Information about the brakes

During the first 200 to 300 kilometres, brand-new brake pads on your Seat Leon do not yet provide their maximum possible braking power and still need to "settle" and bed into the discs properly. While running in new brake pads, the emergency braking distance is noticeably longer than it is after they have fully settled. Throughout this break-in period, you should avoid sudden hard braking and situations that place heavy demands on the braking system, such as driving too close to the vehicle in front.

The rate of brake pad wear depends to a large extent on the conditions under which your Seat Leon is operated and your individual driving style. If the vehicle is frequently driven in congested city traffic, used for short stop-and-go trips, or driven in a sporty manner, the remaining thickness of the brake pads should be inspected regularly at a specialized workshop.

When driving with wet brakes—such as after passing through deep standing water, driving in torrential rain, or washing the car—braking performance can be temporarily delayed and reduced due to moisture films on the brake discs, or even frozen components during freezing winter conditions. The driver should always be prepared to apply extra pressure to the brake pedal.

If the brake discs and pads accumulate a layer of road salt, braking efficiency is likewise reduced, resulting in an extended stopping distance.

When driving on salted roads for extended periods without braking, this accumulated layer of salt should be gently cleaned off by carefully applying the brakes a few times.

Corrosion on the brake discs and accumulated dirt on the brake pads tend to increase if your Seat Leon is left parked and unused for a long time, or if it is driven infrequently over short distances. If rust or corrosion is present, it is recommended to clean the discs and pads by braking firmly several times while travelling at a safe, higher speed.

Always ensure that when cleaning the brakes in this manner, you do not endanger any other vehicles or road users around you.

WARNING Driving your Seat Leon with worn-out brake pads or a compromised brake system can lead to unexpected failures, collisions, and severe personal injuries.

• If you suspect or observe that the brake pads are worn down or that the brake system is exhibiting a fault, have the brake pads checked immediately by an authorized specialist workshop and replaced if necessary.

WARNING The braking performance of brand-new brake pads is not yet optimal.

• During the first 300 km, new brake pads do not provide maximum braking power and still have to bed in fully. You can partially compensate for this initial phase by applying slightly more physical pressure to the brake pedal.
• When operating your Seat Leon with new brake pads, always drive with extra vigilance and care to minimize the risk of accidents, serious injury, or loss of vehicle control.
• Only perform hard cleaning braking manoeuvres when permitted by safe traffic, weather, and road conditions. Do not endanger the occupants of other vehicles. Accident hazard!
• While running in new brake pads, never tailgate or drive too close to other vehicles, and avoid traffic situations that would require sudden, heavy braking.

WARNING When the brakes on your Seat Leon overheat due to excessive friction, their braking performance drops significantly and the braking distance increases sharply.

• When driving downhill on steep descents, extraordinarily high demands are placed on the brake system, causing the discs and pads to heat up very rapidly.
• Before descending a long or steep slope, proactively reduce your speed and manually shift down into a lower gear or transmission range.

  By doing so, utilizing the engine braking effect will effectively relieve the friction brakes and prevent overheating.

• If you decide to retrofit a front spoiler, custom bumper trims, or other aerodynamic accessories, ensure that the airflow and cooling air inlets around the front wheels and brakes are not obstructed or reduced, as this can easily cause the brake system to overheat.

  Please also observe the important technical information regarding brake fluid maintenance.

WARNING Wet, frozen, or salt-covered brakes respond more slowly, resulting in delayed braking action and an increased stopping distance.

• Always test the brakes carefully and cautiously when driving in wet or wintry conditions.
• Dry out the brakes and clear them of accumulated ice and road salt by applying the brake pedal gently and repeatedly, provided that visibility, weather, road surface, and surrounding traffic conditions safely permit.

WARNING When emergency or driver-assistance braking manoeuvres are initiated automatically by the vehicle systems, the brake pedal may move down automatically by itself. Never place your foot under or behind the brake pedal while driving. Severe risk of trapping or injury!

Note Never let the brakes "drag" by resting your foot lightly on the pedal when braking is not actually required. This continuous light contact causes the brake pads to rub against the discs, resulting in severe overheating, increased pedal travel, and accelerated wear. Please keep all important notes regarding brake fluid specifications in mind.

Note Regularly check the remaining thickness of the brake pads visually through the ventilation openings in the wheel rims or from the underside of the vehicle. If visibility is restricted, the wheels should be removed for a comprehensive and thorough inspection. SEAT recommends visiting an authorized SEAT dealership for this service.

Troubleshooting

Defect in the brake system

The warning lamp lights up in red on the instrument cluster. A corresponding advisory message may also appear on the screen.

Stop driving!

• Safely pull over and stop the vehicle. Contact a specialized workshop immediately and request a professional brake system inspection before continuing your journey.

Brake pad wear indicator

The control lamp lights up in yellow on the dash.

The front brake pads have reached their wear limit.

• Contact a specialized workshop without delay.
• Have all the brake pads thoroughly inspected and replaced with new components if necessary.