2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Safe driving 8
xCheck that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
xCheck the tyre pressures (Ÿpage 323) and level of fuel (Ÿpage 293).
xEnsure there is good visibility through all the windows.
xMake sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely
fastened Ÿpage 13.
xEnsure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
xUse child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height Ÿpage 42.
xCorrectly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height Ÿpage 10.
xWear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
xThe driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
xBefore starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 10.
xCorrectly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it securely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 22.
xNever carry more passengers than the number of available seats and seat
belts in your vehicle.
xNever drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication,
alcohol or drugs).
xDo not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to reset
or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to the
condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic conditions.
xObserve the highway code and speed limits.
xOn long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
xIf carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accordance
with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having a
serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the
vehicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop.
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you consult
a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
xDoes the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for
example, adjustment of the headlamps?
xDoes the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs?
xAre there any SEAT dealers in the destination country?

Safe driving9
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xFor petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol available at the right octane rating?
xFor diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available with a low sulphur content?
xAre a suitable engine oil (Ÿpage 309) and other engine fluids complying
with SEAT specifications available in the destination country?
xWill the navigation system fitted at the factory operate correctly in the
destination country with the available navigation data?
xAre special tyres required in the destination country?
Caution
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use of
a lower quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genuine
spare parts.
Driving along flooded roadways
To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded road, please observe the following:
xCheck the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The water
should never come above the lower edge of the bodywork Ÿ.
xDo not drive faster than a pedestrian.
xDo not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
xOncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
making it difficult to cross the water.
WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due to damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
xDry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
xAfter driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres.
Caution
xDriving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle components
such as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
xNever drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving 10
Adjusting the seat position
Introduction
Number of seats
Depending on the equipment, your vehicle has a total of five or seven seats.
Each seat is equipped with a seat belt.
Additional information and warnings:
xSeat functions Ÿpage 137
xSeat belts Ÿpage 22
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xChild seats (accessories) Ÿpage 42
WARNING
An incorrect sitting position in the vehicle can lead to severe injuries or
death in the event of sudden braking or manoeuvres, collision or accidents
or if the airbag deploys.
xBefore the vehicle moves, assume the proper sitting position and main-
tain it throughout the trip. This also includes fastening the seat belt.
xNever transport more people than there are seats with a seat belt avail-
able in the vehicle.
xChildren must always be protected with an approved child restraint
system suited to their height and weight Ÿpage 42, Ÿpage 33.
xAlways keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
Never, for example, put your feet on the surface of a seat or on the dash
panel and never put them out of a window. Otherwise the airbag and seat
belt offer insufficient protection and the risk of injury in the event of an
accident is increased.
WARNING
Before every trip, adjust the seat, the seat belt and the head restraints and
instruct your passengers to fasten their seat belts properly.
xMove the front passenger seat back as far as possible.
xAdjust the driver's seat so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm (10
inches) between the centre of your chest and the hub of the steering wheel.
Adjust the driver's seat so that you are able to press the accelerator, brake
and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees slightly angled and that the
distance between your knees and the dash panel is at least 10 cm (4
inches). If you physical constitution prevents you from meeting these
requirements, contact a qualified workshop to make any modifications
required.
xNever drive with the backrest tilted far back. The further the backrests
are tilted to the rear, the greater the risk of injury due to incorrect posi-
tioning of the belt web or to the incorrect sitting position.
xNever drive with the backrest tilted forwards. Should a front airbag
deploy, it could throw the backrest backwards and injure the passengers of
the rear seats.
xSit as far away as possible from the steering wheel and the dash panel.
xKeep your back straight and resting completely against the backrest
and the front seats correctly adjusted. Never place any part of your body in
the area of the airbag or very close to it.
EquipmentSeats in the
frontSeats in the
second rowSeats in the
third row
5 seats23–
6 seats222
7 seats232
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving11
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIf passengers on the rear seats are not sitting in an upright position, the
risk of severe injury due to incorrect positioning of the belt web increases.
WARNING
Incorrect seat adjustment may lead to accidents and severe injuries.
xOnly adjust the seats when the vehicle is stationary, as the seats could
move unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion and you could lose
control of the vehicle. Furthermore, an incorrect position is adopted when
adjusting the seat.
xOnly adjust the height, backrest and forwards or backwards position of
the seat when there is nobody in the seat adjustment area.
xThere must be no objects blocking the seat adjustment area.
xOnly adjust the height, angle and longitudinal position of the rear seats
when nobody is in the way.
xThe seat adjustment and lock areas must be kept clean.
Danger of injuries due to an incorrect sitting position
If the seat belts are worn incorrectly or not at all, the risk of severe injuries
increases. Seat belts can provide optimal protection only if the belt web is
properly worn. The seat belt cannot offer its full protection if the belt web is
not positioned correctly. This could result in severe and even fatal injuries.
The risk of severe or fatal injuries is especially increased when a deploying
airbag strikes an occupant who has assumed an incorrect sitting position.
The driver is responsible for all passengers in the vehicle, particularly chil-
dren.
The following list shows just some examples of incorrect sitting positions
which can be dangerous to all occupants.Whenever the vehicle is in motion:
xNever stand in the vehicle.
xNever stand on the seats.
xNever kneel on the seats.
xNever tilt your backrest too far to the rear.
xNever lean against the dash panel.
xNever lie on the rear bench.
xNever sit on the front edge of a seat.
xNever sit sideways.
xNever lean out of a window.
xNever put your feet out of a window.
xNever put your feet on the dash panel.
xNever put your feet on the surface of a seat or backrest.
xNever travel in a footwell.
xNever sit on the armrests.
xNever travel on a seat without wearing the seat belt.
xNever carry any person in the luggage compartment.
WARNING
Every incorrect sitting position increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries
in the event of accidents or sudden braking or manoeuvres.
xAll passengers must assume the proper sitting position and be properly
belted in while travelling.
xOccupants in incorrect sitting positions, not wearing their seat belt or
too close to the airbag run the risk of suffering severe or fatal injuries,
particularly if the airbag deploys and hits an occupant sitting in an incor-
rect position.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving 12
Correct sitting position
The correct sitting positions for the driver and passengers are shown below.If you physical constitution prevents you from maintaining the correct sitting
position, contact a qualified workshop for help with any special devices. The
seat belt and airbag can only provide optimum protection if a correct sitting
position is adopted. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident
or sudden braking or manoeuvre, SEAT recommend the following positions:
Valid for all vehicle occupants:
xAdjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the
top of your head, or as close as possible to the same level as the top of your
head and under no circumstances below eye level. Keep the back of your neck
as close as possible to the head restraint Ÿfig. 1 and Ÿfig. 2.
xShort people must lower the head restraint completely, even if your head
is below its upper edge.
xTall people must raise the head restraint completely.
xAdjust the backrest to an upright position so that your back rests
completely against it.
xAlways keep your feet in the footwell while the vehicle is in motion.
xAdjust and fasten your seat belt correctly Ÿpage 22.
Also valid for the driver:
xAdjust the steering wheel so that there is a distance of at least 25 cm (10
inches) between it and your chest Ÿfig. 1 and so that you can hold the
steering wheel with both hands on the outside of the ring at the 9 o'clock and
3 o'clock positions with your arms slightly bent.
xThe adjusted steering wheel must face your chest and not your face.
xAdjust the driver's seat forwards or backwards so that you are able to
press the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals to the floor with your knees
slightly angled and the distance between your knees and the dash panel is at
least 10 cm (4 inches) Ÿfig. 1.
xAdjust the height of the driver's seat so that you can easily reach the top
of the steering wheel.
Fig. 1 The correct
distance between the
driver and the steering
wheel must be at least 25
cm (10 inches).
Fig. 2 Correct belt web
and head restraint posi-
tions.

Safe driving13
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xKeep both feet in the footwell so that you have the vehicle under control
at all times.
Also valid for the front passenger:
xMove the front passenger seat back as far as possible for optimum protec-
tion should the airbag deploy.
