2013 Seat Leon SC suspension

192Driver assistance systems
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 131 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the
adaptive cruise control (ACC) does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display: ACC: Sensor without visibility!. If nec-
essary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the ACC will be automatically
available again. The message on the instrument panel display will go off
and the ACC can be switched on again.
ACC operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the radar sig-
nal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the presence
of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work sites).
The area ahead of and behind the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the likes, as this may have a negative
effect on ACC operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, ACC operation may be affected. This
is why structural modifications should only be assigned to specialised work-
shops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and ACC operation would be affected. This is why repair jobs
should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recommends visit-
ing a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the ACC. This will prevent possible damage. In this case
have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off.
● A radar sensor repair requires specialist knowledge and special tools.
SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
● Snow should be removed with a brush, while ice should be removed
with a solvent-free anti-ice aerosol. 

204Driver assistance systems
WARNING
Failure to heed the warning lamps when they light up and the corre-
sponding messages may result in an accident and injury.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or on-screen messages.
Note
When the Front Assist is connected, the instrument panel display messages
pertaining to other functions may be hidden, such as an incoming call. 
Radar sensor
Fig. 139 On the front
bumper: radar sensor.
On the front bumper there is a radar sensor to detect traffic conditions
⇒ Fig. 139 1
. This sensor can detect vehicles driving ahead at a distance
of up to approx. 120 m.
The radar sensor's visibility may be impaired by dirt, such as mud or snow,
or by environmental influences, such as rain or water mist. In this case the Front Assist Monitoring system does not work. The following message is
shown in the instrument panel display:
Front Assist: Sensor without visibili-
ty!. If necessary, clean the radar sensor ⇒ 
.
When the radar sensor works properly again, the Front Assist will be auto-
matically available again. The message will disappear from the instrument
panel display.
Front Assist operation may be affected by a heavy reverse reflection of the
radar signal. This may occur, for example, in a closed car park or due to the
presence of metal objects (e.g. rails on the road or the panels used on work
sites).
The area ahead of and around the radar sensor should not be covered with
adhesives, additional headlights or the like, as this may have a negative ef-
fect on Front Assist operation.
If structural modifications are made to the vehicle, e.g., if the suspension is
lowered or the front spoiler is modified, Front Assist operation may be affec-
ted. This is why structural modifications should only be assigned to special-
ised workshops. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
If the front part of the vehicle is repaired incorrectly, the radar sensor might
lose its setting and Front Assist operation would be affected. This is why re-
pair jobs should only be assigned to specialised workshops. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a SEAT dealership for this.
CAUTION
If you have the impression that the radar sensor is damaged or has lost its
setting, disconnect the Front Assist. This will prevent possible damage. In
this case have it adjusted.
● The sensor may lose its settings if it is knocked, for example, during a
parking manoeuvre. This may compromise the system's efficacy or lead it to
switch off. 

211
Driver assistance systems
● When the system does not detect any clear and active steering move-
ment during a long period of time.
● Temporarily, in the event of very dynamic driving styles.
● If a turn signal is activated.
● With the stability control system ESC in Sport mode.
Note
● Before starting a journey, verify that the field of vision of the camera is
not covered ⇒ Fig. 143.
● Always keep the field of vision of the camera clean. 
Switching off the Lane Assist system in the following
situations
Due to the limits of the Lane Assist system, switch it off in the following sit-
uations:
● When more attention is required of the driver
● When driving in a sporty style
● In unfavourable weather conditions
● On roads in poor condition
● In areas of road works
Note
The Lane Assist system deactivates when driving below 60 km/h (40 mph). SEAT Drive Modes*
Introduction
SEAT Drive Mode enables the driver to choose between four profiles or
modes, normal, sport, eco and individual , that modify the behaviour of vari-
ous vehicle functions, providing different driving experiences.
The profiles, normal, sport and eco are fixed. Individual can be configured
according to personal preferences. 
Description
Depending on the equipment fitted in the vehicle, SEAT Drive Mode can op-
erate on the following functions:
Engine
Depending on the profile selected, the engine responds more spontaneous-
ly or more in harmony with the movements of the accelerator. Additionally,
when eco mode is selected, the Start-stop function is automatically activa-
ted.
In vehicles with DQ transmission, the gear change points are modified to
position them in lower engine speed ranges ( eco) or higher (sport). Addi-
tionally, eco mode activates the Inertia function, enabling the consumption
to be further reduced.
In manual vehicles, eco mode causes the gear recommendation indications
that appear on the instrument panel to vary, facilitating more efficient driv-
ing.
Dynamic chassis control (DCC)
The DCC adapts the suspension continually during driving to the character-
istics of the road and to the driving situation according to the presettings. 
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

272Accessories 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 bear the e mark (the European Union's authorisation
symbol) and be approved for use in the vehicle in question.
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: 