2011 Seat Alhambra length

15
Safe driving WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the tailgate is open. This
cou l
d cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the tail-
gate c
losed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the tailgate
open, obser
ve the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the
vehicle:
–Close all windows and the sliding roof.
– 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:
●
Secure all objects
⇒ pag
e 14.
● A

ccelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 233.
● If

necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 138. WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicl e r

esulting in an accident with serious consequences.
● Secure loads correctly so they do not move.
● When transporting heavy objects, use suitable ropes or straps.
● Lock the seat backs in vertical position. 
Specific vehicle weight information The instructions in the official vehicle documents take precedence. All the
tec
hnic

al 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
cou l

d cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The loa

d and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the br
aking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed. CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When tran s

porting 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activ ation time, r
educe the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen wipers.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the w
indscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wa
sh) may reduce the effectiveness of the rain sensor or make it react
more slowly, later or not at all.
● Cracked windscreen: the impact of a stone will trigger a single wipe cy-
cle w
ith 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.
● If necessary, switch on the wipers manually when water on the wind-
sc r

een obstructs visibility. Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
b l

ades for damage ⇒ fig. 70 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcoho
l. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer bottle
with wat

er Fig. 71 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: wind-
screen washer bottle top.
Check the water level in the windscreen washer bottle regularly and top up
as r
equired.
● Open the bonnet  ⇒ pag
e 275.
● The washer bottle is marked with the symbol  on the lid ⇒ fig. 71.
● Check there is enough water in the bottle.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT ⇒  .
Ple a

se follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water fr
om freezing ⇒  .
Bottle c ap
acity
The bottle holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight washer,
it is approximately 7.0 litres. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

187
Driving
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
k erb
.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x

ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs 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 p
ads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒  .
The slightly r
educed 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
⇒  .
A la y

er 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 ⇒  .
If the v

ehicle 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
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 ⇒  .
Fau lt

s 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  warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a Technical Service 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

205
Driving
● A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length
of the
vehicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing
the wheels, the sys
tem 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
●
Switch on the engine.
● Press button  . When the function is enabled, the button
⇒ fig. 144
wi l

l light up.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave
the parkin
g space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒  in
Park in

g using the park assist system on page 204: The system will move the
steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
● The park

assist system is only r
esponsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system
wil

l stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park a

ssist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
● Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and pres
s the button  again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR (TCS) system is switched off or the ASR (TCS) or ESC (ESP) is
work in

g. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
sp ac

e using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the steer-
ing wheel spokes could lead to injuries. 
Park Assist brake operation The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
brak
in

g does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒  .
Brak in

g to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed.
The parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during
each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In cer-
tain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

210
Driving
Summary of the orientation points
Me anin
g of orientation lines displayed on the screen ⇒ fig. 148. 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
● Stop the vehicle in front of a space and select reverse gear.
● Reverse slowly and turn the steering wheel so that the yellow orientation
lines guide
you towards the space 3 .
● Align the vehicle straight in the parking place using the help of the
green orient ation line

s. 
1 2
3 Parking parallel to the road (mode 2)
Fig. 149 Display: orien-
tation line
s

and surfaces
for the space behind the
vehicle.
After applying the turn signal indicator, the lines and surfaces not required
are delet
ed.
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines and surfaces displayed on the screen
⇒ fig. 149. 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 vehi-
cle.
Vehicle side limit.
Turning point when parking. When the yellow line touches the curb or
another limit of the parking space, the point for changing direction
(magnifying glass) will have been reached.
Free space required to park the vehicle parallel. The surface displayed
must completely fit in the space.
Possible vehicle parked next to the curb. 
1 2
3
4
5

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. 

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

363
Technical Data
Dimensions and capacities Dimensions
Length, width 4854 mm 1904 mm
Height at kerb weight 1720 mm
Front and rear projection
Wheelbase 2919 mm
Turning circle
Track width
a) Front Rear
1557 – 1569 mm 1605 – 1617 mm
Capacities
Fuel tank 70 litres. Reserve 8 litres.
Windscreen washer fluid container with headlight washer 3.5 l/ 6 l
Tyre pressure
Summer-grade tyres:
The correct tyre pressure can be seen on the sticker on the inside of the tank flap.
Winter tyres:
The pressure of these tyres is the same as the summer tyre pressure plus 0.2 bar.
a)
This data will change depending on the type of wheel rim. CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x
ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs 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. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data