2010 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

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 tyres329
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAdjust the pressures of all the tyres to the vehicle load.
xNever deflate excess pressure from hot tyres.
Caution
xTake care not to tilt the manometer when placing it on the valve. Other-
wise, the valve may be damaged.
xTo avoid damage to the valves, always replace valve caps correctly. Check
that the caps are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tight-
ened.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
Note
When checking tyre pressures, please observe the instructions for the tyre
control system Ÿpage 245.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Tread depth
Certain driving conditions require a deeper tread, as well as needing the tread
to be approximately the same on the front and rear tyres. This is particularly
important when driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on wet roads
Ÿ.
The minimum tread depth required by law in the majority of cases is 1.6 mm
(1/16 of an inch), measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indi-
cators. Observe legal requirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced when the tread has worn to
4 mm (5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) high Ÿfig. 184
tread wear indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 184 Tyre tread: tread
wear indicators.

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 332
Note
If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “repro-
grammed” whenever a tyre is changed Ÿpage 248.
Note
Please ask at SEAT qualified workshops for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres.
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum
permitted speed limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help to improve grip but also improve
the braking capacity.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
SEAT recommends you ask a SEAT qualified workshop for further information
on wheel, tyre and chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm (37/64
inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains Ÿ.
The wheel bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from qualified workshops.
WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted chains could lead to serious acci-
dents and damage.
xAlways the appropriate snow chains.
xObserve the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufac-
turer.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speeds when driving with snow
chains.
Caution
xYou must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of
snow. Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out
very quickly.
xWheel rims may be damaged or scratched if the chains come into direct
contact with them. SEAT recommends the use of covered snow chains.
Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes according to the vehicle type.Tyre sizeWheel rim
205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
215/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33

Wheels and tyres333
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tyre code
Fig. 185 Universal code on tyres.
Radial
Rim diameter code
Load index & speed rating
DOT tyre identification number
Severe snow conditions
Tyre ply composition and materials used
Max. load rating
Treadwear, traction and temperature grades
Max. permissible inflation pressure
Passenger car tyre
Nominal width of tyre in millimetres
Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A12
Tyre code (example)Meaning
Make, logotypeManufacturer
Product nameName of tyre assigned by manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 16Size:
PPassenger vehicle code.
215Nominal width between walls, in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre type (R indicates "radial").
16Rim diameter in inches
91 VLoad index Ÿpage 334 and speed rating
Ÿpage 334.
XLReinforced tyres.
M+S or M/SWinter tyres (mud and snow tyres) Ÿpage 331.
SSR or DSST, Eufonia,
RFT, ROF, RSC, ZPSpecific manufacturer codes for run-flat tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with international
legislation followed by a number denoting the
country granting the authorisation. The authori-
sation number ( several digits) is shown below.

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 tyres335
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a T max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
U max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
H max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
V max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
Z max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
W max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for tyres with a maximum author-
ised speed above 240 km/h (149 miles).