Seat Leon (2022 year). Manual in english

Practical tips

mixed with an inadequate coolant. The
coolant must be changed as soon as possi-
ble if this is the case!

For the sake of the environment

Coolants and additives can contaminate
the environment. If any fluids are spilled,
they should be collected and correctly dis-
posed of, with respect to the environment.

Coolant tank

Valid for: hybrid vehicles.

Fig. 234

Engine compartment: Coolant tanks

The vehicle has 2 independent coolant ex-
pansion tanks.

›››

Fig. 234

Coolant expansion tank for the combus-
tion engine cooling circuit.

Coolant expansion tank for the high-volt-
age cooling circuit. Do not continue driv-
ing if there is a lack of fluid in the expan-
sion tank.

Do not top up coolant.

Go im-

mediately to a specialised workshop.

Refilling coolant

Fig. 235

In the engine compartment: marking

on coolant expansion tank.

Fig. 236

Engine compartment: coolant expan-

sion tank cap.

The coolant tank is located in the engine
compartment

›››

page 329

Top up coolant when the level is below the



(minimum) mark.

Checking coolant level

–

Park the vehicle in a horizontal position.

–

Switch the ignition off.

–

Read off the coolant level on coolant ex-
pansion tank. When the engine is cold, the
coolant level should be between the marks

›››

Fig. 235

. When the engine is hot, it may

be slightly above the upper mark.

Topping up coolant

–

Wait for the engine to cool down.

334

Checking and refilling levels

–

Cover the coolant expansion tank cap with
a cloth and carefully unscrew it to the left

›››

–

Top up the coolant only if there is still cool-
ant in the expansion tank, otherwise you
could

damage the engine

. If there is no

coolant in the expansion tank, do not con-
tinue driving. You should obtain professional
assistance

›››

–

If there is still some coolant in the expansion
tank, top up to the upper mark.

–

Top up with coolant until the level becomes
stable.

–

Screw the cap back on correctly.

If there is a coolant leak, take the vehicle spe-
cialised workshop to have the cooling system
examined.

WARNING

●

The cooling system is under pressure. Do

not unscrew the cap on the coolant expan-
sion tank when the engine is hot: risk of
burns!

●

Store the antifreeze in its original con-

tainer and keep it out of reach of children.

●

If working inside the engine compart-

ment, remember that, even when the igni-
tion is switched off, the radiator fan may
start up automatically, and therefore there
is a risk of injury.

CAUTION

If you run out of coolant in the expansion
tank, park the car in a safe place and do
not continue driving. Obtain technical as-
sistance.

Brake fluid

Check and refill the brake fluid

Fig. 237

Engine compartment: brake fluid res-

ervoir cap.

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the en-
gine compartment

›››

page 329

Checking the brake fluid level

The brake fluid level must be between the



and



markings.

However, if the brake fluid level goes down
noticeably in a short time, or drops below the



mark, there may be a leak in the brake

system. Seek specialist assistance. A warning
light on the instrument panel display monitors
the brake fluid level

›››

page 87

In right-hand drive vehicles the brake fluid
reservoir is on the other side of the engine
compartment.

Changing brake fluid

We recommend that you have the brake fluid
changed by a Technical Service.

WARNING

If the brake fluid level is low or unsuita-
ble/old brake fluid is used, the brake sys-
tem may fail or braking power may be re-
duced.

●

Check the brake system and the brake

fluid level regularly!

●

When the brake fluid is used and brakes

are subjected to extreme braking forces,
bubbles of vapour form in the brake sys-
tem. These bubbles can significantly re-
duce braking power, notably increasing
braking distance, and could result in the to-
tal failure of the brake system.

●

Be sure to always use the correct brake

fluid. Only use brake fluid that expressly
meets the VW 501 14 standard.

335

Practical tips

●

You can buy VW 501 14 standard brake

fluid in a SEAT dealership or a SEAT Official
Service. If none is available, use only high-
quality brake fluid that meets DIN ISO 4925
CLASS 4 standards, or USA Standards
FMVSS 116 DOT 4.

●

The replacement brake fluid must be

new.

●

Brake fluid should be stored in the closed

original container in a safe place out of
reach of children. Risk of poisoning!

