Get Driving -> Braking and parking Guide for Cupra Leon 4 Door First Generation (2020-2026)

Braking and parking

If the verification box on the instrument pan-

el or the infotainment system is checked ,

the functionality will be automatically activa-

ted when switching on the ignition.

warning will have to be deactivated manually

when driving with a trailer.

Braking and parking

Braking system

When the lane departure warning is ready to

operate, the indications in the control lamps

will turn on briefly as confirmation.

Control lamps

It lights up red



When the vehicle is restarted, the last ad-

justment in the system will remain active.

Brake fluid level too low page 324 or fault in the

›››

brake system.



Do not carry on driving!

Trailer mode

The lane departure warning, the rear cross

traffic alert and the door opening warning

will be automatically deactivated and will be

prevented from reactivating if the factory-

mounted tow hook is electrically connected

to a trailer or other similar device.

It lights up red



Electronic parking brake page 265 .

›››

The warning lamp turns off when the handbrake is re-

leased.

It lights up yellow



As soon as the driver starts to drive with a

trailer connected electrically to the vehicle, a

message will appear on the instrument panel

display indicating that the lane departure

warning, the rear cross traffic alert and the

door opening warning are deactivated. Once

the vehicle trailer has been disengaged, the

lane departure warning, the rear cross traffic

alert and the door opening warning will re-

turn to the initial state prior to the moment

the trailer was electrically connected.

Front brake pads worn.

Contact a specialised workshop immediately.

WARNING

●

When the ignition is switched on, the sta-

tus of the brake system and the brake assist

functions is automatically checked. The

control lights on the instrument cluster

light up briefly and then turn off again. If a

warning light stays on permanently, there is

a fault. Seek qualified technical assistance

immediately.

If the towing hook is not factory-mounted,

then the lane departure warning, the rear

cross traffic alert and the door opening

●

If the brake warning lamp  does not go

»

out or if it lights up when driving, the brake

263

Driving

Wear

Corrosion

fluid level in the reservoir is too lo so there

is a risk of an accident page 324, Brake

›››

The rate of wear on the brake pads depends

a great deal on how you drive and the condi-

tions in which the vehicle is operated. This is

a particular problem in urban traffic and

short stretches, or with very sporty driving.

There may be a tendency for corrosion to

form on the discs and dirt to build up on the

brake pads if the vehicle is used infrequently

or the brakes are not used very often.

fluid. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on.

Obtain technical assistance.

●

If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-

gether with the ABS lamp  this could be

due to an ABS fault. When this function

fails, the rear wheels can lock up. Under

certain circumstances, the rear of the vehi-

cle may skid, with the danger of losing con-

trol. Stop and seek technical assistance.

If the brakes are not used frequently, or if

rust has formed on the disks, it is advisable to

clean off the pads and disks by braking firmly

Depending on the speed, the braking force

and the environmental conditions (e.g. tem-

perature, air humidity, etc.) noises may be

produced when braking.

a few times at a moderately high speed

.

›››

Fault in the brake system

●

If the  lamp lights up, alone or accom-

Wet roads or road salt

panied by a warning message on the instru-

ment panel display, please go immediately

to a specialised workshop to check the

brake pads and to replace them if they are

worn.

If the brake pedal travel should ever increase

suddenly, this may mean that one of the two

brake circuits has failed. Drive immediately to

the nearest specialised workshop and have

the fault repaired. Drive there slowly and re-

member that you will have to apply more

pressure on the brake pedal and allow for

longer stopping distances.

In certain situations (for example, on driving

through flooded areas, in severe downpours

or after washing the vehicle) the braking ac-

tion could be delayed if the discs and pads

are damp, or frozen in winter. In this case the

brakes should be “dried” by pressing the

brake pedal several times.

Information about the brakes

At high speed and with the windscreen wip-

ers activated, the brake pads will briefly

touch the brake discs. This takes place, al-

though unnoticeable to the driver, at regular

intervals to improve the response time of the

brakes when they are wet.

New brake pads

Low brake fluid level

For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200

miles), new brake pads have not yet reached

their maximum braking capacity, and need

to be “run in” first. However, you can com-

pensate for the slightly reduced braking ef-

fect by applying more pressure on the brake

pedal. Avoid overloading the brakes while

running them in.

Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if

the brake fluid level is too low. The brake fluid

level is monitored electronically.

Brake servo

The effectiveness of the brakes can also be

temporarily reduced if the vehicle is driven

for some distance without using the brakes

when there is a lot of salt on the road in win-

ter. The layer of salt that accumulates on the

discs and pads can be removed by gently ap-

plying the brakes a few times.

The brake servo increases the pressure you

apply to the brake pedal. It works only when

the engine is running.

264

Braking and parking

Electromechanical brake servo (eBKV)

tance will increase. Apply and then release

the brakes alternately.

Note

The electromechanical brake servo only

works when the ignition is switched on and

optimises the force of the foot by increasing

the pressure that the driver exerts on the

brake pedal.

●

If the brake servo is out of action, for ex-

●

Apply the brakes heavily to clean the

ample when the car is being towed, you will

have to press the brake pedal considerably

harder than normal to make up for the lack

of servo assistance.

brake system only in a suitable traffic situa-

tion. Do not put other road users in danger:

there is risk of causing an accident.

●

Ensure the vehicle does not move while in

●

If you wish to equip the vehicle with ac-

If the electromechanical brake servo is not

working, the brake pedal must be pressed

harder, as the braking distance increases due

to the lack of assistance from the servo

brake.

neutral, when the engine is stopped. The

braking distance is increased considerably

when the brake servo is not active.

cessories such as a front spoiler or wheel

covers, it is important that the flow of air to

the front wheels is not obstructed, other-

wise the brakes can overheat.

●

If the brake is subjected to high stresses,

vapour bubbles may form in the brake sys-

tem's pipes. This reduces the efficiency of

the brakes.

WARNING

Electronic parking brake (EPB)

Any anomaly in the brake system can in-

crease the braking distance, with the re-

sulting risk of an accident.

●

Non-standard or damaged front spoilers

could restrict the airflow to the brakes and

cause them to overheat. Before purchasing

accessories please read the relevant in-

structions.

●

New brake pads and discs must be run in

and do not have the correct friction during

the first 200 km (124 miles). This reduced

braking capacity may be offset by pressing

on the brake pedal a little harder.

CAUTION

●

Never let the brakes “drag” by leaving

●

If you are driving on roads which have

your foot on the pedal when it is not neces-

sary to brake. This overheats the brakes, re-

sulting in longer stopping distances and

greater wear.

been salted, braking effectiveness may be

decreased.

●

Brakes can overheat if used excessively

Fig. 187 In the lower part of the centre

console: electronic parking brake button

on slopes. Before driving down a long steep

slope, it is advisable to reduce speed and

change down into a lower gear or range.

Therefore, using the engine brake relieves

the brakes.

●

Before driving down a long, steep gradi-

ent, it is advisable to reduce speed and se-

lect a lower gear. This makes use of engine

braking and relieves the brakes. If you still

have to use the brakes, it is better to brake

firmly at intervals than to apply the brakes

continuously.

The electronic parking brake replaces the

»

handbrake

.

›››

●

Gentle continuous braking causes the

brakes to overheat and the braking dis-

265

Driving

●

Applying the electronic parking brake

A gear range is engaged or switched to an-

Automatic activation of the electronic

parking brake when turning the ignition

off

other one and the accelerator pedal is lightly

pressed.

The electronic parking brake can be activa-

ted whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,

even when the ignition is switched off. Acti-

vate it whenever you leave or park the vehi-

cle.

●

To facilitate certain manoeuvres there are

This function can be deactivated through

exceptions that allow the automatic parking

brake to be released without the driver's seat

belt being fastened.

the Infotainment system page 92 .

›››

Emergency brake function

●

Pull and hold the  Fig. 187 button.

›››

Only use the emergency brake function if

you are unable to stop the vehicle with the

The parking brake can be prevented from

being automatically released by continuously

pulling up the  Fig. 187 switch when

The parking brake is activated when the

control light of button Fig. 187 and the

›››

foot brake

.

›››

red  control lamp on the instrument panel

starting off.

is always on.

