Wiper service position

Fig. 214 Wipers in service position.

Before activating the maintenance routine, always ensure that the windscreen wiper blades are completely free and not frozen to the glass.

With the wipers positioned correctly in their service mode, it becomes possible to fold the wiper arms outward away from the windscreen glass ››› Fig. 214.

• Ensure the front bonnet is fully closed.
• Switch the ignition on and then switch it off again.
• Briefly press the windscreen wiper lever downwards into the tip position.

Before you begin driving your Seat Leon, always lower the wiper arms back down onto the glass.

Use the windscreen wiper control lever to return the wiper arms smoothly to their home rest position.

NOTICE

• The windscreen wiper arms can only be moved into the replacement service position when the front bonnet is completely closed.
• You can also utilize the service position when parking in winter, for example, if you want to place a protective cover over the windscreen of your Seat Leon to keep it clear of frost and ice overnight.

Changing the rear wiper blades

Fig. 215 Changing the windscreen wiper blades

Genuine windscreen wiper blades are coated from the factory with a specialized layer of graphite. This microscopic coating is responsible for ensuring silent, streak-free wiping performance. If the graphite layer becomes damaged or worn away, the frictional noise of water being wiped across the windscreen will increase noticeably.

Regularly inspect the physical condition of your Seat Leon wiper blades.

If the wipers chatter, streak, or scrape across the glass surface, they should be replaced immediately if worn or damaged, or thoroughly cleaned if simply soiled.

If cleaning and replacement do not produce the desired wiping results, the alignment or setting angle of the windscreen wiper arms might be incorrect. They should be inspected by a specialized workshop and adjusted if necessary.

Damaged windscreen wiper blades should be swapped out without delay to maintain clear visibility. Replacements are readily available from qualified service workshops.

Raising and lowering windscreen wiper arms

• Bring the windscreen wipers into the designated service position.
• Always grip and handle the wiper arms exclusively by the rigid blade attachment housing.

Cleaning the windscreen wiper blades

• Carefully raise and unfold the wiper arms away from the glass.
• Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe away accumulated dust, road grime, and debris from the rubber wiping elements.
• If the blades are heavily soiled, a sponge or damp cloth with mild soap may be used.

Changing the windscreen wiper blades

• Lift and unfold the wiper arms away from the windscreen.
• Press and hold the locking release button ››› Fig. 215 1 firmly while pulling the wiper blade gently in the direction indicated by the arrow.
• Fit a new replacement wiper blade of identical length and design onto the wiper arm and click it securely into place.
• Carefully fold the wiper arms back down to rest onto the windscreen.

Changing the rear window wiper blade

• Lift and separate the rear wiper arm away from the tailgate glass.
• Detach the rubber blade assembly from its holder just below the center while holding the wiper arm firmly to prevent it from snapping back.
• Fit the new replacement blade (of the exact same length and type) into the housing of the wiper arm by pressing it firmly into place. While doing this, support the wiper arm securely by its upper end.
• Fold the wiper arm back down to rest flat against the rear window.

WARNING Worn, torn, or dirty windscreen wiper blades severely reduce forward visibility in adverse weather, increasing the risk of dangerous traffic accidents and serious personal injuries.

• Always replace damaged or worn windscreen wiper blades promptly, or any blades that fail to clean the glass cleanly and evenly.

NOTICE

• Damaged, hardened, or grit-contaminated windscreen wipers can permanently scratch and ruin the glass surface.
• If cleaning products containing harsh solvents, abrasive scouring sponges, or sharp objects are used on the blades, the delicate graphite coating will be destroyed.
• Never use automotive fuel, nail polish remover, paint thinner, or similar aggressive chemical products to clean your vehicle's windows or wipers.
• During freezing winter conditions, always verify that the wiper blades are not frozen or stuck to the glass before operating the wiper system. In cold weather, parking your Seat Leon with the wipers in the service position can prevent them from freezing to the windscreen.

NOTICE

• To prevent mechanical damage to the front bonnet edge and the wiper arms, only leave the arms in the upright service position when necessary.
• Before starting to drive your Seat Leon, always lower the wiper arms back down against the glass.