Get Practical tips -> Wheels Guide for Cupra Leon 4 Door First Generation (2020-2026)

Practical tips

instance, 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 electrical

power is available.

Low profile tyres

Wheels

Low profile tyres have a wider tread, a larger

wheel diameter and a lower sidewall height.

Therefore, its driving behaviour is more agile.

Wheels and tyres

Low profile tyres may deteriorate more

quickly than standard tyres, for instance due

to strong knocks, potholes, manhole covers

and kerbs. Correct tyre pressure is very im-

General notes

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 re-

quirement and charge the battery at the

same time.

–

When driving with new tyres, be especially

careful during the first 500 km (300 miles).

portant page 335 .

›››

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.

To avoid damage to tyres and wheels, drive

with special care when driving on roads in

poor condition.

–

Check from time to time if the tyres are

damaged (punctures, cuts, cracks or

dents). Remove any foreign objects em-

bedded in the treads.

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

necessary to change the tyre.

–

Damaged wheels and tyres must be re-

placed immediately.

Low profile tyres may deteriorate more

quickly than standard tyres.

–

Keep grease, oil and fuel off the tyres.

Replace any missing valve caps as soon as

possible.

Concealed damage

–

Mark the wheels before taking them off so

that they rotate in the same direction when

put back.

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.

When removed, the wheels or tyres should

be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark

place.

332

Wheels

Foreign objects inserted in the tyre

Speed symbols

the vehicle immediately and check the

tyres.

●

Do not remove foreign bodies if they have

penetrated through the tyre wall!

The speed rating indicates the maximum

speed permitted for the tyres.

●

Never use old tyres or those with an un-

known history of use.

●

If the vehicle comes with a tyre mobility

P

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. 270 km/h (168 mph)

max. 300 km/h (186 mph)

system, where necessary seal the damaged

tyre as shown in section page 46 . Use a

specialised workshop for repair or replace-

ment. To do so, CUPRA recommends going

to a specialised CUPRA dealer or any SEAT

dealership.

Q

R

›››

New wheels and tyres

S

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.

T

U

H

V

Z

The sealant at the lower part of the tyre

tread wraps around the foreign body and

provisionally seals the tyre.

●

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.

Tyres with directional tread pattern

W

Y

●

All four wheels must be fitted with tyres of

the same type, size (rolling circumference)

and, if possible, tread pattern.

An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the

direction 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.

Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for

tyres with a maximum authorised speed

above 240 km/h (149 mph).

●

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

WARNING

combination tyres and rims that are different

to those fitted in the factory, inform your

specialised workshop before purchasing

●

New tyres do not have maximum grip

Subsequent fitting of accessories

during the first 500 km. Drive particularly

carefully to avoid possible accidents.

If you wish to change or fit wheels, rims or

wheel trims, we recommend that you con-

sult with a specialised CUPRA Service or

SEAT Official Service centre for advice re-

garding current technical recommendations.

them

›››

●

Never drive with damaged tyres. This may

The sizes of the rims and tyres approved for

your vehicle are listed in the vehicle docu-

mentation (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity

cause an accident.

●

If you notice unusual vibrations or if the

»

vehicle pulls to one side when driving, stop

333

Practical tips

WARNING

or COC document¹⁾). The vehicle documen-

tation varies depending on the country of

residence.

closed design) increase the likelihood of ice

and snow accumulating on the inside. This

should be taken into account, depending

on the driving situations, as snow or ice ac-

cumulated in the wheels can cause vibra-

tion 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.

●

Use only combinations of tyres and rims,

as well as suitable wheel nuts, approved by

CUPRA. Otherwise the vehicle may be

damaged, causing an accident.

If the type of spare wheel is different form

the normal wheels — e.g. in the case of win-

ter 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.

●

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.

●

If you drive on dirt or gravel tracks, the

●

Always ensure that the tyres you have

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.

chosen have adequate clearance. When se-

lecting replacement tyres, do not rely en-

tirely 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, endan-

ger road safety. Risk of accident!

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.