●

Pull and hold the  Fig. 187 button in

›››

The electronic parking brake is not discon-

nected until the  button is released. This

can facilitate starting off when a heavy load is

this position to forcefully brake the vehicle.

At the same time, an acoustic warning can

be heard.

●

Release the button.

Disconnecting the electronic parking

brake

towed page 288 .

›››

●

To stop the braking process, release the

 button or press the accelerator.

●

Switch the ignition on.

Automatic activation of the electronic

parking brake when exiting the vehicle in-

correctly

Press the button  Fig. 187 . At the

›››

WARNING

same time step hard on the brake pedal or, if

the engine is running, press the accelerator

pedal slightly.

The improper use of the electronic parking

brake can cause accidents and serious in-

jury.

In vehicles with automatic transmission, the

electronic parking brake is activated auto-

matically when exiting the vehicle incorrectly

if:

●

The control lamp of button Fig. 187 (ar-

›››

●

Never use the electronic parking brake to

row) and the red  control lamp on the in-

stop the vehicle, unless it is an emergency.

Braking distances can be considerably lon-

ger, since, under certain circumstances,

only the rear wheels brake. Always use the

foot brake.

strument panel go out.

●

The selector lever is in the D/S or R or is in

tiptronic mode.

Automatic release of the electronic park-

ing brake upon moving off

●

AND: the vehicle is stationary.

AND: the driver door is open.

The electronic parking brake is automatically

switched off when starting if, after the driv-

er's door is closed and the driver's seat belt

fastened, any of the following situations take

place:

●

Never accelerate from the engine when a

gear range or a gear is engaged and the en-

gine is running. The vehicle could move,

even if the electronic parking brake is acti-

vated.

266

Braking and parking

Auto Hold Function

Auto Hold function holds the vehicle. The

driver can lift their foot off the brake pedal.

●

When the electronic parking brake is

switched on or off, there is a slight move-

ment of the brake pedal. Be careful not to

position your foot under the pedal.

When the driver touches the accelerator

pedal or accelerates slightly to continue driv-

ing, the Auto Hold function releases the

brake. The vehicle moves according to the

slope of the road.

CAUTION

To prevent the vehicle from unintentionally

moving when parking it, first apply the

electronic parking brake and then remove

your foot from the brake pedal.

If the vehicle is stationary and one of the

conditions required by the Auto Hold func-

tion is impaired, it disconnects itself and the

button's control light goes out Fig. 188 .

›››

The electronic parking brake connects auto-

matically, if necessary, to park the vehicle

Note

Fig. 188 In the lower part of the centre

console: Auto Hold function button.

●

If the vehicle battery is flat, it will not be

safely

.

›››

possible to disconnect the electronic park-

The indicator lamp of the Auto Hold

ing brake. Use the jump-start page 54 .

›››

When the electronic parking brake is ap-

Conditions for keeping the vehicle station-

ary with the Auto Hold function

Fig. 188 button remains on when the Au-

to Hold function is connected.

›››

●

plied or released, noises may be heard.

●

The driver door must be closed.

The driver's seat belt must be fastened.

The engine is running.

●

Once connected, the Auto Hold function as-

sists the driver in keeping the vehicle station-

ary at repeated intervals or for a certain peri-

od of time with the engine running, for ex-

ample, when going up a slope, when stop-

ped at traffic lights or in heavy traffic with in-

termittent stops.

The system performs automatic and au-

dible tests sporadically in the parked vehi-

cle if some time elapses without the elec-

tronic parking brake being used.

Switching the Auto Hold function on and

off

Press the Auto Hold button

trol lamp on the button goes out when the

Auto Hold function is switched off.

. The con-

›››

When connected, the Auto Hold function

automatically prevents the vehicle from roll-

ing when stationary without pressing the

brake pedal.

Automatically engaging and disengaging

the Auto Hold function

After detecting that the vehicle is stationary

and the brake pedal has been released, the

If the Auto Hold function was switched on via

the Auto Hold button before switching the

»

267

Driving

ignition off, the function will remain on the

following time the ignition is switched on.

