Checking and refilling levels
226
– Move the blade towards the arm in the opposite direction of the arrow ,until it clicks into position ⇒ fig. 149.
– Push the wiper arms back against the windscreen.If the windscreen wipers smear , they should be replaced if they are damaged,
or cleaned if they are soiled.
If this does not produce the desired results, the setting angle of the wind-
screen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be checked by a qualified
workshop and corrected if necessary.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.•The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•Damaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the windscreen.•Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows. This could damage the windscreen wiper blades.•Never move the windscreen wiper or windscreen wiper arm manually. This
could cause damage.•Do not pull the windscreen wipers forward unless they are in the service
position. Otherwise the bonnet could be damaged.Note
•The wiper arms can be moved to the service position only when the
bonnet is properly closed.
Changing the rear wiper blade
A good rear wiper blade is essential for clear rear vision.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately.
A1
Fig. 150 Remove rear
window wiper bladeFig. 151 Mount rear
window wiper blade
Leon_EN.book Seite 226 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Checking and refilling levels227
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Removing the wiper blade
– Lift the wiper arm away from the glass ⇒ fig. 150.
– Slide the blade adapter in the di rection of the arrow and remove
the blade ⇒ fig. 150.
Fitting the wiper blade
– With one hand, hold the top end of the wiper arm.
– Place the blade as shown in the ⇒fig. 151 and slide the adapter
along until it fits into place.Check the condition of the wiper blad e regularly. Change as required.
If the windscreen wiper scrapes, i t s h o u l d b e r e p la ce d i f d a m a ge d , o r c l ea n e d
if soiled.
If this is not sufficient, refer to a qualified workshop.
WARNING
Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!•Clean the windscreen wiper blades and all windows regularly.•The wiper blades should be changed once or twice a year.Caution
•A damaged or dirty window wiper could scratch the rear window.•Never use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the window.•Never move the windscreen wiper by hand. This could cause damage.
Brake fluidChecking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid is checked at the intervals given in the service
schedule.– Read off the fluid level at the transparent brake fluid reservoir. It should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks.The position of the brake fluid reservoir is shown in the corresponding engine
compartment diagram ⇒page 273. 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.
Fig. 152 In the engine
compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir cover
Leon_EN.book Seite 227 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Checking and refilling levels
228However, 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 instru-
ment panel will warn you if the brake fluid level is too low ⇒ page 75.
WARNING
Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and observe
the warnings ⇒page 215.Changing the brake fluid
The Maintenance Program indicates the brake fluid change
intervals.We recommend that you have the brake fluid changed by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Before opening the bonnet, please read and follow the warnings ⇒ in
“Safety instructions on working in the engine compartment” on page 215 in
“Working in the engine compartment”.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. In the course of time, it will absorb 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.
It is important that you use only brake fluid compliant with the US standard
FMVSS 116 DOT 4. We recommend the use of Genuine SEAT brake fluid.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous. Old brake fluid impairs the braking effect.
•Before opening the bonnet to check the brake fluid level, read and
observe the warnings ⇒page 215.•Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. There is a toxic risk.•Complete the brake fluid change according to the Maintenance
Program. Heavy use of the brakes may cause a vapour lock if the brake fluid
is left in the system for too long. This would seriously affect the efficiency
of the brakes and the safety of the vehicle. This may cause an accident.Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid must be drained and disposed of in the proper manner observing
environmental regulations.
WARNING (continued)
Leon_EN.book Seite 228 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Wheels and tyres
232Wheels and tyresWheelsGeneral notesAvoiding damage
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (cuts, cracks or blisters, etc.). Remove any foreign objects embedded in the treads.
Storing tyres
– Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation. This ensures you will be able to install them correctly
when you replace them.
– When removed, the wheels and/or tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location.
– Store tyres in a vertical position if they are not fitted on wheel rims.New tyres
New tyres have to be run in ⇒page 188.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern. Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual
vibrations or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the tyres
is damaged. The tyres should be checked immediately by an Authorised
Service Centre.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on tyres with
directional tread. Always observe the direction of rotation indicated when
fitting the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
WARNING
•New tyres do not have maximum grip in the first 500 km. Drive particu-
larly carefully to avoid risk of accident.•Never drive with damaged tyres. This may cause an accident.•If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the vehicle immediately and check the tyres for damage.
Checking tyre pressure
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the
inside of the tank flap.1. Read the required tyre inflation pressure from the sticker. The values refer to Summer tyres. For Winter tyres, you must add 0.2
bar to the values given on the sticker.
Leon_EN.book Seite 232 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Wheels and tyres235
Safety First
Controls and equipment
Practical tips
Technical Data
Wear indicators
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators”
⇒
page 234, fig. 153 , running across the tread. Depending on the make,
there will be six to eight of them evenly spaced around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the
positions of the tread wear indicators. The minimum tread depth required by
law is 1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indica-
tors). Worn tyres must be replaced. Different figures may apply in export
countries ⇒.
Tyre pressure
Incorrect tyre pressure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.
For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at least once per month
⇒ page 232.
Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking all increase tyre wear.
Changing wheels around
If the front tyres are worn considerably more than the rear ones it is advisable
to cha nge t he m ar oun d as sh own ⇒ page 234, fig. 154. All the tyres will then
last for about the same time.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, various factors encoun-
tered in normal driving can cause them to become unbalanced, which results
in steering vibration.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause excessive
wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced
when a new tyre is fitted.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of
the vehicle. If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the wheel align-
ment checked by an Authorised Service Centre.
