2012 Seat Leon 5D light

192Driving and the environment
Reduce idling time
In vehicles with the Start-Stop system idling is automatically reduced. In ve-
hicles without the Start-Stop system it is worth switching off the engine, for
example, at level crossings and at traffic lights that remain red for long peri-
ods of time. When an engine has reached operating temperature, and de-
pending on the cylinder capacity, keeping it off after about 5 seconds al-
ready saves more than the amount of fuel necessary for restarting.
The engine takes a long time to warm up when it is idling. Mechanical wear
and pollutant emissions are also especially high during this initial warm-up
phase. It is therefore best to drive off immediately after starting the engine.
Avoid running the engine at high speed.
Regular maintenance
Regular servicing helps in saving fuel even before the engine is started. A
well-serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as
well as maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value. A badly serviced
engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Avoid short journeys
The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their optimal operating
temperature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions.
A cold engine consumes a disproportionate amount of fuel. The engine only
reaches its working temperature after about four kilometres (2.5 miles),
when fuel consumption will return to a normal level.
Check tyre pressure
Always make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressures
⇒ page 223 to save fuel. If the pressure is below half bar, fuel consumption
may increase by 5%. Due to the greater rolling resistance, under-inflation
also increases tyre wear and impairs handling.
Do not use winter tyres all year round as they increase fuel consumption by
up to 10%. Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
Given that every kilo of
extra weight will increase the fuel consumption, it is
advisable to always check the luggage compartment to make sure that no
unnecessary loads are being transported.
Since the luggage rack increases the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle, you
should remove it when not needed. This will save, at a speed of 100-120
km/h (60-75 mph), approximately 12% of fuel.
Save electrical energy
The engine drives the alternator, thereby generating electricity. This implies
that any increase in power consumption also increases fuel consumption!
For this reason, switch off any unneeded consumption of electricity. Electri-
cal equipment which uses a lot of electricity includes the blower (at a high
setting), the rear window heating and the seat heating*. 
Environmental friendliness
Environmental protection is a top priority in the design, choice of materials
and production of your new SEAT.
Design measures for economical recycling
● Joints and connections designed for easy dismantling
● Modular construction to facilitate dismantling
● Increased use of single-grade materials
● Plastic parts and elastomers are rated in accordance with ISO 1043, ISO
11469 and ISO 1629
Choice of materials
● Nearly all materials used can be recycled
● Use of suitable plastics within the same system/set
● Recycled materials used in manufacture 

195
Trailer
Note
● Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the ve-
hicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country. 
Ball coupling of towing bracket*
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely in the luggage
compartment to prevent them being flung through the vehicle and caus-
ing injury.
Note
● By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed
if it obscures the number plate. 
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care. Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution. Speed
The stability of the vehicle and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For
this reason, it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible speed
in an unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially
when driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slight-
est sign of
snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in due course. If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can
be caused by locking of trailer wheels. Select a low gear in due course be-
fore going down a steep downhill. This enables you to use the engine brak-
ing to slow down the vehicle.
Reheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged slopes, driving in a low
gear and high engine speed, always monitor the coolant temperature gauge
⇒ page 69.
Electronic Stability Control*
The ESC* system helps to stabilise the trailer in case of skidding or rocking. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

198Care and cleaning
Care and cleaning
General information
Regular care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle.
Regular and careful care helps to maintain the value of the vehicle. This may
also be one of the requirements for upholding any warranty claims in the
event of corrosion or paint defects.
SEAT Official Services and specialist retailers carry stocks of suitable car
care materials. Please follow the instructions for use on the packaging.
WARNING
● Cleaning products and other materials used for car care can be dam-
aging to your health if misused.
● Always keep care products in a safe place, out of the reach of chil-
dren. Failure to comply could result in poisoning.
For the sake of the environment
● If possible, use environmentally friendly products.
● The remains of car care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry household waste. Care of vehicle exterior
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive ma-
terials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork.
High temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the
corrosive effect.
After the period when salt is put on the roads it is important to have the un-
derside of the vehicle washed thoroughly.
Automatic car washes
Before going through a car wash, be sure to take the usual precautions such
as closing the windows and roof. If the vehicle has special accessories such
as spoilers or a roof carrier or two-way radio aerial, etc., it is advisable to
consult the car wash operator.
It is best to use a car wash without revolving bristles if possible.
Washing the vehicle with a high pressure cleaner
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. This applies particularly to the op-
erating pressure and the spraying distance. Do not hold the nozzle too
close to soft materials such as rubber hoses or seals. The same applies to
the parking aid sensors*, which are located in the rear bumper.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt. 