For the sake of the environment

●

Only use tyres that are over 6 years old in

Old tyres must be disposed of according to

the laws in the country concerned.

an emergency, and drive with due care.

Manufacturing date

●

The fitting of tyres with run-flat proper-

The manufacturing date is also indicated on

the tyre sidewall (or on the inside face of the

wheel):

ties is not permitted on your vehicle! Pro-

hibited use can cause accidents or can

damage your vehicle.

Note

●

A CUPRA Service Centre should be con-

●

DOT ... 2218 ...

If decorative hubcaps are subsequently

sulted to find out whether wheels or tyres

of different sizes to those originally fitted

by CUPRA can be fitted, and to find out

about the combinations allowed between

the front axle (axle 1) and the rear axle

(axle 2).

fitted, make sure that they allow enough air

in to cool the braking system. Risk of acci-

dent!

it means, for example, that the tyre was man-

ufactured in the 22nd week of 2018.

●

Models with aerodynamic wheel rims

and/or with bolt-on plastic elements (more

1)

COC = certificate of conformity.

334

Wheels

●

Adjust tyre pressure to the load being car-

Driving style

●

Never mount used tyres if you are not

ried by the vehicle Fig. 229 .

›››

sure of their “previous history”.

Fast cornering, heavy acceleration and hard

braking (squealing tyres) all increase tyre

wear.

●

In vehicles with a tyre pressure indicator,

save the modified tyre pressure page 339 .

›››

●

Avoid fast cornering and hard acceleration.

Tyre life

Wheel balance

Inspect the tyres for irregular wear from

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.

time to time.

Tyre pressure

The tyre inflation pressures are listed on a

sticker on the rear of the front left door

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.

frame Fig. 229 .

›››

Insufficient or excessive pressure greatly re-

duces the useful life of the tyres and ad-

versely affects vehicle performance and ride.

Correct inflation pressures are very impor-

tant, especially at high speeds.

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 spe-

cialised CUPRA Service or SEAT Official

Service.

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. 229 Location of the tyre pressure

sticker.

Fig. 229.

›››

Correct inflation pressures and sensible driv-

ing habits will increase the useful life of your

tyres.

WARNING

Do not forget the spare wheel when check-

ing the tyre pressures: Keep this spare wheel

inflated to the highest pressure required for

the road wheels.

Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres

may lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to

tread separation or even to a blow-out.

●

Check tyre pressure at least once a month,

and also prior to any long trip.

●

The driver is responsible for ensuring that

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

●

The tyre pressure should only be checked

when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the

all of the vehicle tyres are correctly inflated

to the right pressure. The recommended

»

pressure of warm tyres.

pressure label Fig. 229 .

›››

335

Practical tips

"TWI" or triangles on the sidewall of the tyre

mark the position of the wear indicators.

Tread wear indicators

tyre pressure is indicated on the label

Fig. 229.

›››

●

Check tyre pressures regularly and en-

The minimum permitted profile depth¹⁾have

been reached when the tyres have worn

down to the wear indicators. Replace the

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.

tyres with new ones

.

›››

●

When the tyres are cold, tyre pressure

Changing wheels around

should be that indicated on the label

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. 229.

›››

●

Regularly check the cold inflation pres-

sure of the tyres. If necessary, change the

tyre pressure of the vehicle tyres while they

are cold.

Fig. 231. The useful life of all the tyres will

›››

Fig. 230 Tyre profile: tread wear indicators.

then be about the same time.

●

Regularly check your tyres for damage

WARNING

and wear.

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.

●

Never exceed the maximum permitted

speed or loads specified for the type of tyre

fitted on your vehicle.

●

Particularly in difficult driving conditions

For the sake of the environment

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.

Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-

sumption.

Fig. 231 Interchanging tyres.

●

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

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. 230 . The letters

›››

1)

Follow the regulations of the country you are

driving in.

