Seat ALTEA Owner's Manual page 219

The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding en-
gine compartment illustration ⇒ p age 261. The brake fluid reservoir has a
black and yellow cap.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used as the
brake pads are automatically adjusted as they wear.
However, if the level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below
the "MIN" mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. A display on the
instrument panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ p age 59.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
serve the warnings ⇒ p age 204.
Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Programme indicates the brake fluid change intervals.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Serv-
ice.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒
Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment on page 204 in
section "Safety notes for working in the engine compartment".
In the course of time, brake fluid becomes hygroscopic, i.e. it absorbs water
from the ambient air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the
brake system could corrode. This also considerably reduces the boiling
point of the brake fluid. Heavy use of the brakes may then cause a vapour
lock which could impair the braking effect.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets the VW 501 14 standard.
Safety
in
Operation
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid at a SEAT dealership or a SEAT
Official Service. If none is available, use only high-quality brake fluid that
meets DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standard FMVSS 116 DOT
4.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of high quality may
affect operation of the brake system and reduce its effectiveness. Never use
a brake fluid if the container does not state that it complies with VW 501 14,
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards, or USA standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
● Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and ob-
 serve the warnings ⇒ p age 204.
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.
● Replace brake fluid according to the Maintenance Programme. Heavy
use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid is left in the
brake system for too long. This would seriously affect the effectiveness
of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the vehicle paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from
the paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and brake fluid must be collected and disposed of accord-
ing the applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the
necessary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing
of this waste material.
Advice
Checking and refilling levels

Technical specifications
217