Seat Leon Sportstourer 2013 Owner's manual

269
Wheels and tyres
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT you can be sure that the actual
tyre dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. If you decide to fit a differ-
ent type of tyre, you must obtain the appropriate manufacturer's certificate
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 advise you on which tyres may be
fitted to your vehicle.
It is best to have all servicing of wheels and tyres performed by a special-
ised workshop. They are familiar with the procedure and have the necessary
special tools and spare parts as well as the proper facilities for disposing of
the old tyres.
WARNING
● It is very important to ensure that the tyres you have chosen have ad-
equate clearance. When selecting replacement tyres, do not rely entirely
on the nominal tyre size marked on the tyre; with some makes of tyre the
effective tyre size can differ significantly from the nominal dimensions,
even though the tyres have the same size designation. Inadequate tyre
clearance can result in damage to the tyres or the vehicle, causing a seri-
ous safety risk. 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 alternative, you should drive slowly and with extra care at all
times.
● If wheel trims are fitted after the car is purchased, 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 con-
cerned.
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 vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel. 
Wheel bolts
The wheel bolts are designed to suit the rims on your car.
The wheel bolts are matched 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 securely and that the brake sys-
tem functions correctly.
The wheel bolts must be clean and turn easily.
A special adapter is required to turn the anti-theft wheel bolts*
⇒ page 279. 
Winter tyres
Winter tyres will improve the vehicles handling on snow and
ice.
– 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

270Wheels and tyres
–Also note that winter tyres are no longer effective when the
tread is worn down.
– After fitting the wheels you must always check the tyre pres-
sures. The correct tyre pressures are listed on the sticker on the
inside of the fuel tank flap ⇒ page 265.
In winter road conditions winter tyres will considerably improve vehicle han-
dling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. This applies particularly to vehicles equip-
ped with wide section tyres or high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y on
the sidewall).
Only use winter tyres of the correct type approved for your vehicle. The sizes
of the winter 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 residence. See also
⇒  page 268.
Winter tyres lose a great deal of their properties when the tread is worn
down to a depth of 4 mm.
The performance of winter tyres is also severely impaired by ageing, even if
the tread is still much deeper than 4 mm.
Winter tyres are subject to the following maximum speed limits according to
speed rating code letter: ⇒ 
Speed rating code letter
⇒ page 268Maximum speed limit
Q160 km/h (140 mph)S180 km/h (140 mph)T190 km/h (140 mph)
Speed rating code letter
⇒ page 268Maximum speed limit
H210 km/h (140 mph)
V240 km/h (150 mph)
(note restrictions)
Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds must have an appropriate
sticker attached so that it is visible to the driver. Suitable stickers are availa-
ble from the SEAT Official Service and specialised workshop. Please note
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 max-
imum permissible speed for your vehicle may be significantly lower . The
maximum speed limit for tyres with a V-rating depends directly on the maxi-
mum 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 permissible 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. 
1)
COC = certificate of conformity

271
Wheels and tyres
For the sake of the environment
Summer tyres should be fitted again as soon as possible; they give better
handling on roads which are free of snow and ice. Summer tyres perform
with less rolling noise, tyre wear and – most important – reduce fuel con-
sumption. 
Snow chains
Snow chains will improve vehicle handling on snow-covered
roads.
– Snow chains can be used on the front wheels only.
– Check that the snow chains are correctly seated after driving for
a few yards. Always take the manufacturer assembly instruc-
tions into account.
– Keep your speed below 50 km/h.
– If there is a danger of being trapped despite having mounted
the chains, it is best to disable the driving wheels (ASR) in the
ESC ⇒ page 223, Switching on/off the ESC and ASR.
Snow chains will improve braking ability as well as traction in winter condi-
tions.
For technical reasons snow chains may only be used with the following
wheel rim/tyre combination.
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
Remove wheel covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains.
Remove the chains when roads are free of snow. Otherwise they will impair
handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

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: 

