Seat Ibiza: Driving economically and with respect for theenvironment

Seat Ibiza Owners Manual

General Observations

Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes and tyres depends in large part on your driving style. Fuel consumption may be reduced from 10 to 15 % by driving defensively and economically. Below

we will give you some suggestions to "alleviate" some of the strain in the environment and, at the same time, your wallet.

Anticipate the traffic situation well in advance

A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. When you anticipate the situation, you will have to brake less often and, thus, accelerate less. If it is possible, let the vehicle roll with a gear engaged, for example, if you see a red light ahead.

Change gear early to save energy

An effective way of saving fuel is to change up through the gears quickly. Running the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary amount of fuel.

Manual gearbox:

Change from first to second gear as quickly as possible. We recommend that, whenever possible, you change to a higher gear upon reaching 2,000 rpms.

Automatic gearbox:

Accelerate slowly and avoid the “kick-down” position.

Avoid driving at high speed

We advise you not to drive at the top speed permitted by the vehicle. Fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels all increase very rapidly at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel.

Avoid idling

It is worthwhile switching off the engine when waiting in a traffic jam, at level crossings or at traffic lights with a long red phase. The fuel saved after only 30 - 40 seconds is greater than the amount of fuel needed to restart the engine. The engine takes a very long time to warm up when it is running at idling speed. Mechanical wear and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine. Avoid running the engine at high speed.

Periodic maintenance

Periodic maintenance work guarantees that, before beginning a journey, you will not waste fuel. A well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value. A maladjusted engine may mean an increase of 10 % over normal fuel consumption. Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a great extent on the engine load and engine speed. It is quite normal that the oil consumption of a new engine only reaches its lowest level after a certain mileage. This means that the oil consumption can only be properly assessed after about 5,000 km. Depending on your personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km.

Avoid short journeys

To reduce the consumption and emission of polluting gases, the engine and the exhaust filtration systems should reach the optimum service temperature. With the engine cold, fuel consumption is proportionally higher. The engine does not warm up and fuel consumption does not regularise until having driven some four kilometres. This is the reason why we recommend avoiding short trips wherever possible.

Maintain the correct tyre pressures

Bear in mind that keeping the tyres at an adequate pressure saves fuel. If the tyre pressures are just 1 bar too low, this can put the fuel consumption up by as much as 5 %. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation also increases tyre wear and impairs handling. The tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold. Do not use winter tyres all through the year: they will increase fuel consumption by up to 10 %.

Avoid unnecessary weight

Every kilo of extra weight will put up the fuel consumption, so it is worth checking the luggage compartment occasionally to make sure that no unnecessary loads are being transported.

Save electrical energy

The engine activates the alternator, which produces electricity. With the need for electricity, fuel consumption is also increased. Because of this, always turn off electrical equipment when you do not need them. Examples of equipment that use a lot of electricity are: the fan at high speeds, the rear window heating or the seat heaters.

Logbook

A good way of keeping a check on fuel consumption is to take regular notes. You will be able to note the variations (both positive and negative) and react accordingly.

Environmental friendliness

Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials and production of your new Seat.

Design measures for economical recycling

• Joints and connections designed for ease of dismantling

• Modular construction to facilitate dismantling

• Increased use of single-grade materials

• Plastic parts and elastomers are labelled in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO 11469 and ISO 1629

Choice of materials

• Nearly all materials used can be recycled

• Similar types of plastics grouped together for easy recycling

• Recycled materials used in manufacture

• Reduced “vapour emissions” from plastics

• CFC-free refrigerant in air conditioning

Compliance with prohibited materials laws

: cadmium, asbestos, lead, mercury, chrome VI.

Manufacturing methods

• Use of recycled material for manufacturing plastic parts

• Solvent-free cavity sealing

• Solvent-free wax for protecting the vehicles in transit

• Solvent-free adhesives

• No CFCs used in production

• Surplus materials used extensively for energy conversion and building materials

• Overall water consumption reduced

• Heat recovery systems

• Water-soluble paint