wheel Seat Mii 2012 Owner's Guide

134Starting, changing gears, parking
Braking, stopping and parking
Introduction
The assisted braking systems are the electronic distribution of the brake
force (EBV), the anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist system (BAS),
the electronic differential lock (EDL), the traction control (TC), the traction
control system (ASR) and the electronic stability control (ESC*).
Additional information and warnings:
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 210
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 222
WARNING
Driving with worn brake pads or a faulty brake system may lead to seri-
ous accident.
● If you believe the brake pads to be worn or the brake system to be
faulty, immediately refer to a specialised workshop to check the brake
pads and replace the worn brake pads.
WARNING
Careless parking can cause serious injury.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering lock may engage and locked the steering wheel making the vehi-
cle impossible to control.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
WARNING (Continued)
● Always apply the handbrake when you leave your vehicle and when
you park.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could release the electronic parking brake, activate the selector lever or
gear stick and start the vehicle moving. This could result in serious acci-
dent.
● Always take all the keys with you whenever you leave the vehicle. The
engine could accidentally be started and electrical equipment such as
the windows could accidentally be operated resulting in serious injury.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle. They
could be trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and will not be able to
get themselves to safety. For example, depending on the time of the
year, temperatures inside a locked and closed vehicle can be extremely
high or extremely low resulting in serious injuries and illness or even
death, particularly for young children.
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 

135
Starting, changing gears, parking
Warning and control lamps
lights upPossible cause ⇒ Solution
Handbrake applied.⇒ page 136.

Fault in the brake system. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.
Brake fluid level inadequate. Do not drive on!
Check brake fluid level
⇒ page 142.
Together with the ABS control
lamp : ABS and EBV do not
function. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.

ESC* disconnected by system.Switching the ignition on and off.
If necessary, drive for a short dis-
tance.
Fault in ESC*.Contact a Specialised workshop.
Together with the ABS control
lamp : Fault in ABS.Contact a Specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
The battery has been recon-
nected.⇒ page 193.
Traction Control faulty or
switched off by the system.Contact a Specialised workshop.

Together with the ESC* control
lamp  : Fault in ABS.Contact a Specialised workshop.
The vehicle can be braked with-
out ABS.
Together with the warning
lamp : ABS and EBV do not
function. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice
⇒ page 138.
flash- esPossible causeSolution
ESC* or ASR regulating.Take your foot off the accelerator.
Adjust your driving style to the
road conditions.
Traction Control regulator oper-
ating.Take your foot off the accelerator.
Adjust your driving style to the
road conditions.
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 141, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up together with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce 
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136Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING (Continued)
your speed and drive carefully to a Specialised workshop close by to
check the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden brak-
ing and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Handbrake
Fig. 90 Between the
front seats: Handbrake Using the handbrake
●
Pull firmly in an upwards direction on the handbrake lever while press-
ing the button.
● The handbrake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the in-
strument panel ⇒ page 135 when the ignition is switched on.
Releasing the handbrake
● Pull gently in an upwards direction on the handbrake lever and press the
lock button ⇒ Fig. 90 (arrow).
● Move the handbrake lever downwards keeping the lock button pressed.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the handbrake may result in a serious accident.
● Never use the handbrake to brake the vehicle except in an emergency.
The braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only ap-
plied to the rear wheels. Always use the foot brake.
● Never drive with the handbrake gently applied. This can overheat the
brake, affecting the brakes system. This also causes premature wear on
the rear brake pads.
● Never accelerate from the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning and a gear engaged. The vehicle could move, even if the handbrake
is applied.
Note
If the vehicle moves at a speed superior to 6 km/h (4 mph) with the hand-
brake applied, an audible warning is sounded. 
Parking
When parking your vehicle, all legal requirements should be observed. 

