Advice
In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
r e
ser
voir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.
Changing brake fluid
The regular intervals at which the brake fluid
should be replaced are listed in the Mainte-
nance Programme. We recommend you have
it replaced at a SEAT Official Service, during
an Inspection Service. WARNING
● Brak e fluid shou
ld 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 br
akes 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 v ehic
le paintwork, as it is abrasive. Windscreen washer reservoir
Chec k
in
g and topping up the wind-
screen washer reservoir Read the additional information carefully
›› ›
page 53
Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.
The container for the windscreen washer con-
tains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen,
the rear window and the headlight washer
system*.
● Open the bonnet ››
›
page 246.
● The windscreen washer reservoir is marked
with the symbol
on the cap.
● Check there is enough windscreen water in
the reser
voir.
Recommended windscreen wipers
● For the hottest seasons we recommend
summer G 052 184 A1 for c
lear glass. Propor-
tions of the mixture in the washer fluid tank:
1:100 (1 part concentrate per 100 parts wa-
ter).
● All year round, G 052 164 A2 for clear
glas
s. Approximate proportion of the winter
mixture, up to -18°C (0°F): 1:2 (1 part con-
centrate per 2 parts water); otherwise, a 1:4 proportion of mixture in the washer fluid
tank.
Cap
acity
The reservoir holds approximately 3 litres in
versions without headlight washer and 5 li-
tres in versions with headlight washer. WARNING
If the water from the windscreen washer does
not c ont
ain enough anti-freeze, it may freeze
on the windscreen and rear window, reducing
forward and rear visibility.
● In winter, ensure the windscreen washer
contain
s enough anti-freeze.
● In cold conditions, you should not use the
winds
creen washer system unless you have
warmed the windscreen with the ventilation
system. The antifreeze could freeze on the
windscreen and reduce visibility. WARNING
Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
simi l
ar additives with the windscreen washer
water. A greasy layer may be formed on the
windscreen which will impair visibility.
● Use clean water with a window cleaner rec-
ommended by
SEAT.
● If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to
the water in the r
eservoir.252
Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● Do not mi x
cleaning products recommen-
ded by SEAT with other products. This could
lead to flocculation and may block the wind-
screen washer jets.
● When topping up service fluids, make abso-
lutely c
ertain that you fill the fluids into the
correct reservoirs. Using the wrong fluids
could cause serious malfunctions and engine
damage!
● Not having windscreen wiper fluid reduces
vis
ibility through the windscreen, and leads
to loss of visibility in headlights in models
with headlight washer. Battery
Gener a
l
informationRead the additional information carefully
› ›
›
page 53.
The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment and is almost maintenance-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 dis- connected, some of the vehicle's functions
are “los
t” (››› table on page 253). These
functions will require resetting after the bat-
tery is reconnected.
Deactivate the anti-theft alarm* before you
disconnect the battery Otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
FunctionReprogramming
One-touch function of
the electric windows››› page 126, One-touch
opening and closing*.
Remote control key
If the vehicle does not re-
spond to the key, they
should be synchronised
››› page 121.
Digital clock››› page 106.
ESC warning lampAfter driving for a few me-
tres, the warning lamp goes
out again. If the vehicle is not used for long periods
The
v
ehic
le has a system for monitoring the
current consumption when the engine is left
unused for long periods of time ››› page 239.
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 w
inter, the starting power may be
reduced, and if necessary, the battery should
be charged ››› in Important safety warn-
in g
s
for handling a vehicle battery on
page 254
Important safety warnings for han-
dling a v
ehicle battery All work on batteries requires specialist
kno
wl
edg
e. Please refer to a SEAT Official
Service or a workshop specialising in batter-
ies: risk of burns or exploding battery!
The battery must not be opened. Never try to
change the fluid level of the battery. Other-
wise explosive gas is released from the bat-
tery that could cause an explosion.
Wear eye protection.
Battery acid is very corrosive and caustic. Wear
protective gloves and eye protection. In the event
of electrolyte splashes, rinse off with plenty of
water.
Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are pro-
hibited.
The battery should only be charged in a well-ven-
tilated zone. Risk of explosion!
Keep children away from acid and batteries!»
253
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Wheels
CAUTION
● Some v ehic
les, for example those with the
Start-Stop system* are fitted with a special
battery (AGM-type or EFB-type battery). If any
other type of battery is fitted, the Start-Stop
function may be considerably reduced and
the vehicle may not stop on repeated occa-
sions.
● Make sure that the vent hose is always at-
tached t
o the original opening on the side of
the battery. Gases or battery acid can other-
wise escape and possibly cause damage.
● The battery holder and clamps must always
be correctly
secured.
● Before starting any work on the battery, al-
way
s observe the warnings listed under
››› page 253, Important safety warnings for
handling a vehicle battery .
● Do not forget to replace the battery cover-
ings, wher
e applicable. It is a protection for
high temperatures. This in turn extends the
vehicle service life. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain toxic substances includ-
in g s
ulphuric acid and lead. They must be
disposed of appropriately and must not be
disposed of with ordinary household waste.