199
Care and cleaning
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first,
and rinse off as well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. You should start on the roof and work down. Special car shampoo
should only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.
WARNING
● The vehicle should only be washed with the ignition switched off.
Failure to do so could result in an accident.
● Do not clean the underside of chassis, the inside of wheel arches or
wheel trims without protecting your hands and arms. You may cut your-
self on sharp-edged metal parts. Otherwise, there is a risk of sustaining
cuts.
● When washing the car during the winter season: water and ice in the
brake system can reduce braking effectiveness: risk of accident!
CAUTION
● Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight – otherwise the paint can be
damaged.
● Do not use sponges, abrasive household sponges or similar to clean in-
sect remains. This could damage the surface.
● Clean off stubborn dirt (insects, etc.) from the headlights at regular in-
tervals, for instance when filling the fuel tank. The headlights should only
be washed with water, do not wipe them with a dry cloth or sponge. It is
best to use soapy water. ●
Never wash tyres with a jet that sprays the water out in a direct stream.
This could damage the tyres even if the spray is kept at a distance and only
used for a very short time.
● Before washing the vehicle in an automatic car wash, please make sure
to retract the exterior mirrors to prevent them from being damaged. Electri-
cally retractable exterior mirrors must not be folded in or out by hand. Al-
ways use the electrical power control.
For the sake of the environment
The car should only be washed in special wash bays. This prevents oily wa-
ter from getting into the public drains. In some places, washing vehicles
anywhere else may be prohibited. 
Sensors and camera lenses
● Use a small brush to remove snow and a de-icer spray to remove ice.
● Clean the sensors with a solvent-free product and a soft, dry cloth.
● Moisten the camera lens using a standard alcohol-based glass cleaning
agent and clean the lens with a dry cloth. The area in front of the active
Lane Assist* lens area is normally cleaned with the windscreen washer.
CAUTION
● When you clean the vehicle with a pressure washer,
– stay a suitable distance from the sensors on the front and rear bump-
ers.
– Do not clean the camera lenses or surrounding area with the pressure
washer.
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from the reverse
camera lens, as it could crack the lens.
● Never use abrasive cleaning agents on the lens. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

202Care and cleaning
Care of the vehicle interior
Radio display/Easy Connect* and control panel*
The display can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a professionally available
“LCD cleaner”. Moisten the cloth with a small amount of the cleaning fluid.
The Easy Connect control panel* should first be cleaned with a brush so
that no dirt goes into the device or between the keys and housing. Next, we
recommend cleaning the Easy Connect control panel* using a cloth damp-
ened with water and washing-up liquid.
CAUTION
● To avoid scratching the screen, do not wipe the display with a dry cloth.
● To avoid damage, ensure that no liquid goes into the Easy Connect con-
trol panel*. 
Plastic and leatherette parts
Plastic parts and leatherette can be cleaned with a damp cloth. If this is not
sufficient, plastic parts and leatherette should only be treated with a special
solvent-free plastic cleaner . 
Textile covers and trim parts
Textile covers and trim parts (e.g. seats, door trim) should be cleaned regu-
larly with a vacuum cleaner. This will remove surface dirt which could other-
wise be rubbed into the textile material during use. Do not use steam clean-
ers, as the steam could carry the dirt deeper into the textile material. Normal cleaning
We recommend that you use a soft sponge or a commercially available lint-
free, micro-fibre cloth for normal cleaning. Only use brushes on floor cover-
ings and mats, as other textile surfaces could become damaged.
In the case of normal surface dirt you can use a foam cleaner. Use a sponge
to spread the foam on the textile surface and to work it into the material
lightly. However, make sure that the textile material does not become soak-
ing wet. Then dab off the foam with a dry and absorbent cloth (e.g. a micro-
fibre cloth) and vacuum off any residue once the surface is completely dry.
Cleaning stains
Treat drink stains (such as coffee or fruit juice, etc.) with a cleaning solution
for delicate fabrics. The cleaning product solution should be applied with a
sponge. If the stains are difficult to remove, a washing paste can be applied
directly onto the stain and worked into the fabric. The surface will then have
to be wiped with clear water to remove any residue left by the paste. To do
so, use a damp cloth or sponge and then dab the stain with an absorbent
cloth.
Remove chocolate or make-up stains with a cleaning paste (for e.g., soft
soap). Then remove the soap with water (wet sponge).
A spirit-based cleaner can be used to remove grease, oil, lipstick or ball
point pen. Then dab the dissolved grease or colour particles off with an ab-
sorbent cloth or similar. You may also have to treat the stain once more us-
ing washing paste and water.
If the covers or textile trim panels are badly soiled we recommend that you
have them cleaned by a professional cleaning company with a shampoo
and spray.Note
Open Velcro fasteners on clothes can damage the seat upholstery. Make
sure that Velcro fasteners are closed. 