336

Wheels

design of summer tyres (width, rubber com-

pound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice

and snow. This applies particularly to vehi-

cles equipped with wide section tyres or

with high speed tyres (code letters H, V or Y

on the sidewall).

and when driving through corners, and

braking is also adversely affected.

hicle is in motion. Risk of accident! If the

tightening torque is too high, the wheel

nuts and threads can be damaged.

●

The speed has to be adapted accordingly,

otherwise there is a risk of losing control

over the vehicle.

CAUTION

See page 51 to find out the recommen-

›››

Only use winter tyres of the correct type ap-

proved for your vehicle. The sizes of these

tyres are specified in the vehicle's docu-

ments (e.g. EC Certificate of Conformity or

COC¹⁾). The vehicle documentation varies

depending on the country of residence.

ded tightening torque for wheel nuts for

steel and alloy rims.

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.

Winter tyres

Winter tyres lose a great deal of their proper-

ties when the tread is worn down to a depth

of 4 mm.

–

Winter tyres must be fitted on all four

wheels.

Only use winter tyres that are approved for

your vehicle.

The performance of winter tyres is also se-

verely impaired by ageing, even if the tread is

still much deeper than 4 mm.

Please note that the maximum permissible

speed for winter tyres may be lower than

for summer tyres.

The wheel nuts must be clean and turn easi-

ly.

A code letter indicating the speed limit is

A special adapter is required to remove the

stamped on all winter tyres page 333 .

›››

–

Also note that winter tyres are no longer

effective when the tread is worn down.

anti-theft wheel bolts page 49 .

›››

Vehicles capable of exceeding these speeds

must have an appropriate sticker attached

so that it is visible to the driver. Suitable

stickers are available at specialised CUPRA

Services, SEAT Official Service centres and

specialised workshops. Please note the reg-

ulations to this effect in your country.

WARNING

After fitting the wheels you must always

check the tyre pressures. When doing so,

take into account the correct tyre pres-

sures listed on the rear of the front left

Wheel nuts should never be greased or

oiled.

●

Use only wheel nuts which belong to the

door frame page 335 .

wheel.

›››

●

If the prescribed torque of the wheel nuts

In winter road conditions winter tyres will

considerably improve vehicle handling. The

“All-weather” tyres can also be used instead

of winter tyres.

is too low, they could loosen whilst the ve-

»

1)

COC = certificate of conformity.

337

Practical tips

Snow chains

Using winter tyres with V-rating

Remove any central wheel trims before fit-

ting snow chains.

Please note that the generally applicable

240 km/h (149 mph) speed for winter tyres

with the letter V is subject to technical re-

strictions; the maximum permissible

speed for your vehicle may be significantly

lower. The maximum speed limit for these

tyres depends directly on the maximum axle

weights for your car and on the listed weight

rating of the tyres being used.

Snow chains must only be fitted to the front

wheels, even on vehicles with four-wheel

drive.

WARNING

The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted

chains could lead to serious accidents and

damage.

●

Check that they are correctly seated after

driving for a few yards; correct the position if

necessary, in accordance with the manufac-

turer's fitting instructions.

●

Always the appropriate snow chains.

Observe the fitting instructions provided

by the snow chain manufacturer.

●

Keep your speed below 50 km/h (30 mph).

It is best to contact a specialised CUPRA

Service or 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.

●

Never exceed the maximum permitted

If there is a danger of being trapped de-

spite having fitted the chains, it is best to dis-

able the traction control (TCS) in the ESC

speeds when driving with snow chains.

CAUTION

page 271, Connecting and disconnect-

›››

ing the ESC and TCS.

●

Remove the snow chains to drive on roads

without snow. Otherwise they will impair

vehicle handling, damage the tyres and

wear out very quickly.

WARNING

Snow chains will improve braking ability as

well as traction in winter conditions.

Exceeding the maximum speed permitted

for the winter tyres fitted on your car can

cause tyre failure, resulting in a loss of con-

trol of the vehicle – risk of accident.

For technical reasons snow chains may only

be used with the following wheel rim/tyre

combination.

●

Wheel rims may be damaged or scratch-

ed if the chains come into direct contact

with them. CUPRA recommends the use of

coated snow chains.

