Get Driving -> Braking and parking Guide for Seat Leon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2021-2026)

Driving

Wear

fluid level in the reservoir is too lo so there

is a risk of an accident page 335, Brake

›››

Braking and parking

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.

fluid. Stop the vehicle and do not drive on.

Obtain technical assistance.

Braking system

●

If the brake warning lamp lights up  to-

Control lamps

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.

Depending on the speed, the braking force

and the environmental conditions (e.g. tem-

perature, air humidity, etc.) noises may be

produced when braking.

It lights up red



Brake fluid level too low page 335 or fault in the

›››

brake system.

 Do not carry on driving!

●

If the  lamp lights up, alone or accom-

Wet roads or road salt

panied by a warning message on the in-

strument panel display, please go immedi-

ately to a specialised workshop to check

the brake pads and to replace them if they

are worn.

It lights up red



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.

Electronic parking brake page 272.

›››

The warning lamp turns off when the handbrake is re-

leased.

It lights up yellow



Information about the brakes

Front brake pads worn.

Contact a specialised workshop immediately.

At high speed and with the windscreen wipers

activated, the brake pads will briefly touch

the brake discs. This takes place, although

unnoticeable to the driver, at regular intervals

to improve the response time of the brakes

when they are wet.

New brake pads

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 compen-

sate for the slightly reduced braking effect by

applying more pressure on the brake pedal.

Avoid overloading the brakes while running

them in.

WARNING

●

When the ignition is switched on, the sta-

tus of the brake system and the brake as-

sist 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 assis-

tance immediately.

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 winter. The

layer of salt that accumulates on the discs

and pads can be removed by gently apply-

ing the brakes a few times.

●

If the brake warning lamp  does not go

out or if it lights up when driving, the brake

270

Braking and parking

Corrosion

Electromechanical brake servo (eBKV)

●

Apply the brakes heavily to clean the

brake system only in a suitable traffic situa-

tion. Do not put other road users in danger:

there is risk of causing an accident.

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.

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.

●

Ensure the vehicle does not move while in

neutral, when the engine is stopped. The

braking distance is increased considerably

when the brake servo is not active.

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

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.

●

If the brake is subjected to high stresses,

a few times at a moderately high speed

.

›››

vapour bubbles may form in the brake sys-

tem's pipes. This reduces the efficiency of

the brakes.

Fault in the brake system

WARNING

If the brake pedal travel should ever increase

●

Non-standard or damaged front spoilers

Any anomaly in the brake system can in-

crease the braking distance, with the re-

sulting risk of an accident.

suddenly, this may mean that one of the two

could restrict the airflow to the brakes and

cause them to overheat. Before purchasing

accessories please read the relevant in-

structions.

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.

●

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

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.

●

Low brake fluid level

If you are driving on roads which have

been salted, braking effectiveness may be

decreased.

Malfunctions can occur in the brake system if

the brake fluid level is too low. The brake fluid

level is monitored electronically.

●

Brakes can overheat if used excessively

●

Before driving down a long, steep gradi-

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.

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.

Brake servo

The brake servo increases the pressure you

apply to the brake pedal. It works only when

the engine is running.

●

Gentle continuous braking causes the

»

brakes to overheat and the braking dis-

tance will increase. Apply and then release

the brakes alternately.

271

Driving

●

Applying the electronic parking brake

In vehicles with automatic gearboxes: a

Note

gear is engaged or changed to another and

the accelerator is pressed gently.

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.

●

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

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.

●

In vehicles with manual gearboxes: the

clutch pedal is pressed fully before starting

off and the accelerator is pressed gently.

●

To facilitate certain manoeuvres there are

If you wish to equip the vehicle with ac-

●

Pull and hold the  Fig. 196 button.

›››

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.

exceptions that allow the automatic parking

brake to be released without the driver's seat

belt being fastened.

The parking brake is activated when the

control light of button Fig. 196 and the

red  control lamp on the instrument panel is

›››

The parking brake can be prevented from be-

ing automatically released by continuously

always on.

●

Release the button.

pulling up the  Fig. 196 switch when

›››

Electronic parking brake (EPB)

starting off.