CAUTION

Brake fluid should not come into contact
with the vehicle paintwork, as it is abrasive.

For the sake of the environment

Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant.
Collect any spilt service fluids and allow a
professional to dispose of them.

Windscreen washer reservoir

Checking the level of the window
washer tank and refilling it

Fig. 238

In the engine compartment: blue cap

of the windscreen washer tank.

The window washer tank is in the engine
compartment

›››

page 329

Check the water level in the windscreen
washer reservoir regularly and top up as re-
quired.

The window washer tank contains liquid de-
tergent for the windscreen and rear window.

●

Open the bonnet



›››

page 326

●

The window washer tank is marked with the



symbol on the cap.

●

Check there is enough windscreen water in

the reservoir.

Plain water is not enough to clean the wind-
screen and headlights. We recommend that
you always add a product to the windscreen
washer fluid.

Recommended windscreen wipers

●

For the hottest seasons we recommend

summer G 052 184 A1 for clear 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 glass.

Approximate proportion of the winter mixture,
up to -18°C (0°F): 1:2 (1 part concentrate per 2
parts water); otherwise, a 1:4 proportion of
mixture in the washer fluid tank.

The capacity of the window washer tank can
be found in

›››

page 372

CAUTION

If the water from the windscreen washer
does not contain enough anti-freeze, it may
freeze on the windscreen and rear window,
reducing forward and rear visibility.

●

In winter, ensure the windscreen washer

contains enough anti-freeze.

●

In cold conditions, you should not use the

windscreen wiper system unless you have
warmed the windscreen with the ventila-
tion system. The antifreeze could freeze on
the windscreen and reduce visibility.

336

Checking and refilling levels

CAUTION

Never mix an unsuitable antifreeze or other
similar additives with the windscreen wash-
er water. A greasy layer may be formed on
the windscreen which will impair visibility.

●

Use clean water with a window cleaner

recommended by SEAT.

●

If necessary, add a suitable antifreeze to

the water in the reservoir.

CAUTION

●

Do not mix cleaning products recommen-

ded by SEAT with other products. This
could lead to flocculation and may block
the windscreen washer jets.

●

When topping up service fluids, make ab-

solutely certain that you fill the fluids into
the correct reservoirs. Using the wrong flu-
ids could cause serious malfunctions and
engine damage!

●

Lack of window washer fluid causes the

view through the windscreen to be ob-
scured.

12-volt battery

General information

The battery is located in the engine compart-
ment

›››

page 329

or luggage compartment

(PHEV hybrid vehicles)

›››

page 339

and is

practically

maintenance free

. It is checked

as part of the Inspection Service. Neverthe-
less, check the terminals are clean and have
the correct tightening torque, especially in
summer and winter.

All work on batteries requires specialist
knowledge. 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. Oth-
erwise explosive gas is released from the bat-
tery that could cause an explosion.

Battery warning indications



Wear eye protection.



Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear pro-

tective gloves and eye protection. Rinse any

splashes of electrolyte with plenty of water.



Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking are
prohibited.



The battery should only be charged in a well-

ventilated zone. Risk of explosion!



Keep children away from acid and batteries!



Always follow the instruction manual.

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 lost. These functions will require resetting
after the battery is reconnected.

When disconnecting the battery from the ve-
hicle on-board network, disconnect first the
negative cable and then the positive cable.

Deactivate the anti-theft alarm before you
disconnect the battery. Otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.

If the vehicle is not used for long periods

The vehicle has a system for monitoring the
current consumption when the engine is left
unused for long periods of time

›››

page 342

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 winter, the starting power may be
reduced, and if necessary, the battery should
be charged

›››

page 340

WARNING

Any work to be done on the 12-volt vehicle
battery or electrical system can cause in-
juries, burns, accidents and fires:

337

Practical tips

●

Wear eye protection. Protect your eyes,

skin and clothing from acid and particles
containing lead.

●

Battery acid is extremely corrosive. Wear

protective gloves and eye protection. Do
not tilt the batteries. This could spill acid
through the vents.

●

Neutralise any electrolyte splashes on

the skin, eyes or clothing with a soapy solu-
tion, and rinse off with plenty of water. If
acid is swallowed by mistake, consult a
doctor immediately.