WARNING

Stabilisation and brake as-

sistance systems

The smart technology incorporated into

the Auto Hold function cannot defy the

laws of physics; it only works within the lim-

its of the system. The greater convenience

provided by the Auto Hold function should

never tempt you to take any risk that may

compromise safety.

If the Auto Hold function was not switched

on, it will automatically remain off next time

the ignition is engaged.

Control lamps

The Auto Hold function connects auto-

matically if the following conditions are

met (all points must be met at the same

It lights up



Fault in the ESC or ABS, or disconnection caused by

the system.

The ESC works in combination with the ABS. If the ABS

fails, the lamp also lights up.

●

Never leave the vehicle running and with

time

):

›››

the Auto Hold function switched on.

1. The vehicle is kept stationary with the

brake pedal on a flat surface or on a

slope.

●

The Auto Hold function cannot always

keep the vehicle stationary uphill or down-

hill or stop it sufficiently, for example, on

slippery or frozen surfaces.

Flashes



2. The engine rotates “correctly”.

ESC or TCS activated.

The Auto Hold function is automatically

turned off if the following conditions are

met:

Note

It lights up



Before entering a car wash, always switch

off the Auto Hold function, because if the

electronic parking brake is automatically

connected, it may cause damage.

TCS manually deactivated.

1. If any of the conditions mentioned on

Or: ESC in Sport mode page 271 .

›››

page 267, Conditions for keeping

›››

the vehicle stationary with the Au-

It lights up



to Hold function are no longer met.

ABS faulty or does not work.

2. If the engine is running irregularly or an

anomaly is detected.

WARNING

3. If the engine stalls.

When the ignition is switched on, the status

of the brake system and the brake assist

functions is automatically checked. The

control lights on the instrument cluster

light up briefly and then turn off again. If a

warning light stays on permanently, there is

4. If the accelerator is pressed

5. If any of the tyres has only minimal con-

tact with the ground, e.g. in the case of

axle articulation.

268

Braking and parking

virtual standstill. You can continue to steer

the vehicle even when the brakes are on full.

Keep your foot on the brake pedal and do

not pump the brakes. You will feel the brake

pedal pulsate while the ABS is working.

switch on again automatically when the

brake has cooled down.

a fault. Seek qualified technical assistance

immediately.

Tractor-trailer sway mitigation

If the vehicle is pulling a trailer, it will control

the following: tractor-trailers tend to sway.

When the swaying of the trailer is felt by the

vehicle and detected by the ESC, it will auto-

matically brake the towing vehicle within the

limits of the system and mitigate the sway.

Tractor-trailer sway mitigation is not available

Brake assist systems

If the running gear or brake system is modi-

fied, the effectiveness of the ABS could be

severely limited.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces

the tendency to skid and improves the stabil-

ity and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC

detects critical handling situations, such as

vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheel-

spin on the driving wheels. It stabilises the

vehicle by braking individual wheels or by re-

ducing the engine torque. The warning lamp

will flash on the instrument panel when the

ESC is intervening .

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)

The brake assist system can reduce the re-

quired braking distance. The braking force is

automatically boosted if you press the brake

pedal quickly in an emergency. You must

keep pressing the brake pedal until the dan-

ger has passed.

in all countries page 294 .

›››

Electronic engine torque management

(XDS)

When taking a curve, the driveshaft differen-

tial allows the outer wheel to turn at a higher

speed than the inner wheel. In this way, the

wheel that is turning faster (outer wheel) re-

ceives less drive torque than the inner wheel.

This may mean that in certain situations the

torque delivered to the inner wheel is too

high, causing the wheels to spin. On the oth-

er hand, the outer wheel is receiving a lower

drive torque than it could transmit. This can

cause a loss of grip on the drive axle, in this

case the front axle, which results in under-

steer or “lengthening” of the trajectory.

Traction control (TCS)

The ESC includes the anti-lock brake system

(ABS), the hydraulic brake assist (HBA), the

traction control system (TCS), electronic dif-

ferential lock (EDS), electronic torque con-

trol (XDS) and the tractor-trailer sway mitiga-

tion.

