2012 Seat Alhambra fuel type

270Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Driving with insufficient fuel reserve could result in the vehicle breaking
down in traffic and a serious accident.
● If the fuel level is too low then the fuel supply to the engine can be-
come irregular especially on slopes.
● If the engine “is choked” or stalls due to lack of or irregularity of the
fuel supply, the power steering as well as all of the driver assistance sys-
tems including braking assistance will stop working.
● Always refuel when there is only one quarter of the fuel tank left to
avoid running out of fuel.
CAUTION
● Always pay attention to any lit lamps and to the corresponding descrip-
tions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
● Never run the tank completely dry. An irregular fuel supply may lead to
ignition faults and unburnt fuel could enter the exhaust system. This could
damage the catalytic converter filter or the diesel particulate filter!
Note
The arrow next to the fuel pump symbol on the instrument panel ⇒ fig. 164
indicates the side of the vehicle on which the tank flap is located. Filling the tank with petrol or diesel
Fig. 165 Open tank flap
with tank cap attached to
the holder.
Before refuelling, always turn off the engine, the ignition, mobile tele-
phones, auxiliary heating and keep them off during refuelling.
Unscrewing the tank cap
● The tank flap is at the rear of the vehicle on the right.
● Press the rear of the tank flap to open it.
● Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise and insert it in the hole in the tank
flap hinge ⇒ fig. 165.
Refilling
The correct petrol type for the vehicle is located on a sticker inside the fuel
tank flap ⇒ page 271.
● If the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly, it will switch itself off
as soon as the tank is full ⇒ 
.
● Do not continue to refuel if it is turned off! Otherwise, this will fill the ex-
pansion chamber and fuel may leak out if the ambient conditions are warm. 

271
Checking and refilling levels
Closing the tank cap
● Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
● Press the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must
be flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
CAUTION
● Always remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment. 
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement ⇒ page 330.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment if you are not famil-
iar with the operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards
and especially if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools neces-
sary ⇒ page 279, Working in the engine compartment! Have the work car-
ried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following
regularly, preferably when you refuel:
● Windscreen washer fluid level ⇒ page 105
● Engine oil level ⇒ page 283 ●
Engine coolant level ⇒ page 287
● Brake fluid level ⇒ page 185
● Tyre pressure ⇒  page 297
● Vehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
Turn signals
Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Rear fog light ⇒ page 97
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to ac-
cidents and severe injuries.
● Always follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Fuel Introduction
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
Additional information and warnings:
● ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme
● Refuelling ⇒ page 268
● Engine and exhaust system management ⇒ page 232
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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

272Checking and refilling levels
WARNING
Refuelling or handling fuel carelessly can cause an explosion or fire re-
sulting in serious burns and injuries.
● Fuel is a highly explosive, easily flammable substance.
● Observe current safety instructions and local regulations concerning
the handling of fuel.

Types of fuel
The type of fuel to use when refilling will depend on the vehicle's engine.
You will find a factory-fitted sticker containing information on the type of
fuel for your vehicle on the inside of the fuel tank flap.
SEAT recommends the use of sulphur-free or low sulphur fuel to reduce con-
sumption and prevent engine damage.
Possible types of fuelAlternative namesFurther information
91a)
RONNormal petrol, normal unlea-
ded petrol
⇒ page 27295 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (95
RON)
98 a)
RONPremium unleaded petrol (98
RON)
Diesel ⇒ page 273a) RON = Regulation Octane Number Petrol
Petrol types
Vehicles with petrol engines must refuel using unleaded petrol according to
European norm EN 228 ⇒ 
.
Petrol types are categorised according to their octane number (e.g. 91, 95,
98 or 99 RON (RON = “Research Octane Number”). You may use petrol with
a high octane number than the one recommended for your engine. Howev-
er, this has no advantage in terms of fuel consumption and engine power.
SEAT recommends refuelling with a low sulphur content or sulphur-free pet-
rol to reduce petrol consumption for petrol engines.
Petrol additives
The quality of the fuel influences running behaviour, performance and serv-
ice life of the engine. For this reason, you should use good quality petrol
containing a mixture of additives. These additives will help to prevent corro-
sion, keep the fuel system clean and prevent deposits from building up in
the engine.
If good quality petrol with additives is not available or engine problems
arise, the necessary additives must be added when refuelling.
Not all petrol additives have been shown to be effective. The use of unsuita-
ble petrol additives could damage the engine. These additives are available
from Technical Services, who will inform you of their application.
CAUTION
● Only use fuel with an octane rating that is in line with the norm EN 228,
otherwise significant damage could be caused to the engine and fuel sys-
tem. Furthermore, it could lead to a loss of performance with the conse-
quent engine fault.
● The use of unsuitable petrol additives could damage the engine. 

