2021-2023 Seat Tarraco Engine Oil and Fluids Instructions
The chic and adaptable Seat Tarraco (2021–2023) needs regular upkeep and care to guarantee life and peak performance. Regularly checking and replacing engine oil and fluids is an essential part of car maintenance. Engine oils and fluids must be carefully chosen and maintained in order to guarantee the engine and other parts of the car run smoothly. The moving components of the engine in the Seat Tarraco are lubricated by the engine oil, which lowers friction and delays early wear and tear. Additionally, it facilitates the effective flow of heat and aids in cooling the engine. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for engine oil type and viscosity is crucial. For the vehicle’s transmission system to operate smoothly, transmission fluid is essential. It cools the transmission, lubricates the parts, and makes gear changes easier. The longevity and effectiveness of the transmission in the Seat Tarraco depend on routine inspections and, if required, changes of the transmission fluid.
The coolant, often known as antifreeze, controls the engine’s temperature. In warm weather, it keeps the engine from overheating, while in colder regions, it keeps it from freezing. In order to guard against engine damage from severe temperatures, owners of Seat Tarraco vehicles should periodically check the coolant level and make sure it is within the acceptable range. The braking system’s correct operation depends on the presence of brake fluid. It provides effective stopping power by transferring force to the brakes. Maintaining the safety and functionality of the Seat Tarraco’s braking system requires routine checks of the brake fluid’s level and condition. For steering to be responsive and seamless, power steering fluid is essential. It facilitates simple maneuvering by lubricating and powering the steering system. The Seat Tarraco’s enjoyable driving experience is largely attributed to routine inspections and appropriate maintenance of the power steering fluid. In summary, maintaining the 2021–2023 Seat Tarraco’s engine oil and fluids with care is essential to maintaining its overall longevity, dependability, and performance. Long-term problems can be avoided and a smooth driving experience can be achieved by according to the manufacturer’s instructions and performing regular inspections and maintenance.
Engine oil
General notes
- Information about the engine oil standard.
- Information about engine oil viscosity.
The engine comes with a special, multi-grade oil that can be used all year round.
Because the use of high-quality oil is essential for the correct operation of the engine and its long useful life, when topping up or changing oil, use only those oils that comply with VW standards.
For vehicles with an engine oil label
If the engine oil has to be topped up, use one of the oils shown on the label. The label with the prescribed standard is located at the front of the engine compartment. If you use the recommended engine oil, you can top up the oil as often as necessary.
For vehicles without an engine oil label
Contact a specialised workshop or SEAT official service for information about the corresponding standard.
If the engine oil level is too low
If the recommended engine oil is not available, in the event of an emergency you can change the oil once with a maximum of 0.5 L of the next oil until the next oil change:
- Petrol: VW 504 00, ACEA C3 or API SN standard.
- Diesel engines: VW 507 00, ACEA C3 or API CJ-4, viscosity 0W-30.
SEAT recommends changing the oil at a specialised workshop. SEAT recommends an Official SEAT Service.
SEAT recommends the use of engine oils approved according to the appropriate VW standard. Use of engine oils that do not meet these quality requirements can cause engine damage.
SEAT recommends the use of Original SEAT Spare Part engine oils.
Engine oil additives
No type of additive should be mixed with the engine oil. The deterioration caused by these additives is not covered by the warranty.
CAUTION
Take the following into account if you have refilled with an engine oil different to those specified in the aforementioned standards, or by your SEAT technical service centre:
- There is no way of completely avoiding the danger of causing damage to the engine and particulate filter.
- You can continue driving with the vehicle if the refill was no more than 0.5 l of engine oil. Go to a specialised workshop as soon as possible and request an oil change. Otherwise, there is a danger of engine dam-age.
- If you have topped up more than 0.5 l of engine oil, drive with the engine at low load levels and within the medium RPM range as a maximum. Do not drive at more than 80 km/h and do not travel more than 300 km (approximately). Go to a specialised work-shop as soon as possible and request an oil change. Otherwise, there is a danger of engine damage.
- You are responsible for the risk of possible damage to the vehicle (engine, exhaust system). If in doubt, do not start the engine and request assistance from the technical service centre.
- Do not start the engine if you have topped up with a fluid other than engine oil. Request assistance from the technical service centre. Danger of engine damage!
NOTE
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the corresponding VW specifications and recommend keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.
Warning lamp
Do not carry on driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.
Switch off the engine. Check the engine oil level.