137
Starting, changing gears, parking
To park the vehicle
Complete operations only in the sequence given.
● Park the vehicle on a suitable surface ⇒ 
.
● Press and hold the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a standstill.
● Apply the handbrake firmly ⇒ page 136.
● For an automatic gearbox, move the selector lever to position P.
● Switch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
● Remove the key from the ignition.
● If necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
● With a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes,
or even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
● Ensure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
● When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
● Locking the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the vehi-
cle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (120 to 190 mph), the new brake pads have not
yet reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first
⇒ 
. The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by in-
creasing pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking dis-
tance or emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads
have been run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations
requiring braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a Specialised workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the brake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher
speed, “dry” the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several
times. Only do this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other
road users ⇒ 
. 
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139
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate.
CAUTION
● Never make the brakes “slip” by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not
really necessary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will
heat the brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase
braking distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed or reduce the gear when faced with steep and long
slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and to reduce the
strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may overheat and fail.
Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop.
Note
Make use, when having the front brake pads checked, and have the rear
pads checked also. The thickness of the brake pads should be checked vis-
ually and regularly, by looking through the openings in the wheel rims or
from underneath the vehicle. If necessary, remove the wheels to check them
thoroughly. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. Assisted braking systems
The assisted braking systems ESC*, ABS, EBV, BAS, ASR, TC and EDL only
operate when the ignition is switched on. They contribute significantly to in-
creasing active safety.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)*
ESC* reduces the risk of skidding and increases the vehicle stability by
braking individual wheels under specific driving conditions. ESC* detects
critical handling situations, such as understeer, oversteer and wheelspin on
the driven wheels. The system stabilises the vehicle by braking individual
wheels or by reducing the engine torque.
The ESC* has limits. It is important to realise that the ESC* is also subject to
the laws of physics. ESC* will not be able to deal with all situations with
which drivers may be faced. For example, if the road surface changes sud-
denly then ESC* will not be useful in all cases. If the vehicle suddenly enters
a section covered by water, mud or snow then ESC* will not provide assis-
tance in the same way as on dry ground. If the vehicle loses its grip on the
ground and moves on a film of water (“aquaplaning”), the ESC* will not be
able to assist the driver to control the vehicle due to the loss of adherence
with the road surface preventing braking and steering. If the vehicle is driv-
en through series of bends at high speed, the ESC* will not always be as
effective: the vehicle reaction to aggressive driving is not the same as at re-
duced speeds.
Adjust your speed and driving style to suit visibility, and weather, road and
traffic conditions. ESC* cannot push the limits of the laws of physics; im-
prove the transmission available or maintain the vehicle on the road if a
lack of driver attention creates an inevitable situation. Otherwise, ESC* as-
sists in maintaining vehicle control in extreme situations and uses the
movements of the steering made by the driver to maintain the vehicle mov-
ing in the desired direction. If the vehicle is driven at such a speed that it
will leave the road before ESC* can intervene then the system cannot pro-
vide assistance.

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140Starting, changing gears, parking
The ABS, BAS, ASR and EDL systems are incorporated into the ESC*. The
ESC* is always on 1)
.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS can prevent the wheels from locking during braking until just before
the vehicle stops thus helping the driver to steer the vehicle and maintain
control. This means that, even during full braking, the risk of skidding is re-
duced:
● Press and hold the brake pedal fully. Do not remove your foot from the
brake pedal or reduce braking force!
● Do not “pump” the brake pedal, or reduce braking force!
● Maintain vehicle direction when braking fully with the brake pedal.
● When the brake pedal is released or when the brake force is reduced,
ABS is turned off.
ABS control can be observed by vibration of the brake pedal and noise. You
should never expect the ABS to reduce the braking distance under any cir-
cumstances. Braking distances will increase when driving on gravel, recent
snow or on icy and slippery ground.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo. Traction control system (ASR) or Traction Control (TC)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system ASR or TC reduces the
engine torque to match the amount of grip available. The ASR or TC makes
some situations easier, for example, when starting, accelerating or going
uphill, even in unfavourable road conditions.
Electronic differential lock system (EDL)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicle control and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. Even though the braking assist systems, ABS, BAS,
EDL, ASR, TC and ESC*, provide more security, do not take unnecessary
risks while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC* and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be dan-
gerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact with the ground in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without ad-
herence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Braking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions. 
1)
According to version

