fig. 174 . Closing the tank cap
– Screw the tank cap clockwise into the filler opening until it you
hear it click into position.
– Close the tank flap.
The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off as
soon as the tank is “full”. Never attempt to fill beyond this point, as this will
fill the expansion chamber. Fuel may leak out if ambient conditions are warm.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the inside of the
fuel tank flap. Here you will find further information on fuel.
Releasing the fuel tank flap manually*
If the central locking system fails, the fuel tank flap can be opened manually
as follows:•Open the tailgate•Remove the cover from the right side trim in the luggage compartment.•Insert a hand and pull the locking device back•Open the cap and take out the plug.WARNING
•Fuel is highly flammable and can cause serious burns and other inju-
ries.
−Never smoke or use an open flame when filling the fuel tank of the
vehicle, or a spare fuel canister, with fuel. This is an explosion hazard.
− Follow legal requirements for the use of spare fuel canisters.
Fig. 174 Fuel tank flap
with tank cap attached
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Checking and refilling levels
226
− For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel
canister in the vehicle. The canister could be damaged in an accident
and leak.•If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel canister,
please observe the following points:
−Never fill the spare fuel canister inside the vehicle or on it. An elec-
trostatic charge could build up during filling, causing the fuel fumes to
ignite. This could cause an explosion. Always place the canister on the
ground to fill it.
− Insert the fuel nozzle into the mouth of the canister as far as
possible.
− If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filling nozzle must be
in contact with the canister during filling. This helps prevent an electro-
static charge building up.
− Never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage compartment. Fuel
vapours are explosive. Danger of death.Caution
•Fuel spills should be removed from the paintwork immediately.•Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply could cause
misfiring. As a result, unburnt fuel could enter the catalytic converter and
cause damage.•When filling the fuel tank after having run it completely dry on a vehicle
with a diesel engine the ignition must be switched on for at least 30 seconds
without starting the engine. When you then start the engine it may take
longer than normal (up to one minute) for the engine to start firing. This is due
to the fact that the fuel system has to purge itself of air before starting.
For the sake of the environment
Do not try to put in more fuel after the automatic filler nozzle has switched off;
this may cause the fuel to overflow if it becomes warm.PetrolPetrol types
The recommended fuel types are listed on a sticker inside the
fuel tank flap.Only unleaded petrol conforming to standard DIN EN 228 may be used for
vehicles with catalytic converters (EN = “European Standard”).
Fuel types are differentiated by the octane rating, e.g: 91, 95, 98 RON (RON
= “Research Octane Number”, unit for determining the knock resistance of
petrol). You may use petrol with a higher octane number than the one recom-
mended for your engine. However, this has no advantage in terms of fuel
consumption and engine power.
The correct fuel type for your vehicle is given in the technical table for the
engine, in the Technical Specifications section.
Caution
•Petrol with standard EN 228 may be mixed with small quantities of
ethanol. However, the bioethanol fuels available at commercial establish-
ments with reference E50 or E85, which contain a high percentage of ethanol,
may not be used, as they will damage the fuel system.•Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the efficiency
of the catalytic converter.
WARNING (continued)
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Checking and refilling levels227
Safety First
Operating Instructions
Practical Tips
Technical Specifications
•High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.For the sake of the environment
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of the
catalytic converter.Petrol additives
Petrol additives improve the quality of the petrol.The quality of the petrol influences the performance, power and life of the
engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol containing addi-
tives. These additives will help to prevent corrosion, keep the fuel system
clean and prevent deposits from building up in the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems occur,
the required additives must be added during refuelling.DieselDiesel*Diesel fuel must conform to DIN EN 590 (EN = “European Standard”). It must
have a cetane number (CN) of at least 51. The cetane number indicates the
ignition quality of the diesel fuel.
Notes on refuelling ⇒ page 225.
Biodiesel*
Caution
•Your vehicle is not designed to use biodiesel fuel. Never, under any
circumstances refuel with biodiesel. The use of biodiesel fuel could damage
the engine and the fuel system. The addition of biodiesel to diesel fuel by the
diesel manufacturer in accordance with standard EN 590 or DIN 51628 is
authorised and will not cause damage to the engine or the fuel system.•The diesel engine has been designed to be used exclusively with diesel
fuel conforming to standard EN 590. Never refuel or use petrol, kerosene, fuel
oil or any other type of fuel. If you accidentally fill up the vehicle with the
wrong type of fuel, do not start the engine. Seek assistance from specialised
personnel. The composition of these fuels may severely damage the fuel
system and the engine.Winter driving
Diesel can thicken in winter.Winter-grade diesel
When using summer-grade diesel fuel, difficulties may be experienced at
sub-zero temperatures because the fuel thickens due to wax separation.
Therefore, winter-grade diesel fuel is available in some countries during the
cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as -22 °C.
In countries with different climatic conditions the diesel fuel generally sold
has different temperature characteristics. Check with an Authorised Service
Centre or filling stations in the country concerned regarding the type of diesel
fuels available.
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Checking and refilling levels
228Filter pre-heater
Your vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter glow plug system, making it well
equipped for operation in winter. This ensures that the fuel system remains
operational to approx. -24 °C, provided you use winter-grade diesel which is
safe to -15 °C.
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24 °C, simply place the vehicle in a warm place for
a while.
Caution
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners or similar products) with diesel fuel.
BonnetReleasing the bonnet
The bonnet is released from inside the vehicle.– To release the bonnet, pull the lever under the dash panel
⇒fig. 175 in the direction indicated (arrow).The bonnet springs out of its lock.
Fig. 175 Detail of foot-
well area on driver side:
lever for unlocking the
bonnet.
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