2012 Seat Alhambra change wheel

300Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. 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 ⇒ page 309.
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 309.
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 with 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 result in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
● 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 loosened, this 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 qualified 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 miles), 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
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyre and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒ 
.
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in question, and in accordance 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 big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage. 

305
Wheels and tyres
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
⇒  page 305.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you
should not take unnecessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
Note
● If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “reprog-
rammed” whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 227.
● Please ask at a Technical Service for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres. 
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum permit-
ted speed limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help to improve grip but also im-
prove the braking capacity. Snow chains must only be mounted
on the front wheels, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
Tyre sizeWheel rim205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
SEAT recommends you ask a Technical Service for further information on
wheel, tyre and chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm (37/64
inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒ 
.
The wheel bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from Technical Services.
WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted chains could lead to serious ac-
cidents and damage.
● Always the appropriate snow chains.
● Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufac-
turer.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speeds when driving with snow
chains.
CAUTION
● Remove the snow chains to drive on roads without snow. Otherwise they
will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out very quickly.
● Wheel rims may be damaged or scratched if the chains come into direct
contact with them. SEAT recommends the use of covered snow chains.
Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes according to the vehicle type. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

308Wheels and tyres
Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cause major accidents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and en-
danger 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
blocked. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not
enough air, you may require significantly longer braking distances.
CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle. Full hubcaps*
Fig. 181 Removing the
full hubcap.
Removing the full hubcap
● Take the wheel brace and the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit
⇒ page 324.
● Hook the wire through one of the grooves on the hubcap.
● Insert the wheel brace onto the wire hook ⇒ fig. 181 and pull 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. 184 2
or 3. Otherwise it will not be possible to mount
the full hubcap.
Press the hubcap against the wheel so that the space for the valve fits over
the tyre valve ⇒ fig. 184 1
. Make sure that the hubcap is correctly fitted all
the way around the wheel. 

309
Wheels and tyres
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 182 Removing the
wheel bolt caps
● Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 324.
● Insert the wire hook in the cap through the opening ⇒ fig. 182 and pull
outwards in the direction of the arrow.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be remounted after changing
the tyre.
The anti-theft wheel locking bolt has a special cap. This cap only fits on an-
ti-theft locking bolts and is not for use with standard wheel bolts. Changing a wheel*
Introduction
The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. See
⇒  page 303
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a safe distance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

313
Wheels and tyres
Raising the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 185 Jack position
points
Fig. 186 A: jack mounted on the left front part of the
vehicle B: jack mounted on the left rear part of the ve-
hicle.
The jack may be applied only at the jacking points shown (marks on chas-
sis) ⇒ fig. 185. The mark indicates the jacking points below the vehicle. The
jacking points are on the ribs behind the front edges ⇒ fig. 186. Always the
relevant jacking point for the wheel to be changed ⇒ 
.Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

314Wheels and tyres
Check list
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒ 
:
Select a suitable 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 176 and turn on the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 185.
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 311.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking point ⇒ fig. 185 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. 186.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ fig. 186.
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 injury. 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
jacks, 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 vehicle 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-
face (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 reinforcement nerve on the underbody ⇒ fig. 186.
● You should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is
only supported by a jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands 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 start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may
come loose from the jack due to the engine vibrations.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.


315
Wheels and tyres
Changing a wheel
Fig. 187 Changing the
wheel: loosen wheel
bolts with the socket at
the end of the wheel
brace.
Removing the wheel
● Please observe the check list ⇒ page 310.
● Loosen the wheel bolts ⇒ page 311.
● Jacking up the vehicle ⇒ page 313.
● Using the hexagonal socket in the wheel brace ⇒ fig. 187, unscrew the
slackened wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface.
● Take off the wheel.
Putting on the spare wheel
Check the direction of rotation of the tyre ⇒ page 299.
● Fit the wheel.
● Screw on the anti-theft locking bolt with the adapter in position
⇒ fig. 184 2
or 3 clockwise and tighten gently.
● Replace the other wheel bolts and tighten slightly using the hexagonal
socket on the end of the wheel brace.
● Lower the car with the jack. ●
Tighten all of the wheel bolts clockwise ⇒ 
. Tighten the bolts in diago-
nal pairs (not in a circle).
● Put the caps, trim or full hubcap back on ⇒ page 308.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not treated suitably or not tightened to the correct
torque then this could lead to loss of vehicle control and to a serious ac-
cident.
● All the wheel bolts and hub threads should be clean and free of oil
and grease. The wheel bolts should be easily tightened to the correct tor-
que.
● The hexagonal socket in the wheel brace should be used for turning
wheel bolts only. Do not use it to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.

After changing the wheel
● Clean the wheel brace, if necessary and put it away in the luggage com-
partment ⇒ page 324.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possi-
ble with a torque wrench ⇒ page 311.
Note
If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre monitoring system, this should be “reprog-
rammed” if necessary whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 227.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

324If and when
Tools*
Introduction
When securing the vehicle in case of a breakdown, please note the legal re-
quirements for each country.
Additional information and warnings:
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● In case of emergency ⇒ page 316
WARNING
Loose objects in the passenger compartment can be violently fired
through the compartment in case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and
especially in accidents causing serious injury.
● Make sure that the vehicle tools are stored safely in the luggage com-
partment.
WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged on-board tools can cause injury or accidents.
● Never work with inappropriate or damaged tools.
 Location
Fig. 199 In the luggage
compartment, viewed
from inside the vehicle:
On-board tools are loca-
ted in a cavity close to
the lock carrier.
Depending on the model, the vehicle tools may be kept in the luggage com-
partment, in a cavity close to the lock carrier ⇒ fig. 199. Loosen the safety
straps and remove the on-board tools. For vehicles factory-fitted with winter
tyres, you will find additional tools in a toolbox located in the luggage com-
partment.
Note
After use, return the jack to its initial position using the handle in order to
securely store it in the vehicle. 