Seat Leon SC 2014 Owner's manual

Wheels
Depending on the vehicle, tyre pressure can
be adjusted (“comfort” tyre pressure) to in-
crease driving comfort. When driving with
comfort tyre pressure fuel consumption 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 pressures: 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.
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 con-
sumption. Wear indicators
Fig. 177
Tyre tread: tread wear indicators Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is
worn.
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm high “tread wear indicators” running
across the tread. Depending on the manufac-
turer, there will be 6 to 8 of them spaced at
equal distances around the tyre. Markings on
the tyre sidewall (for instance the letters
“TWI” or a triangle) indicate the positions of
the tread wear indicators.
The minimum tread depth required by law is
1.6 mm (measured in the tread grooves next
to the tread wear indicators). (Different fig-
ures may apply in other countries.)
»
209Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Advice
WARNING
The tyres must be replaced at the latest when
the tread is worn down to the tread wear indi-
cators. Failure to follow this instruction could
result in an accident.
● Especially in difficult driving conditions
such as wet or icy roads. It is important that
the tyre tread be as deep as possible and be
approximately the same on the tyres of both
the front and the rear axles.
● The scant driving safety due to insufficient
tread depth is particularly evident in vehicle
handling, when there is a risk of “aquaplan-
ing” in deep puddles of water and when driv-
ing through corners, and braking is also ad-
versely affected.
● The speed has to be adapted accordingly,
otherwise there is a risk of losing control over
the vehicle. Changing wheels
Fig. 178
Interchanging 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. 178 . The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the s
ame time.
Replacing wheels and tyres –
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 ex-
ceeds the dimensions of the factory-ap-
proved makes of tyre.
– If you 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 ty r

es 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 sizes 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 c on

sulted 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: 1)
COC = certificate of conformity.
210

Wheels
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

re 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 pipes may be damaged, and
vehicle safety could be severely impaired
››› .
If you 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 is 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 manufac-
turer. Inadequate tyre clearance can result in
damage to the tyres or the vehicle, causing a serious safety risk. Risk of accident! It may
also invalidate the vehicle's registration for
use on public roads.
●
Avoid running the vehicle on tyres that are
more than 6 years old. If you have no alterna-
tive, you should drive slowly and with extra
care at all times.
● If wheel trims are fitted after the car is pur-
chased, ensure that there is an adequate flow
of air for cooling the brake system. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of according to
the laws in the country concerned. Note
● Never mount used tyres if you are not sure
of their “previous history”.
● For technical reasons, it is not generally
possible to use the wheels from other vehi-
cles. In some cases, this may also be true for
the same model of wheel. Wheel bolts
The
wheel bolts
ar
e m
atched to the rims.
When installing different wheels (for instance
alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres) it is
important to use the correct wheel bolts with
the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads. This ensures that wheels are fitted »
211
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Advice
securely and that the brake system functions
correctly.
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easi-
ly.
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-
theft wheel bolts* ››› page 218.
Tyre monitoring systems Introduction WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres
may lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to
tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. Tyre pressure that is too low could cause
overheating, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on
the label when the tyres are cold at all times
››› page 243.
● Re
gularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyres. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and
wear. ●
Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
consumption and tyre wear. Note
● Driving for the first time with new tyres at a
high speed can cause them to slightly ex-
pand, which could then produce an air pres-
sure warning.
● Only replace used tyres with those author-
ised by SEAT for the corresponding type vehi-
cle.
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring sys-
tem. Regularly check your tyres to ensure
that the tyre pressure is correct and that the
tyres are not damaged due to puncture, cuts,
tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when they have not
pierced the tyres. Tyre monitor indicator warning lamp
If a light appears

The pressure in one or more tyres has
clearly reduced in comparison to the
tyre pressure set by the driver or the
tyre has structural damage.
Additionally, an audible warning can be heard and a text
message can be seen on the instrument panel display.
Stop the vehicle!
Reduce speed immediately! Stop
the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Avoid sudden
manoeuvres and braking! Check all tyres and pressures.
Replace any damaged tyres. If flashing

System malfunction
The control lamp flashes for approximately one minute
and then lights up permanently.
If tyre pressure is correct, switch the ignition off and on
again. If the control lamp remains lit up, the tyre moni-
toring indicator can be calibrated. Have the system
checked by a specialised workshop.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on while the function is verified. They will
switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or at a pressure that is too low then a
tyre may be damaged resulting in a loss of 212

Wheels
control of the vehicle and a serious or fatal
accident.
●
If the warning lamp  lights up, stop im-
mediately and check the tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or if a tyre pressure is too low, this will
increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehi-
cle stability and increasing braking distan-
ces.
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or
a tyre pressure is too low, a tyre may be dam-
aged and burst resulting in a loss of control
of the vehicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that
all of the vehicle tyres are correctly inflated
to the right pressure. The recommended tyre
pressure is indicated on the label
››› page 243.
● The ty r
e monitoring system can only oper-
ate correctly if all of the tyres are inflated to
the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure
can damage them and result in an accident.
Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate
tyres to the correct pressure.
● Tyres with insufficient pressure are subjec-
ted to more flexing. Due to this, the tyre
could become excessively hot, causing tread
separation and also tyre blow-out.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed,
the tyres can overheat and burst resulting in
a loss of vehicle control. ●
Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduce the useful life of the tyre, affect-
ing vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured and it does
not have to be changed immediately, drive to
the nearest specialised workshop at a moder-
ate speed and have the tyre checked and in-
flated to the correct pressure. WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 71. Note
● If excessively low tyre pressure is detected
with the ignition on, an audible warning will
sound. In the event that there is a fault in the
system, an audible warning will sound.
● Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of
time or driving in a sporty style can tempora-
rily deactivate the TPMS. The control lamp
shows a fault, but disappears when road con-
ditions or the driving style change. Tyre monitoring indicator
Fig. 179
Instrument panel: warning of loss of
tyre pressure. The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel
revolutions and, with this information, the
tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If
the rolling circumference of one or more
wheels has changed, the tyre monitoring in-
dicator will indicate this on the instrument
panel through a warning lamp and a warning
to the driver
››› Fig. 179 . When only one spe-
c ific

tyre is affected, its position within the
vehicle will be indicated.
 Loss of pressure: Check left tyre pressure!
Wheel tread change
The wheel tread changes when: ● Tyre pressure is manually changed
● Tyre pressure is insufficient
● Tyre structure is damaged »
213
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Advice
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a
load
● The wheels on an axle are subject to a
heavier load (e.g. with 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 in-
dic
ate anything under certain circumstances
(e.g. sporty driving, snow-covered or un-
paved roads, or when driving with snow
chains).
Calibrating the tyre monitoring
indicator Fig. 180
Glove compartment: tyre control
switch. After changing the tyre pressure or replacing
one or more wheels, the tyre monitoring indi-
cator 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 17 or us-
ing the switch located in the glove compart-
ment* ››› Fig. 180 .
When driv in
g, the system self-calibrates the
tyre pressure provided by the driver and the
wheels fitted. After a long journey with varied
speeds the programmed values are collected
and monitored.
With the wheels under very heavy loads, the
tyre pressure must be increased to the total
recommended tyre pressure before the cali-
bration ››› page 243
. Note
● The tyre monitoring indicator does not
function when there is a fault in the ESC or
ABS ››› page 143.
● An err oneou

s indication may be given when
snow chains are in use because they increase
the tread of the wheel. Compact temporary spare
wheel
General information Fig. 181
Compact temporary spare wheel:
raised floor panel. The temporary spare wheel has been de-
signed to be used 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.
214

Wheels
Removing the temporary spare wheel
– Lift and hold up the floor panel to remove
the temporary spare wheel ››› Fig. 181 .
– Turn the thumb wheel anti-clockwise.
– Take out the temporary spare wheel.
Chains
For 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
● After fitting the temporary spare wheel,
check the tyre pressures as soon as possible.
Failure to do so may cause an accident. The
tyre pressures are listed on the inside of the
fuel tank flap.
● Do not drive at over 80 km/h (50 mph)
when the temporary spare wheel is fitted on
the vehicle: risk of accident!
● Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking and
fast cornering: risk of accident!
● Never use more than one temporary spare
wheel at the same time, risk of accident. ●
No other type of tyre (normal summer or
winter tyre) 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
vehicles with SEAT SOUND 10
speakers (with
subwoofer)* –
Disassemble the subwoofer's
floor panel
(c
arpet) as follows:
– LEON/LEON SC model: first, pull 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-
par
tment as explained in ››› page 121.
– Disconnect the subwoofer's speaker cable.
– Turn the sec

uring wheel anti-clockwise.
– Remove the subwoofer speaker and the
s

pare wheel.
– When replacing the spare wheel, place the
subwoofer speaker in the direction indica-
ted b

y the arrow and with the word
“FRONT” facing forward.
– Reconnect the speaker cable and firmly ro-
tate the securing wheel clockwise so that the subwoofer system and wheel are firmly
in place.
Winter service Winter tyres –
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four
wheels.
– Only use winter tyres that are approved for
your vehicle.
– Please note that the maximum permissible
speed for winter tyres may be lower than
for summer tyres.
– Also note that winter tyres are no longer ef-
fective when the tread is worn down.
– Af

ter 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 208.
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 sidew

all). »
215
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Advice
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 210 .
W int
er 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 l

etter: ›››
Speed rating
code letter
››› page 210Maximum speed limit
Q160 km/h
S180 km/h
T190 km/h
H210 km/h
V240 km/h (150 mph)
(note restrictions)
W270 km/h
Speed rating
code letter
››› page 210Maximum speed limit
Y300 km/h Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds
must 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
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 winter tyres 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 possible 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. Snow chains
–
Snow chains can be used on the front
wheels only.
– Check that they are correctly seated after
driving for a few yards; correct the position
if necessary. Always take the manufacturer
assembly instructions into account.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.
– If there is a danger of being trapped de-
spite having mounted the chains, it is best
to disable the driving wheels (ASR) in the
ESC ›››
page 145, Switching on/off the ESC
and ASR . 1)
COC = certificate of conformity.
216

Emergencies
Snow chains will improve braking ability as
well as traction in winter conditions.
F or t
echnical reasons snow chains may only
be used with the following wheel rim/tyre
combination.
195/65 R15Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
205/55 R16Chains with links of maximum 15 mm
225/45 R17Chains with links of maximum 9 mm
225/40 R18Chains with links of maximum 9 mm Remove wheel covers and any
integral trim
ring before fitting snow chains.
R emo

ve the chains when roads are free of
snow
. Otherwise they will impair handling,
damage the tyres and wear out very quickly. Emergencies
Changing a wheel What to do first Read the additional information carefully
›››  page 34
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the
car as far away from the flow of traffic as
possible in a safe place. If you have a punc-
ture, stop the vehicle on a horizontal sur-
face. If you are on a slope, take extra care.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Manual gearbox: select the 1st 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 220 and
the spare wheel ready ›››
page 214.
– Observe the applicable legislation for each
country (reflective vest, warning triangles,
etc.).
– All vehicle occupants should leave the car.
They should wait in a safe area (for in-
stance behind the roadside crash barrier). WARNING
● Always observe the above steps and pro-
tect yourself and other road users.
● 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. Wheel covers*
Fig. 182
Remove the wheel cover. The wheel covers must be removed for access
to the wheel bolts.
Removing
– Remove the wheel cover using the wire
hook ›››
Fig. 182 .
– Hook thi

s into one of the cut-outs of the
wheel cover. »
217
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety
The essentials

Advice
Fitting
– Fit the wheel cover onto the wheel rim by
pressing it firmly. Put pressure initially on
the point of the cut-out for the valve. Next
fit the rest of the hubcap
Wheel bolt caps* Fig. 183
Wheel: wheel bolts with caps. Removal
– Fit the plastic clip (vehicle tools) over the
cap until it clicks into place ››› Fig. 183.
– Remove the cap with the plastic clip. Anti-theft wheel bolts
Fig. 184
Anti-theft wheel bolt with cap and
adapter. A special adapter (vehicle tools) is required
to remove the anti-theft wheel bolts.
–
Remove the wheel cover* or the cap*.
– Insert the adapter onto the anti-theft wheel
bolt and push it on as far as it will go.
– Insert the wheel brace (vehicle tools) onto
the adapter as far as it will go.
– Remove the wheel bolt ››› page 218. Note
Make a note of the code number of the anti-
theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place,
but not in your vehicle. If you need a new
adapter, you can obtain it from the SEAT Offi-
cial Service, indicating the code number. Loosening the wheel bolts
Fig. 185
Wheel: loosen the wheel bolts. –
Insert the box spanner (vehicle tools) onto
the wheel bolt as far as it will go. An adapt-
er is required to unscrew or tighten the an-
ti-theft wheel bolts ››› page 218.
– Turn the wheel bolt approximately one turn
to the left ››› Fig. 185 (arrow). To apply the
r equir
ed torque, hold the wheel brace at
the end. If it is not possible to loosen a
wheel bolt, carefully apply pressure with
one foot on the end of the box spanner.
Hold on to the vehicle for support and take
care not to slip. WARNING
Slightly loosen the wheel bolts (one turn) be-
fore raising the vehicle with the jack*. If not,
an accident may occur. 218