●

Fires, sparks, open flames and smoking

are prohibited. When handling cables and
electrical equipment, avoid causing sparks
and electrostatic charge. Never short the
battery terminals. High-energy sparks can
cause injury.

●

A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-

leased when the battery is under charge.
The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventilated room only.

●

Keep children away from acid and bat-

teries.

●

Before working on the electrical system,

you must switch off the engine, the ignition
and all electrical devices. The negative ca-
ble on the battery must be disconnected.
When a light bulb is changed, you need on-
ly switch off the light.

●

Deactivate the anti-theft alarm by un-

locking the vehicle before you disconnect

the battery! The alarm will otherwise be
triggered.

●

When disconnecting the battery from the

vehicle on-board network, disconnect first
the negative cable and then the positive
cable.

●

Switch off all electrical devices before

reconnecting the battery. Reconnect first
the positive cable and then the negative
cable. Never reverse the polarity of the
connections. This could cause an electrical
fire.

●

Never charge a frozen battery, or one

which has thawed. This could result in ex-
plosions and chemical burns. Always re-
place a battery which has frozen. A flat
battery can also freeze at temperatures
close to 0°C (+32°F).

●

Ensure that the vent hose is always con-

nected to the battery.

●

Never use a defective battery. This could

cause an explosion. Replace a damaged
battery immediately.

CAUTION

●

Do not expose the battery to direct sun-

light over a long period of time, as the in-
tense ultraviolet radiation can damage the
battery housing.

●

If the vehicle is left standing in cold con-

ditions for a long period, protect the bat-
tery from “freezing”. If it freezes it will be
damaged.

Control lamp

The control lamp



lights up when the igni-

tion is switched on. It should go out when the
engine has started running.

Indicator lamps and driver messages on the
instrument cluster display or infotainment
system:



Defective alternator

Valid only for: conventional vehicles.

The control lamp lights up

RED

The vehicle battery stops charging from the
alternator. You should immediately drive to
the nearest specialised workshop.

You should avoid using electrical equipment
that is not absolutely necessary because this
will drain the battery.



Error: the 12 V vehicle battery

is not charging. Park safely!

The control lamp lights up

RED



Stop driving!

Stop the vehicle at the next

opportunity and in a safe place.

The instrument cluster displays a message
due to a DCDC failure (electrical, mechani-
cal or energy balance).

●

Switch the ignition off and seek professional

assistance.

338

Checking and refilling levels



Error: 12V power supply. Park

safely! Check the manual

The control lamp lights up

RED



Stop driving!

Stop the vehicle at the next

opportunity and in a safe place.

There is a serious fault in the 12V power sup-
ply.

●

Go to a qualified establishment.

●

Have the electrical system checked.



Error: 12 V vehicle battery. En-

gine cannot be started. Visit the
workshop

The control lamp lights up

YELLOW

The connection between the on-board net-
work and the 12-volt battery has been inter-
rupted. If the drive system switches off in this
situation, it should not be switched on again
and the vehicle should be jump started

›››

page 53

or professional assistance should

be sought.

●

Go to a qualified establishment.

●

Have the electrical system checked.



Low level of the 12 V vehicle

battery. Charge while driving

The control lamp lights up

YELLOW

Starting capacity may be limited. If this driver
message goes out after a certain amount of

time, the vehicle's battery has recharged
while driving and reached a sufficient level. If
the driver message does not go out, take the
vehicle to a specialized workshop.



Replace the 12V vehicle battery.

Go to a workshop

The control lamp lights up

YELLOW

The 12 volt vehicle battery has almost
reached the end of its useful life. Visit a pro-
fessional and request an inspection and re-
placement, if necessary, of the 12-volt vehicle
battery

›››

page 340



Error: The 12V power supply is

currently limited. Drive with cau-
tion.

The control lamp lights up

YELLOW

The 12-volt power supply is limited, maybe
because the 12 volt battery is discharged or
not working at full performance. The 12-volt
battery can be charged while driving. Until
the warning disappears, you should drive with
care.

Error: 12V power supply. Visit the
workshop

There is a fault in the 12-volt power supply:

●

Go to a qualified establishment.

●

Have the electrical system checked.

