2012 Seat Leon 5D brake light

184Intelligent technology
Multi-collision brake
In an accident, the multi-collision brake can help the driver by braking to
avoid the risk of skidding during the accident, which could lead to further
collisions.
The multi-collision brake works for front, side or rear accidents, when the
airbag control unit records its activation level and the accident takes place
at a speed of over 10 km/h (6 mph). The EI ESC automatically brakes the
vehicle, as long as the accident has not damaged the ESC, the brake hy-
draulics or the on-board network.
The following actions control automatic braking during the accident:
● When the driver presses the accelerator. The automatic braking does not
take place.
● When the braking pressure through pressing the brake pedal is greater
than the system’s braking pressure. The vehicle will brake manually.
● Multi-collision braking will not be available if ESC is malfunctioning.
WARNING
● Nor can the ESC, ABS, ASR, EDL, electronic self-locking differential or
selective torque control systems exceed the limits imposed by the laws
of physics. Always bear this in mind, especially on wet or slippery roads.
If you notice the systems cutting in, you should reduce your speed imme-
diately to suit the road and traffic conditions. Do not be encouraged to
take risks by the presence of more safety systems. If you do, an accident
may occur.
● Please remember that the accident risk always increases if you drive
fast, especially in corners or on a slippery road, or if you follow too close
behind the vehicle in front of you. The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDL, elec-
tronic self-locking and selective torque control systems cannot prevent
accidents: risk of accidents!
● Accelerate with caution on slippery surfaces (for example, icy or
snow-covered). Despite the control systems, the driven wheels could
spin, affecting the stability of the vehicle: risk of accident!
Note
● The ABS and ASR will only operate correctly if the four wheels have iden-
tical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius of the tyres can cause the
system to reduce engine power when this is not desired.
● The regulating processes of the systems can make noises when they in-
tervene.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, or  alternatively, there could be a
fault ⇒ page 69. 
Switching on/off the ESC and ASR
The ESC is switched on automatically when the engine is
started. The ESC cannot be deactivated. ESC in "Sport" mode
Sport mode is activated through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79 menu.
The ability of the ESC to stabilise the vehicle is limited; the traction control
system (ASR) becomes disabled ⇒ 
.
The control lamp  will light up. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem*, the driver will be shown the electronic stability control (ESC) option:
sport. Warning! Limited stability .
In the following exceptional circumstances enabling the ESC Sport mode to
improve the traction of the wheels is tenable:
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
Disable ESC Sport mode
Through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79. The warning lamp  will
switch off. For vehicles with a driver information system*, the driver will be
shown the electronic stability control (ESC) option: on .

185
Intelligent technology
Disable ASR
ASR can be disabled through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79 or by
pressing the  OFF
button. The traction control system will be disabled.
The control lamp  will light up. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that ASR is disabled.
In the following exceptional circumstances enabling the ESC Sport mode to
improve the traction of the wheels is tenable:
● when rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
Activate ASR
ASR can be switched on through the Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79 or by
pressing the  OFF
button. The traction control system will be enabled.
The control lamp  switches off. For vehicles with a driver information sys-
tem* the driver will be informed that ASR is enabled.
WARNING
You should switch on the ESC Sport mode only if the traffic conditions
and your driving ability allow you to do so safely: risk of skidding!
● With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising function will be limited to al-
low for a sportier drive. The driving wheels could spin and the vehicle
could skid.
Note
● ESC Sport mode cannot be activated if the cruise control* actively inter-
venes. Brakes
New brake pads
For the first 400 km (250 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached their
maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first. However, you can
compensate for the slightly reduced braking effect by applying more pres-
sure on the brake pedal. Avoid overloading the brakes while running them
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. This is a particular
problem in urban traffic and short stretches, or with very sporty driving.
Depending on the speed, the braking force, and the environmental condi-
tions (for example, the temperature, air humidity, etc.) noises may be pro-
duced on braking.
Wet roads or road salt
In certain situations (for example, on driving through flooded areas, in se-
vere downpours or after washing the vehicle) the braking action could be
delayed if the discs and pads are damp, or frozen in winter. In this case the
brakes should be dried by pressing the brake pedal several times.
At high speed and with the windscreen wipers activated, the brake pads will
briefly touch the brake discs. This takes place, although unnoticeable to the
driver, at regular intervals to improve the response time of the brakes when
they are wet.
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. The layer of salt that accumulates on the discs
and pads can be removed by gently applying the brakes a few times. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

190Driving 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 ⇒ page 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-
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. 