273
Checking and refilling levels
● If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throt-
tle. Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
● Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
● Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it. 
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter serv-
ice intervals ⇒ Booklet Maintenance Programme ⇒ 
. Your Technical Serv-
ice will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using “summer-grade diesel fuel”, difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0 °C (+32 °F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sep-
aration. For this reason, “winter-grade diesel fuel” is available in Germany,
for example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low
as -20 °C (-4 °F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. Technical Services and fill-
ing stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of diesel
fuels available. A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will de-
pend on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This en-
sures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24 °C (-11.2 °F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15 °C (+5 °F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not
start at temperatures of under -24 °C (-11,2 °F), simply place the vehicle in a
warm garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam
may be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it
is not an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
WARNING
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious in-
jury. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

274Checking and refilling levels
CAUTION
● The vehicle is not prepared for the use of biodiesel. Never, under any
circumstances refuel with biodiesel. It could damage the fuel system and
subsequently lead to engine faults!
● The addition of biodiesel to diesel by the diesel producer according to
Standard EN 590 or other equivalent (DIN 51628 in Germany, for example)
is authorised and causes no type of damage to the engine or the fuel
system.
● The diesel engine has been designed for to use diesel fuel exclusively.
Therefore, never use petrol, fuel oil or other unsuitable fuels. The composi-
tion of these fuels may significantly damage the fuel system and the en-
gine.
● The use of diesel fuels with a high sulphur percentage could considera-
bly reduce the service life of the diesel particulate filter. Your Technical Serv-
ice will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content. 
Information on fuel consumption
The consumption and emission values indicated do not refer to one specific
vehicle. They are only to be used to compare the values of the different ve-
hicle versions. The fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions of a vehicle not on-
ly depend on the effective use of fuel. They also depend on your driving
style and other non-technical factors.
Calculation of fuel consumption
Fuel consumption and emission values are determined according to the cur-
rent version of the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulation and are valid
for the vehicle kerb weight. The specifications do not refer to an individual
vehicle. Two measuring cycles are carried out on a rolling road test bed. The
test criteria are as follows:
Urban cycleMeasurement of the urban cycle starts with an engine cold
start. City driving is then simulated at between 0 and 50 km/
h.
Road cycleIn the road cycle simulation, the car undergoes frequent ac-
celeration and braking in all gears, as in normal everyday
driving. The road speed ranges from 0 to 120 km/h.
CombinedThe average combined consumption is calculated with a
weighting of around 37 % for the urban cycle and 63 % for
the road cycle.
CO 2 emis-
sions of the
combinationThe exhaust gases are collected during both driving cycles
to calculate carbon dioxide emissions (urban and road). The
gas composition is then analysed to evaluate the CO 2 con-
tent and other emissions.
Note
● The kerb weight may vary according to the vehicle equipment. This
could raise consumption and the CO 2 emissions slightly.
● In practice, consumption values could be different to the values calcula-
ted based on the 715/2007/EC or 80/1268/EEC regulations. 

278Checking and refilling levels
Opening the tank filling neck
● Open the tailgate.
● Rotate the shut off on the cover clockwise ⇒ fig. 166 and open the cover
forwards.
● Unscrew the tank filler neck cap ⇒ fig. 167 1
anticlockwise.
Refilling AdBlue
Only use AdBlue that is approved by SEAT and that complies with the
ISO 22241-1 Standard. Only use genuine bottles.
● Observe the instructions and information provided by the refill bottle
manufacturer.
● Observe the expiry date.
● Unscrew the cap on the refill bottle.
● Place the refill bottle 2
upside down inside the tank filler neck.
● Press the refill bottle against the filler neck and keep in this position.
● Add at least 10 litres of AdBlue (6 bottles). A lower quantity would be
insufficient.
● Wait until the contents of the refill bottle have been poured into the
AdBlue tank. Do not crush or damage the bottle!
● Unscrew the liquid bottle anticlockwise and remove it carefully ⇒ 
.
● You can tell when the AdBlue tank is full because the bottle will be emp-
ty.
Closing the tank filling neck
● Screw on the tank filler neck cap 1
clockwise until it is fully inserted.
● Place the cover and turn the shut off anticlockwise to close it.
Operations before driving
● Only switch the ignition on after refilling.
● Keep the ignition switch on for at least 30 seconds so that the system
detects tank refilling.
● Wait 30 seconds before starting the engine!
WARNING
Only keep AdBlue in its original container, tightly shut and in a safe
place.
● Never keep AdBlue in empty food cans, bottles or other containers to
avoid other people mistaking it for something else.
● Keep the AdBlue out of the reach of small children.
CAUTION
● Only refill using AdBlue expressly approved by SEAT. The use of any oth-
er type of AdBlue could cause engine damage!
● AdBlue should never be mixed with water or any other additives. Any
type of damage caused by a mixture will not be covered by the warranty.
● Do not add AdBlue to the diesel fuel tank! Otherwise you may damage
the engine.
● Never leave the refill bottle in the vehicle. It could become permeable
due to temperature changes and bottle damage and the AdBlue could dam-
age the vehicle interior.
For the sake of the environment
Dispose of the refill bottle in an environment-friendly manner.
Note
Suitable AdBlue refill bottles can be purchased from a Technical Service. 

299
Wheels and tyres
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible ⇒ page 303.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible damage ⇒ page 303.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle ⇒ page 306.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid ⇒ 
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres 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 306. 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. 177. 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 date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre ⇒ page 306.
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 with the consequent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical
products, oil, 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 while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emer-
gency and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws
in the country concerned. 
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301
Wheels and tyres
WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their max-
imum 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).
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in ac-
cordance 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
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 dimen-
sions 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 dimensions 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 pressuresFig. 178 Position of tyre pressure specification plate.
The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label
and is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label ⇒ fig. 178 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 tyre 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 FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications