parking brake Seat Mii 2012 Owner's Guide

143
Starting, changing gears, parking
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them. 
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144Starting, changing gears, parking
Ecological driving
Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on 3 factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Savings of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips.
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation.

Economic driving style
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h (19 mph),
drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(30 mph) in fifth gear.
In addition, “skipping” gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather
and traffic conditions permitting. Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kickdown
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.


145
Starting, changing gears, parking
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the vehicle before starting your journey, and to drive a short dis-
tance with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly.
Only then should you close all the windows and switch on the air condition-
ing system. Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving
with the windows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window when it is not moist or covered in ice.
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills. Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 92 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at 2 different outside
temperatures
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore 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.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption.
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
Fig. 92 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at +20 °C
(+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F). 
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160Driver assistance systems
Malfunction in the laser sensor
If the laser sensor operation is impaired, for example due to heavy rain,
spray, snow or dirt, the City Safety Assist system function is temporarily
switched off. On the instrument panel display the control lamp  flashes.
When the fault in the laser sensor has been rectified, the City Safety Assist
system function automatically becomes available. The control lamp 
switches off.
The following conditions could prevent the City Safety Assist system from
functioning:
● Tight bends.
● Accelerator pressed all the way down to the floor.
● If the City Safety Assist system is switched off or there is a fault
⇒ page 156.
● If the laser sensor is dirty, covered or overheated ⇒ page 157.
● In the event of snow, heavy rain or dense fog.
● If there are vehicles in front.
● Vehicles changing lanes.
● Vehicles moving in the opposite direction in the same lane.
● Very dirty vehicles with a low degree of reflection.
● Presence of thick dust. 
Hill hold
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● SEAT information system ⇒ page 22
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134 ●
Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
● Hill hold ⇒ page 273
WARNING
The smart technology included in the hill hold cannot change the laws of
physics. Do not let the extra convenience afforded by the hill hold tempt
you into taking any risks when driving.
● Any accidental movement of the vehicle could result in serious injury.
● The hill hold is not a replacement for driver awareness.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions.
● The hill hold cannot always keep the vehicle at a standstill on a slope
or brake sufficiently when travelling downhill (e.g. on slippery or frozen
surfaces).

Warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
The Start-Stop system is ena-
bled.

The Start-Stop system is ena-
bled but the engine cannot be
automatically stopped.Contact a Specialised
workshop.

The Start-Stop system cannot
start the engine.Start the engine by hand
using the vehicle's key
⇒ page 120.
There is a fault in the alternator.⇒ page 193 

199
Vehicle care and maintenance
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before en-
tering an automatic car wash :
● Compare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance be-
tween the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
● Switch off the rain sensor before taking the vehicle to an automatic car
wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash!
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the windscreen wipers on
the windscreen after drying the wiper blades. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the rear lid to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside
the car wash. 
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning apparatus
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the re-
quired pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
⇒ 
.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The
sensors of the parking distance warning system are situated on the rear
bumper ⇒ 
.
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 ⇒ 
.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials.
This could result in serious accident.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may dam-
age the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced
(and the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter)
on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
CAUTION
● The temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
● To ensure that the system functions well, the sensors located on the
bumper must be kept clean and free from ice. When cleaning with pressure
hoses and steam cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A
distance of 10 cm between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must
be observed.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle
with a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around
the doors, rear lid, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze! 
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210Vehicle care and maintenance
Wheels and tyres
Introduction
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a Speci-
alised workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement
parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 97
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 197
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 233
● Vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 246
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 248
● Change wheel ⇒ page 250
● Tire Mobility Set ⇒ page 256
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (400 miles).
WARNING (Continued)
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
● Never mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
history. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst un-
expectedly while driving, especially at high speeds, resulting in serious
accident and injury. If tyres are over six years old, they should only be
used in an emergency and with extreme caution.
Note
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel. Please refer to the vehicle documents or ask at a Technical Service. 

240Practical information
In case of emergency
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 243
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 250
WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other road users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
distance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors are to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.
 Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle
Fig. 130 Dash panel:
Button to switch on and
off the hazard warning
lights system
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of countries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 242.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒ 
:
1. Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground ⇒ 
.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights system with the button 
⇒ Fig. 130.
3. Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 134.
4. Put the gearbox lever in neutral or the selector lever in position P ⇒ page 124.
5. Switch off the engine and remove the key from the ignition.
6. Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example behind a guard rail. 