273
Accessories and modifications to the vehicle
● the aerial is installed correctly.
● the aerial is installed on the exterior of the vehicle (and shielded cables
are used together with non-reflective aerial trimming).
● the effective transmitting power does not exceed 10 Watts at the aerial
base.
A SEAT Official Service and specialised workshop will be able to inform you
about options for installing and operating radio transmitters with a higher
transmitting power.
Mobile radio transmitters
Commercial mobile telephones or radio equipment might interfere with the
electronics of your vehicle and cause malfunctions. This may be due to:
● no external aerial
● external aerial incorrectly installed
● transmitting power more than 10 W
You must, therefore, do not operate portable mobile telephones or radio
equipment inside the vehicle without a properly installed external aerial
⇒ 
.
Please note also that the maximum range of the equipment can only be ach-
ieved with an external aerial.
Business equipment
Retrofit installation of business or private equipment in the vehicle is per-
mitted, provided the equipment cannot interfere with the driver's immedi-
ate control of the vehicle and that any such equipment carries the  mark.
Any retrofit equipment that could influence the driver's control of the vehi-
cle must have a type approval for your vehicle and must carry the e mark.
WARNING
Mobile telephones or radio equipment which is operated inside the vehi-
cle without a properly installed external aerial can create excessive mag-
netic fields that could cause a health hazard.
Note
● The posterior fitting of electric and electronic equipment in this vehicle
affects its licence type and could lead to the withdrawal of the vehicle regis-
tration document under certain circumstances.
● Please use the mobile telephone/radio operating instructions. 
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274Emergencies
Emergencies
General information
– 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 surface. If you are on a
slope, take extra care.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Always wear a reflective vest ⇒ page 274.
– Set up the warning triangle.
– All vehicle occupants should leave the car. They should wait in
a safe place (for instance behind the roadside crash barrier).
WARNING
Always observe the above steps and protect yourself and other road
users.
 Equipment
Reflective vests
Wearing a reflective vest makes you more visible to other road
users.
Note
● Always wear a reflective vest when you get out of the vehicle in moving
traffic (for example, in the event of breakdown or to load/unload the vehi-
cle).
● Observe the applicable legislation for each country. 
Vehicle tools/Tyre repair kit/Compressor*
The vehicle tools, the tyre repair kit and the compressor* are stor-
ed under the floor panel in the luggage compartment.
To access the vehicle tools:
– Lift up the floor panel by the plastic handle until it is fastened to
the tabs on both sides.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, you will find the tyre repair set and
the compressor* under the floor panel cover. 

275
Emergencies
Tyre repair kit
What to do first
– Please observe the important safety notes ⇒ page 274.
– Apply the handbrake.
– Manual gearbox: Select first gear.
– Automatic gearbox: Move the selector lever to P.
– Check whether a repair is possible using the tyre repair kit
⇒ page 275. 
Using the tyre repair kit
Fig. 163 Tyre: irrepara-
ble damage The tyre repair kit is designed to repair your tyre provisionally only. The dam-
aged tyre should be replaced as soon as possible
⇒ 
.
If the tyre has been damaged by a nail, for example, remove the nail from
the tyre.
The tyre repair kit can be used at outside temperatures of up to -20 °C
(-4 °F).
The tyre repair kit must NOT be used:
● on cuts and punctures larger than 4 mm 1
⇒ Fig. 163
● If the wheel rim has been damaged 2
●
if you have been driving with very low pressure or a completely flat tyre
3.
If necessary, request assistance from specialised personnel.
WARNING
● Remember that the tyre repair kit cannot always be used, and that it
only serves to provide a provisional repair.
● Do not allow the sealing product to come into contact with your eyes,
skin or clothing.
● If you do come into contact with the sealing product immediately
rinse the eyes or skin affected with clean water.
● Do not inhale vapours.
● If any of the sealing product is accidentally ingested, immediately
rinse the mouth thoroughly and drink lots of water. Do not induce vomit-
ing. Seek medical advice immediately.
● Change clothing immediately if it becomes soiled with the sealing
product.
● If any allergic reactions should occur get medical help immediately.
● Keep the sealing product away from children. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical specifications

276Emergencies
Note
● If sealing product should leak out, leave it to dry. This way you can pull it
off like a piece of foil.
● Observe the expiry date stated on the sealing compound can. Have the
sealing compound changed by a specialised workshop or SEAT Service.
● Please observe legal requirements when doing so. 
Repairing tyres
Fig. 164 Tyre: top up
Important: have the tyre repair kit ready ⇒ 
page 274.
Filling the tyre
– Before filling the tyre, shake the bottle of sealing product thor-
oughly.
– Screw the enclosed filling hose onto the sealant can as far as it
will go. This will pierce the foil sealing on the can. –
Take the valve cap off the tyre valve and use a screwdriver
⇒ Fig. 164 to unscrew the valve insert.
– Place the valve insert onto a clean surface.
– Remove the sealing plug from the filling hose and insert the
hose into the tyre valve.
– Hold the bottle upside down and insert the contents in the tyre
until the bottle is empty.
– Then disconnect the hose and screw the valve insert back onto
the tyre valve.
Inflating the tyre
– Screw the compressor filling hose (tyre repair kit) onto the tyre
valve and plug the connector into the 12V connection.
– Pump the tyre up to 2.0 to 2.5 bar and monitor the pressure
shown on the pressure gauge.
– If the tyre does not reach this pressure, move the car forwards
or backwards 10 metres to allow the sealing compound to
spread all around the tyre.WARNING
● Please observe the manufacturer's safety notes on the compressor
and the instructions supplied with the tyre sealant can.
● If, after six minutes of trying to inflate the tyre, it is not possible get
up to a pressure of 2.0 bar, this indicates that the tyre is too severely
damaged for repair with the kit. Do not carry on driving!
● If the tyre cannot be repaired with the sealing compound, seek pro-
fessional assistance. 

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

278Emergencies
Wheel covers*
The wheel covers must be removed for access to the wheel
bolts
Fig. 165 Remove the
complete hub cap
Removing
– Remove the wheel cover using the wire hook ⇒ Fig. 165.
– Hook this into one of the cut-outs of the wheel cover.
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. 166 Wheel: wheel
bolts with caps
Removal
– Fit the plastic clip (vehicle tools) over the cap until it clicks into
place ⇒ Fig. 166.
– Remove the cap with the plastic clip. 