2011 Seat Alhambra ESP

223
Driving WARNING (Continued)
● If tyres are inflated at different pressures or a tyre pressure is too low,
a ty r
e may be damaged and burst resulting in a loss of control of the ve-
hicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that all of the vehicle tyres are
correctly
inflated to the right pressure. The recommended tyre pressure
is indicated on the label ⇒ fig. 176.
● The tyre monitoring system can only operate correctly if all of the
tyre
s are inflated to the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure can cause damage to them
and res
ult in an accident. Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflated tyres to the correct pres-
sure.
● If

tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is subject to greater forces
and it ma
y be heated to such an extent that the tread can rupture and the
tyre will burst.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed, the tyres can overheat and
burs
t resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the useful life of
the tyre, aff
ecting the vehicle's performance.
● If a tyre has not been punctured then it does not have to be changed
immediately; driv
e to the nearest specialist workshop at a moderate
speed and have the tyre checked and inflated to the correct pressure. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a

y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. 
Tyre monitoring indicator Fig. 154 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: but-
ton for the tyre pressure
monitoring indicator.
The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel revolutions and, with this infor-
mation, the tr e

ad of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If the tread of a
wheel is changed, the tyre monitoring indicator will indicate as such on the
instrument panel. The wheel tread changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient.
● Tyre structure is damaged.
● The vehicle is unbalanced because of a load.
● The wheels on an axle are subject to a heavier load (e.g. when towing a
trail
er). Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

225
Driving and the environment
Practical tips Drivin g and the en
vironment
Running-in Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Ru
nnin

g-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 k
ilometres (600 to 1000 miles) , gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ pag
e 293
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ pag
e 187 For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oi l

consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend lar
g

ely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Saving
s of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips. WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with v

isibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation. 
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

228
Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the v
ehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification sy
stem
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Changing gear ⇒ p ag
e 174
● Refuelling ⇒ pag
e 264
● Fuel ⇒ page 267
● En

gine oil ⇒ pag
e 279
● Vehicle battery ⇒ pag
e 288
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ pag
e 257
● Tow-starting and towing away ⇒ pag
e 340 WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhau
st pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter. 
Warning lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 Fault in engine management
(Electr
onic

Power Control). Take the vehicle to a Technical
Serv
ic
e as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.  Pre-heating a diesel engine
befor
e s

tarting the engine. ⇒ page 170
 Fault in catalytic converter. You should reduce speed ac-
cor
din

gly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.  Diesel particulate filter
bloc
k

ed Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual
g

earbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒  .
If the w arnin

g lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a Techni-
cal Service ⇒ page 229. 

229
Driving and the environment flashes Possible cause Solution
 Fault in the engine manage-
ment (die
sel
engines). Take the vehicle to a Technical
Serv
ic
e as soon as possible and
have the engine checked.  Combustion fault which could
dam
ag

e the catalytic convert-
er. You should reduce speed ac-
cor
din
gly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next qualified
workshop. Have the engine
checked there. Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is
sw

itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. WARNING
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter
whil e driv

ing.
● Only carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
so permit.
● Never end

anger your safety or that of other road users. CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descriptions
and ins truction

s to avoid damage to the vehicle. Note
While the control lamps ,  or  r
emain lit, there may be engine prob-
lems, fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power. Catalytic converter The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
ga
se

s thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
● Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 279.
● Do not

tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 337.
If

you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a Technical
Service. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system and es-
cape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be damaged by
overheating. For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of

sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Diesel particulate filter The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filt
er r

etains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combus-
tion process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur content ⇒ page 267.
● Nev

er use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer c
ontaining biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used ⇒ page 267. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

233
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer Tec hnic
al requirements If the car is supplied with a
factor
y-fitted tow hitch it will already have the
necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for
towing a trailer.
Only use an approved trailer hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balan-
ces the load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal re-
quirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the ve-
hicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer ⇒ page 235.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights

of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 235.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system.
In case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a spe-
cialist workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the stand-
ard wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications: Electrical consumer Maximum power
Position lights and rear lights 50 Watts
Indicator (each side) 54 Watts
Brake lights (total) 84 Watts
Reversing lights (total) 42 Watts
Rear fog light 42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the v ehic

le causing an accident with serious consequences. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

