2012 Seat Leon 5D brake

201
Care and cleaning
Windows
Clear vision is an essential safety factor.
The windscreen must not be cleaned with insect remover or wax, otherwise
the windscreen wipers will not function properly (juddering).
Traces of rubber, oil, grease or silicone can be removed with a window
cleaning solution or a silicone remover. Wax residue can only be removed
with a special cleaner. Your SEAT Official Service will be able to provide you
with more detailed information.
The windows should also be cleaned on the inside at regular intervals.
Use a separate cloth or chamois to dry the windows. Cloths used for waxing
and polishing contain residues that will cause smears on the glass.
WARNING
Do not use water-repellent coatings on the windscreen. In bad visibility
conditions (e.g. in the rain, dark or with a low sun), these coatings may
cause dazzle: risk of accident! Such coatings can also cause the wind-
screen wiper blades to make noise.
CAUTION
● Remove snow and ice from windows and exterior mirrors with a plastic
scraper only. To avoid scratches caused by dirt on the glass, the scraper
should only be pushed in one direction and not moved to and fro.
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. To avoid damaging them, do not apply stickers to the heating
elements.
● Never use warm or hot water to remove snow and ice from windows and
mirrors. This could cause the glass to crack! Rims
The wheels require regular attention to preserve their appearance. It is im-
portant to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at regu-
lar intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
After washing, the wheels should only be cleaned with an "acid-free" clean-
ing agent for alloy wheels. This is available from SEAT Official Services and
specialist retailers. Never leave the cleaning agent on the rims for any lon-
ger than specified in the instructions before rinsing it off. If the wheel clean-
er fluid contains acid it can attack the surfaces of the wheel bolts.
Car polish or other abrasive agents should not be used for maintaining the
rims. If the protective coating is damaged, e.g. by stone impact, the dam-
aged area should be touched up immediately.
WARNING
Please note when cleaning the wheels that water, ice and road salt can
impair the effectiveness of the brakes; this can cause an accident.

Exhaust tail pipe
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the exhaust tail pipe material could be dam-
aged. To remove impurities, do not use rim, paint or chrome cleaners or oth-
er abrasive products. Clean the exhaust tail pipes with cleaning products
that are suitable for stainless steel.
SEAT Official Services carry stocks of cleaning products that have been tes-
ted and approved for use on your vehicle. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

209
Checking and refilling levels
Note
Diesel vehicles are fitted with a protective device that prevents the insertion
of the wrong fuel hose 1)
. It is only possible to refuel with Diesel nozzles.
● If the pump nozzle is worn, damaged, or if it is very small, it is possible
that it will not be able to open the protective device. Before trying to insert
the pump nozzle by turning it, try a different pump or request specialist
help.
● If you fill the tank from a reserve fuel canister, the protective device will
not open. One way to resolve this is to pour the fuel in very slowly. 
Bonnet
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components in
the engine compartment. Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the risk of
accident or even fire when working in the engine compartment (e.g. when
checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warnings listed below
and follow all general safety precautions. The engine compartment of the
vehicle is a potentially hazardous area ⇒ 
.
WARNING
● Switch the ignition off.
● Remove the ignition key.
WARNING (Continued)
● Apply the handbrake.
● If the vehicle has a manual gearbox, place the lever in neutral; if it
has an automatic gearbox, place the selector lever in position P.
● Wait for the engine to cool down.
● Keep children away from the engine compartment.
● Never spill liquids used for vehicle operation on the engine compart-
ment, as these may catch fire (e.g. the antifreeze in coolant).
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system, especial-
ly when working on the battery.
● If working inside the engine compartment, remember that, even when
the ignition is switched off, the radiator fan may start up automatically,
and therefore there is a risk of injury.
● Do not unscrew the cap on the coolant expansion tank when the en-
gine is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
● Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large, thick
rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
● If it is necessary to work in the engine compartment while the engine
is running, the rotating components (for example, poly-V belt, alternator,
radiator fan) and the high voltage ignition system are an additional haz-
ard.
● Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel system
or the electrical system is necessary:
–Always disconnect the battery from the on-board network.
– Do not smoke.
– Never work near naked flames.
– Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately available. 
1)
according to the country
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

226Wheels and tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system ⇒ Fig. 116. The useful life
of all the tyres will then be about the same time. 
Replacing wheels and tyres
It is important to use the correct wheels and tyres when re-
placement is necessary.
– All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and preferably the same tread pattern.
– Tyres should be replaced at least in pairs and not individually
(i.e. both front tyres or both rear tyres together).
– Do not use tyres whose effective size exceeds the dimensions
of the factory-approved makes of tyre.
– If you wish to fit the vehicle with rims or tyres that are different
to those installed in manufacture, it is advisable to consult a
SEAT Official Service before purchasing them.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteris-
tics of the vehicle and make a major contribution to good roadholding and
safe handling ⇒ 
.
The sizes of the rims and tyres approved for your vehicle are listed in the
vehicle documentation (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC docu-
ment 1)
). The vehicle documentation varies depending on the country of resi-
dence. A knowledge of tyre designations makes it easier to choose the correct
tyres. The following wording can be read on the sides of the tyre:
205/55 R 16 91 V
This contains the following information:
205Tyre width in mm55Height/width ratio in %RTyre construction: Radial16Rim diameter in inches91Load rating codeWSpeed index
The manufacturing date is also indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly only
on the inner side of the wheel): DOT ... 2212 ...
means that the tyre was produced in the 22nd week of 2012.
Please note that with some types of tyre, the actual tyre size can differ from
the nominal size marked on the tyre (for instance 205/55 R 16 91 W), and
there may be significant differences in the contours of the tyres, even
though the tyres are marked with the same nominal size designation.
When replacing the tyres, it is therefore important to make sure that the
actual size of the new tyres does not exceed the dimensions of the factory-
approved makes of tyre.
Failure to observe this requirement can affect the clearance needed for the
tyres. This could result in contact between the tyres and suspension com-
ponents or bodywork causing damage. The brake lines could also be dam-
aged and vehicle safety could be severely impaired ⇒ 
.
1)
COC = certificate of conformity

227
Wheels and tyres
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT you can be sure that the actual
tyre dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. If you decide to fit a differ-
ent type of tyre, you must obtain the appropriate manufacturer's certificate
from the tyre retailer to confirm that the tyres are suitable for your vehicle.
Keep this certificate in a safe place.
Your SEAT Official Service will be able to advise you on which tyres may be
fitted to your vehicle.
It is best to have all servicing of wheels and tyres performed by a special-
ised workshop. 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 tyres.
WARNING
● It is very important to ensure that the tyres you have chosen have ad-
equate clearance. When selecting replacement tyres, do not rely entirely
on the nominal tyre size marked on the tyre; with some makes of tyre the
effective tyre size can differ significantly from the nominal dimensions,
even though the tyres have the same size designation. Inadequate tyre
clearance can result in damage to the tyres or the vehicle, causing a seri-
ous safety risk. It may also invalidate the vehicle's registration for use on
public roads.
● Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are more than 6 years old. If
you have no alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
● If wheel trims are fitted after the car is purchased, ensure that there
is an adequate flow of air for cooling the brake system.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to the laws in the country con-
cerned.
Note
● Never mount used tyres if you are not sure of their “previous history”.
● For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel. 
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts are designed to suit the rims on your car.
The wheel bolts are matched to the rims. When installing different wheels
(for instance alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres) it is important to use
the correct wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that the brake sys-
tem functions correctly.
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily.
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel bolts*
⇒ page 237. 
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.
– Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
– Only use winter tyres that are approved for your vehicle.
– Please note that the maximum permissible speed for winter
tyres may be lower than for summer tyres. 
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. 

233
Emergencies
Tyre repair kit
What to do first
– Please observe the important safety notes ⇒ page 232.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Manual gearbox: Select first gear.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to P.
– Check whether a repair is possible using the tyre repair kit
⇒ page 233. 
Using the tyre repair kit
Fig. 117 Tyre: irrepara-
ble damage The tyre repair kit is designed to repair your tyre provisionally only. The dam-
aged tyre should be replaced as soon as possible
⇒ 
.
If the tyre has been damaged by a nail, for example, remove the nail from
the tyre.
The tyre repair kit can be used at outside temperatures of up to -20 °C
(-4 °F).
The tyre repair kit must NOT be used:
● on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm 1
⇒ Fig. 117
● If the wheel rim has been damaged 2
●
if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat tyre
3.
If necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
WARNING
● Remember that the tyre repair kit cannot always be used, and that it
only serves to provide a provisional repair.
● Do not allow the sealing product to come into contact with your eyes,
skin or clothing.
● If you do come into contact with the sealing product immediately
rinse the eyes or skin affected with clean water.
● Do not inhale vapours.
● If any of the sealing product is accidentally ingested, immediately
rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water. Do not induce vomit-
ing. Seek medical advice immediately.
● Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the sealing
product.
● If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.
● Keep the sealing product away from children. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

235
Emergencies
Note
Do not use the compressor for longer than 6 minutes at a time, as it could
overheat. Once it has cooled down, the compressor may be used again. 
After changing a wheel
– Attach the "max. 80 km/h (50 mph)" adhesive label from the
tyre repair kit on the instrument panel, clearly within view of the
driver.
– Stop the vehicle after 10 minutes driving and check the tyre
pressure.
– If tyre pressure is less than 1.3 bar, the tyre is too badly dam-
aged. Do not carry on driving!
WARNING
After repairing a tyre please note the following points:
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and fast cornering.
● Vehicle handling could be impaired.
● If the tyre is very damaged, seek professional assistance.
For the sake of the environment
You can dispose of the used bottle of sealing compound at a SEAT Official
Service.
Note
After repairing a tyre, remember to purchase a new bottle of sealing com-
pound from a SEAT Official Service or a specialised workshop. 
Changing a wheel What to do first
Before changing the wheel, the following preliminary steps
are required. – Please observe the important safety notes ⇒ page 232.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Manual gearbox: Select first gear.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to P.
– When towing a trailer: Unhitch the trailer from your vehicle.
– Have the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 232 and the spare wheel ready
⇒ page 240.
WARNING
If you change the wheel on a slope, block the wheel on the opposite side
of the car with a stone or similar to prevent the vehicle from moving.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications