2013 Seat Leon SC tow

213
Driver assistance systems
● Your speed and driving style must always be adjusted to visibility,
weather, and traffic conditions.
● The eco mode is not available when towing a trailer. 
Tiredness detection (break
recommendation)* Introduction
The Tiredness detection informs the driver when their driving behaviour
shows signs of fatigue.
Additional information and warnings:
● Easy Connect system ⇒ page 79
● Accessories, change a part, repairs and adjustments (information stored
in the control units) ⇒ page 272
WARNING
Do not let the comfort afforded by the Tiredness detection system tempt
you into taking any risks when driving. Take regular breaks, sufficient in
length when making long journeys.
● The driver always assumes the responsibility of driving to their full
capacity.
● Never drive if you are tired.
● The system does not detect the tiredness of the driver in all circum-
stances. Consult the information in the section ⇒ page 214, System limi-
tations.
WARNING (Continued)
● In some situations the system may incorrectly interpret an intended
driving manoeuvre as driver tiredness.
● No warning is given in the event of the effect called microsleep!
● Please observe the indications on the instrument panel and act as is
necessary.
Note
● Tiredness detection has been developed for driving on motorways and
well paved roads only.
● If there is a fault in the system, have it checked by a specialised work-
shop. 
Function and operation
Fig. 145 On the instru-
ment panel display:
Tiredness detection sym-
bol
Tiredness detection determines the driving behaviour of the driver when
starting a journey, making a calculation of tiredness. This is constantly com-
pared with the current driving behaviour. If the system detects that the driv-
er is tired, an audible warning is given with a sound and an optic warning is
shown with a symbol and complementary message on the instrument panel 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

217
Driver assistance systems
Wheel tread change
The wheel tread changes when:
● Tyre pressure is manually changed
● Tyre pressure is insufficient
● Tyre structure is damaged
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load
● The wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
heavy load)
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains
● The temporary spare wheel is fitted
● The wheel on one axle is changed
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator  or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads, or when driving with snow chains). 
Calibrating the tyre monitoring indicator
Fig. 147 Glove compart-
ment: tyre control switch After changing the tyre pressure or replacing one or more wheels, the tyre
monitoring indicator must be recalibrated. Do the same, for example, when
the front and rear wheels are swapped.
●
Switch the ignition on.
● Store the new tyre pressure in the Easy Connect system with the button

and the function button Setup ⇒ page 80 or using the switch located in
the glove compartment* ⇒ Fig. 147.
When driving, the system self-calibrates the tyre pressure provided by the
driver and the wheels fitted. After a long journey with varied speeds the pro-
grammed values are collected and monitored.
With the wheels under very heavy loads, the tyre pressure must be in-
creased to the total recommended tyre pressure before the calibration
⇒ page 307.
Note
● The tyre monitoring indicator does not function when there is a fault in
the ESC or ABS ⇒ page 222.
● An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use be-
cause the chains increase the tread of the wheel. 
Parking aid General information
Various systems are available to help you when parking or manoeuvring in
tight spaces, depending on the equipment fitted on your vehicle.
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant that warns about obstacles lo-
cated behind the vehicle ⇒ page 218. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

218Driver assistance systems
During parking, the parking system plus assists you visually and audibly
about obstacles detected in front and behind the vehicle ⇒ page 219.
WARNING
● Always pay attention (also when looking straight ahead) to traffic and
the vehicle surroundings. The assistance systems are not a replacement
for driver awareness. When inserting or removing the vehicle from a park-
ing space, or when performing similar manoeuvres the driver always as-
sumes the responsibility.
● Take into account that the system is not always in conditions to rec-
ognise or represent certain surfaces, such as dress fabric: Risk of causing
an accident!
● The sensors and cameras have blind spots, making the detection of
people and objects impossible. Pay special attention to children and ani-
mals: Risk of causing an accident!
● Always keep visual control of the vehicle surroundings: use the rear
vision mirrors for additional help.
CAUTION
● Under certain circumstances, the system does not detect or display cer-
tain objects:
–Objects such as snow chains, trailer draw bars, bars or fences
– Objects that are located above the sensors, such as protrusions in a
wall.
– Objects with certain surfaces or structures, such as wire mesh fences
or powder snow.
● When the vehicle approaches a low obstacle, it could disappear from
the angle of measurement. In this case, take into account that the system
will no longer warn about this obstacle.
● The knocks or damage on the radiator grille, bumper, wheel arch and ve-
hicle underbody can adjust the orientation of the sensors. This can affect
the parking aid function. Have the function checked by a specialised work-
shop.
Note
● In certain situations, the system can give a warning even though there is
no obstacle in the detected area, e.g:
–for roads with certain surfaces, or with long grass
– for external ultrasound sources, such as cleaning vehicles
– In downpours, intense snow or dense exhaust gases
● In order to familiarise yourself with the system, it is advised that you
practice parking in an area or car park that is free from traffic. There must be
good weather and light conditions.
● The volume and tone of the warnings can be modified, in addition to the
indications ⇒ page 221.
● In vehicles without a driver information system, these parameters can be
modified in a SEAT Official Service or in a specialised workshop.
● Please observe information on towing a trailer ⇒  page 221.
● The display on the Easy Connect screen shows a slight time delay.
● To ensure that the parking aid works properly, the sensors must be kept
clean and free of ice and snow. 
Rear parking aid*
The rear parking aid is an audible assistant. Description
There are sensors integrated in the rear bumper. When the sensors detect
an obstacle, you are alerted by audible warnings.
Make sure that the sensors are not covered by adhesives, residues and the
like, given that this could affect the system operation. Cleaning instructions
⇒ page 239.
The approximate measurement range of the sensors is: 

221
Driver assistance systems
Adjusting the display and audible warnings
The settings for the display and audible warnings are con-
trolled via the Easy Connect*.
Requirements: the parking aid must be switched on.
– Select: button CAR
> control button Car* Systems > Driver assis-
tant > Parking aid ⇒  page 81.
Automatic activation 1)
 on – activates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220
 off – deactivates the Automatic activation option ⇒ page 220.
Front volume
Volume in the front and rear area.
Front sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the front area.
Rear volume
Volume in the rear area
Rear sound settings
Frequency (tone) of the sound in the rear area.
Adjust volume
With the parking aid switched on, the active audio/video source volume will
be reduced to the intensity of the selected setting.
You will hear a short test tone from the corresponding speaker each time
you make a new setting. Error messages
When the parking aid is activated or when switching it on, if a continuous
warning can be heard over several seconds (additionally, in the case of
Parking system plus the LED of the
 button flashes), there is a fault in the
system. If the fault does not disappear before switching off the ignition, the
next time the parking aid is switched on by engaging reverse gear the fault
will only be indicated with the flashing LED on the  button.
Parking system plus*
If there is a fault in a sensor, the symbol  is displayed on the Easy Con-
nect display in front of/behind the vehicle. If a rear sensor is faulty, only the
obstacles in the areas A
and B are displayed ⇒ Fig. 148. If a front sensor
is faulty, only the obstacles in the areas C and D are displayed.
Have the fault corrected by a specialised workshop without delay. 
Towing bracket
If the trailer power socket is occupied, the rear parking aid sensors will not
activate when reverse gear is engaged, or when the button  is pressed.
This function may not be covered under warranty if the towing bracket is not
factory-fitted. This causes the following limitations:
Parking system plus*
There will be no warning about the presence of obstacles in the rear area.
The monitoring in the front area remains active. The optical display changes
to towing mode. 
1)
available only with certain equipment - Radio Standard
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

222Intelligent technology
Practical Tips
Intelligent technology
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Description
The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces the tendency to skid and im-
proves the stability and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC detects critical
handling situations, such as vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin
on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehicle by braking individual wheels
or by reducing the engine torque. The warning lamp will flash on the instru-
ment panel when the ESC is intervening .
ESC includes the Anti-lock brake system (ABS), the brake assist system, the
traction control system (ASR), electronic differential lock (EDL), electronic
self-locking*, selective torque control* and tractor-trailer sway mitigation*.
ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle by changing the torque.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under braking until the vehicle
has reached a virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the vehicle even
when the brakes are on full. Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do not
pump the brakes. You will feel the brake pedal pulsate while the ABS is
working.
Brake assist system
The brake assist system can reduce the required braking distance. The brak-
ing force is automatically boosted if you press the brake pedal quickly in an
emergency. You must keep pressing the brake pedal until the danger has
passed. Traction control system (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control system reduces the engine
torque to match the amount of grip available. This helps the car to start
moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.
Electronic differential lock (EDL)
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other driven wheel. This function is available up to a speed
of around 100 km/h, 62 mph).
To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel from overheating, the EDL
cuts out automatically if subjected to excessive loads. The vehicle can still
be driven. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake has
cooled down.
Tractor-trailer sway mitigation*
If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control the following: Tractor-trailers
tend to sway. When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the vehicle and de-
tected by the ESC, it will automatically brake the towing vehicle within the
limits of the system and mitigate the sway. Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is
not available in all countries.
Electronic self-locking*/Selective torque control*
When driving around bends, an electronic self-locking intervenes. The front
wheel on the inside of the curve, or the two inside wheels, respectively, are
selectively braked as required. This minimises the traction of the front
wheels, allowing you to take bends with greater precision and neutrality. In
certain circumstances, where roads are wet or snow-covered, the respective
system may not intervene.


225
Intelligent technology
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 ⇒ 
.
Fault 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.
Brake servo
The brake servo increases the pressure you apply to the brake pedal. It
works only when the engine is running.
WARNING
● Apply the brakes heavily to clean the brake system only in a suitable
traffic situation. Do not put other road users in danger: risk of causing an
accident.
● Ensure the vehicle does not move while in neutral, when the engine is
stopped. Failure to do so could result in an 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 select a lower gear. This makes use of engine braking and re-
lieves 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 the brake servo is out of action due to a malfunction, or if the car has
to be towed, you will have to press the brake pedal considerably harder to
make up for the lack of servo assistance.
● 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. 
Electro-mechanical steering
Electro-mechanical power steering assists the driver when
steering.
Electro-mechanical power steering adapts electronically to the speed of the
car, torque and turning angle.
If the power steering should fail at any time or the engine is switched off (for
instance when being towed), the car can still be steered. However, more ef-
fort than normal will be required to turn the steering wheel.
Driver warning lamps and messages
 (in red) Faulty steering! To park the vehicle

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

234Trailer
Trailer
Trailer towing What do you need to bear in mind when towing a trailer?
Your vehicle may be used to tow a trailer when fitted with the correct equip-
ment.
If you wish to retrofit a towing bracket, consult ⇒ page 236.
Connectors
Your vehicle is fitted with a 12-pin connector for the electrical connection
between the trailer and the vehicle.
If the trailer has a 7-pin plug you will need to use an adapter cable. This is
available in any Technical Service.
Trailer weight/drawbar load
Never exceed the authorised trailer weight. If you do not load the trailer up
to the maximum permitted trailer weight, you can then climb correspond-
ingly steeper slopes.
The maximum trailer weights listed are only applicable for altitudes up to
1000 m above sea level. With increasing altitude the engine power and
therefore the vehicle climbing ability are impaired because of the reduced
air density. The maximum trailer weight has to be reduced accordingly. The
weight of the vehicle and trailer combination must be reduced by 10% for
every further 1000 m (or part thereof). The gross combination weight is the
actual weight of the laden vehicle plus the actual weight of the laden trailer.
When possible, operate the trailer with the maximum permitted drawbar
load on the ball joint of the towing bracket, but do not exceed the specified
limit. The figures for
trailer weights and drawbar loads that are given on the data
plate of the towing bracket are for certification purposes only. The correct
figures for your specific model, which may be lower than these figures for
the towing bracket, are given in the vehicle documentation or in ⇒ chap-
ter Technical Data.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them mov-
ing.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permissible pressure shown on the stick-
er on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres
in accordance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard rear vision mirrors. If this is not the case, you should have addi-
tional exterior mirrors fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on
hinged extension brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the
rear.
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents. 

235
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