If this warning lamp starts to flash, and is accompanied by three audible warnings, switch off the engine and check the oil level. If necessary, add more oil. If the warning lamp
flashes although the oil level is correct, stop driving. Do not even run the engine at idle speed! Obtain technical assistance.
It lights up yellow
Check the engine oil level as soon as possible. Replace oil as soon as you have the opportunity to do so.
It flashes yellow
Fault in the oil level sensor.
Have the check done by a specialised workshop. Until then it is advisable to check the oil level every time you refuel.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings in Control and warning lamps.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Checking oil level
- Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
- Briefly run the engine at idle speed until the operating temperature is reached and then stop.
- Wait for about two minutes.
- Pull out the dipstick. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as far as it will go.
- Then pull it out once more and check the oil level ››› Fig. 244. Top up with engine oil if necessary.
The oil must leave a mark between zones and C . It can never go above zone A .
- Zone A: do not add oil.
- Zone B : you can add oil but keep the level in that zone.
- Zone C : add oil until zone B.
Depending on how you drive and the condi-tions in which the vehicle is used, oil con-sumption can be up to 0.5 l/1000 km. Oil consumption is likely to be higher for the first 5,000 km. For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular intervals, prefera-bly when filling the tank and before a journey.
WARNING
Any work carried out in the engine com-partment or on the engine must be carried out cautiously.
- When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety warnings.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above area , do not start the engine. This could result in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Con-tact a Technical Service.
Topping up the engine oil
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings in Working in the engine compartment.
Topping up engine oil
- Unscrew cap from engine oil filler opening
- Carefully add oil in small quantities (no more than 0.5 l).
- To avoid adding too much oil, whenever you add a certain amount, wait about 2 minutes and recheck the oil level.
- If necessary, add some more oil.
- When the oil level reaches at least zone , unscrew the engine oil filler cap carefully.
The position of the oil filler opening is shown in the corresponding engine compartment illustration.
WARNING
Oil is highly inflammable! Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-nents when topping up.
CAUTION
If the oil level is above area, do not start the engine. This could result in damage to the engine and catalytic con-verter. Contact a specialised workshop.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must never be above zone. Otherwise oil can be drawn in through the crankcase breather and leak into the atmosphere via the exhaust sys-tem.
NOTE
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the corre-sponding VW specifications and recom-mend keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.
Engine oil change
We recommend that you have the engine oil changed by a Technical Service.
WARNING
Only change the engine oil yourself if you have the specialist knowledge required.
- Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings.
- Wait for the engine to cool down. Hot oil may cause burn injuries.
- Wear eye protection to avoid injuries, such as acid burns, caused by splashes of oil.
- When removing the oil drain plug with your fingers, keep your arm horizontal to help prevent oil from running down your arm.
- Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine oil.
- Engine oil is poisonous! Used oil must be stored in a safe place out of the reach of children.
CAUTION
No additives should be used with engine oil. This could result in engine damage. Any damage caused by the use of such addi-tives would not be covered by the factory warranty.
For the sake of the environment
- We recommend that you change the en-gine oil and the filter at a technical service centre.
- Never pour oil down drains or into the ground.
- Use a suitable container when draining the used oil. It must be large enough to hold all the engine oil.
Cooling system
Coolant specifications
The engine cooling system is supplied from the factory with a specially treated mixture of water and at least 40 % of the additive G12evo (TL-VW 774 J), purple. This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25°C (-13°F) and protects the light alloy parts of the engine cooling system against corrosion. It also prevents scaling and con-siderably raises the boiling point of the cool-ant. To protect the cooling system, the percent-age of additive must always be at least 40 %, even in warm climates where anti-freeze pro-tection is not required. If for weather reasons further protection is necessary, the proportion of additive may be increased, but only up to 60 %; otherwise an-tifreeze protection will diminish and this will worsen cooling. When the coolant is topped up, use a mixture of distilled water and at least 40 % of the additive G12evo for optimal protection against corrosion. Mixing G12evo with G13 (TL-VW 774 J), G12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G), G12 plus (TL-VW 774 F), G12 (red) or G11 (green blue) engine coolants decreases pro-tection again corrosion and should be avoi-ded.
WARNING
If there is not enough anti-freeze in the coolant system, the engine may fail lead-ing to serious damage.
- Ensure that the percentage of additive is correct for the lowest expected ambient temperature in the zone in which the vehi-cle is to be used.
- When the outside temperature is very low, the coolant could freeze and the vehi-cle would be immobilised.