WARNING
There is a serious danger of accidents if a tyre bursts during driving!•The tyres must be replaced at the latest when the tread is worn down to
the tread wear indicators. Failure to do so could result in an accident. Worn
tyres do not grip well at high speeds on wet roads. There is also a greater
risk of “aquaplaning” •At continuously high speeds, a tyre with insufficient pressure flexes
more. This causes it to overheat. This can cause tread separation and tyre
blow-out. Risk of accident. Always observe the recommended tyre pres-
sures.•If tyres show excessive wear, you should have the running gear checked
by an Authorised Service Centre.•Keep chemicals such as oil, fuel and brake fluid away from tyres.•Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately!For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption.Anti-puncture tyres
Anti-puncture tyres allow you to continue driving even with a
punctured tyre, in the majority of cases.Vehicles equipped with anti-puncture
23) tyres from the factory indi-
cate the loss of tyre pressure on the instrument panel.
23)Depending upon version and country.
Leon_EN.book Seite 235 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
Wheels and tyres
238Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque.The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different wheel rims are
fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the
brake system functions correctly.
In certain circumstances, you may not use wheel bolts from a different car -
even if it is the same model ⇒page 206.
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel bolts
s ho uld b e che cke d as s o on as p ossible wit h a to rqu e w re nch. ⇒ The tight-
ening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not tightened correctly, the wheel could become
loose while driving. Risk of accident.•The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily. Never apply grease or oil
to them.•Use only wheel bolts which belong to the wheel.•If the torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loosen whilst the
vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening torque is too high,
the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.Caution
The prescribed torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow.
Winter tyres must be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than the pressures
specified for summer tyres (see sticker on tank flap).
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
Information on permitted winter tyre sizes can be found in the vehicle's regis-
tration documents. Use only radial winter tyres. All tyre sizes listed in the
vehicle documentation also apply to winter tyres.
Winter tyres lose their effectiveness when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The speed rating code ⇒ page 237, “New tyres and wheels” determines the
following speed limits for winter tyres: ⇒
Q max. 160 km/h
S max. 180 km/h
T max. 190 km/h
H max. 210 km/h
In some countries, vehicles which can exceed the speed rating of the fitted
tyre must have an appropriate sticker in the driver's field of view. These
stickers are available from your Authorised Service Centre. The legal require-
ments of each country must be followed.
Do not have winter tyres fitted for unnecessarily long periods. Vehicles with
summer tyres handle better when the roads are free of snow and ice.
If you have a flat tyre, please refer to the notes on the spare wheel
⇒ page 237, “New tyres and wheels”.
Leon_EN.book Seite 238 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
If and when
248Notes for the proper use of the air compressor are included in an additional
instruction leaflet.
WARNING
•Do not attempt to repair a puncture with the sealing compound if the
tyre has been damaged by driving the car after the tyre has lost its air.•Always observe warnings and follow instructions concerning
compressor and sealing compound carefully.•Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, avoid heavy acceleration, hard
braking and fast cornering.•Tyres which have been repaired with sealing compound are only suit-
able for temporary use over a short period. Therefore, please drive carefully
to the next available qualified workshop.For the sake of the environment
Used sealing compound containers should be disposed of at a proper facility.
Note
•If sealant should leak out, leave it to dry. When it has dried, you can pull
it off like a piece of foil.•Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound exchanged by a qualified workshop.•Seek professional assistance if the repair of a tyre puncture is not
possible with the sealing compound.
Preparation work
Certain steps must be taken before repairing a tyre.– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the vehicle as far away from the flow of traffic as possible.
–Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage first gear, or put the selector lever to position P.
– All passengers should leave the vehicle. They should wait in a
safe area (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
– Check whether a repair is possible using the Tyre Mobility System “General information and safety notes.”
– Unscrew inflation cap from the affected wheel.
–Take the tyre repair kit out of the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Put the hazard warning lights on and place the warning triangle in position.
This is for your own safety and also warns other road users.
Caution
Take special care if you have to repair a tyre on a slope.
Note
Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
Leon_EN.book Seite 248 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17
If and when
252Fuses on left side of dash panelFusesNumber
Consumer
Amperes
1
Diagnosis Switchboard/ Instrument lighting/
Headlight control switchboard/ Flow meter/
Heated wipers/ Engine management/ AFS Head-
lamps
10
2
Engine control unit/ ABS-ESP switchboard/ Auto-
matic gearbox/ Instrument panel/ Trailer switch-
board/ Light switch / Brake sensor/ Power
steering/ Right and left headlights
10
3
Airbag
5
4
Heating/ Reverse switch / ASR-ESP switch/ Elec-
trochrome mirror/ Park Pilot/ Oil level sensor
5
5
Right xenon headlight
10
6
Left xenon headlight
10
7
Vacant
8
Trailer hook pre-installation assistant
5
9
Vacant
10
Vacant
11
Vacant
12
Central locking
15
13
Diagnosis/ Light switch/ Rain sensor/ Heated rear
window
10
14
Automatic gearbox / Heating/ Automatic gearbox
lever
10
15
Vacant
16
Vacant
17
Alarm
5
18
Kombi / levers with START STOP
5
19
Fog light aid
20
20
Navigation/radio with START STOP
15
21
Engine management
10
22
Fan switch
40
23
Electric windows (front)
30
24
Body Control Unit
20
25
Rear window heater
25
26
Rear electric windows
30
27
Engine (fuel control unit/pump relay)
15
28
Convenience controls
30
29
Vacant
30
Automatic gearbox
20
31
Vacuum pum p
20
32
Vacant
33
Sunroof
25
34
Comfort switchboard/Central locking system
25
35
Vacant
36
Headlight washer system
20
37
Heated seats
30
38
Engine management
10
39
Te lep ho ne wi th START STOP
10
Number
Consumer
Amperes
Leon_EN.book Seite 252 Dienstag, 8. September 2009 5:25 17