238
Trailer towing
●The vehicle centre of gravity and handling change because of the trailer
lo a
d and because of the increased combined mass of the vehicle and trail-
er.
● If the towing vehicle is empty and the trailer loaded then the load distri-
bution is
incorrect. If you must travel in these conditions, drive carefully and
reduce your speed accordingly.
Hill starts with a trailer
Depending on the hill and the gross combined weight, it is possible that the
combined vehicle and trailer move backwards slightly when starting.
For a hill start with a trailer, proceed as follows:
● Press and hold the brake pedal.
● Press the button  once to turn off the electric parking brake
⇒ p ag

e 183.
● Press and hold the button  to hold the vehicle and trailer combination
us in

g the parking brake.
● With a manual gearbox: press the clutch pedal to the floor.
● Engage first gear or the gear range D ⇒ page 174, Ch
anging gear.
● Release the brake pedal.
● Move off slowly. To do this, gently release the clutch pedal (for manual
gearbo
x).
● Release the button  only when the engine provides sufficient power
to mo v

e the vehicle and trailer combination. WARNING
Jerking the trailer in an unsuitable manner could cause loss of vehicle
contr o

l with the subsequent serious consequences.
● Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy or a large objects will
chan
ge the vehicle handling and braking distances. WARNING (Continued)
● Antic ipate traffic and be extremely cautious. Brake early.
● Adju
s

t your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Reduce your speed, especially on steep hills.
● Accelerate gently and carefully. Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sud-
den brakin
g.
● Always take the following precautions seriously. Reduce your speed
immediately
if you observe the trailer rocking from side to side.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
● Always take the speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in
each c
ountry into account. 
Stabilising the vehicle and trailer combination Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is an extension of the
electr
onic

stability control ESC (ESP) and helps, with the assistance of the
trajectory control, to reduce trailer “snaking”.
Stabilisation of the vehicle and trailer combination is active when the ESC
(ESP)  indicator on the dashboard remains lit for about two seconds more
than the ABS indicator.
Requirements for stabilising the vehicle/trailer combination
● An original tow hitch is fitted by the manufacturer or a compatible model
is r

etrofitted.
● The ESC (ESP) is on. The warning indicator in the control panel  is not
lit

.
● The trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
● The vehicle is driven faster than 60 km/h.
● The maximum drawbar load is used. 

239
Trailer towing
● The trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
● Tr
ailers with brakes must be equipped with a mechanical inertia brake. WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the stabilisation system tempt you
into t ak

ing any risks when driving.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● If the road surface is slippery, take care when accelerating.
● When a system is operating, lift your foot off the accelerator. WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisation system does not correct-
ly r ec

ognised all driving situations.
● It is possible that the stabilisation system does not detect snaking of
a light trai
ler and thus does not intervene.
● When driving on slippery ground, the trailer could jack-knife
despite
the stabilisation system.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before they
star
t to rock sideways.
● If a trailer is not used at the trailer socket is connected (for example,
inst
allation of a bicycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic braking
may occur in extreme driving conditions. Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 157 Measurements and attachments to retrofit a tow hitch.
SEA T r

ecommends visiting a specialist workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For
example, it may be necessary to adjust the cooling system or to include
thermal plates. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
In any case, the separation distances must be observed when fitting a tow
hitch. The distance between the centre of the tow hitch ball and the road
surface ⇒ fig. 157 D must never be lower than that indicated. This also ap-
plie s

when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances ⇒ fig. 157:
Attachment points.
1.040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches) 
A B
C
D
Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

242
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction Regular maintenance and washing help to maint
ain the value of the vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty
claims in the event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle are available at any Technical
Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Care and cleaning of the vehicle interior ⇒ page 249
● W

orking in the engine compartment ⇒ page 275
● A

ccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 257WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are
not s uit

able or are used inappropriately, this could result in accident, se-
rious injury, burns or intoxication.
● Car care products must always be stored in the original container
which shoul
d be kept closed.
● Observe information provided by the manufacturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food
cans, bottl
es or other containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of children. WARNING (Continued)
● Harmf ul vapours may be produced when using car care products.
Ther ef

ore, care products should only be used in well-ventilated spaces or
in the open air.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid to w
ash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable. WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the ve-
hicl e s

afety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
● Vehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in ac-
cord
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended care products. CAUTION
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material. For the sake of the environment
● Only wash the vehicle in areas allocated for this purpose, to prevent
dir ty

water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from entering
the drains. In some districts, washing vehicles outside wash bays is prohibi-
ted.
● Where possible, always use products which respect the environment.
● The remains of car care products should not be disposed of with ordina-
ry hou
sehold waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 