2011 Seat Alhambra brake

293
Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard with anti-puncture technology
tyr
e
s (Conti-Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of up to 5 mm, the
tyre seals the hole with a protective layer inside the tread.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a Tech-
nical Service. They have the necessary special tools and replacement parts,
trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● T

owing mode ⇒ page 233
● Br

aking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 183
● P

ark assist system ⇒ page 202
● T

yre control systems ⇒ page 221
● C

aring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242
● Wheel

trims ⇒ page 304
● Ch

ange wheel ⇒ page 305
● Not

es for the user ⇒ page 255 WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) ar e w

orn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and res
ult in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rol

ling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum br
aking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (370 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pres
sures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyre
s. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of ty
re fitted on your vehicle.
● The efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyr
es.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, s
top the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous ac
cident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

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. 

297
Wheels and tyres WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their max-
imum brak in
g capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken f
or the first 600 km (370 miles). WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in ac-
cord
ance 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.
● The true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyre
s 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 dimen-
s ion

s of different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or
tread patterns may be different.
● If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true
tyre dimen
sions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the
tyre vendor should provide the manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indi-
cating that this type of tyre is suitable for your vehicle. This certificate
should always be carried with the vehicle. Tyre pressures
Fig. 176 Position of tyre pressure specification plate.
The corr ect

tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label
and is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label ⇒ fig. 176 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 ⇒  . It is essential to maintain the cor-
rect ty

re 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

304
Wheels and tyres
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
m ax. 240 km/h (149 mph)
m
ax. 270 km/h (168 mph)
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). 
Wheel trims*
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242
● Ch

ange wheel ⇒ page 305
● V

ehicle tools ⇒ page 320 WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cau se m

ajor accidents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and en-
dang
er other road users.
● Damaged trims must never be mounted on the wheels.
● Always ensure that the brake ventilation and cooling is not cut off or
block
ed. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not
enough air, you may require significantly longer braking distances. H
V
Z
W
Y
CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the vehi-
cl e. 
F

ull hubcaps* Fig. 179 Removing the
fu
l

l hubcap.
Removing the full hubcap
● Take the wheel brace and the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit
⇒ pag e 320.
● Hook

the wire through one of the grooves on the hubcap.
● Insert the wheel brace onto the wire hook ⇒ fig. 179 and pul
l the hub
cap in the direction shown by the arrow.
Fitting hubcaps
Before mounting the full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded
into position ⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 . Otherwise it will not be possible to mount
the fu l

l hubcap. 

306
Wheels and tyres WARNING (Continued)
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● A
lw
ays stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and
plac
e the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or
engage a gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
poss
ible with a reliable torque wrench. 
Preparations for changing a wheel Check list
Bef
or

e changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle on an even and solid surface.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P ⇒ page 174.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 174.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe
place (for example, behind the safety barrier).
Block the opposite wheel with wedges or a similar object.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle. Take the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
Remove the wheel trims ⇒ page 304.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 

307
Wheels and tyres
Wheel bolts Fig. 181 Changing the
wheel: Sl
ac
ken the wheel
bolts. Fig. 182 Changing the
wheel: T
y

re valve 1 and
pos ition of
anti-theft
wheel locking bolt 2 or
3 .
Only use the tool supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
Loo sen the wheel

bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle with
the jack. If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down
on the end of the wheel br

ace carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for
support and take care not to slip.
Loosening wheel bolts
● Fit the wheel brace as far as it will go over the wheel bolt ⇒ fig. 181.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Loo senin
g anti-theft wheel bolts
For wheels with full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded into
position ⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 before mounting the hubcap. Otherwise it will
not be po s

sible to mount the full hubcap.
● Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle tool kit.
● Insert the adapter onto the wheel bolt.
● Fit the wheel brace onto the adapter as far as possible.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Import ant
information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been designed to be fitted to factory op-
tions. 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

310
Wheels and tyres
Check list
For y
our own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒  :
Select a s

uitable flat and firm surface for raising the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, engage a gear (manual gearbox) or place the se-
lector lever in position P ⇒ page 174 and turn on the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 183.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed ⇒ page 307.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking point ⇒ fig. 183 closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
Raise the jack with the handle until it can be inserted below the jacking
point.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly on the ground and that it is
placed immediately below the lifting point on the vehicle ⇒ fig. 184.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ fig. 184.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground. WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could fall off the jack causing seri-
ous injur

y. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● You should only use a jack approved by SEAT for your vehicle. Other
jack
s, even those approved for other SEAT models, might slip out of
place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the ground is sloped or soft
then the vehic
le could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary, support the
jack on a wide solid base. 1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. WARNING (Continued)
● If the ground is slippery (for example, on tiles), place a non-slip sur-
f ac

e (for example a floor mat) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking points. The claw of the jack
should grip the r
einforcement nerve on the underbody ⇒ fig. 184.
● You should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is
only s
upported by a jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stand
s additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
● Never raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one side or the engine is run-
ning.
● Never s

tart the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may
come loose fr
om the jack due to the engine vibrations. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 