2010 Seat Alhambra esp

Checking and refilling levels321
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, it must only be replaced with a battery of the same specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the electrical system, please note the
following:
xSwitch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
xThe vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
xFirst disconnect the negative cable and then the positive Ÿ.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
xBefore reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
xFirst reconnect the positive cable and then the negative Ÿ.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and
switching the ignition on. They will be turned off after a short trip at a speed
of between 15 - 20 km/h (10 - 12 mph). If the warning indicators remain lit,
please visit a specialised workshop to have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a long time, it is possible that the
next service date is not displayed or calculated correctly Ÿpage 64. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ŸBooklet “Maintenance
Programme”.
Vehicles with the KESSY system (Ÿpage 86): If, after connecting the battery,
the ignition cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the vehicle from outside.
Then try to switch the ignition back on. If the ignition can still not be switched
on, request the assistance of a specialist workshop.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands are
made on it:
xthe idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
xwhere necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
xOn starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and the
cigarette lighter may be interrupted for a short time.
The on-board management program cannot always prevent the battery from
running flat. For example, if the ignition is left on for a long period with the
engine off or if the side lights or parking lights are left on while the vehicle is
stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
xWhen stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly if
the ignition is switched on.
xUse of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
xIf the auxiliary heater is running Ÿpage 187.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
xAlways use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the standard
battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
charge.
xThe batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
xNever charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).

Wheels and tyres327
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more
dangerous and result in serious accidents and damage.
xOnly wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
xInspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required.
WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loosened, this could result in serious accident.
xNever loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
xAny work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried out
at qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims
New tyres
xWhen tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km (310
miles), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in do not
have such good grip Ÿ or braking capacity Ÿ.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xThe tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
xWhere possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) Ÿ.
xOld tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in question, and in accordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
xNever use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres are
too big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage.
WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
xTo prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken for the first 600 km (370 miles).
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in
accordance with the vehicle design. If this is not the case, the tyres may rub
against parts of the running gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment, and the risk of burst tyres.
xThe true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyres manufactured and approved by SEAT and should not rub against parts
of the vehicle.
Note
Although tyres may be shown as being the same size, the true dimensions of
different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or tread
patterns may be different.
Note
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true tyre
dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the tyre

Wheels and tyres 328
vendor should provide the manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indicating
that this type of tyre is suitable for your vehicle. This certificate should always
be carried with the vehicle.
Tyre pressures
Fig. 183 Position of tyre pressure specification plate.
The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label and
is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label Ÿfig. 183 is either in the
driver's door strut or inside the fuel cap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the car's handling Ÿ. It is essential to maintain the
correct tyre pressures, especially if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre pres-
sure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.The pressure should therefore be checked at least once a month and before
starting a journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for cold tyres. When the tyres are
hot, the pressures are greater.
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the required pressure. This could
result in very low tyre pressures which may lead to sudden blow-outs.
Checking tyre pressures
Tyre pressures should only be checked when the vehicle has not been driven
for more than a few kilometres (miles) at low speeds in the past three hours.
xThe tyre pressures should be checked regularly, and only when the tyres
are cold. Always check all the tyres. Tyre pressures should be checked more
often in colder regions, and only when the vehicle has not been driven
recently. Always use a correctly-operating tyre gauge.
xAdjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in the vehicle.
xAfter checking the pressure, always replace the valve caps, and where
applicable, observe the instructions given for adjusting the tyre control
system Ÿpage 245.
WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the tyre may deflate or burst
suddenly while driving. This could result in serious accident.
xIf the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could overheat, resulting in
tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xWhen driving at high speeds and/or fully loaded, the tyre could
suddenly overheat, burst or be subject to tread detachment, with the
resultant loss of control of the vehicle.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the service life of
the tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xTyre pressures should be checked regularly, at least once a month and
before long journeys.

Wheels and tyres 330
are equally spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls (for
example, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the wear
indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be replaced
before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator.
WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of the
vehicle with serious consequences.
xTyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same level
as the tread pattern.
xWorn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfaces,
increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
xWorn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or diffi-
cult driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding.
Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of
the tyres is damaged Ÿ.
xSlow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
xCheck the wheels and tyres for damage.
xIf tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
xIf there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.Foreign bodies in the tyre
xDo not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
xYou should obtain professional assistance immediately.
The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread wraps around the foreign body
and provisionally seals the tyre.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
xDriving style.
xUnbalanced wheels.
xRunning gear settings.
Driving style: driving round bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres wear
too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a qualified workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and suspen-
sion. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again. When a
new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again.
Running gear settings: an incorrectly positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a specialist workshop.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls to one side while driving,
this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
xReduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
xCheck the wheels and tyres for damage.

