2013 Seat Leon SC brake pads

70Instruments and warning/control lamps
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See

Lit up on instrument panel display: a)
 Do not continue driving!
Engine coolant level too low, coolant tempera-
ture too high
Flashing on the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the engine coolant system.
⇒ page 257

On the instrument panel display: a)
 Do not continue driving!
Engine oil pressure too low.⇒ page 253

Lit up or flashing:
 Do not continue driving!
Fault in the steering.⇒ page 225
Driver or passenger has not fastened seat belt.⇒ page 20
Use the foot brake!
On the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the battery.⇒ page 260
a) Colour presentation on instrument panel with colour display. Yellow symbols
SymbolMeaning ⇒ See
Central warning lamp: additional information
on the instrument panel display–
Front brake pads worn.
⇒ page 222
lights: Fault in the ESC, or disconnection
caused by the system.
flashes: ESC or ASR activated.
ASR manually deactivated.
ABS faulty or does not work.
Rear fog light switched on.⇒ page 109

On the instrument panel display:
a)
Driving light totally or partially faulty.⇒ page 293
On the instrument panel display: a)
Fault in the cornering light system.⇒ page 109
Lights up or flashes: Fault in the emission con-
trol system.
⇒ page 230lights: pre-ignition of diesel engine.flashes: Fault in engine management.
Fault in engine management.
On the instrument panel display: a)
Diesel particulate filter blocked.
Lights up or flashes: Fault in the steering sys-
tem.⇒ page 162
Tyre pressure too low, or fault in the tyre pres-
sure monitoring system.⇒ page 214 

167
Driving
Always apply the handbrake as far as it will go in order to prevent yourself
from driving with the handbrake applied by mistake ⇒ 
.
The handbrake warning lamp  lights up when the handbrake is applied
and the ignition switched on. The warning lamp turns off when the hand-
brake is released.
If you drive faster than 6 km/h (4 mph) with the handbrake on, the following
message* will appear on the instrument panel display: HANDBRAKE ON. You
will also hear an audible warning.
WARNING
● Never use the handbrake to stop the vehicle when it is in motion. The
braking distance is considerably longer, because braking is only applied
to the rear wheels. Risk of accident!
● If the handbrake is only partially released, this will cause the rear
brakes to overheat, which can impair the function of the brake system
and could lead to an accident. This also causes premature wear on the
rear brake pads.
CAUTION
Always apply the handbrake before you leave the vehicle. The first gear
should also be selected. 
Parking
The handbrake should always be firmly applied when the
vehicle is parked.
Always note the following points when parking the vehicle:
– Use the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. –
Apply the handbrake.
– Select first gear.
– Switch the engine off and remove the key from the ignition. Turn
the steering wheel slightly to engage the steering lock.
– Always take you keys with you when you leave the vehicle ⇒ 
.
Additional notes on parking the vehicle on gradients:
Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicle rolls against the kerb if it started
to roll.
● If the vehicle is parked facing downhill, turn the front wheels so that
they point towards the kerb .
● If the vehicle is parked facing uphill, turn the front wheels so that they
point away from the kerb .
● Secure the vehicle as normal by applying the handbrake firmly and se-
lecting first gear.
WARNING
● Take measures to reduce the risk of injury when you leave your vehi-
cle unattended.
● Never park where the hot exhaust system could ignite inflammable
materials, such as dry grass, low bushes, spilt fuel etc.
● Never allow vehicle occupants to remain in the vehicle when it is
locked. They would be unable to open the vehicle from the inside, and
could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency. In the event of an
emergency, locked doors will delay assistance to vehicle occupants.
● Never leave children alone in the vehicle. They could set the vehicle
in motion, for example, by releasing the handbrake or the gearbox lever.
● Depending on weather conditions, it may become extremely hot or
cold inside the vehicle. This can be fatal.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

224Intelligent technology
Disable ASR
ASR mode is deactivated ⇒ page 79 through the Easy Connect system
menu. 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:
● “Swing” the vehicle to unblock it.
● Driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.
Activate ASR
ASR mode is activated ⇒ page 79 through the Easy Connect system menu.
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
If the ASR is disconnected or the ESC’s Sport mode is selected, cruise con-
trol* will be switched off. 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. 

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

230Driving 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 169.
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. 

Balanced (wheels) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Ball coupling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260Assisted starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Charge Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Disconnecting/Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Winter conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Before starting the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Bench seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Brake servo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
New brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Braking Brake assist system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Hill driving assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
C
Carbon components: Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Care (paint care) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
CD-ROM player (navigation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Central locking Anti-theft alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Remote control key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Selective unlocking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Sliding/tilting sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Manual locking in an emergency . . . . . . . . 99
Rear lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Cetane number (Diesel fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Changing Windscreen and rear window wiper blades . .263
Changing a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Bulb sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Changing gear Engaging gears (manual gearbox) . . . . . . 172
Manual gearbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Changing main headlight main beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
turn signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Changing main headlight bulbs daylight bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Dipped beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Changing the battery of the vehicle key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Child-proof lock Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Child seat Categorisation in groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Group 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Groups 0 and 0+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Safety notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Top Tether system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55, 56
City emergency braking function . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Carbon components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Display/Easy Connect control panel . . . . . 242
Exhaust pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240, 242
Radio display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Trim parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Windscreen and rear window wiper blades . .263
Cleaning/De-icing the windows . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cleaning the rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Cleaning the upholstery Natural leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Closing Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Panoramic sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
326 Index

Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Parking system plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Rear parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Sensors/Camera: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Parking aid system see Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Parking (automatic gearbox) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Particulate filter (Diesel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Passenger see Correct sitting position . . . . . . . 11, 12, 13
Passenger's seat backrest folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Physical principles of a frontal collision . . . . . . 22
Plastic parts: Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240, 242
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Preheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Pressure (tyres) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Progressive steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
R Racks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Radar sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191, 204
Radio display: cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Radio transmitters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Control of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Rear lid automatic locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Manual release in an emergency . . . . . . . 101
see also luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . 100
Rear lights Changing a bulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Rear seat folding down and lifting backrest . . . . . . . 138
Rear seat backrest folding down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Rear vision mirrors Adjusting the exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . 125
see also Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Rear wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Reflective vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Refuelling natural gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Remote control See "Keys" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Remote control key Unlocking/Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Remove the wheel cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Reservoir capacity Windscreen washer water reservoir . . . . . 125 Reset button (trip recorder) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Reset the trip recorder to zero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
retractable rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Retrofitting a towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61, 66
Reverse gear (automatic gearbox) . . . . . . . . . 173
Rims
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
RME (fuel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Roll-back function Panoramic sliding sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Roof carrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Roof load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Running in New brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
New engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
New tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
S Safe driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safelock see Anti-theft security system . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Safety equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety first . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
332 Index