Access to the 12 volt battery

Fig. 239

Hybrid vehicles (PHEV): location of

the battery in the luggage compartment

Valid for hybrid vehicles (PHEV)

The 12-volt vehicle battery is located under
the luggage compartment floor.

●

Open the rear lid.

●

Raise the luggage compartment floor

›››

page 143

, to gain access to the 12-volt

battery cover

›››

Fig. 239

●

A suitable tool must be used to

open

and

close

the cover.

Valid for conventional and Mild Hybrid ve-
hicles

●

Raise the bonnet

›››

in Working in the

engine compartment on page 326

●

Lift the cover that protects the battery

›››

page 329

›››

Fig. 229

339

Practical tips

Checking the battery electrolyte
level

Fig. 240

Sight glass on the top of the 12 volt

battery (schematic representation).

The electrolyte level should be checked reg-
ularly in high-mileage vehicles, in hot coun-
tries and in older batteries.

●

Check the colour display in the sight glass

on the top of the battery

›››

Fig. 240

. Ensure

sufficient lighting to clearly identify the colour
shown in the battery window. Never use
flames or objects that burn without a flame
as a light source.

●

If there are air bubbles in the window, tap

the window gently until they disperse.

The “magic eye” indicator, located on the top
of the battery changes colour, depending on
the charge state and electrolyte level of the
battery.

There are two different colours:

The battery's electrolyte

level is too low. Go to a specialised work-
shop to have the battery checked and
replaced if necessary.

The battery’s electrolyte level is cor-

rect.

Charging or changing the battery

If you often drive short distances or if the ve-
hicle is not driven for long periods, the 12-volt
battery should be checked by a specialised
workshop more frequently than the service
intervals.

If the battery has discharged and you have
problems starting the vehicle, the battery
might be damaged. If this happens, we rec-
ommend you have the vehicle battery
checked by a Technical Service where it will
be re-charged or replaced.

Charging the battery

The vehicle battery should be charged by a
specialised workshop only, as batteries using
special technology have been installed and
they must be charged in a controlled environ-
ment.

Yellow or colourless:

Black:

Replacing a vehicle battery

The 12-volt vehicle battery has been de-
signed to suit its location and has specific
safety features. If the battery needs to be re-
placed, it is recommended that it be installed
by an official SEAT qualified workshop. These
workshops have the technical documenta-
tion and equipment required to find out the
size, technology, and maintenance and safe-
ty requirements of the new battery.



Always use maintenance-free batteries

according to the TL82506 and VW75073
standards. These standards must be from
October 2014 or later.

The degassing tube must always be connec-
ted to the hole on the negative pole side and
the hole on the positive pole side must be
sealed.

The vehicle’s 12V battery must always be re-
placed by a qualified specialist company, as
the vehicle’s electronics must be adapted
during replacement. In addition, the battery
parameters for functional safety have been
determined based on the original battery.
Only a qualified specialist company has the
right technology to fit the correct replace-
ment battery.

The use of unsuitable batteries could inva-
lidate the vehicle registration certificate.

Start-Stop systems (

›››

page 224

) are equip-

ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must

340

Checking and refilling levels

only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the
distribution of electrical energy

›››

page 342

The power management function ensures
that the battery is charged much more effi-
ciently than on vehicles without a power
management system. To maintain this func-
tion after replacing the battery, we recom-
mend that the replacement battery used is of
the same make and type as the original fitted
battery. To make proper use of the power
management function after the battery has
been changed, have the battery coded to the
power management mode at a specialised
workshop.

WARNING

●

Always use only maintenance free bat-

teries that do not run flat alone and whose
properties, specifications and size corre-
spond to the standard battery. The specifi-
cations are indicated on the battery case.

●

Before starting any work on the batteries,

you must read and observe the warnings

›››

in General information on page 337

For the sake of the environment



Batteries contain toxic substances such

as sulphuric acid and lead. They must be
disposed of appropriately and must not be
disposed of with ordinary household waste.

48-volt battery

General information

Valid for: Mild Hybrid vehicles

Fig. 241

48-volt battery: hazard warning

Never expose the 48 volt battery to sour-
ces of fire, sparks or unprotected flames.
The instruction manual and the workshop
information contain further information
and warnings to this regard.
Always keep children away from the 48
volt battery.
If the 48-volt battery is damaged, fluid
can leak and very corrosive acids can
form. The battery should only be handled
by qualified personnel.