141
Starting, changing gears, parking
WARNING (Continued)
● Even though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
control the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
braking assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control.
WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC* can be considerably reduced if other com-
ponents and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained or
are not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes, tyres
and other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR TC, EDL and ESC*.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
combinations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASR, TC, EDL and
ESC* and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC* depends on the use of suitable
tyres ⇒ page 210.
Note
To ensure that the ESC*, ASR and TC work properly, all four wheels must be
fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres
can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
Note
If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESC*, ASR, TC and EDL will al-
so be affected.
Note
Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating. 
Brake fluid
Fig. 91 In the engine
compartment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the sys-
tem. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power,
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the brake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒ 
.
Brake fluid specifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT 
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147
Starting, changing gears, parking
Steering Introduction
The power steering* is not hydraulic but electromechanical. The advantage
of this steering system is that it disposes of hydraulic tubes, hydraulic oil,
the pump, filter and other components. The electromechanical system
saves fuel. While a hydraulic system requires oil pressure to be maintained,
electromechanical steering only requires energy when the steering wheel is
turned.
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
Additional information and warnings:
● Start and stop the engine ⇒ page 119
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 193
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ page 276
WARNING
If the power steering is not working then the steering wheel is much
more difficult to turn and the vehicle more difficult to control.
● The power steering only works when the engine is running.
● Never allow the vehicle to move when the engine is switched off.
● Never remove the key from the ignition if the vehicle is in motion. The
steering may lock and it will not be possible to turn the steering wheel.
 Control and warning lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution

(red)Electromechanical steering
faulty.The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.

(yellow)Electromechanical steering
operation reduced.
The steering system should be
checked by a Specialised
workshop as soon as possible.
If, after restarting the engine
and driving for a short dis-
tance, the yellow warning light
no longer comes on, it will not
be necessary to take the vehi-
cle to a specialised workshop.
flashesPossible causeSolution

(red)Fault in the steering column
electronic lock. Do not drive on!
Seek professional advice.

(yellow)
Steering column deviation.Gently turn the steering wheel
to and fro.
Steering wheel not un-
locked or locked.
Remove the key from the igni-
tion and then switch the igni-
tion back on. If necessary,
check the messages displayed
on the instrument panel dis-
play.
Do not drive on, if the steering
column remains locked after
the ignition has been switched
on. You should obtain profes-
sional assistance. 
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148Starting, changing gears, parking
Several warning and control lamps light up for a few seconds when the igni-
tion is switched on while a test of the function is being carried out. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
If the warning lamps are ignored, the vehicle may stall in traffic, or may
cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they appear may result in faults in
the vehicle. 
Information on the steering
To prevent theft, we recommend you lock the steering before leaving the ve-
hicle.
Mechanical steering lock
Lock the steering column by removing the key from the ignition when the
vehicle is stopped.
Please engage steering lockUnlocking the steeringParking the vehicle ⇒ page 134.Insert the key in the ignition lock.Remove the ignition key from the ig-
nition.Turn the steering wheel slightly to
release the steering lock.
Turn the steering wheel slightly until
you hear the steering lock.Hold the steering wheel in this posi-
tion and switch on the ignition.
Electromechanical steering
With the electromechanical steering system, the power steering function au-
tomatically adjusts according to the vehicle speed, the steering torque and
the wheel turning angle. The electromechanical steering only works when
the engine is running.
You should remember that you will need considerably more power than nor-
mal to steer the vehicle if the power steering is not working correctly or not
at all. 

159
Driver assistance systems
Special driving situations
Fig. 99 A: Vehicle on a bend. B: Motorcyclist driving
ahead out of range of the laser sensor
Fig. 100 Other vehicles
changing lanes
The City Safety Assist function has physical limits, and has limits deter-
mined by the system itself. In certain circumstances, this may produce reac-
tions from the City Safety Assist system, that are late or unexpected by the
driver. For this reason, always pay due attention and if necessary, intervene. For example, the following driving situations require special attention:
Driving through a bend
When entering or leaving a “long” bend, the vehicle may decelerate when
the laser sensor detects a vehicle travelling in the opposite lane
⇒ Fig. 99 A.
To interrupt the deceleration you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or
press the clutch.
Narrow vehicles in front
The laser sensor will only detect narrow vehicles in front if they are in the
sensor detection zone ⇒ Fig. 99 B. This applies especially to narrow vehi-
cles such as motorbikes.
Other vehicles changing lanes
Vehicles changing lane in close proximity can cause an unexpected brake
from the City Safety Assist system ⇒ Fig. 100. To interrupt the deceleration
you can accelerate, turn the steering wheel or press the clutch. 
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