2012 Seat Exeo ST brake pads

84Cockpit
Photosensor/rain sensor faulty 
 Automatic headlights / automatic wipers faulty
If the  symbol lights up, this means that the photosensor/rain sensor is
not working. For safety reasons, the dipped beam headlights will then be
switched on permanently when the light switch is set to the AUTO position.
However, you can still switch the lights on and off in the normal way with
the light switch. If the rain sensor is faulty, the functions operated via the
windscreen wiper lever will still be available. You should have the photosen-
sor/rain sensor checked by a specialised workshop as soon as possible. 
Worn brake pads 
If the  symbol lights up, have the front brake pads (and, for safety rea-
sons, the rear pads as well) inspected by a specialised workshop. 
Speed warning 1 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set with the speed warning function. You should reduce your
speed accordingly ⇒ page 85. 
Headlight range control faulty 
This symbol  indicates a malfunction in the dynamic headlight range con-
trol. Take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the dynamic head-
light range control function repaired. Adaptive headlights* faulty

 Adaptive headlights faulty
This symbol  indicates that the adaptive headlight system is faulty. Take
the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the headlights or the adap-
tive headlight control unit repaired. 
Washer fluid level low 
If the  symbol lights up, top up the fluid for the windscreen washer and
headlight washer system* ⇒ page 241. 
Speed warning 2 
If the  symbol lights up, this means you are exceeding the speed that has
been pre-set. You should reduce your speed accordingly ⇒ page 85.
Battery voltage too high or too low 
If the  symbol lights up, take the vehicle to a specialised workshop and
have the following items checked:
● Poly V-belt
● Battery condition
It is also advisable to check whether the alternator warning lamp has come
on ⇒ page 72. 

198Intelligent technology
The traction control system (ASR) helps the car to start moving, accelerate
and climb a gradient in slippery conditions where this may otherwise be dif-
ficult or even impossible.
How it works
The ASR works automatically, i.e. without the driver's involvement. With the
aid of the ABS sensors , the ASR monitors the speed of the driven wheels
⇒ page 196. If the wheels start to spin, the engine speed is reduced auto-
matically to match the amount of grip available. The system is active across
the entire speed range.
The ASR works in conjunction with the ABS. If a failure occurs in the ABS,
the ASR will also stop working.
In general, the ASR should be left switched on at all times. It should only be
switched off manually in particular circumstances where a certain amount of
wheel slip may be desirable. Examples:
● when driving with snow chains
● when driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
The ASR should be switched on again afterwards as soon as possible.
Note
To ensure that the ASR works properly, all four wheels must be fitted with
identical tyres. The difference in size of the wheels may lead to an unde-
sired reduction in engine power. Also see ⇒  page 255.Brakes
General notes
New brake pads
New brake pads do not provide optimal performance during the first
200 km; first they must be “run in”. However, the reduced braking capacity
may be compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. Avoid
overloading the brakes during run-in.
Wear
The rate of wear on the brake pads depends a great deal on how you drive
and the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. Negative factors are, for
instance, city traffic, frequent short trips or hard driving with abrupt starts
and stops.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain conditions, such as in heavy rain, or after washing the vehicle or
driving through water, the full braking effect can be delayed by moisture (or
in winter by ice) on the discs and brake pads. In this case the brakes should
be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
The effectiveness of the brakes can also be temporarily reduced if the vehi-
cle is driven for some distance without using the brakes when there is a lot
of salt on the road in winter. In this case, the layer of salt on the brake discs
and pads has to wear off before braking.
Corrosion
There may be a tendency for corrosion to form on the discs and dirt to build
up on the brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently or the brakes are
not used very often.
If the brakes are not used frequently, or if rust has formed on the disks, it is
advisable to clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly a few times at a
moderately high speed ⇒ 
. 

199
Intelligent technology
Faults in the brake system
If the brake pedal travel should ever increase suddenly, this may mean that
one of the two brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to the nearest
specialised workshop and have the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-
member that you will have to apply more pressure on the brake pedal and
allow for longer stopping distances.
Low brake fluid level
Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if the brake fluid level is too
low. The brake fluid level is monitored electronically.
WARNING
When applying the brakes to clean off deposits on the pads and discs,
select a clear, dry road. Be sure not to inconvenience or endanger other
road users. Risk of accident.
CAUTION
● Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving your foot on the pedal when it is
not necessary to brake. This overheats the brakes, resulting in longer stop-
ping distances and greater wear.
● Before driving down a long, steep gradient, it is advisable to reduce
speed and change to a lower gear (or move the gear lever to a lower gear
position if your vehicle has automatic transmission). This makes use of en-
gine braking and prolongs the service life of the brakes. If you still have to
use the brakes, it is better to brake firmly at intervals than to apply the
brakes continuously.
Note
If you wish to equip the vehicle with accessories such as a front spoiler or
wheel covers, it is important that the flow of air to the front wheels is not
obstructed, otherwise the brakes can overheat. Brake servo
The brake servo assists the driver when braking
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. The
brake servo works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an accident.
Note
If the brake servo is not working, e.g. because the vehicle has to be towed
or because it is broken, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably
harder to make up for the lack of servo assistance. 
Power steering
Power steering makes it easier to turn the steering wheel
when the engine is running. Power steering assists the driver by reducing the force needed to turn the
steering wheel.
Power steering does not work if the engine is off. In this case the steering
wheel requires much more force to turn.
If the steering is held at its turning limit when the vehicle is stationary, this
will place an excessive load on the power steering system. Turning the
steering wheel to its limit places a load on the system, which causes noise.
It will also reduce the idling speed of the engine. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