All maintenance works involving the 48
volt battery should only be performed by
duly qualified and trained technical staff .
Take care when handling flammable sub-
stances.

In addition to a 12-volt battery, the vehicle
may be fitted with a 48-volt battery located
underneath the front passenger seat.

The works that are to be carried out on the
48 volt battery should be performed exclu-
sively by a specialised workshop with duly
qualified technical staff, trained according to
the SEAT guidelines.

Overview of the 48 volt system

The 48 volt system consists of the following
components, among others:

●

48-volt battery

●

12V/48V voltage converter

●

48 volt alternator/starter motor

●

Purple 48 volt cables

48 volt battery warnings

There is a hazard warning sign on the 48 volt
battery

›››

Fig. 241

WARNING

An inappropriate handling of the 48 volt
battery can cause serious injuries or death.

341

Practical tips

●

All maintenance works involving the 48

volt battery should only be performed by
duly qualified and trained technical staff .

●

Never make any changes to the 48 volt

battery.

WARNING

Make sure the 48 volt battery does not
come into contact with water or other flu-
ids.

●

Liquids may cause short circuits, electri-

cal shocks and burns.

Control lamps

Valid for: Mild Hybrid vehicles

Indicator lamps and driver messages on the
instrument cluster display or infotainment
system:



Error: 48V electrical system. Do

not start driving. Check the manual.

The warning lamp lights up

yellow

when the

vehicle is stopped.

The charge level of the 48 volt battery is too
low.

●

Do not start driving.

●

Leave the engine running with the vehicle

stopped until the warning lamp switches off.

●

Start driving when all the warning lamps

have switched off.

If the yellow warning lamp does not switch
off within 3 minutes, seek professional as-
sistance.



Error: 48V electrical system.

Stop safely! Check the manual.

The indicator lamp lights up

red

while driving.

The charge level of the 48 volt battery is too
low.

●

Park the vehicle in a safe place.

●

Switch off the ignition and wait for 3 sec-

onds.

●

Switch ignition back on.

●

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

●

Leave the engine running with the vehicle

stopped until the warning lamp switches off.

●

Start driving when all the warning lamps

have switched off.

If the yellow warning lamp does not switch
off within 3 minutes, seek professional as-
sistance.

Energy management

Optimisation of the starting ca-
pacity

The power management controls the distri-
bution of electrical energy and thus helps to
ensure that there is always enough power
available to start the engine.

If a vehicle with a conventional electrical sys-
tem is left parked for a long time, the battery
will gradually lose its charge because certain
electrical devices, such as the electronic
gearbox lock continues to draw current even
when the ignition is off. In some cases there
may not be enough power available to start
the engine.

Your vehicle is equipped with an intelligent
power management system to control the
distribution of electrical energy. This signifi-
cantly improves reliability when starting the
engine, and also prolongs the useful life of the
battery.

The main functions incorporated in the power
management system are

battery diagnosis

residual current management

and

dynam-

ic power management

Battery diagnosis

The battery diagnosis function constantly
registers the condition of the battery. Sensors

342

Checking and refilling levels

detect the battery voltage, battery current
and battery temperature. This enables the
system to calculate the current power level
and charge condition of the battery.

Residual current management

The residual current management reduces
power consumption while the vehicle is
parked. It controls the supply of power to the
various electrical devices while the ignition is
switched off. The system takes the battery di-
agnosis data into consideration.

Depending on the power level of the battery,
switch off the individual electrical devices
one after the other to prevent the battery
from losing too much charge and to ensure
that the engine can be started reliably.

Dynamic power management

While the vehicle is moving, this function dis-
tributes the available power to the various
electrical devices and systems according to
their requirements. The power management
ensures that on-board systems do not con-
sume more electrical power than the alterna-
tor can supply, and thus maintains the maxi-
mum possible battery power level.

Note

●

Neither is the power management system

able to overcome the given physical limits.

Please remember that the power and use-
ful life of the battery are limited.

●

If there is a risk that the vehicle may not

start, the alternator electrical failure or low
battery charge level warning lamp will be
shown



›››

page 338

Flat battery

Starting ability has first priority.