Wheels and tyres331
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xNever carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified
assistance immediately.
xIf there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Winter tyres
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. SEAT strongly recommends using
winter tyres or all year round tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle, especially
if you expect to drive in wintery weather. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle
braking performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT
recommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn
below 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting
performance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
xObserve legal requirements in each country.
xWinter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
xOnly use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
xOnly use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
xOnly use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
xAdjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) Ÿ.Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
Ÿpage 334.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA
(multifunction indicator) menu on the instrument panel Ÿpage 70.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be determined
by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the
tyres.
All-wheel drive
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recommend
that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels when
winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
Ÿpage 332.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you should
not take unnecessary risks.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres 334
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best when
rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the
direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. Always observe the direc-
tion of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre load ra tin g
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each wheel
can carry (load capacity).
91 615 kg (1,356 pounds)
93 650 kg (1,433 pounds)
95 690 kg (1,521 pounds)
97 730 kg (1,609 pounds)
99 775 kg (1,709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
P max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
Q max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
R max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
S max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
DOT BT RA TY5 1709Tyre identification number (TINa), may be only on
interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the legal require-
ments of the US Department of Transport,
responsible for tyre safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture code.
RAInformation about manufacturer and tyre
size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the Tread Wear
Indicator Ÿpage 329.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356
LBS)US load rating, indicating maximum permitted
load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre
pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1
NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, there are 4 layers below the
tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of
steel reinforcement and 1 layer of nylon.
Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of
the established base tyres (standardised test procedures):
TREADWEAR 280Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to
specific US standard test.
Tyre code (example)Meaning
TRACTION AABraking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B
or C).
TEMPERATURE ATyre temperature resistance at higher test speeds
(A, B or C).
If the tyre has other markings, these are specific tyre manufacturer codes
or specific national codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
a)The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Tyre code (example)Meaning

Wheels and tyres339
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing a wheel*
Introduction
The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. The
tools required for changing a wheel are only supplied with the vehicle if the
vehicle is supplied from the factory with winter tyres. If this is not the case,
please take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the wheels
changed.
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
xVehicle key set Ÿpage 78
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xVehicle tools Ÿpage 353
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
xWhen changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly children
a safe distance away from the work area.
xTurn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
xEnsure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
xIf you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
xOnly use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
xAlways stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and place
the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or engage a
gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle moving acciden-
tally.
xHave the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.
Preparations for changing a wheel
Check list
Before changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given Ÿ:
1. Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
2. Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
3. Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P Ÿpage 201.
4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
5. Manual gearbox: Select a gear Ÿpage 201.
6. Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe place
(for example, behind the safety barrier).
7. Block the opposite wheel with two folding wedges taken from the vehicle
tool kit Ÿpage 354, fig. 208 or similar objects.
8. When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
9. If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres341
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xFit the wheel brace onto the adapter as far as possible.
xHold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn anticlockwise Ÿ.
Important information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been designed to be fitted to factory options.
If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length and
correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted
securely and that the brake system functions correctly.
In some circumstances, wheel bolts from the same model vehicle should not
be used.
Wheel bolt tightening torque
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels is
140 Nm. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.
If wheel bolts are rusty and it is difficult to tighten them, the threads should
be replaced and cleaned before checking the torque.
Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Although
they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could come loose
while driving.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not fitted correctly they could be released while
driving leading to loss of vehicle control and serious damage.
xOnly use wheel bolts which correspond to the wheel rims in question.
xNever use different wheel bolts.
xThe bolts and threads should be clean, free of oil and grease and easy
to thread.
xTo loosen and tighten the wheel bolts, always use the wheel brace
supplied with the vehicle.
xLoosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jack.
xNever grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads.
Although they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could
come loose while driving.
xNever loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
xIf the wheel bolts are not tightened to the correct torque, they may
come loose while driving, and the bolts and rims may come out. If the tight-
ening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be damaged.
WARNING (continued)