Disconnecting the electronic parking

brake

The electronic parking brake is not discon-

nected until the  button is released. This

can facilitate starting off when a heavy load

●

Switch the ignition on.

Press the button  Fig. 196. At the same

›››

is towed page 294.

›››

time step hard on the brake pedal or, if the

engine is running, press the accelerator pedal

slightly.

Automatic activation of the electronic

parking brake when exiting the vehicle in-

correctly

●

The control lamp of button Fig. 196 and

›››

the red  control lamp on the instrument

panel go out.

In vehicles with automatic transmission, the

electronic parking brake is activated auto-

matically when exiting the vehicle incorrectly

if:

Fig. 196 In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: electronic parking brake button

Automatic release of the electronic park-

ing brake upon moving off

●

The electronic parking brake replaces the

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

The electronic parking brake is automatically

switched off when starting if, after the driver's

door is closed and the driver's seat belt fas-

tened, any of the following situations take

place:

handbrake

.

tiptronic mode.

›››

●

AND: the vehicle is stationary.

AND: the driver door is open.

272

Braking and parking

Automatic activation of the electronic

parking brake when turning the ignition off

Auto Hold Function

even if the electronic parking brake is acti-

vated.

In vehicles with manual transmission, the

electronic parking brake is activated auto-

matically when turning the ignition off. This

function can be deactivated through the Info-

●

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.

tainment system page 93.

›››

CAUTION

Emergency brake function

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.

Only use the emergency brake function if you

are unable to stop the vehicle with the foot

brake

.

›››

Fig. 197 In the lower part of the centre con-

sole: Auto Hold function button.

●

Pull and hold the  Fig. 196 button in

›››

Note

this position to forcefully stop the vehicle. At

the same time, an acoustic warning can be

heard.

The Auto Hold Fig. 197 button's indicator

›››

●

In vehicles with a manual gearbox, re-

lamp remains on while the Auto Hold function

is switched on.

leasing the clutch and accelerating at the

same time automatically disconnects the

electronic parking brake.

●

To stop the braking process, release the 

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 exam-

ple, when going up a slope, when stopped at

traffic lights or in heavy traffic with intermit-

tent stops.

button or press the accelerator.

●

If the 12-volt vehicle battery is flat, it will

not be possible to switch off the electronic

parking brake. Use the jump-start

WARNING

The improper use of the electronic parking

brake can cause accidents and serious in-

jury.

page 53.

›››

●

When the electronic parking brake is ap-

plied or released, noises may be heard.

●

Never use the electronic parking brake to

●

The system performs automatic and au-

When connected, the Auto Hold function au-

tomatically prevents the vehicle from rolling

when stationary without pressing the brake

pedal.

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.

dible tests sporadically in the parked vehi-

cle if some time elapses without the elec-

tronic parking brake being used.

After detecting that the vehicle is stationary

and the brake pedal has been released, the

●

Never accelerate from the engine when a

»

gear range or a gear is engaged and the

engine is running. The vehicle could move,

273

Driving

Auto Hold function holds the vehicle. The driv-

er can lift their foot off the brake pedal.

ignition, the function will remain on the next

time the ignition is switched on.

ground, e.g. in the case of axle articula-

tion.

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.

If the Auto Hold function was not switched on,

it will automatically remain off next time the

ignition is engaged.

WARNING

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.

The Auto Hold function connects automat-

ically if the following conditions are met

(all points must be met at the same time

If the vehicle is stationary and one of the con-

ditions required by the Auto Hold function is

impaired, it disconnects itself and the button's

):

›››

1.

The vehicle is kept stationary with the

brake pedal on a flat surface or on a

slope.

control light goes out Fig. 197. The elec-

›››

●

Never leave the vehicle running and with

the Auto Hold function switched on.

tronic parking brake connects automatically,

if necessary, to park the vehicle safely

.

›››

●

The Auto Hold function cannot always

2. The engine rotates “correctly”.

keep the vehicle stationary uphill or down-

hill or stop it sufficiently, for example, on

slippery or frozen surfaces.

Conditions for keeping the vehicle station-

ary with the Auto Hold function

The Auto Hold function is automatically

turned off if the following conditions are

met:

●

The driver door must be closed.

The driver's seat belt must be fastened.

The engine is running.

Note

1.

If any of the conditions mentioned on

page 274, Conditions for keeping

the vehicle stationary with the Au-

Before entering a car wash tunnel, always

switch off the Auto Hold function and the

automatic connection of the parking brake

›››

Switching the Auto Hold function on and

off

to Hold function are no longer met.

when switching off the ignition page 273,

›››

2. If the engine is running irregularly or an

anomaly is detected.

since if the electronic parking brake is au-

tomatically connected, this may lead to

damages.

Press the Auto Hold

button. The control

›››

lamp on the button goes out when the Auto

Hold function is switched off.

3. If the engine stalls.

4. Manual gearbox: The clutch and the ac-

celerator are pressed at the same time.

Automatically engaging and disengaging

the Auto Hold function

Automatic gearbox: If the accelerator is

pressed

If the Auto Hold function was switched on with

the Auto Hold button before switching off the

5. Automatic gearbox: If any of the tyres

has only minimal contact with the

274

Braking and parking

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.

is a fault. Seek qualified technical assis-

tance immediately.

Stabilisation and brake as-

sistance systems

Control lamps

If the running gear or brake system is modi-

fied, the effectiveness of the ABS could be se-

verely limited.

Brake assist systems

It lights up



Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

The ESC helps to improve safety. It reduces

the tendency to skid and improves the stabili-

ty and roadholding of the vehicle. The ESC

detects critical handling situations, such as

vehicle understeer or oversteer, or wheelspin

on the driving wheels. It stabilises the vehicle

by braking individual wheels or by reducing

the engine torque. The warning lamp will

flash on the instrument panel when the ESC is

intervening .

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.

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.

Flashes



ESC or TCS activated.

It lights up



Traction control (TCS)

TCS switched off manually.

Or: ESC in Sport mode page 277.

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.

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 control

(XDS) and the tractor-trailer sway mitigation.

›››

It lights up



Electronic differential lock (EDL)

ABS faulty or does not work.

ESC also helps stabilise the vehicle by

changing the torque.

When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes

the spinning wheel and directs the power to

the other driven wheel. This function is active

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

WARNING

The TCS can be deactivated when wheel

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

spin is desirable page 277.

›››

To prevent the disc brake of the braked wheel

from overheating, the EDL cuts out automati-

cally if subjected to excessive loads. The ve-

hicle can still be driven. The EDL will switch on

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

ABS prevents the wheels from locking up un-

der braking until the vehicle has reached a

virtual standstill. You can continue to steer the

»

275

Driving

●

again automatically when the brake has

cooled down.

Via the ESC, the XDS will brake the inside

wheel and counter the excess driving torque

of that wheel. This means that the requested

trajectory is much more precise.

Multi-collision braking will not be available

if there is an anomaly in the ESC system.

Tractor-trailer sway mitigation

Electromechanical brake servo (eBKV)

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

With the ignition switched on, the electrome-

chanical 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 sys-

tems, 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 vehicle

to prevent it from moving.

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 discon-

nected.

Multi-collision brake

The multi-collision brake consists of automat-

ic 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.

in all countries page 299.

›››

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 other

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.

Please follow the parking instructions

In the event of an accident, the multi-collision

brake can help the driver by braking to avoid

the risk of skidding during the accident and

causing other collisions.

page 278.

›››

If the electromechanical brake servo does

not work, the red symbol  indicating failure

in the brake system appears in the instrument

panel. When braking with the faulty electro-

mechanical brake servo, vibration of the

brake pedal may occur.

The following actions control automatic brak-

ing during the accident:

●

When the driver presses the accelerator,

the automatic braking does not take place.

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.

●

When the braking pressure through press-

ing the brake pedal is greater than the sys-

tem’s braking pressure the vehicle will brake

automatically.

The XDS can detect and correct this effect

via the sensors and signals of the ESC.

276

Braking and parking

Brake blending¹⁾

immediately to suit the road and traffic

conditions. Do not be encouraged to take

risks by the presence of more safety sys-

tems. If you do, an accident may occur.

running gear or to the combination of

wheels and tyres) may affect the operation

of the ABS, TCS and EDS.

