2010 Seat Alhambra tyre pressure

Driving 248
xIf tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a tyre may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the
vehicle.
xThe driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure is
indicated on the label Ÿpage 328, fig. 183.
xThe tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the tyres
are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
xDriving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them and
result in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres corre-
spond to the vehicle load.
xBefore starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pressure.
xIf tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces and
it may be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the tyre
will burst.
xWith an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burst resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of the
tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xIf a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; drive to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate speed
and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure.
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Tyre monitoring indicator
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this informa-
tion, the tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a wheel is
changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the instrument
panel. The wheel tread changes when:
xTyre pressure is insufficient.
xTyre structure is damaged.
xThe vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
xThe wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trailer).
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 161 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.

Driving249
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xThe vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
xThe wheel on one axle is changed.
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator
~ or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sports driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, the Ÿpage 248,
fig. 161 button on the tyre monitoring indicator must be kept pressed down,
with the ignition on, until a signal is heard. Do the same, for example, when
the front and rear wheels are swapped Ÿpage 325, fig. 182.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive load (towing a trailer, heavy load),
the tyre pressure must be increased to the maximum recommended pressure
Ÿpage 323. Press the tyre monitoring indicator button to confirm the new
pressure value.
Note
An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use because
the chains increase the tread of the wheel.

Driving and the environment 254
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other condi-
tions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in practice
it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine oil,
help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the resist-
ance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving style.
For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel consumption
up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Optional
equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce the
aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.

Trailer towing 264
Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can pull Ÿ. The drawbar load
is the vertical weight of the trailer hitch on the tow hitch ball Ÿpage 267.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate of
the towing bracket are for values of this model only. The correct figures for
your specific vehicle, which may be lower than these figures for the tow hitch,
are given in the registration documents. The instructions in the official
vehicle documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
drawbar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor if
the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
xDistribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle
as possible or even above it.
xCorrectly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum Ÿpage 323.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
combination weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a serious
accident with severe consequences.
xNever exceed the specifications.
xWith the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle load
should never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should never
exceed the gross vehicle weight.
WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer combi-
nation will be seriously affected and this could result in a serious accident.
xAlways correctly load the trailer.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
xIf the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning271
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWashing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
Caution
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before
entering an automatic car wash:
xCompare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance
between the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
xSwitch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a car
wash.
xCompare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
xFold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
xTo avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
xLock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside the
car wash.
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the
required pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
Ÿ.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where appli-
cable, in the front bumpers Ÿ.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt Ÿ.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials. This
could result in serious accident.
xEnsure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
xNever wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may
damage the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced (and
the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter) on the
brakes.
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.
Caution
xThe temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
xTo avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
xThe sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.

Checking and refilling levels 296
Closing the tank cap
xScrew on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
xPress the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must be
flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment.
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement Ÿpage 360.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not familiar
with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and
especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary
Ÿpage 304, “Working in the engine compartment”! Have the work carried
out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following regu-
larly, preferably when you refuel:
xWindscreen washer fluid level Ÿpage 124
xEngine oil level Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant level Ÿpage 313
xBrake fluid level Ÿpage 210
xTyre pressure Ÿpage 323
xVehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
–Indicators
– Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
– Rear lights
–Brake lights
– Rear fog light Ÿpage 116
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to acci-
dents and severe injuries.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Wheels and tyres323
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a quali-
fied workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement parts,
trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Additional information and warnings:
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xPark assist system Ÿpage 229
xTyre control systems Ÿpage 245
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xChange wheel Ÿpage 339
xNotes for the user Ÿpage 283
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or used)
are worn or damaged.
xIncorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xNew tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in. To
prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be taken for
the first 600 km (370 miles).
xCheck tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xNever drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, serious
accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced immedi-
ately.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
xThe efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
xIf you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
xTo minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a serious
accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
xNever mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
history. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
xOld tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage. If tyres are
over six years old, they should only be used in an emergency and with
extreme caution.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres325
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
About your tyres and wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most stress
and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the support
offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between the
vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre pressure, driving style, the care
they receive and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential part of the vehicle's design. The
tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the characteristics
of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
xIf you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
xInspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
xRemove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre Ÿpage 330.
xThe instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed.
xReplace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible Ÿpage 330.
xRegularly check tyres for non-visible damage Ÿpage 330.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle Ÿpage 333.
xDo not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid Ÿ.
xLost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
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 Ÿpage 333. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with extreme
caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of particular
importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as possible
or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system Ÿfig. 182. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for long
periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile than
tyres which are in constant use.
Fig. 182 Diagram for
changing wheels