CAUTION
The original additives should never be mixed with coolants which are not ap-proved by SEAT.
- If the fluid in the expansion tank is not purple but is, for example, brown, this indi-cates that the G12evo additive has been mixed with an inadequate coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possi-ble if this is the case.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. If any fluids are spilled, they should be collected and correctly dis-posed of, with respect to the environment.
Coolant tank
The vehicle has 2 independent coolant ex-pansion tanks.
- Coolant expansion tank for the combus-tion engine cooling circuit.
- Coolant expansion tank for the high-volt-age cooling circuit. Do not continue driv-ing if there is a lack of fluid in the expan-sion tank. Do not top up coolant. Go im-mediately to a specialised workshop.
Refilling coolant
The coolant tank is located in the engine compartment.
Top up coolant when the level is below the(minimum) mark.
Checking coolant level
- Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.
- Switch the ignition off.
- Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-pansion tank. When the engine is cold, the coolant level should be between the marks. When the engine is hot, it may be slightly above the upper mark.
Topping up coolant
- Wait for the engine to cool down.
- Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with a cloth and carefully unscrew it to the left.
- Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-ant in the expansion tank, otherwise you could damage the engine. If there is no coolant in the expansion tank, do not con-tinue driving. You should obtain professional assistance.
- If there is still some coolant in the expansion tank, top up to the upper mark.
- Top up with coolant until the level becomes stable.
- Screw the cap back on correctly.
If there is a coolant leak, take the vehicle spe-cialised workshop to have the cooling system examined.
WARNING
- The cooling system is under pressure. Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of burns!
- Store the antifreeze in its original container and keep it out of reach of children.
- If working inside the engine compart-ment, remember that, even when the igni-tion is switched off, the radiator fan may start up automatically, and therefore there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
If you run out of coolant in the expansion tank, park the car in a safe place and do not continue driving. Obtain technical as-sistance.
Brake fluid
Check and refill the brake fluid
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the and
markings. However, if the brake fluid level goes down noticeably in a short time, or drops below the
mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. Seek specialist assistance. A warning light on the instrument panel display monitors the brake fluid level. In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other side of the engine compartment.
Changing brake fluid
We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by a Technical Service.
WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the brake system may fail or braking power may be reduced.
- Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
- When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bubbles can significantly re-duce braking power, notably increasing braking distance, and could result in the total failure of the brake system.
- Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that expressly meets the VW 501 14 standard.
- You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in 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 Standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4.
- The replacement brake fluid must be new.
- Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe place out of reach of children. Risk of poisoning!
CAUTION
Brake fluid should not come into contact with the vehicle paintwork, as it is abrasive.
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.
FAQs
Synthetic engine oil is usually required for the Seat Tarraco. For information on the precise viscosity and quality criteria, consult the owner’s manual.
Generally, 7,500 to 10,000 miles is the suggested oil change interval, but it’s advisable to refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
While certain cars can be used with conventional oil, for best results and longevity, use the synthetic oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Although it might vary, the oil capacity is normally between five and six quarts. For precise information on the amount, refer to the owner’s manual or seek professional advice.
Once the engine has cooled down, park the car level and use the dipstick according to the owner’s handbook recommendations.
In general, mixing multiple brands or types of oil is not advised. For consistency, stick to a single brand and type.
Low oil pressure is indicated by the oil pressure warning light. If it appears, check the oil level right away and stop the car. Maintaining low oil pressure while driving increases the risk of engine harm.
For precise instructions on how to reset the oil change reminder—which can vary—consult the owner’s manual.
Regularly checking the oil level and adding the correct oil type if it’s below the recommended amount is good practice.
The owner’s manual contains information about the type of coolant and its requirements. To keep the cooling system safe, always use the prescribed coolant.
Usually every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, the coolant needs to be changed in accordance with the owner’s manual’s recommended maintenance schedule.
To ensure that the coolant has the right chemical composition and performance, it is recommended to use the same brand and kind.
The owner’s handbook will typically specify the type of brake fluid that is suggested. DOT 4 braking fluid is frequently used.
Although the recommended intervals for replacing brake fluid vary, it is usually every two to three years. For the exact timetable, consult the owner’s manual.
Using the proper transmission fluid is essential. If the designated fluid is unavailable, seek the advice of a qualified mechanic regarding appropriate substitutes.
Useful Link
View Full PDF:2021-2023 Seat Tarraco User Manual
2021-2023 Seat Tarraco Maintenance Schedule