The brake energy recuperation can generate

a braking effect. This braking effect depends

on the selected driving programme and the

level of charge of the high-voltage battery.

●

Please remember that the accident risk

always increases if you drive fast, espe-

cially 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 sys-

tem cannot prevent accidents: risk of acci-

dents!

Connecting and disconnecting the

ESC and TCS

If the braking effect caused by the recupera-

tion is very intense, the vehicle’s brake lights

with turn on. The electric engine, when oper-

ating as an alternator, can generate braking

torque on the front wheels based on the RPM

and the temperature and charge level of the

high-voltage battery.

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.

●

Accelerate with caution on slippery sur-

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!

The TCS function should only be switched off

in situations where traction is insufficient.

These variable parameters cause fluctuating

electric decelerations which are hydraulical-

ly compensated according to the driver’s de-

sires. This function is called “brake blending”

and it combines mechanical braking with the

engine brake effect.

Depending on the finishes and versions, it is

possible to only switch off the TCS, or to

switch on the ESC in “Sport” mode.

Note

●

The ABS and TCS will only operate cor-

Switching the TCS off and on

WARNING

rectly if the four wheels have identical

tyres. Any differences in the rolling radius

of the tyres can cause the system to re-

duce engine power when this is not desired.

●

The TCS can be turned on or off in the info-

tainment system: function button  > Assis-

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.

tants > ESC menu page 93. In vehicles

›››

with a driver information system the corre-

sponding indication will be displayed.

●

The regulating processes of the systems

●

can make noises due to their operation.

The ESC, ABS, TCS, EDS or electronic tor-

que management are not in a position to

overcome the limits imposed by physics.

Always bear this in mind, especially on wet

or slippery roads. If you notice the systems

cutting in, you should reduce your speed

When the TCS is switched off, the indicator

lamp  lights up on the instrument cluster.

●

If the warning lamp  or  lights up,

»

there could be a fault page 87.

›››

●

Any modifications made to the vehicle

(for example, to the engine, brake system,

1)

Valid for hybrid vehicles

277

Driving

●

Disconnecting and connecting the ESC in

“Sport” mode

Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of

the road.

Parking

●

The ECS in “Sport” mode can be turned on

To park the vehicle

WARNING

or off in the infotainment system: press the

●

function button  > Assistants > ESC Menu

Avoid parking the vehicle where the hot

When parking your vehicle, all legal require-

ments should be observed.

exhaust system could ignite inflammable

materials, such as dry grass, low bushes,

spilt fuel or flammable materials.

page 93. In vehicles with a driver informa-

›››

tion system the corresponding indication will

be displayed.

Always note the following points when park-

ing the vehicle:

●

Do not leave passengers inside a closed

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.

vehicle, they may not be able to open

doors or windows. Locked doors hinder the

possibility of a rescue.

●

Park the vehicle on a suitable surface

Connect the electronic parking brake

page 272.

.

›››

●

›››

●

Children should not be left alone in the

●

Automatic transmission: switch on the park-

ing lock by pressing button P.

vehicle. They could tamper with the hand-

brake or the gears, which could cause the

vehicle to move without control.

WARNING

●

Stop the engine and turn off the ignition.

The ESC Sport mode should be activated

only when traffic conditions and the ability

of the driver allow it. Danger of skidding!

●

Depending on weather conditions, it may

Turn the steering wheel slightly to engage the

steering lock.

become extremely hot or cold inside the

vehicle. This can be fatal.

●

With a manual gearbox, engage first gear

●

With ESC in Sport mode, the stabilising

on flat ground and slopes, or even reverse

gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.

function will be limited to allow for a sporti-

er drive. The driving wheels could spin and

the vehicle could skid.

●

When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with

you.

Note

Additionally, on steep slopes and inclines

If the TCS is switched off or the Sport mode

is selected, the cruise control is switched

off.

Before switching off the engine, rotate the

steering wheel so that if the vehicle should

move, it will be held by the kerb.

●

On slopes, turn the front wheels so that

they are against the edge of the kerb.

278

Driving -> Braking and parking for Your Seat Leon 4 Door Fourth Generation (2021-2026)

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