For the sake of the environment

Tyres

Wheel rim

7.5Jx17ET40

8x18 ET40

8x19 ET40

Chains

When winter is over, change back to sum-

mer tyres at an appropriate moment. In

temperatures above +7°C (+45°F), perform-

ance will be improved if summer tyres are

used. Fuel consumption, wear and noises

while driving will all be reduced.

215/55 R17

225/55 R17

225/50 R18

245/45 R18

245/40 R19

Max. link 15 mm

Max. link 9 mm

Other dimensions do not allow chains

338

Wheels

●

Tyre pressure is insufficient.

Tyre pressure monitor indicator

Tyre pressure monitor sys-

tem

The tyre structure is damaged.

The vehicle is unbalanced because of a

load.

Control lamp

●

The wheels on an axle are subject to a

heavier load (e.g. with a heavy load).

It lights up



●

The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.

The temporary spare wheel is fitted.

The wheel on one axle is changed.

The inflation pressure of one or more wheels is much

lower than the value set by the driver, or the tyre has

structural damage.

In addition, a audible warning sounds and a text mes-

sage is displayed on the instrument panel screen.

Stop the vehicle! Stop the vehicle safely as soon as

possible. Check all tyres and pressures. Replace any

damaged tyres.

There may be a delay in the reaction of the

tyre pressure monitoring indicator  or it

may not indicate anything under certain cir-

cumstances (e.g. sporty driving, snow-cov-

ered or unpaved roads, or when driving with

snow chains).



Fig. 232 Instrument panel: warning of loss

of tyre pressure.

The tyre pressure monitoring system com-

pares the individual speeds of each wheel

and thus the dynamic radius with the help of

the ABS sensors.

Flashes



System fault

Calibrate the tyre pressure monitoring in-

dicator

The control lamp flashes for approximately 1 minute

and then lights up permanently.

If the tyre is inflated correctly, switch the ignition off

and on again. Re-calibrate the tyre pressure monitor

If the rolling circumference of one or more

wheels has changed, the tyre pressure moni-

toring indicator will indicate this on the in-

strument panel through a warning lamp and

After changing the tyre pressure or replacing

one or more wheels, the tyre pressure moni-

toring indicator must be recalibrated. Do the

same, for example, when the front and rear

wheels are swapped.

indicator page 339 . If the fault continues, go to a

›››

specialised workshop.

a warning to the driver Fig. 232 . When only

›››

one specific tyre is affected, its position with-

in the vehicle will be indicated.

Several control and warning lamps light up

for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-

ed on while the function is verified. They will

switch off after a few seconds.

●

Switch the ignition on.

 Loss of pressure: Check left

tyre pressure!

Memorise the new inflation pressure in the

Infotainment system: function button  > 

WARNING

Driving data > Vehicle status page 91 .

›››

Wheel tread change

Observe the safety warnings

in Con-

●

OR: from the instrument cluster's Service

›››

The wheel diameter changes when:

trol and warning lamps on page 87.

»

menu page 73 .

›››

●

Tyre pressure is changed manually.

339

Practical tips

When driving, the system self-calibrates the

tyre pressure provided by the driver and the

wheels fitted. After a long journey with varied

speeds the programmed values are collected

and monitored.

Note

Spare wheel

●

Driving for the first time with new tyres at

a high speed can cause them to slightly ex-

pand, which could then produce an air

pressure warning.

Location and use of the tempora-

ry spare wheel

With the wheels under very heavy loads, the

tyre pressure must be increased to the total

recommended tyre pressure before calibra-

●

If excessively low tyre pressure is detec-

ted with the ignition on, an audible warning

will sound. In the event that there is a fault

in the system, an audible warning will

sound.

tion Fig. 229 .

›››

WARNING

●

Driving on dirt tracks for a long period of

time or driving in a sporty style can tempo-

rarily deactivate the TPMS. The control

lamp shows a fault, but disappears when

road conditions or the driving style change.

When the tyres are inflated at different

pressures or at a pressure that is too low

then a tyre may be damaged resulting in a

loss of control of the vehicle and a serious

or fatal accident.

●

Do not only rely on the tyre pressure

monitoring system. Regularly check your

tyres to ensure that the tyre pressure is cor-

rect and that the tyres are not damaged

due to puncture, cuts, tears and im-

pacts/dents. Remove objects from the

tyres only when they have not pierced the

tyres.

●

If the lamp  lights up, reduce speed im-

mediately and avoid any sudden turning or

braking manoeuvre. Stop when possible,

and check the tyre pressure and status.

Fig. 233 In the luggage compartment: load

floor raised.

●

The tyre pressure monitoring system can

only operate correctly if all of the tyres are

inflated to the correct pressure when cold.

●

The tyre pressure monitoring indicator

●

If a tyre has not been punctured and it

does not function when there is a fault in

does not have to be changed immediately,

drive to the nearest specialised workshop

at a moderate speed and have the tyre

checked and inflated to the correct pres-

sure.

the ESC or ABS page 269 .

›››

340

Wheels

●

Take out the temporary spare wheel.

Chains

For technical reasons, snow chains must not

be used on the temporary spare wheel.

Getting the spare wheel out of vehicles

with BEATS Audio 10 speakers (with sub-

woofer)

If you have a puncture on one of the front

wheels when using snow chains, fit the tem-

porary spare wheel in place of one of the

rear wheels. Fit the snow chains on the rear

wheel that you have removed and replace

the punctured front wheel with this wheel.

To remove the spare wheel, you must first re-

move the subwoofer.

●

Vehicles without a variable floor in the lug-

gage compartment: pull the floor of the lug-

gage compartment (carpet) upwards to get it

out.

WARNING

Fig. 234 In the luggage compartment: re-

move the subwoofer.

●

After fitting the temporary spare wheel,

●

Vehicles with a variable luggage compart-

check the tyre pressures as soon as possi-

ble. Failure to do so may cause an accident.

The tyre pressure is listed on the back of

ment floor: lift and secure the floor luggage

compartment as explained in page 142 .

›››

The temporary spare wheel is stored under

the floor panel in the luggage compartment

and is attached by a thumbnut.

●

1

Disconnect the subwoofer Fig. 234

›››

the left front door frame Fig. 229 .

›››

Do not drive at over 80 km/h (50 mph)

speaker cable.

●

Turn the securing wheel in an anti-clock-

when the temporary spare wheel is fitted

on the vehicle: risk of accident!

The temporary spare wheel has been de-

signed to be used for short periods of time.

Have the tyre checked and replaced as soon

as possible at a specialised CUPRA Service,

SEAT Official Service or at a specialised

workshop.

2

wise direction Fig. 234

.

›››

●

Remove the subwoofer speaker and the

spare wheel.

Never travel more than 200 km using a

temporary spare wheel.

●

Avoid heavy acceleration, hard braking

●

When re-mounting the spare tyre, place

and fast cornering: risk of accident!

the subwoofer on the base of the wheel rim

with care. When doing so, the tip of the

“FRONT” arrow on the subwoofer should

point forward.

●

Never use more than one temporary

The spare wheel must not be switched for a

spare wheel from another vehicle.

spare wheel at the same time, risk of acci-

dent.

●

Removing the temporary spare wheel

●

No other type of tyre (normal summer or

Reconnect the speaker cable and firmly

winter tyre) may be fitted on the compact

temporary spare wheel rim.

rotate the securing wheel clockwise so that

the subwoofer system and wheel are firmly in

place.

●

Lift and hold up the floor panel to remove

the temporary spare wheel page 142 .

›››

●

If you are driving using the spare wheel,

●

Turn the thumb wheel anti-clockwise

Fig. 233.

»

the ACC system could automatically switch

›››

341

Practical tips

off during the journey. Switch off the sys-

tem when starting off.

342

Practical tips -> Wheels for Your Cupra Leon 4 Door First Generation (2020-2026)

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