In the event of the wheels spinning, the TCS

reduces the engine torque to adapt to the

road condition. This helps the car to start

moving, accelerate or climb a gradient.

Electronic differential lock (EDL)

ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle by chang-

ing the torque.

When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes

the spinning wheel and directs the power to

the other driven wheel. This function is ac-

tive up to approximately 100 km/h (62 mph).

The TCS can be deactivated when wheel spin

is desirable page 271 .

›››

The XDS can detect and correct this effect

via the sensors and signals of the ESC.

To prevent the disc brake of the braked

wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out

automatically if subjected to excessive loads.

The vehicle can still be driven. The EDL will

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up un-

der braking until the vehicle has reached a

Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside

wheel and counter the excess driving torque

»

269

Driving

of that wheel. This means that the requested

trajectory is much more precise.

Electromechanical brake servo (eBKV)

on the selected driving programme and the

level of charge of the high-voltage battery.

With the ignition switched on, the electro-

mechanical brake servo supports the force

of the foot by increasing the pressure that

the driver exerts on the brake pedal. When

the brakes are applied by the driver assist

systems, such as those regulated by the ACC

(adaptive cruise control) or emergency brak-

ing, the brake pedal may move downwards.

After disconnecting the ignition, the assis-

tance of the brake servo is progressively re-

duced. Once stopped, immobilise the vehi-

cle to prevent it from moving. Please follow

XDS works in combination with the ESC and

is always active, even when TCS is switched

off, or when the ESC is in Sport mode or dis-

connected.

If the braking effect caused by the recupera-

tion is very intense, the vehicle’s brake lights

with turn on. The electric engine, when op-

erating as an alternator, can generate brak-

ing torque on the front wheels based on the

RPM and the temperature and charge level

of the high-voltage battery.

Multi-collision brake

The multi-collision brake consists of auto-

matic braking activated by the Airbag control

unit. It is activated when, in the event of an

accident, the Airbag control unit detects de-

celerations above the activation level, and

braking is managed by the ESC system.

These variable parameters cause fluctuating

electric decelerations which are hydraulically

compensated according to the driver’s de-

sires. This function is called “brake blending”

and it combines mechanical braking with the

engine brake effect.

the parking instructions page 272 .

›››

If the electromechanical brake servo does

not work, the red symbol  indicating failure

in the brake system appears in the instru-

ment panel. When braking with the faulty

electromechanical brake servo, vibration of

the brake pedal may occur.

In the event of an accident, the multi-colli-

sion brake can help the driver by braking to

avoid the risk of skidding during the accident

and causing other collisions.

WARNING

Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet

ground can result in loss of vehicle control

and serious injury to the driver and passen-

gers.

The following actions control automatic

braking during the accident:

If the electromechanical brake servo is not

working, the brake pedal must be pressed

harder, as the braking distance increases due

to the lack of assistance from the servo

brake.

●

The ESC, ABS, TCS, EDS and the electron-

●

When the driver presses the accelerator,

the automatic braking does not take place.

ic torque control systems cannot exceed

the limits imposed by the laws of physics.

Always bear this in mind, especially on wet

or slippery roads. If you notice the systems

cutting in, you should reduce your speed

immediately to suit the road and traffic

conditions. Do not be encouraged to take

●

When the braking pressure through press-

ing the brake pedal is greater than the sys-

tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake

automatically.

Brake blending¹⁾

The brake energy recuperation can generate

a braking effect. This braking effect depends

●

Multi-collision braking will not be available

if there is an anomaly in the ESC system.

1)

Valid for hybrid vehicles

270

Braking and parking

When “Sport” mode is connected, the inter-

ventions of the ESC to stabilise the vehicle,

and the traction control (TCS) interventions

are limited. In addition, the  control lamp

lights up on the instrument panel.

Connecting and disconnecting

the ESC and TCS

risks by the presence of more safety sys-

tems. If you do, an accident may occur.

●

Please remember that the accident risk

always increases if you drive fast, especially

in corners or on a slippery road, or if you

follow too close behind the vehicle in front

of you. The ESC, ABS, brake assist, EDS and

the electronic torque control system can-

not prevent accidents: risk of accidents!

Disconnecting and connecting the ESC

●

The ESC can be turned off by pressing and

holding the  button on the centre console

●

Accelerate with caution on slippery sur-

Fig. 189, and it can be turned on again by

briefly pressing the same button.

›››

faces (for example, icy or snow-covered).

Despite the control systems, the driven

wheels could spin, affecting the stability of

the vehicle: risk of accident!

●

OR: in the infotainment system press  >

Assistants > ESC Menu page 92 . In vehi-

›››

Fig. 189 In the lower part of the centre

console: button to switch the ESC off/on

cles with a driver information system the cor-

responding indication will be displayed.

Note

The ESC is switched on automatically when

the engine is started, and only works when

the engine is running and includes the ABS,

EDS and TCS systems.

When the ESC is disconnected the control

warning lamp  lights up on the instrument

panel.

●

The ABS and TCS will only operate cor-

rectly if the four wheels have identical

tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius

of the tyres can cause the system to reduce

engine power when this is not desired.

WARNING

Disconnecting and connecting the ESC in

“Sport” mode

The ESC Sport mode should be activated

only when traffic conditions and the ability

of the driver allow it. Danger of skidding!

●

The regulating processes of the systems

can make noises due to their operation.

●

In “Sport” mode, the ESC can be switched

●

If the warning lamp  or  lights up,

●

off and on by briefly pressing the  button on

With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising

there could be a fault page 85 .

›››

Any modifications made to the vehicle

the centre console Fig. 189 .

function will be limited to allow for a sporti-

er drive. The driving wheels could spin and

the vehicle could skid.

›››

●

OR: in the infotainment system, press the

(for example, to the engine, brake system,

running gear or to the combination of

wheels and tyres) may affect the operation

of the ABS, TCS and EDS.

function button  > Assistants > ESC Menu

●

If the ESC is deactivated, the vehicle sta-

page 92. In vehicles with a driver informa-

tion system the corresponding indication will

be displayed.

›››

»

bilisation function is not available.

271

Driving

●

On slopes, turn the front wheels so that

Note

Help with parking and

manoeuvring

they are against the edge of the kerb.

If the TCS is disconnected or Sport mode is

selected, the cruise control system will be

switched off.

●

Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre

of the road.

Assisted parking system

(Park Assist)

WARNING

●

Avoid parking the vehicle where the hot

Parking

exhaust system could ignite inflammable

materials, such as dry grass, low bushes,

spilt fuel or flammable materials.

Introduction

To park the vehicle

The parking assist system is an additional

●

Do not leave passengers inside a closed

function of the ParkPilot page 280 and

helps the driver find a suitable parking space

from among the following types:

›››

When parking your vehicle, all legal require-

ments should be observed.

vehicle, they may not be able to open doors

or windows. Locked doors hinder the possi-

bility of a rescue.

Always note the following points when park-

ing the vehicle:

●

Children should not be left alone in the

●

park driving in reverse in suitable perpen-

dicular and parallel spaces,

vehicle. They could tamper with the hand-

brake or the gears, which could cause the

vehicle to move without control.

●

Park the vehicle on a suitable surface

.

›››

●

park driving forwards in suitable perpen-

dicular spaces,

Connect the electronic parking brake

●

Depending on weather conditions, it may

page 265.

›››

●

exit a parking space driving forwards from a

parallel space,

become extremely hot or cold inside the

vehicle. This can be fatal.

Switch on the parking lock by pressing but-

ton P.

●

park in a suitable space driving forward on

●

Stop the engine and turn off the ignition.

angle partially entering into the selected

parking space. The system will centre the ve-

hicle in said parking space.

Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage

the steering lock.

●

When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with

In vehicles with a Park Assist system and fac-

tory infotainment system, the front, rear and

side areas are represented, and the position

of obstacles is shown relative to the vehicle.

you.

Additionally, on steep slopes and inclines

Before switching off the engine, rotate the

steering wheel so that if the vehicle should

move, it will be held by the kerb.

The Park Assist system is subject to certain

limitations inherent to the system and its use

requires special attention by the driver

.

›››

272

Driving -> Braking and parking for Your Cupra Leon 4 Door First Generation (2020-2026)

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