Driving And The Environment; Running In The Engine; Driving Through Flooded Roads; Installation Of Exhaust Gas Filtration Systems - Seat Leon Owner's Manual

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Driving and the environment

Driving and the environment

Running in the engine

A new vehicle should be run in over a distance of 1500 km (1000 miles). For
the first 1000 km (600 miles) the engine speed should not exceed 2/3 of
the maximum permissible engine speed. In doing so, do not accelerate at
full throttle and do not drive with a trailer! From 1000 to 1500 km (600 to
1000 miles) you can gradually increase the engine rpm and road speed.
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is
greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Subsequently, also drive at a moderate rate, es-
pecially when the engine is still cold: this will lead to less engine wear and
tear and will prolong its useful life.
You should also avoid driving with the engine speed too low. Change down
to a lower gear when the engine no longer runs "smoothly". If the engine
revs too much, cut fuel injection to protect the engine.

Driving through flooded roads

To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
● The water should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork.
● Drive at pedestrian speed.
WARNING
After driving through water, mud, sludge, etc., the braking effect can be
delayed slightly due to moisture build-up on the discs and brake pads.
Applying the brakes carefully several times will remove the moisture and
restore the full braking effect.
CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Whenever driving through water, the Start-Stop system* must be switch-
ed off ⇒ p age 149.
Note
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone.
● Do not stop in the water, drive in reverse, or stop the engine in any sit-
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uation.
● Note that vehicles travelling in the opposite direction may splash water
that could exceed the maximum permitted water height for your vehicle.
● Avoid driving through salt water (corrosion).

Installation of exhaust gas filtration systems

Catalytic converter
Applies to vehicles with petrol engine: The vehicle must only be used with
unleaded petrol, otherwise the catalytic converter will be irreparably dam-
aged.
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