Make sure disconnected batteries cannot tip
over. Sulphuric acid could be spilt! Wheels
Wheel s
and ty
res
General notes –
When driving with new tyr e
s, be especially
careful during the first 500 km (300 miles).
– If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obs
tacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the obstacle.
– Check from time to time if the tyres are
dam ag
ed (punctures, cuts, cracks or
dents). Remove any foreign objects embed-
ded in the treads.
– Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-
plac
ed immediately.
– Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.
– Replace any missing valve caps as soon as
poss
ible.
– 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 stor
ed 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 firs
t 500 km (300 miles). This will
also increase the useful life of the tyres.
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording 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 suspect
that damage may have occurred. Inspect the
tyres for damage. If no external damage is
visible, drive slowly and carefully to the near-
est specialised workshop and have the car
inspected.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the di-
rection of rotation on single drive tyres. Al-
ways note the direction of rotation indicated
when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplan-
ing, 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.
255
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
Tyre useful life Fig. 237
Location of the tyre pressure sticker. Correct inflation pressures and sensible driv-
in
g h
ab
its will increase the useful life of your
tyres.
– Check tyre pressure at least once a month,
and also prior to an
y long trip.
– The tyre pressure should only be checked
when the tyre
s are cold. Do not reduce the
pressure of warm tyres.
– Adjust tyre pressure to the load being car-
ried by the
vehicle. –
In vehic
les with a tyre pressure indicator,
save the pressure of modified tyres
››› page 259, ››› page 256.
– Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.
– Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from
time to time.
The usef
ul life of your tyres depends on the
following factors:
Tyre pressure
Tyre pressure values are indicated on the
sticker on the inside of the fuel tank flap
››› Fig. 237.
Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly re-
duces the useful life of the tyres and adverse-
ly affects vehicle performance and ride. Cor-
rect inflation pressures are very important,
especially at high speeds.
Depending on the vehicle, tyre pressure can
be adjusted to medium load to improve driv-
ing comfort (“comfort” tyre pressure). When
driving with comfort tyre pressure fuel con-
sumption may increase slightly.
The tyre pressure must be adjusted according
to the load the vehicle is carrying. If the vehi-
cle is going to carry the maximum load, the
tyre pressure should be increased to maxi-
mum value indicated on the sticker on the in-
side of the fuel tank flap. Do not forget the spare wheel when checking
the tyre pr
essures: Keep this spare wheel in-
flated 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 increase tyre
wear.
Wheel balance
The wheels on new vehicles are balanced.
However, certain circumstances may lead to
imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vi-
brations in the steering wheel.
Unbalanced wheels should be rebalanced, as
they otherwise cause excessive wear on
steering, suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced 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.
256
Advice
– If
y
ou wish to fit the vehicle with rims or
tyres different to those installed in manu-
facture, it is advisable to consult a SEAT Of- ficial 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 characteristics of the vehicle and make
a major contribution to good roadholding
and safe handling ››› .
The s iz
e
s of the rims and tyres approved for
your vehicle are listed in the vehicle docu-
mentation (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or
COC document 1)
). The vehicle documentation
varies depending on the country of resi-
dence.
Note for Italy: A SEAT Service Centre should
be consulted whether different sized wheels
or tyres to those originally fitted by SEAT may
be fitted, as well as the combinations al-
lowed between the front axle (axle 1) and
back axle (axle 2).
A knowledge of tyre designations makes it
easier to choose the correct tyres. The follow-
ing wording can be read on the sides of the
tyre:
205/55 R16 91V
This contains the following information:
205Tyre width in mm
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre construction: Radial
16Rim diameter in inches
91Load rating code
VSpeed index The manufacturing date is also indicated on
the ty
r
e sidewall (possibly only on the inner
part):
DOT ... 2212 ...
it means, for example, that the tyre was man-
ufactured in the 22nd week of 2012.
But note that with some types of tyre, the ac-
tual 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 differen-
ces 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 ex-
ceed the dimensions of the factory-approved
makes of tyre.
Failure to observe this requirement can af-
fect the clearance needed for the tyres. If the
tyres rub against the bodywork, in certain circumstances the tyres , suspension or
bodywork
and pipe
s may be damaged, and
vehicle safety could be severely impaired
››› .
If
y
ou use tyres that are approved by SEAT
you can be sure that the actual tyre dimen-
sions will be correct for your vehicle. If you
decide to fit a different type of tyre, you must
obtain the appropriate manufacturer's certif-
icate 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 ad-
vise you on which tyres may be fitted to your
vehicle.
It is best to have all servicing of wheels and
tyres performed by a specialised workshop.
They are familiar with the procedure and
have the necessary special tools and spare
parts as well as the proper facilities for dis-
posing of the old tyres respecting the envi-
ronment. WARNING
● It i s
very important to ensure that the tyres
you have chosen have adequate clearance.
When selecting replacement tyres, do not re-
ly entirely on the nominal tyre size marked on
the tyre, since the effective tyre size can dif-
fer significantly depending on the 1)
COC = certificate of conformity.
258
Advice
speeds the programmed values are collected
and monit or
ed.
W
ith the wheels under very heavy loads, the
tyre pressure must be increased to the total
recommended tyre pressure before the cali-
bration ››› page 267. Note
● The tyr e monit
oring indicator does not
function when there is a fault in the ESC or
ABS ››› page 178.
● An erroneous indication may be given when
snow c
hains are in use because they increase
the tread of the wheel. Temporary spare wheel
Gener a
l
information Fig. 242
Compact temporary spare wheel:
r ai
sed floor p
anel. The temporary spare wheel has been de-
s
igned t
o be u
sed for short periods of time.
Have the tyres checked, and if necessary, re-
placed as soon as possible at a SEAT Official
Service or at a specialised workshop.
Please note the following restrictions when
using the compact temporary spare wheel.
The compact temporary spare wheel is de-
signed specifically for this model. For this
reason, do not use a temporary spare wheel
from a different type of vehicle.
Removing the temporary spare wheel
– Lift and hold up the floor panel to remove
the temporar
y spare wheel ››› Fig. 242.
– Turn the thumb wheel anti-clockwise.
– Take out the temporary spare wheel.
Chains
F
or technical reasons, snow chains must not
be used on the temporary spare wheel.
If you have a puncture on one of the front
wheels when using snow chains, fit the tem-
porary spare wheel in place of one of the rear
wheels. Fit the snow chains on the rear wheel
that you have removed and replace the punc-
tured front wheel with this wheel. WARNING
● Aft er fittin
g the temporary spare wheel,
check the tyre pressures as soon as possible. Failure to do so may cause an accident. The
tyr
e pr
essures are listed on the inside of the
fuel tank flap.
● Do not drive at over 80 km/h (50 mph)
when the temporar
y spare wheel is fitted on
the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and
fas
t cornering: risk of accident!
● Never use more than one temporary spare
wheel at the s
ame time, risk of accident.
● No other type of tyre (normal summer or
winter ty
re) may be fitted on the compact
temporary spare wheel rim.
● If you are driving using the spare wheel,
the ACC
system could automatically switch
off during the journey. Switch off the system
when starting off. Extraction of the spare wheel in vehi-
c
l
e
s with SEAT SOUND 10 speakers
(with subwoofer)* –
Disassemble the s ub
woofer's
floor panel
(carpet) as follows:
– LEON/LEON SC model: first, p
ull the carpet
in the direction of the backrest and then
pull it upwards to remove it. LEON ST mod-
el: lift and secure the floor storage com-
partment as explained in ››› page 157.
– Disconnect the subwoofer's
speaker cable.
– Turn the securing wheel anti-clockwise.
262
Wheels
– Remo
v
e the subwoofer speaker and the
spare wheel.
– When replacing the spare wheel, place the
subwoofer
speaker in the direction indica-
ted by the arrow and with the word
“FRONT” facing forward.
– Reconnect the speaker cable and firmly ro-
tate the sec
uring wheel clockwise so that
the subwoofer system and wheel are firmly
in place.
Winter service Winter ty
res–
Winter tyres must be fitted on al
l
four
wheels.
– Only use winter tyres that are approved for
your v
ehicle.
– Please note that the maximum permissible
speed for w
inter tyres may be lower than
for summer tyres.
– Also note that winter tyres are no longer ef-
fective when the
tread is worn down.
– After fitting the wheels you must always
check
the tyre pressures. The correct tyre pressures are listed on the sticker on the
inside of
the fuel tank flap ››› page 256.
In winter road conditions winter tyres will
considerably improve vehicle handling. The
design of summer tyres (width, rubber com-
pound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice
and snow. This applies particularly to vehi-
cles equipped with wide section tyres or with
high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y on
the sidewall).
Only use winter tyres of the correct type ap-
proved for your vehicle. The sizes of these
tyres are specified in the vehicle's docu-
ments (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or
COC 1)
). The vehicle documentation varies de-
pending on the country of residence. See al-
so ››› page 257.
Winter tyres lose a great deal of their proper-
ties when the tread is worn down to a depth
of 4 mm.
The performance of winter tyres is also se-
verely impaired by ageing, even if the tread is
still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following max-
imum speed limits according to speed rating
code letter: ››› Speed rating
code letter
››› page 257Maximum speed limit
Q160 km/h
S180 km/h
T190 km/h
H210 km/h
V240 km/h (150 mph)
(note restrictions)
W270 km/h
Y300 km/h Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds
mu
s
t
have an appropriate sticker attached so
that it is visible to the driver. Suitable stickers
are available from the SEAT Official Service
and specialised workshop. Please note the
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 maximum permissible
speed for your vehicle may be significantly »1)
COC = certificate of conformity.
263
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Advice
lower. The maximum speed limit for these
ty r
es depends directly on the maximum 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 permissi-
ble for the V-rated tyres fitted on your car on
the basis of this information. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum speed permitted for
the wint er ty
res fitted on your car can cause
tyre failure, resulting in a loss of control of
the vehicle – risk of accident. For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon
as po
ssible after the winter period; they give
better handling on roads which are free of
snow and ice. Summer tyres perform with
less rolling noise, tyre wear and – most im-
portant – reduce fuel consumption. 264