2010 Seat Alhambra length

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)

Lights and visibility 128
Rain sensor*
The rain sensor controls the frequency of the windscreen wiper intervals,
depending on the amount of rain Ÿ. The sensitivity of the rain sensor can
be adjusted manually. Manual wipe Ÿpage 125Move the lever to the required position Ÿfig. 75:
Rain sensor off.
Rain sensor on; automatic wipe if necessary.
Setting sensitivity level of rain sensor
Set control to the right: highly sensitive.
Set control to the left: less sensitive.
When the ignition is switched off and then back on, the rain sensor stays on
and starts operating again when the windscreen wipers are in position
and the vehicle is travelling at more than 4 km/h (2 mph).
Rain sensor modified behaviour
Possible causes of faults and mistaken readings on the sensitive surface
Ÿfig. 76 of the rain sensor include:
xDamaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and contin-
uous wipe.
xInsects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
xSalt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra long
wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
xDirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
xCracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cycle
with the rain sensor on. Next the rain sensor detects the reduction in the
sensitive surface area and adapts accordingly. The behaviour of the sensor
will vary with the size of the damage caused by the stone.
WARNING
The rain sensor may not detect enough rain to switch on the wipers.
xIf necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
screen obstructs visibility.
Fig. 75 Windscreen wiper
lever: adjusting the rain
sensor .
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Fig. 76 Rain sensor
sensitive surface.
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Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
Information about the brakes
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 Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

Driving 232
Note
The park assist can also be activated afterwards, if you pass close to a parallel
parking space at a maximum of 40 km an hour or close to be perpendicular
parking space at about 20 km an hour then press the button .
Note
The progress bar on the screen of the instrument panel shows a display of the
relative distance to be covered.
Note
When the Park Assist system is turning the steering wheel of the stopped
vehicle the symbol K is also displayed. Press on the brake pedal so that the
steering can turn with the vehicle at a standstill and thus reduce the number
of manoeuvres.
Note
A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length of the
vehicle.
Note
If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing the
wheels, the system must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels. This
process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To help this
process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car park.
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system
Driving off
xSwitch on the engine.
xPress button . When the function is enabled, the button Ÿpage 230,
fig. 152 will light up.
xApply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave the
parking space.
xSelect reverse gear.
xFollow the instructions given by the park assist system.
xWhen the next indication appears, release the steering wheel Ÿ in
“Parking using the park assist system” on page 230: The system will move
the steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
xObserve the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
xThe park assist system is only responsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
xWhen it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system will
stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit, leave
the parking space.
Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the
following:
xDriving faster than 7 km/h.
xThe driver moves the steering wheel.
xA sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding door
and press the button again.
xThere is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
xThe TCS system is switched off or the TCS or ESP is working.
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Driving237
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Parking perpendicular to the road (mode 1)
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines displayed on the screen Ÿfig. 156. All of the
lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located on a horizontal surface
as reference.
Red Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the
vehicle.
Green: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle (somewhat enlarged). The
area displayed green ends around two metres behind the vehicle, on the
road.
Yellow: prolongation of the rear of the vehicle as the steering wheel
turns. The area displayed yellow ends around three metres behind the
vehicle, on the road.
Parking the vehicle
xStop the vehicle in front of a space and select reverse gear.
xReverse slowly and turn the steering wheel so that the yellow orientation
lines guide you towards the space Ÿfig. 156 .
xAlign the vehicle straight in the parking place using the help of the green
orientation lines.
Parking parallel to the road (mode 2)
After applying the turn signal indicator, the lines and surfaces not required
are deleted.
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines and surfaces displayed on the screen
Ÿfig. 157. All of the lengths of the orientation lines use a vehicle located on
a horizontal surface as reference.
Safety distance: road area located up to around 40 cm behind the
vehicle.
Vehicle side limit.
Fig. 156 Display: orienta-
tion lines for the parking
space behind the vehicle.
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A2
A3
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Fig. 157 Display: orienta-
tion lines and surfaces for
the space behind the
vehicle.
A1
A2

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 274
xIf the blades are very dirty, a sponge or damp cloth may be used Ÿ.
Changing the front wiper blades
xLifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
xHold down the release button Ÿpage 273, fig. 165 while gently
pulling the blade in the direction of the arrow.
xFit a new wiper blade of the same length and design on to the wiper arm
and hook it into place.
xRest the wiper arms back onto the windscreen.
Changing the rear wiper blade
xLift and unfold the wiper arm.
xPull the wiper blade out of its mounting on the wiper arm Ÿpage 273,
fig. 166 (arrow ).
xHold down the release button Ÿpage 273, fig. 166 while gently
pulling the blade in the direction of the arrow . This may require some
strength.
xInsert a new blade of the same length and type in the wiper arm in the
opposite direction to the arrow Ÿpage 273, fig. 166 and hook into
place. This feature is operational when the knob is in position (arrow ).
xReplace the wiper arm on the rear window.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
xAlways replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
Caution
xDamaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the glass.
xIf products containing solvents, rough sponges or sharp objects are used
to clean the blades, the graphite layer will be damaged.
xNever use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows.
Caring for and polishing the vehicle paintwork
Waxing
Regular waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paintwork.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the automatic car wash, SEAT
recommends protecting the paint with a hard wax coating at least twice a
year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot
be brought back by applying wax.
If the polish does not contain wax, a wax product should be applied after
polishing.
Caution
xTo prevent damage, car polish or hard wax should not be used on compo-
nents painted in matt paint, plastic components and the glass headlamp and
tail light covers.
xDo not polish the paintwork if it is dirty, apply polish in dusty or sandy
zones.
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ABAA

Wheels and tyres 326
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres which appear to be in perfect condition on the
outside and which have a tread depth within the values stipulated by the Law
Ÿ.
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre Ÿpage 333.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation (left,
right, forwards, backwards). This ensures you will be able to mount them
correctly when you replace them. When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location. Do not place
tyres mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from dirt by storing them in suitable
bags and standing them on the ground on their tread.
WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result in visible or invisible damage
with the consequent risks.
xAlways ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical prod-
ucts, oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substances.
WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
xIf tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emergency
and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws in
the country concerned.
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. 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 Ÿpage 339.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from other
vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque Ÿpage 339.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together by
special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance, a
better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims should
always be replaced and must only be repaired in a qualified workshop. SEAT
recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attached
to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at a
qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop Ÿ.

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)