Short trips, city traffic and low temperatures
all place a heavy load on the battery. In
these conditions a large amount of power is
consumed, but only a small amount is sup-
plied. The situation is also critical if electrical
devices are in use when the engine is not run-
ning. In this case power is consumed when
none is being generated.

In these situations you will be aware that the
power management system is intervening to
control the distribution of electrical power.

When the vehicle is parked for long peri-
ods

If you do not drive your vehicle for a period of
several days or weeks, the power manage-
ment will gradually shut off the electrical de-
vices one by one or reduce the amount of
current they are using. This limits the amount
of power consumed and helps to ensure reli-
able starting even after a long period. Some

convenience functions, such as remote vehi-
cle opening, may not be available under cer-
tain circumstances. These functions will be
restored when you switch on the ignition and
start the engine.

With the engine switched off

For example, if you listen to the sound system
with the engine switched off the battery will
run down.

If the energy consumption means there is a
risk that the engine will not start, a text will be
displayed in vehicles with a driver information
system.

This driver indicator tells you that you must
start the engine so that the battery can re-
charge.

When the engine is running

Although the alternator generates electrical
power, the battery can still become dis-
charged while the vehicle is being driven. This
can occur when a lot of power is being con-
sumed but only a small amount supplied, es-
pecially if the battery is not fully charged ini-
tially.

To restore the necessary energy balance, the
system will then temporarily shut off the elec-
trical devices that are using a lot of power, or
reduce the current they are consuming. Heat-
ing systems in particular use a large amount
of electrical power. If you notice, for instance,

343

Practical tips

that the seat heating or the rear window
heater is not working, they may have been
temporarily switched off or regulated to a
lower heat output. These systems will be
available again as soon as sufficient electri-
cal power is available.

You may also notice that the engine runs at a
slightly faster idling speed when necessary.
This is quite normal, and no cause for con-
cern. The increased idling speed allows the
alternator to meet the greater power require-
ment and charge the battery at the same
time.

Wheels

Wheels and tyres

General notes

–

When driving with

new tyres

, be especially

careful during the first 500 km (300 miles).

–

If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obstacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the obstacle.

–

Check from time to time if the tyres are
damaged (punctures, cuts, cracks or
dents). Remove any foreign objects em-
bedded in the treads.

–

Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-
placed immediately.

–

Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.

–

Replace any missing valve caps as soon as
possible.

–

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 stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark
place.

Low profile tyres

Low profile tyres have a wider tread, a larger
wheel diameter and a lower sidewall height.
Therefore, its driving behaviour is more agile.

Low profile tyres may deteriorate more quick-
ly than standard tyres, for instance due to
strong knocks, potholes, manhole covers and
kerbs. Correct tyre pressure is very important

›››

page 347

To avoid damage to tyres and wheels, drive
with special care when driving on roads in
poor condition.

Visually check your wheels every 3000 km.

If the tyres or rims have received a heavy im-
pact or have been damaged, have a special-
ised workshop check whether or not it is nec-
essary to change the tyre.

Low profile tyres may deteriorate more quick-
ly than standard tyres.

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. In-
spect the tyres for damage. If no external
damage is visible, drive slowly and carefully
to the nearest specialised workshop and
have the car inspected.

344

Wheels

Foreign objects inserted in the tyre

●

Do not remove foreign bodies if they have

penetrated through the tyre wall!

●

If the vehicle comes with a tyre mobility

system, where necessary seal the damaged
tyre as shown in section

›››

page 45

. Use a

specialised workshop for repair or replace-
ment. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT
dealership for this.

The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread
wraps around the foreign body and provision-
ally seals the tyre.

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 makes sure
that optimal use is made of tyre properties in
terms of aquaplaning, grip, excessive noise
and wear.

Subsequent fitting of 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.

Speed symbols

The speed rating indicates the maximum
speed permitted for the tyres.

max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)

Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for
tyres with a maximum authorised speed
above 240 km/h (149 mph).

WARNING

●

New tyres do not have maximum grip dur-

ing the first 500 km. Drive particularly
carefully to avoid possible accidents.

●

Never drive with damaged tyres. This

may cause an accident.