203
Care and cleaning
Natural leather
SEAT does everything possible to preserve the genuine qual-
ities of this natural product. General information
Our range of leathers is large. The main type used is nappa in various forms,
that is, leather with a smooth surface in various different colours.
The amount of dye used determines the appearance and properties of leath-
er. If the leather is left in a more natural state, it retains its typical natural
napped appearance and confers excellent all-weather properties to the
seats. Fine veins, healed scars, insect bites, wrinkles and a subtle variation
in shading remain visible; these are the characteristic features of genuine
natural leather.
Natural napped leather does not have a protective surface coating of dye. It
is therefore somewhat more prone to damage. This should be borne in mind
if children or pets often travel in the car, or if there are other factors that
could lead to damage.
Types of leather with a coloured surface coating are likely to be more resist-
ant to damage. This has a great advantage for day-to-day use. However, this
means that the typical natural characteristics of the surface are less appa-
rent, though this does not affect quality.
Cleaning and care
Due to the natural properties of the specially selected hides employed, the
finished leather has a certain sensitivity to grease and dirt, etc. so a degree
of care is required in everyday use and when looking after the leather. Dark
clothing (especially if damp or incorrectly dyed) may stain leather uphols-
tery. Dust and grit in the pores and seams can scratch and damage the sur-
face. Therefore leather should be cleaned at regular intervals, depending on
the actual amount of use. When they have been in use for a certain time,
your car seats will acquire a typical and unmistakable patina. This is charac-
teristic for leather as a natural product and is a sign of genuine quality. To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the following
points:
CAUTION
● Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, otherwise it
may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a prolonged period
in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.
● Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners, rivets or
similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough marks on the surface
of the leather.
Note
● Use a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at regular
intervals and after cleaning. The cream nourishes and moisturises the leath-
er, keeps it supple and able to breathe. It will also form a protective film.
● Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as soon as
possible.
● Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe cream
and similar stains as soon as possible.
● Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will renew
the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate differences in col-
our. 
Cleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and
care.
Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe over the
leather surfaces. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

205
Care and cleaning
be protected against direct sunlight to prevent it from fading. However,
slight colour variations will arise in normal use.
CAUTION
● Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers, leather
cleaning products or any similar products on Alcantara.
● To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialised
workshop.
● On no account use brushes, hard sponges or similar utensils. 
Seat belts
– Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild solution of soap and water.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals.
The retract function may not operate properly in very dirty belts. Make sure
that the inertia reel seat belts are completely dry before allowing them to
retract.
CAUTION
● Do not remove the seat belts from the vehicle to clean them.
● Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this can dam-
age the webbing. Ensure that the seat belts do not come into contact with
corrosive fluids.
● If you find any damage to the belt webbing, belt fittings, the belt retrac-
tor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a specialised
workshop. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

206Checking and refilling levels
Checking and refilling levels
Fuel
Types of petrol
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank flap.
The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be run on
unleaded petrol. The petrol must comply with European Standard EN 228 or
German standard DIN 51626-1 and must be unleaded. You can refuel with a
maximum ethanol proportion of 10 % (E10). The types of petrol are differen-
tiated by their octane rating (RON).
The following titles appear on the corresponding adhesive on the fuel tank
flap:
Super unleaded 95 octane or normal 91 octane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super 95 octane petrol. If this is not available: nor-
mal 91 octane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
Super unleaded petrol with a minimum of 95 octanes
You should use super petrol with a minimum of 95 octanes.
If super is not available, in an emergency you may refuel with normal 91 oc-
tane petrol. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Refuel with super as soon as possible.
Super unleaded 98 octane or super 95 octane unleaded petrol
We recommend you use super plus 98 octane petrol. If this is not available:
super 95 octane petrol, with a slight decrease in power.
If super is not available, in an emergency you may refuel with normal 91 oc-
tane petrol. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Refuel with super as soon as possible.
CAUTION
● Never refuel with fuels containing a large proportion of ethanol (for ex-
ample, E50, E85). This could damage the fuel system.
● Just filling one full tank of leaded fuel or fuel containing other metal ad-
ditives would seriously impair the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
● Only use fuel additives that have been approved by SEAT. Octane boost-
ing or anti-knock additives may contain metal additives that could seriously
damage the engine or the catalytic converter. These additives must not be
used.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when using
petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for the engine.
Note
● You may use petrol with a high octane number than the one recommen-
ded for your engine.
● In those countries where unleaded petrol is not available, you may refuel
with a fuel with a low lead content. 