2011 Seat Alhambra service

294
Wheels and tyres WARNING (Continued)
● Nev er mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
hi s
tory. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst un-
expectedly
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. Note
● For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other v

ehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel. Please refer to the vehicle documents or ask at a SEAT qualified
workshop.
● If you decide to fit your vehicle with conventional tyres, remember that
you mus
t carry a puncture repair kit, not available in the tools that come
with the vehicle. About your tyres and wheels Fig. 175 Diagram for
ch
an

ging wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most
stre
ss 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 characteris-
tics of the vehicle and our critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as ne
ar as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they hav
e not passed through the wall of the tyre ⇒ page 299.
● The instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed. 

295
Wheels and tyres
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible ⇒ p age 299.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible damage ⇒ page 299.
● Nev

er exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyr
e fitted on your vehicle ⇒ page 302.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grea
se, oil, fuel or brake fluid ⇒  .
● Lost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Ty r

es 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 ⇒ page 302. 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 ex-
treme caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of partic-
ular 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 ⇒ fig. 175. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a Technical Service 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.
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 out- side and which have a tread depth within the values stipulated by the Law
⇒  .
The dat e of

manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre ⇒ page 302.
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 dam-
age w ith the c

onsequent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical
products, oi
l, 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 whi

le driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emer-
gency and w
ith extreme caution. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws
in the cou ntr

y concerned. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

296
Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the corr
ect
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 ⇒ page 305.
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 ⇒ page 305.
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 Technical Service.
SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
Wheel rims w

ith bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attach-
ed to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at
a Technical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more danger-
ous and r

esult in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be u
sed.
● Inspect 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 loo sened, thi

s could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried
out at qua
lified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims New tyres
●
When tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km
(310 mil e

s), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in
do not have such good grip ⇒  or braking capacity
⇒  .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(ro l

ling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyr
e and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front ax
le or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒  .
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in ques tion, and in ac

cordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres
are too b
ig, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage. 

298
Wheels and tyres
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the required pressure. This could
re s
ult 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 driv-
en for more than a few kilometres (miles) at low speeds in the past three
hours.
● The tyre pressures should be checked regularly, and only when the tyres
are co
ld. Always check all the tyres. Tyre pressures should be checked more
often in colder regions, and only when the vehicle has not been driven re-
cently. Always use a correctly-operating tyre gauge.
● Adjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in the vehicle.
● After checking the pressure, always replace the valve caps, and where
applic
able, observe the instructions given for adjusting the tyre control sys-
tem ⇒ page 221. WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the tyre may deflate or burst
sud den

ly while driving. This could result in serious accident.
● If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could overheat, resulting in
trea
d detachment or even burst tyres.
● When driving at high speeds and/or fully loaded, the tyre could sud-
denly o
verheat, burst or be subject to tread detachment, with the resul-
tant loss of control of the vehicle.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the service life of
the tyre, aff
ecting the vehicle's performance.
● Tyre pressures should be checked regularly, at least once a month
and before lon
g journeys.
● Adjust the pressures of all the tyres to the vehicle load.
● Never deflate excess pressure from hot tyres. CAUTION
● Take care not to tilt the manometer when placing it on the valve. Other-
w i

se, the valve may be damaged.
● To avoid damage to the valves, always replace valve caps correctly.
Check th
at the caps are identical to the standard caps and have been cor-
rectly tightened. 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
contr o

l system ⇒ page 221. 
Tread depth and wear indicators Fig. 177 Tyre tread:
tre
a

d wear indicators. 

300
Wheels and tyres
Driving style : driving r ound 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 Technical
Service.
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 sus-
pension. 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 m

ay indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
● Check

the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified as-
sis

tance immediately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
neare
st qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked. 
Winter tyres* In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles han-
dling.
The de

sign of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle brak-
ing performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT rec- ommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7°C (+45°F).
The perf

ormance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn be-
low 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting per-
formance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each country.
● Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
● Only use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
● Only use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and trea
d pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒  .
Speed limit
A c ode l

etter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 303.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion indicator) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further
information 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 recom-
mend 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. 