●

If you notice unusual vibrations or if the

vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop

P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
Z
W
Y

the vehicle immediately and check the
tyres.

●

Never use old tyres or those with an un-

known history of use.

New wheels and tyres

It is best to have all wheels and tyres serviced
by a specialised workshop. There they have
the required knowledge, the special tools and
the corresponding spare parts.

●

Even winter tyres lose their grip on ice. If you

have installed new tyres, drive the first 500
km carefully and at a moderate speed.

●

All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of

the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and, if possible, tread pattern.

●

When changing tyres, do not change just

one; change at least two on the same axle.

●

If you want to equip your vehicle with a

combination tyres and rims that are different
to those fitted in the factory, inform your spe-
cialised workshop before purchasing them

›››

The sizes of the rims and tyres approved for
your vehicle are listed in the vehicle docu-
mentation (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity

345

Practical tips

or COC document

). The vehicle documen-

tation varies depending on the country of res-
idence.

If the type of spare wheel is different form the
normal wheels — e.g. in the case of winter
tyres or particularly wide tyres — the spare
wheel should only be used temporarily in the
event of a puncture, and the vehicle should
be driven with care. Refit the normal road
wheel as soon as possible.

In vehicles with four-wheel drive, the 4 wheels
must be fitted with tyres of the same brand,
type and tread so that the traction system is
not damaged by a difference in the number
of turns of the wheels. Therefore, in the event
of a puncture, only a spare wheel with the
same perimeter as normal tyres should be
used.

Manufacturing date

The manufacturing date is also indicated on
the tyre sidewall (or on the inside face of the
wheel):

DOT ... 2218 ...

it means, for example, that the tyre was man-
ufactured in the 22nd week of 2018.

WARNING

●

Use only combinations of tyres and rims,

as well as suitable wheel nuts, approved by
SEAT. Otherwise the vehicle may be dam-
aged, causing an accident.

●

For technical reasons it is not possible to

use wheels of other vehicles; in some cases
not even wheels from the same vehicle
model should be used.

●

Always ensure that the tyres you have

chosen have adequate clearance. When
selecting replacement tyres, do not rely
entirely on the nominal tyre size marked on
the tyre, since the nominal tyre size can dif-
fer significantly depending on the manu-
facturer. Lack of clearance can damage
the tyres or the vehicle and, as a result, en-
danger road safety. Risk of accident!

●

Only use tyres that are over 6 years old in

an emergency, and drive with due care.

●

The fitting of tyres with run-flat proper-

ties is not permitted on your vehicle! Pro-
hibited use can cause accidents or can
damage your vehicle.

●

If decorative hubcaps are subsequently

fitted, make sure that they allow enough air
in to cool the braking system. Risk of acci-
dent!

●

Models with aerodynamic wheel rims

and/or with bolt-on plastic elements (more

closed design) increase the likelihood of
ice and snow accumulating on the inside.
This should be taken into account, depend-
ing on the driving situations, as snow or ice
accumulated in the wheels can cause vi-
bration in the vehicle when it drives at over
40 km/h. It is advisable to remove ice and
snow from the inside of the wheels using
hot water.

●

If you drive on dirt or gravel tracks, the

likelihood of stones becoming trapped in-
side wheel rims with plastic elements in-
creases when driving at high speed or in a
sporty manner. If you see that there are
stones trapped between the aluminium
wheel rim and the insert, you can attempt
to remove them using pressurised water.

For the sake of the environment

Old tyres must be disposed of according to
the laws in the country concerned.

Note

●

A SEAT Service Centre should be consul-

ted to find out whether wheels or tyres of
different sizes to those originally fitted by
SEAT can be fitted, and to find out about
the combinations allowed between the
front axle (axle 1) and the rear axle (axle 2).

COC =

certificate of conformity

346

Wheels

●

Never mount used tyres if you are not

sure of their “previous history”.

Tyre life

Fig. 242

Location of the tyre pressure sticker.

Correct inflation pressures and sensible driv-
ing habits will increase the useful life of your
tyres.

●

Check tyre pressure at least once a month,

and also prior to any long trip.

●

The tyre pressure should only be checked

when the tyres are

cold

. Do not reduce the

pressure of warm tyres.