256Practical information
Anti-puncture kit*
Introduction
The Tyre Mobility Set* will reliably seal punctures caused by the penetration
of a foreign body of up to about 4 mm in diameter. Do not remove foreign
objects, e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
After inserting the sealant residue in the tyre, you must again check the tyre
pressure about 10 minutes after starting the engine.
You should only use the tire mobility set if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have the necessary tire
mobility set! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
The tyre sealant must not be used in the following cases:
● If the wheel rim has been damaged.
● In outside temperatures below -20 °C (-4 °F).
● In the event of cuts or perforations in the tyre greater than 4 mm.
● If you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat tyre.
● If the sealant bottle has passes its use by date.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 28
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 134
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● In case of emergency ⇒ page 240
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 248
WARNING
Using the tire mobility set can be dangerous, especially when filling the
tyre at the roadside. Please observe the following rules to minimise the
risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to fill the tyre.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid.
● All passengers and particularly children must keep a safe distance
from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Use the tire mobility set only if you are familiar with the necessary
procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
● The tire mobility set is intended for temporary, emergency use only.
Use only until you can reach the nearest specialised workshop.
● Replace the repaired tyre with the tire mobility set as soon as possi-
ble.
● The sealant is a health hazard and must be cleaned immediately if it
comes into contact with the skin.
● Always keep the tire mobility set out of the reach of small children.
● Never use the approved jack, even if it has been approved for your ve-
hicle.
● Always stop the engine, apply the handbrake lever firmly and engage
gear if using a manual gearbox, in order to reduce the risk of vehicle in-
voluntary movement.
WARNING
A tyre filled with sealant does not have the same performance properties
as a conventional tyre.
● Never drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph). 

277
Practical information
Instructions for tow starting
In general, the vehicle should not be started by towing. Jump-starting is
much more preferable ⇒  page 273.
For technical reasons, the following vehicles can not be tow started:
● Vehicles with an automatic gearbox.
● If the vehicle battery is flat, it is possible that the engine control unit
does not operate correctly.
However, if your vehicle must absolutely be tow-started (manual gearbox):
● Engage the 2nd or 3rd gear.
● Keep the clutch pressed down.
● Switch on the ignition and the hazard warning lights.
● Release the clutch when both vehicles are moving.
● As soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever
into neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
CAUTION
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it. 
Notes on towing
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and vehicle friendly way. You should
only use a tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid damage to both vehicles. It is
advisable to use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or similarly elastic mate-
rial. Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
●
Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
● Do not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
● Do not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
● If a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
● If the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
● If the battery is flat as the steering cannot be unlocked, as a result, the
electronic steering lock and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged.
● If the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the steering lock electronic gearbox lock is
deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric system
fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the steer-
ing column electronic gearbox lock. 
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Index
A
AbroadExtended stay abroad with your vehicle . . 234
Sale of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
ABS See "Braking assist systems" . . . . . . . . . . 140
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222, 223
Additional equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Adjust Headlight range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Adjustment Correct sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Front seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
rear head restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Cleaning dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Deactivating the front passenger airbag . . 73
Deactivating using the key switch . . . . . . . . 73
Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Differences between front passenger airbagsystems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Locking the vehicle after airbag deploy- ment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Vehicle care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Air conditioner Air recirculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Air recirculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169 How it works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
switch off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
temporarily switch off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Air vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 194
Aluminium care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Anodized surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Anti-puncture kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Anti-theft locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Anti-theft wheel locking bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Antitheft bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 ASR
see Brake assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Assistance systems Brake assist system (BAS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Cruise control system (CCS) . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Electronic differential lock system (EDL) . 140
electronic stability control (ESC) . . . . . . . . 139
Hill hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Optical parking system (OPS) . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Parking distance warning system . . . . . . . 150
Safety Assist (City Safety Assist function) 155
Traction control system (ASR) . . . . . . . . . . 140
Traction Control (TC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Assisted braking systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Assist systems Anti-lock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . 140
Audible warnings Control and warning lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Seat belt not fastened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Automatic belt retainer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Automatic car wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Automatic consumer disconnection . . . . . . . . 196
automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129 driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Ignition key lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Kickdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
291
Index