201
Driving and the environment
Driving and the environment
Running-in Running in a new engine
The engine needs to be run in over the first 1500 km.
Up to 1000 kilometres
– Do not drive at speeds of more than 2/3 the maximum speed.
– Do not accelerate hard.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.
From 1000 to 1500 kilometres
– Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed
or maximum permissible engine speed (rpm).
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 in.
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, its life will be increased and its oil consump-
tion reduced. Braking capacity and braking distance
The braking capacity and braking distance are influenced by
driving situations and road conditions.
The efficiency of the brakes depends directly on the
brake pad wear. The
rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the conditions
under which the vehicle is operated and the way the vehicle is driven. If you
often drive in town traffic, drive short distances or have a sporty driving
style, we recommend that you have the thickness of your brake pads
checked by a Technical Service more frequently than recommended in the
Service Plan.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the vehicle, the effect of the brakes is
lessened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). In this case
the brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
WARNING
Longer braking distances and faults in the brake system increase the risk
of accidents.
● New brake pads must be run in and do not have the correct friction
during the first 200 km. However, the reduced braking capacity may be
compensated by pressing on the brake pedal a little harder. This also ap-
plies when the brake pads have to be changed further on.
● If brakes are wet or frozen, or if you are driving on roads which have
been salted, braking power may be lower than normal. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

217
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care of the vehicle exterior Automatic car wash tunnel
The vehicle can normally be washed without problem in an
automatic car wash.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the vehicle can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car wash tunnel. However, the paintwork
wear depends to a large extent on the kind of the car wash tunnel, the
brushes used, its water filtering and the type of cleaning and preservative
products.
Before going through a vehicle wash, be sure to take the usual precautions
such as closing the windows and sunroof.
If the vehicle has special accessories such as spoilers or a roof rack or two-
way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to consult the car wash tunnel operator.
After washing, the brakes could take some time to respond as the brake
discs and pads could be wet, or even frozen in winter. Dry the brakes by
braking several times.
WARNING
Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk of
accident.

Washing by hand
Vehicle washing
– First soften the dirt and rinse it off with water. –
Clean your vehicle from top to bottom with a soft sponge, a
glove or a brush. Use very light pressure.
– Rinse the sponge or glove often with clean water.
– Special car shampoo should only be used for very stubborn dirt.
– Leave the wheels, sill panels etc. until last, using a different
sponge or glove.
– Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water.
– Dry the vehicle surface gently with a chamois leather.
– In cold temperature, dry the rubber seals and their surfaces to
prevent them from freezing. Apply silicone spray to the rubber
seals.
After washing the vehicle
– After washing, avoid sudden and sharp braking. “Dry” the
brakes by braking several times ⇒ page 201, Braking capacity
and braking distance.
WARNING
● Wash your vehicle with the ignition switched off.
● Protect your hands and arms from cuts on sharp metal edges when
cleaning the underbody, the inside of the wheel housings etc. Risk of in-
jury.
● Water, ice and salt on the brakes can reduce braking efficiency. Risk
of accident. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

245
Checking and refilling levels
Topping up and changing the brake fluid
It is best to have the brake fluid changed by a professional. Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Therefore, in the course of time it will absorb
water from the air. If the water content in the brake fluid is too high, the
brake system could corrode. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid
will be considerably reduced. This could adversely affect the braking ability
in certain circumstances.
For this reason the brake fluid must be changed periodically.
Your vehicle's Service Plan will tell you when the brake fluid has to be re-
newed.
We recommend you have the brake fluid changed as part of a regular In-
spection Service at a Technical Service. They are familiar with the procedure
and have the necessary special tools and spare parts as well as the proper
facilities for disposing of the old fluid.
Be sure to always use the correct brake fluid. Only use brake fluid that ex-
pressly meets VW 501 14 standards.
You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake fluid in a SEAT dealership or 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.
Using any other kind of brake fluid or one that is not of a 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 standards FMVSS 116 DOT 4.WARNING
● Brake fluid must always be kept closed in its original container. Keep
out of the reach of children. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
● If the brake fluid is left in the system for too long and the brakes are
subjected to heavy use, vapour bubbles may form in the brake system.
This would seriously affect the efficiency of the brakes and the safety of
the vehicle, leading to the risk of accident.
CAUTION
Please note that brake fluid will attack the paintwork on contact.
For the sake of the environment
The brake pads and fluid must be collected and disposed of according the
applicable regulations. The SEAT Technical Service network has the neces-
sary equipment and qualified personnel for collecting and disposing of this
waste material. 
Vehicle battery General notes
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge.
The battery is virtually maintenance-free and is checked in the Inspection
Services.
We recommend replacing the battery after 5 years. 
Safety FirstOperating InstructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233Closing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Releasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Brake light Failure control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Worn brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Brake system Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Braking distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Bulb change general notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
C
Car care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
CCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
CD-ROM player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Manual locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Sunroof: opening and closing . . . . . . . . . . 116 Central locking system
Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Locking and unlocking the vehicle from in-side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Opening and closing the windows . . . . . . 114
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Security central locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Switch on the driver door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Cetane number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Changing the main headlight bulb Main headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Changing the main headlight bulbs Dipped beam headlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Changing the tail lights Luggage compartment lights . . . . . . . . . . 292
Changing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . . 242
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Checklist Seat upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Childproof lock Rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Child safety seat ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Child seats on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Cleaning alloy wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Cleaning chrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Cleaning engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Cleaning steel wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Cleaning windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Clock, setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Coat hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 In the door trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
In the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Coolant Checking the level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Coolant fluid Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Cooling system Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Correct adjustment of front seat head re- straints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Correct adjustment of rear seat head restraints In-use and non-use positions . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Correct sitting position Front passenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Incorrect sitting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
314 Index