●

Adjust tyre pressure to the load being car-

ried by the vehicle

›››

Fig. 242

●

In vehicles with a tyre pressure indicator,

save the modified tyre pressure

›››

page 351

●

Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.

●

Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from

time to time.

Tyre pressure

The tyre inflation pressures are listed on a
sticker on the rear of the front left door frame

›››

Fig. 242

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

The tyre pressure must be adjusted accord-
ing to the load the vehicle is carrying. If the
vehicle is going to carry the maximum load,
the tyre pressure should be increased to the
maximum value indicated on the sticker

›››

Fig. 242

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

›››

Fig. 242

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 running gear alignment causes ex-
cessive tyre wear, impairing the safety of the
vehicle. If you notice excessive tyre wear, you
should check wheel alignment at a SEAT Of-
ficial Service.

WARNING

Unsuitable handling of the wheels and
tyres may lead to sudden tyre pressure los-
ses, to tread separation or even to a blow-
out.

347

Practical tips

●

The driver is responsible for ensuring that

all of the vehicle tyres are correctly infla-
ted to the right pressure. The recommen-
ded tyre pressure is indicated on the label

›››

Fig. 242

●

Check tyre pressures regularly and en-

sure they are maintained at the pressures
indicated. Tyre pressure that is too low
could cause overheating, resulting in tread
detachment or even burst tyres.

●

When the tyres are cold, tyre pressure

should be that indicated on the label

›››

Fig. 242

●

Regularly check the cold inflation pres-

sure 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 will increase fuel con-
sumption.

Tread wear indicators

Fig. 243

Tyre profile: tread wear indicators.

Fig. 244

Interchanging tyres.

Wear indicators around 1.6 mm high can be
found on the base of the original tyre treads,
ordered at regular intervals and running
across the tread

›››

Fig. 243

. The letters "TWI"

or triangles on the sidewall of the tyre mark
the position of the wear indicators.

The minimum permitted profile depth

have

been reached when the tyres have worn
down to the wear indicators. Replace the
tyres with new ones

›››

Changing wheels around

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. 244

. The useful life of all the tyres will

then be about the same time.

WARNING

The tyres must be replaced at the latest
when the tread is worn down to the tread
wear indicators. Failure to follow this in-
struction could result in an accident.

●

Particularly 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 insuffi-

cient tread depth is particularly evident in
vehicle handling, when there is a risk of
“aquaplaning” in deep puddles of water

Follow the regulations of the country you are

driving in.

348

Wheels

and when driving through corners, and
braking is also adversely affected.

●

The speed has to be adapted according-

ly, otherwise there is a risk of losing control
over the vehicle.

Wheel nuts

The

wheel nuts

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 nuts with
the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads. This ensures that wheels are fitted se-
curely and that the brake system functions
correctly.

The wheel nuts must be clean and turn easily.

A special adapter is required to remove the
anti-theft wheel bolts

›››

page 49

WARNING

Wheel nuts should never be greased or
oiled.

●

Use only wheel nuts which belong to the

wheel.

●

If the prescribed torque of the wheel nuts

is too low, they could loosen whilst the ve-
hicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the

tightening torque is too high, the wheel nuts
and threads can be damaged.

CAUTION

See

›››

page 51

to find out the recommen-

ded tightening torque for wheel nuts for
steel and alloy rims.

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.

–

After fitting the wheels you must always
check the tyre pressures. When doing so,
take into account the correct tyre pressures
listed on the rear of the front left door frame

›››

page 347

In winter road conditions winter tyres will con-
siderably improve vehicle handling. The de-
sign of summer tyres (width, rubber com-

pound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice
and snow. This applies particularly to vehicles
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 documents
(e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or COC

The vehicle documentation varies depending
on the country of residence.

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.

A code letter indicating the speed limit is
stamped on all winter tyres

›››

page 345

Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds
must have an appropriate

sticker

attached

so that it is visible to the driver. Suitable stick-
ers are available from the SEAT Official Serv-
ice and specialised workshop. Please note
the regulations to this effect in your country.

Using winter tyres with V-rating

Please note that the generally applicable
240 km/h (149 mph) speed for winter tyres

COC =

certificate of conformity

349

Seat Leon (2022 year). Manual in english - page 21