191
Driving and the environment
Never drive until the tank is empty; an irregular supply of fuel can cause
faulty combustion. In these cases, unburned fuel reaches the exhaust sys-
tem, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.
Diesel particulate filter
Applies to vehicles with diesel engine: The diesel particulate filter can filter
out almost all soot particles contained in the exhaust gas. In normal driving
conditions the filter is self-cleaning. The Diesel particulate filter is cleaned
automatically without need for indication by the warning lamp . This may
be noticed because the engine idle speed increases and an odour may be
detected.
If automatic filter purification cannot be carried out (because only short
trips are taken, for example), soot will accumulate on the filter and the Die-
sel particulate filter warning lamp will  switch on.
Facilitate the automatic filter cleaning process by driving in the following
manner: Drive for approximately 15 minutes at a minimum speed of 60 km/
h (40 mph) in 4th or 5th gear (automatic gearbox: gear S). Maintain the en-
gine speed at approx. 2000 rpm. The rise in temperature causes the soot on
the filter to burn. On completion of the cleaning the warning lamp will
switch off. If the warning lamp does switch off, go immediately to a special-
ised workshop to rectify the problem.
WARNING
● Because of the high temperatures which can occur in the exhaust gas
control system (catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter), do not
park the vehicle where the exhaust can come into contact with flamma-
ble materials under the car (e.g. on grass or at the forest edge). Fire haz-
ard!
● Do not apply wax underneath the vehicle around the area of the ex-
haust system: Fire hazard!
 Economic and ecological driving
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depends largely on driving style. Fuel consumption can be re-
duced by 10-15% with an economical driving style and proper anticipation
of traffic conditions. The following section gives you some tips on lessening
the impact on the environment and reducing your operating costs at the
same time.
Foresight when driving
Acceleration causes the vehicle to consume more fuel. If you think ahead
when driving, you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever
possible, let the car roll slowly to a stop, with a
gear engaged (for instance
when you can see that the next traffic lights are red). This takes advantage
of the engine braking effect, reducing wear on the brakes and tyres. Emis-
sions and fuel consumption will drop to zero due to the overrun fuel cut-off.
Changing gear to save energy
An effective way of saving is to change in advance to a higher gear. Running
the engine at high rpm in the lower gears uses an unnecessary amount of
fuel.
Manual gearbox : shift up from first to second gear as soon as possible. In
any case, we recommend that you change to a higher gear upon reaching
2000 rpm or so. Choosing the right gear enables fuel savings. Select the
highest possible gear appropriate for the driving situation (the engine
should continue functioning with cyclical regularity).
Automatic gearbox : accelerate gradually and without reaching the “kick-
down” position.
Avoid driving at high speed
Avoid travelling at top speed, whenever possible. Fuel consumption, emis-
sion of harmful gases and noise pollution multiply disproportionately as
speed is increased. Driving at moderate speeds will help to save fuel. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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

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

217
Checking and refilling levels
Brake fluid
Fig. 111 Engine com-
partment: brake fluid res-
ervoir, lid
Checking the brake fluid level
The brake fluid level must be between the MIN and MAX markings.
However, if the brake fluid level goes down noticeably in a short time, or
drops below the MIN mark, there may be a leak in the brake system. Seek
specialist assistance. A warning light on the instrument panel display moni-
tors the brake fluid level ⇒ page 69.
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid reservoir is on the other side of
the engine compartment.
Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid should be replaced are listed
in the Service Plan. We recommend you have the brake fluid replaced at a
SEAT Official Service, during an Inspection Service.
WARNING
● Brake fluid should be stored in the closed original container in a safe
place out of reach of children. Risk of 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. This may cause an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid should not come into contact with the vehicle paintwork, as it is
abrasive. 
Battery General information
The battery is located in the engine compartment and is almost mainte-
nance-free. It is checked as part of the Inspection Service. Nevertheless,
check the terminals are clean and have the correct tightening torque, espe-
cially in summer and winter.
Disconnecting the battery
The battery should only be disconnected in exceptional cases. When the
battery is disconnected, some of the vehicles functions are "lost" ( ⇒ table
on page 218). These functions will require resetting after the battery is re-
connected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you disconnect the battery Other-
wise the alarm will be triggered. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

232Emergencies
Emergencies
General information
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible in a safe place. If you have a punc-
ture, stop the vehicle on a horizontal surface. If you are on a
slope, take extra care.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Always wear a reflective vest ⇒ page 232.
– Set up the warning triangle.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the car. They should wait in
a safe place (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
WARNING
Always observe the above steps and protect yourself and other road
users.
 Equipment
Reflective vests
Wearing a reflective vest makes you more visible to other road
users.
Note
● Always wear a reflective vest when you get out of the vehicle in moving
traffic (for example, in the event of breakdown or to load/unload the vehi-
cle).
● Observe the applicable legislation for each country. 
Vehicle tools/Tyre repair kit/Compressor*
The vehicle tools, the tyre repair kit and the compressor* are stor-
ed under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
To access the vehicle tools:
– Lift up the floor panel by the plastic handle until it is fastened to
the tabs on both sides.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you will find the tyre repair set and
the compressor* under the floor panel cover. 