2012 Seat Leon 5D service

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

228Wheels and tyres
–Also note that winter tyres are no longer effective when the
tread is worn down.
– After fitting the wheels you must always check the tyre pres-
sures. The correct tyre pressures are listed on the sticker on the
inside of the fuel tank flap ⇒ page 223.
In winter road conditions winter tyres will considerably improve vehicle han-
dling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. This applies particularly to vehicles equip-
ped with wide section tyres or high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y on
the sidewall).
Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for your vehicle. The sizes
of the winter tyres approved for your vehicle are listed in the vehicle docu-
mentation (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC document 1)
). The vehi-
cle documentation varies depending on the country of residence. See also
⇒ page 226.
Winter tyres lose a great deal of their properties when the tread is worn
down to a depth of 4 mm.
The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing, even if
the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits according to
speed rating code letter: ⇒ 
Speed rating code
letter ⇒ page 226Maximum speed limit
Q160 km/h (140 mph)S180 km/h (140 mph)T190 km/h (140 mph)
Speed rating code
letter ⇒ page 226Maximum speed limit
H210 km/h (140 mph)V240 km/h (150 mph)
(note restrictions)
Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have an appropriate
sticker attached so that it is visible to the driver. Suitable stickers are availa-
ble from the SEAT Official Service and specialised workshop. Please note
regulations to this effect in your country.
“All-weather” tyres can also be used instead of winter tyres.
Using winter tyres with V-rating
Please note that the generally applicable 240 km/h (150 mph) speed rating
for winter tyres with the letter V is subject to technical restrictions; the max-
imum permissible speed for your vehicle may be significantly lower . The
maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating depends directly on the maxi-
mum axle weights for your car and on the listed weight rating of the tyres
being used.
It is best to contact a SEAT Official Service to check the maximum speed
which is permissible for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on the basis of
this information.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for the winter tyres fitted on
your car can cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of control of the vehicle
– risk of accident. 
1)
COC = certificate of conformity

230Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
Accessories, replacement parts and repairs
Always ask your dealer or specialist retailer for advice be-
fore purchasing accessories and replacement parts.
Your vehicle is designed to offer a high standard of active and passive safe-
ty. For this reason, we recommend that you ask a SEAT Official Service for
advice before fitting accessories or replacement parts. Your SEAT Official
Service has the latest information from the manufacturer and can recom-
mend accessories and replacement parts which are suitable for your re-
quirements. They can also answer any questions you might have regarding
official regulations.
We recommend you to use only SEAT accessories and Genuine SEAT parts ®
.
SEAT has tested these parts and accessories for suitability, reliability and
safety. SEAT Official Services have the necessary experience and facilities to
ensure that the parts are installed correctly and professionally.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct effect on the vehicle and/or
the way it is driven (e.g. cruise control system or electronically-controlled
suspension) must be approved for use in your vehicle and bear the e mark
(the European Union's authorisation symbol).
If any additional electrical components are fitted which do not serve to con-
trol the vehicle itself (for instance a refrigerator box, laptop or ventilator fan,
etc.), these must bear the  mark (manufacturer conformity declaration in
the European Union).
WARNING
Accessories, for example telephone holders or cup holders, should never
be fitted on the covers, or within the working range of the airbags. Other-
wise, there is a danger of injury if the airbag is triggered in an accident.
 Technical modifications
Modifications must always be carried out according to our
specifications.
Unauthorised modifications to the electronic components, software, wiring
or data transfer in the vehicle may cause malfunctioning. Due to the way the
electronic components are linked together in networks, other indirect sys-
tems may be affected by the faults. This can seriously impair safety, lead to
excessive wear of components, and also invalidate your vehicle registration
documents.
You will appreciate that your SEAT dealership cannot be held liable for any
damage caused by modifications and/or work performed incorrectly.
We recommend that all work should be performed by a SEAT Official Service
using Genuine SEAT parts
®
.
WARNING
Incorrectly performed modifications or other work on your vehicle can
lead to malfunctions and cause accidents.