Transporting objects
Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Always use the anchors provided with suitable rope to
secure heavy objects. Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity
as well as the distribution of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving
behaviour and braking ability Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xTa ilga te Ÿpage 97
xTo lower the passenger seat back Ÿpage 137
xLight Ÿpage 113
xLuggage compartment Ÿpage 146
xRoof carrier Ÿpage 159
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
WARNING
Unsecured or incorrectly secured objects can cause serious injury in case
of a sudden manoeuvring or breaking or in case of an accident. This is espe-cially true when objects are struck by a detonating airbag and fired through
the vehicle interior. To reduce the risks, please note the following:
xSecure all objects in the vehicle. Always keep equipment and heavy
objects in the luggage compartment.
xAlways secure objects with suitable rope or slings so that they cannot
enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden braking
or an accident.
xAlways ensure that objects inside the vehicle cannot move into the area
of the bags while driving.
xWhile driving, always keep object compartments closed.
xRemove all objects from the passenger seat when this is followed down.
When the seat back is folded down, it presses on small and light objects
and these are detected by the weight sensor on the seat; this sends false
information to the airbag control unit.
xWhile the backrest of the front passenger's seat is folded, the frontal
airbag must remain disconnected and the PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF  light
on.
xObjects secured in the vehicle should never be placed in such a way as
to make passengers sit in an incorrect position.
xIf secured objects occupy a seat then this should not be occupied or
used by anybody.
WARNING
The driving behaviour and braking ability change when transporting heavy
and large objects.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving 14
xBrake early.
Transporting a load
Secure all objects in the vehicle
xDistribute the load throughout the vehicle, on the roof and in a trailer as
uniformly as possible.
xTransport heavy objects as far forward as possible in the luggage
compartment and lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
xSecure luggage in the luggage compartment with suitable straps on the
fastening rings Ÿpage 146.
xCheck the headlight adjustment Ÿpage 113.
xUse the suitable tyre pressure according to the load being transported.
Read the tire inflation information label Ÿpage 323.
xFor vehicles with a tire pressure indicator, change the vehicle load status
Ÿpage 245.
Caution
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the wires of the heating element in
the rear window and cause damage.
Note
Please note the information about loading a trailer Ÿpage 260 and the roof
carrier system Ÿpage 159.
Driving with the tailgate open
Driving with the tailgate open creates an additional risk. Secure all objects
and secure the tailgate correctly and take all measures possible to reduce
toxic gases from entering the vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with the tailgate unlocked or open could cause serious injuries.
xAlways drive with the tailgate closed.
xSecure all objects in the vehicle. Loose items could fall out of the
vehicle and injure other road users or damage other vehicles.
xDrive particularly carefully and think ahead.
xAvoid sudden manoeuvres and braking given that this could cause an
uncontrolled movement of the open tailgate.
xWhen transporting objects that protrude out of the luggage compart-
ment, indicate them suitably. Observe legal requirements.
xIf objects must project out of the luggage compartment, the tailgate
must never be used to “secure” or “attach” objects.
xIf a baggage rack is fitted on the tailgate, it should be removed before
travelling with the tailgate open.
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
xTo avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tailgate
closed.
xIn exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate open,
observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the vehicle:
Close all windows and the sliding roof.
WARNING (continued)

Safe driving15
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioning.
Open all of the air outlets in the dashboard.
Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
Caution
An open tailgate changes the length and height of the vehicle.
Driving a loaded vehicle
For the best handling when driving a loaded vehicle, note the following:
xSecure all objects Ÿpage 14.
xAccelerate gently and carefully.
xAvoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
xBrake early.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer Ÿpage 260.
xIf necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
Ÿpage 159.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the
vehicle resulting in an accident with serious consequences.
xSecure loads correctly so they do not move.
xWhen transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
xLock the seat backs in vertical position.
Specific vehicle weight information
The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documents show which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending on if additional equipment is fitted,
for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles could
cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
xThe real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum
permitted.
xThe load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
Caution
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the trunk/boot, these should be placed
as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as little influence on
handling as possible.
WARNING (continued)