2010 Seat Alhambra load capacity

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)

Seats and storage compartments 146
Loading luggage compartment
Introduction
Always transport heavy loads in the trunk and place the seat backs in a
vertical position. Always use the fastening rings with suitable rope or straps.
Never overload the vehicle. Both the carrying capacity as well as the distribu-
tion of the load in the vehicle have effects on the driving behaviour and
braking ability Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xAirbag system Ÿpage 33
xLight Ÿpage 113
xTranspor ting Ÿpage 13
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
WARNING
When the vehicle is not in use or being watched, always lock the doors and
the tailgate to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.
xDo not leave children unwatched, especially when the tailgate is open.
Children could climb into the luggage compartment, close the tailgate from
inside and be unable to escape themselves. This could lead to serious
injury or death.
xNever allow children to play in or around the vehicle.
xNever transport people in the luggage compartment.
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 straps so that they cannot
enter the areas around the frontal or side airbags in case of sudden braking
or an accident.
xWhile driving, always keep object compartments closed.
xDo not place hard, heavy or sharp objects inside the passenger
compartment, in open storage compartments, the rear shelf or on the
dashboard.
xRemove hard, heavy and sharp objects from clothes and pockets inside
the vehicle and store securely.
WARNING
The transport of heavy object changes vehicle handling and increases
braking distance. Heavy loads that have not been stored or secured
correctly could cause loss of control and result in serious injury.
xThe vehicle handling changes when transporting heavy objects due to
a change in the centre of gravity.
xDistribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as
possible.
xStore heavy objects in the luggage compartment as far from the rear
axle as possible.
Caution
xHard objects on the shelf could chafe the wires of the heating element
and antenna of the rear window and cause damage.
xThe side window antenna could be damaged due to chafing from objects.
WARNING (continued)

Seats and storage compartments161
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Always check the roof carrier system weight and the weight of the load to be
transported and, if necessary, weigh them. Never exceed the maximum
authorised roof load.
If you are using a roof carrier with a lower weight rating, you cannot transport
the maximum roof load. Do not exceed the maximum weight limit for the roof
carrier given in the fitting instructions.
Distributing a load
Uniformly distribute loads and secure them correctly Ÿ.
Check attachments
After fitting the base supports and the roof carrier system, always check the
attachments after a short trip or at regular intervals.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised roof load can result in accidents
and/or vehicle damage.
xAlways respect the maximum authorised weight for the roof, the
maximum authorised weight on the axles and the total maximum author-
ised weight of the vehicle.
xNever exceed the capacity of the roof carrier system even if this is less
than the maximum authorised roof load.
xSecure heavy objects towards the front and distribute the load evenly.
WARNING
Loose and incorrectly secured loads can fall from the roof carrier system
causing accidents and injury.
xAlways use suitable ropes and straps in good condition.
xAlways secure loads correctly.

Driving215
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
Faults in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that the
braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there is a
fault in the braking system. The
H warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a qualified workshop immediately
and have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to
use more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping
distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate Ÿ.
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
xFor the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to be
pressed with more force.
xTo avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
always take great care when driving with new brake pads.
xWhen running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between you and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring
extreme braking performance.
WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances
increase.
xWhen driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly.
xReduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before long steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect
and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
xNon-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to the
brakes and cause them to overheat.
WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
braking distances.
xTest the brakes carefully.
xDry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when weather, road and traffic conditions permit.
WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
distance and result in a severe accident.
xNever allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
xIf the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then
the brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the
braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate.

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.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications291
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Jacking points for raising vehicle
Always use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at these points,
it could be seriously damaged Ÿ or lead to serious injury Ÿ.The vehicle should not be lifted using lifting platforms with lift pads
containing fluid.
When raising a vehicle using a platform or jack, a series of precautionary
measures are required. Never raise the vehicle with a lifting platform or jack
unless you have received training in how to do so and know how to lift the
vehicle safely.
Notes on raising the vehicle with a jack Ÿpage 342.
WARNING
The improper use of the lifting platform or the jack when raising the vehicle
may result in accidents or serious injury.
xBefore raising the vehicle, please observe the manufacturer's instruc-
tions for the platform or jack, and the legal requirements, where appli-
cable.
xThere should not be anyone inside the vehicle when it is being raised or
once it is in the air.
xOnly use the jacking points indicated in the figures Ÿfig. 167 and
Ÿfig. 168 when raising the vehicle. If the vehicle is not lifted at the indi-
cated points, it may fall from the platform while the engine or gearbox is
being dismounted, for example.
xThe jacking points should be centrally aligned and firmly positioned on
the platform support plates.
xNever start the engine when the vehicle is raised! The vehicle may fall
from the platform due to the engine vibrations.
xIf it is necessary to work underneath the vehicle while it is raised, you
should check that the supporting stands have an adequate load capacity.
xNever climb onto the lifting platform.
xAlways make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the
lifting platform load capacity.
Fig. 167 Front jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.
Fig. 168 Rear jacking
points for raising vehicle
with lifting platform or
jack.

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 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