Radio transmitters and business equipment
Radio transmitters (fixed installation)
Any retrofit installations of radio transmitters in the vehicle require prior ap-
proval. SEAT generally authorises in-vehicle installations of approved types
of radio transmitters provided that: 

231
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
● the aerial is installed correctly.
● the aerial is installed on the exterior of the vehicle (and shielded cables
are used together with non-reflective aerial trimming).
● the effective transmitting power does not exceed 10 Watts at the aerial
base.
A SEAT Official Service and specialised workshop will be able to inform you
about options for installing and operating radio transmitters with a higher
transmitting power.
Mobile radio transmitters
Commercial mobile telephones or radio equipment might interfere with the
electronics of your vehicle and cause malfunctions. This may be due to:
● no external aerial
● external aerial incorrectly installed
● transmitting power more than 10 W
You must, therefore, do not operate portable mobile telephones or radio
equipment inside the vehicle without a properly installed external aerial
⇒ 
.
Please note also that the maximum range of the equipment can only be ach-
ieved with an external aerial.
Business equipment
Retrofit installation of business or private equipment in the vehicle is per-
mitted, provided the equipment cannot interfere with the driver's immedi-
ate control of the vehicle and that any such equipment carries the  mark.
Any retrofit equipment that could influence the driver's control of the vehi-
cle must have a type approval for your vehicle and must carry the e mark.
WARNING
Mobile telephones or radio equipment which is operated inside the vehi-
cle without a properly installed external aerial can create excessive mag-
netic fields that could cause a health hazard.
Note
● The posterior fitting of electric and electronic equipment in this vehicle
affects its licence type and could lead to the withdrawal of the vehicle regis-
tration document under certain circumstances.
● Please use the mobile telephone/radio operating instructions. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

234Emergencies
Note
● If sealing product should leak out, leave it to dry. This way you can pull it
off like a piece of foil.
● Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound changed by a specialised workshop or SEAT Service.
● Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Repairing tyres
Fig. 118 Tyre: top up
Important: have the tyre repair kit ready ⇒ 
page 232.
Filling the tyre
– Before filling the tyre, shake the bottle of sealing product thor-
oughly.
– Screw the enclosed filling hose onto the sealant can as far as it
will go. This will pierce the foil sealing on the can. –
Take the valve cap off the tyre valve and use a screwdriver
⇒ Fig. 118 to unscrew the valve insert.
– Place the valve insert onto a clean surface.
– Remove the sealing plug from the filling hose and insert the
hose into the tyre valve.
– Hold the bottle upside down and insert the contents in the tyre
until the bottle is empty.
– Then disconnect the hose and screw the valve insert back onto
the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the compressor filling hose (tyre repair kit) onto the tyre
valve and plug the connector into the 12V connection.
– Pump the tyre up to 2.0 to 2.5 bar and monitor the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge.
– If the tyre does not reach this pressure, move the car forwards
or backwards 10 metres to allow the sealing compound to
spread all around the tyre.WARNING
● Please observe the manufacturer's safety notes on the compressor
and the instructions supplied with the tyre sealant can.
● If, after six minutes of trying to inflate the tyre, it is not possible get
up to a pressure of 2.0 bar, this indicates that the tyre is too severely
damaged for repair with the kit. Do not carry on driving!
● If the tyre cannot be repaired with the sealing compound, seek pro-
fessional assistance. 

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

237
Emergencies
Anti-theft wheel bolts
Fig. 121 Anti-theft
wheel bolt with cap and
adapter
A special adapter (vehicle tools) is required to remove the anti-
theft wheel bolts.
– Remove the wheel cover* or the cap*.
– Insert the adapter onto the anti-theft wheel bolt and push it on
as far as it will go.
– Insert the wheel brace (vehicle tools) onto the adapter as far as
it will go.
– Remove the wheel bolt ⇒ page 237.
Note
Make a note of the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a
safe place, but not in your vehicle. If you need a new adapter, you can ob-
tain it from the SEAT Official Service, indicating the code number. 
Loosening the wheel bolts
Fig. 122 Wheel: loosen
the wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel brace (vehicle tools) onto the wheel bolt as far
as it will go 1)
.
– Turn the wheel bolt approximately one turn to the left ⇒ 
Fig. 122
-arrow-. To apply the required torque, hold the wheel brace at
the end. If it is not possible to loosen a wheel bolt, carefully ap-
ply pressure with one foot on the end of the wheel brace. Hold
on to the car for support and take care not to slip. 
1)
An adapter is required to unscrew or tighten the anti-theft wheel bolts ⇒ page 237.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications