2013 Seat Leon SC change time

260Checking and refilling levels
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 vehicle's functions are “lost” ( ⇒ table
on page 260). 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.
effectReprogrammingOne-touch function of the electric
windows⇒ page 104, One-touch opening and
closing*
Remote control keyIf the vehicle does not respond to the
key, they should be synchronised
⇒ page 91
Digital clock⇒ page 63
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few metres, the
warning lamp goes out again.
If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The vehicle has a system for monitoring the current consumption when the
engine is left unused for long periods of time ⇒ page 226. Some functions,
such as the interior lights, or the remote door opening, may be temporarily
disabled to prevent the battery from running flat. These functions will come
back on as soon as the ignition is switched on and the engine started.
Winter conditions
During the winter, the starting power may be reduced, and if necessary, the
battery should be charged ⇒ 
in Important safety warnings for handling a
vehicle battery on page 261 
Important safety warnings for handling a vehicle battery
All work on batteries requires specialist knowledge. Please refer to a SEAT
Official Service or a workshop specialising in batteries: risk of burns or ex-
ploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to change the fluid level of the
battery. Explosive gas is released from the battery that could cause an ex-
plosion. 

265
Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
General notes
– When driving with new tyres, be especially careful during the
first 500 km (300 miles).
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very
slowly and as near as possible at a right angle to the obstacle.
– Check from time to time if the tyres are damaged (punctures,
cuts, cracks or dents). Remove any foreign objects embedded in
the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be replaced immediately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as possible.
– Mark the wheels before taking them off so that they rotate in
the same direction when put back.
– When removed, the wheels or tyres should be stored in a cool,
dry and preferably dark place.
New tyres
New tyres do not give maximum grip straight away and should therefore be
“run in” by driving carefully and at moderate speeds for about the first 500
km (300 miles). This will also increase the useful life of the tyres. The tread depth of new tyres may
vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Concealed damage
Damage to tyres and rims is often not readily visible. If you notice unusual
vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of the
tyres is damaged. Reduce speed immediately if there is any reason to sus-
pect that damage may have occurred. Inspect the tyres for damage. If no ex-
ternal damage is visible, drive slowly and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the car inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on single
drive tyres. Always note the direction of rotation indicated when mounting
the wheel. This guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning,
excessive noise and wear.
Retrofitting Accessories
If you wish to change or fit wheels, rims or wheel trims, we recommend that
you consult with a SEAT Official Service centre for advice regarding current
techniques. 
Useful life of tyres
Correct inflation pressures and sensible driving habits will
increase the useful life of your tyres.
– Check tyre pressure at least once a month, and also prior to any
long trip. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

266Wheels and tyres
–The tyre pressure should only be checked when the tyres are
cold. The slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be re-
duced.
– Adjust tyre pressure to the load being carried by the vehicle.
– In vehicles with a tyre pressure indicator, save the pressure of
modified tyres ⇒ page 214, ⇒  page 265.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from time to time.
The useful life of your tyres depends on the following factors:
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure values are indicated on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly reduces the useful life of the tyres
and adversely affects vehicle performance and ride. Correct inflation pres-
sures are very important, especially at high speeds.
If you want a more comfortable ride, you can inflate tyres to the pressure
corresponding to the normal vehicle load (up to 3 people) if the vehicle is
carrying a normal load. If the vehicle is going to carry the maximum load,
the tyre pressure should be increased to maximum value indicated.
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according to the load the vehicle is car-
rying. We recommend adhering to the tyre pressure specifications for a max-
imum load.
Do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyre pressures: Keep the
spare wheel inflated to the highest pressure required for the road wheels.
In the case of a minimised temporary spare wheel (125/70 R16 or 125/70
R18) inflate to a pressure of 4.2 bar as indicated on the tyre pressure label
on the fuel tank flap. Driving style
Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard braking (squealing tyres) all in-
crease tyre wear.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain circumstances
may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibrations in the
steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as they otherwise cause exces-
sive wear on steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be reba-
lanced when a new tyre is fitted or if a tyre is repaired.
Incorrect wheel alignment
Incorrect wheel alignment causes excessive tyre wear, impairing the safety
of the vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, you should check wheel
alignment at a SEAT Official Service.
WARNING
● Always adapt the tyre pressure accordingly when the vehicle load
changes.
● A tyre with low air pressure has to flex a lot more when the vehicle is
heavily loaded or at high speeds, therefore causing overheating to occur.
Under these conditions, the tyre bead may be released or the tyre may
burst. Risk of accident!
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel consumption. 

268Wheels 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. 162. 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 R16 91V
This contains the following information:
205Tyre width in mm55Height/width ratio in %RTyre construction: Radial16Rim diameter in inches91Load rating codeVSpeed 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

277
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 label. 80 km/h” from the tyre repair kit on the
instrument panel, clearly within driver's field of view.
– 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.
● 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 274.
– 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 274 and the spare wheel ready
⇒ page 282.
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

294Fuses and bulbs
Full-LED headlight system*
Full-LED headlights handle all light functions (daylight, side light, turn sig-
nal, dipped beam and route light) with light emitting diodes (LEDs) as a
light source.
Full-LED headlights are designed to last the lifetime of the car and light
bulbs cannot be replaced. In case of headlight failure, go to an authorised
workshop to have it replaced.
Bulbs (12 V)
Halogen headlightsTypeDaytime driving light/side lightP21W SLLDipped beam headlightsH7 LLMain beam headlightsH7 LLTurn signalPY21W LL
Full-LED main headlightsTypeNo bulbs may be replaced. All functions are
with LEDs
Front fog lightTypeFog/cornering lights*H8
Rear bulb lightTypeBrake lights/tail lightsP21W LLSide lights2x W5W LLTurn signalPY21W LLRear fog lightH21WReverse lightsP21W LL
LED rear lightTypeTurn signalPY21W LLRear fog lightH21W
LED rear lightTypeReverse lightsP21W LLThe remaining functions work with LEDs
WARNING
● Take particular care when working on components in the engine com-
partment if the engine is warm. Risk of burns.
● Bulbs are highly sensitive to pressure. The glass can break when you
touch the bulb, causing injury.
● When changing bulbs, please take care not to injure yourself on sharp
edges, in particular on the headlight housing.
CAUTION
● Remove the ignition key before working on the electric system. Other-
wise, a short circuit could occur.
● Switch off the lights or parking lights before you change a bulb.
● Take good care to avoid damaging any components.
For the sake of the environment
Please ask your specialist retailer how to dispose of used bulbs in the prop-
er manner.
Note
● Please check at regular intervals that all lighting (especially the exterior
lighting) on your vehicle is functioning properly. This is not only in the inter-
est of your own safety, but also that of all other road users.
● Before changing a bulb, make sure you have the correct new bulb.
● Do not touch the glass part of the bulb with your bare hands, use a cloth
or paper towel instead. Otherwise, the fingerprints left on the glass will va-
porise as a result of the heat generated by the bulb, they will be deposited
on the reflector and will impair its surface. 

307
Technical specifications
Towing a trailer Trailer weights
Trailer weight
The trailer weights and drawbar loads approved are selected in intensive tri-
als according to precisely defined criteria. The approved trailer weights are
valid for vehicles in the EU for maximum speeds of 80 km/h (50 mph) (in
certain circumstances up to 100 km/h, 60 mph). The figures may be differ-
ent in other countries. All data in the official vehicle documentation takes
precedence over these data at all times ⇒ 
.
Drawbar loads
The maximum permitted drawbar load on the ball joint of the towing bracket
must not exceed 80 kg.
In the interest of road safety, we recommend that you always tow approach-
ing the maximum drawbar load. The response of the trailer on the road will
be poor if the drawbar load is too small.
If the maximum permissible drawbar load cannot be met (e.g. with small,
empty and light-weight single axle trailers or tandem axle trailers with a
wheelbase of less than 1 metre), a minimum of 4% of the actual trailer
weight is legally required for the drawbar load.
WARNING
● For safety reasons, do not exceed the 80 km/h (50 mph) limit. This is
also valid in countries where higher speeds are permitted.
● Never exceed the maximum trailer weights or the drawbar load. If the
permissible axle load or the permissible total weight is exceeded, the
driving characteristics of the vehicle may change, leading to accidents,
injuries and damage to the vehicle.
 Wheels
Tyre pressure, snow chains, wheel bolts
Tyre pressures
The sticker with the tyre pressure values can be found on the inside of the
fuel tank flap. The tyre pressure values given there are for cold tyres. The
slightly raised pressures of warm tyres must not be reduced. ⇒ 
Snow chains
Snow chains may be fitted only to the front wheels, and only for the follow-
ing tyres:
195/65 R15Chains with links of maximum 15 mm205/55 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm225/45 R17Chains with links of maximum 9 mm225/40 R18Chains with links of maximum 9 mm
Wheel bolts
After the wheels have been changed, the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts should be checked as soon as possible with a torque wrench ⇒ 
.
The tightening torque for steel and alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
WARNING
● Check the tyre pressure at least once per month. Checking the tyre
pressure is very important. If the tyre pressure is too high or too low,
there is an increased danger of accidents, particularly at high speeds.
● If the tightening torque of the wheel bolts is too low, they could loos-
en while the vehicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the tightening tor-
que is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

SEAT S.A. is permanently concerned about continuous development of its t\�ypes and models. For this reason we ask you to under-
stand, that at any given time, changes regarding shape, equipment and te\�chnique may take place on the car delivered. For this reason
no right at all may derive based on the data, drawings and descriptions \�in this current handbook.
All texts, illustrations and standards in this handbook are based on the\� status of information at the time of printing. Except for error
or omission, the information included in the current handbook is valid a\�s of the date of closing print.
Re-printing, copying or translating, whether total or partial is not all\�owed unless SEAT allows it in written form.
SEAT reserves all rights in accordance with the “Copyright” Act.
All rights on changes are reserved.
❀This paper has been manufactured using bleached non-chlorine cellulose.
© SEAT S.A. - Reprint: 15.10.13