303
Wheels and tyres Tyre code (example) Meaning
DOT BT RA TY5 1709 Tyre identification number (TIN
a)
, ma y be only on
interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture: DOT The tyre complies with the legal require-
ments of
the US

Department of Trans-
port, responsible for tyre safety regula-
tions. BT Place of manufacture code.
RA Information about manufacturer and tyre
siz
e. TY5 Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709 Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWI This identifies the position of the Tread Wear In-
dicat
or

⇒ page 298. MAX LOAD 615 KG
(1356 LBS) US load rating, indicating maximum permitted
loa
d per ty

re. MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI) US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre
pre
s

sure. SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Information about tyre wall components:
1 la
y

er of rayon (artificial silk). TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAY
ON + 2

STEEL +
1 NYLON Information about tread components:
In the ex
amp
le, 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 es
t

ablished base tyres (standardised test procedures) :TREADWEAR 280 Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to
spec
ific

US standard test. TRACTION AA Braking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B
or C). Tyre code (example) Meaning
TEMPERATURE A Tyre temperature resistance at higher test
speed
s

(A, B or C). If there are different letters, they are specific codes of the tyre manufac-
tur
er or s

pecific national codes. a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Ty r

es 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
direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each
wheel can carry (load capacity).
615 kg (1356 pounds)
650 kg (1433 pounds)
690 kg (1521 pounds)
730 kg (1609 pounds)
775 kg (1709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph) 
91
93
95
97
99
P
Q
R
S
T
U
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

316
If and when Note
The antitheft alarm is not activated when the vehicle is locked manually us-
ing the k ey
⇒ page 74. 
Locking the passenger side door and sliding doors
manual
ly Fig. 189 To the front of
the pa
s

senger side door:
Emergency lock, hidden
by a rubber cap. Fig. 190 Emergency
lock
in

g of the vehicle us-
ing the vehicle key.
The passenger side door and the sliding doors can be locked manually. The
antitheft al
arm is not activated in this case.
● Door open.
● Remove the rubber cap to the front of the door. The rubber cap is
marked w
ith a lock symbol  ⇒ fig. 189.
● Unfold the key shaft ⇒ page 71.
● In

sert the key shaft horizontally into the opening and moved the colour
lever f
orwards ⇒ fig. 190.
● Replace the rubber cap and close the door.
● Check if the door is locked.
● Carry out the same operation on the other doors if necessary.
● Have the vehicle checked by a Technical Service. Note
The doors can be opened and unlocked individually from the inside by pull-
ing the in s

ide door handle. To open, pull the inner door release lever twice
⇒ page 74. 

322
If and when
Fuses
Introduction Due to the constant update of vehicles, fuse assignments depending on
equipment and the u
se of
the same fuse for various electrical components,
at the time of printing this manual it is not possible to provide an up-to-date
summary of the electrical components fuse positions. For detailed informa-
tion about the fuse positions, please consult a Technical Service.
In general, a fuse can be assigned to various electrical components. Like-
wise, an electrical component can be protected by several fuses.
Only replace fuses when the cause of the problem has been solved. If a
newly inserted fuse blows after a short time, you must have the electrical
system checked by a qualified dealership as soon as possible.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275WARNING
The high voltages in the electrical system can give serious electrical
shock s, c

ausing burns and even death!
● Never touch the electrical wiring of the ignition system.
● Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system. WARNING
Using unsuitable fuses, repairing fuses or bridging a current circuit with-
out f u

ses can cause a fire and serious injury.
● Never use a fuse with a higher value. Only replace fuses with a fuse of
the same amperag
e (same colour and markings) and size.
● Never repair a fuse.
● Never replace a fuse by a metal strip, staple or similar. CAUTION
● To avoid damage to the vehicles electric system, before replacing a fuse
t urn off

the ignition, the lights and all electrical elements and remove the
keys from the ignition.
● If you replace a fuse with higher-rating fuse, you could cause damage to
another part
of the electrical system.
● Protect the fuse boxes when open to avoid the entry of dust or humidity.
Dirt and humidity
inside fuse boxes can cause damage to the electrical sys-
tem. Note
● One single consumer could have more than one fuse.
● Sev er

al consumers could run over one single fuse. 