2012 Seat Alhambra recommended oil

231
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 157 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 157 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at
+20 °C (+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine
oil, help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the re-
sistance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

246Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction
Regular maintenance and washing help to maintain 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 253
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are
not suitable 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 should be kept closed.
● Observe information provided by the manufacturer.
● To prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food
cans, bottles or other containers.
● Keep all care products out of reach of children.
WARNING (Continued)
● Harmful vapours may be produced when using car care products.
Therefore, 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 wash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable.
WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the ve-
hicle safety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
● Vehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in ac-
cordance 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
dirty water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from entering
the drains. In some places, 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 household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer. 

249
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Spray windows and exterior windows with a standard window cleaner con-
taining alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. The cha-
mois leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable for cleaning win-
dows because they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the win-
dows.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and
silicone deposits off ⇒ 
.
Removing wax deposits
Automatic car washes and certain car care products may leave wax deposits
on the windows. These deposits can only be removed with a special product
or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. SEAT recommends you wipe the wax deposits off the wind-
screen with a soft cloth each time after you have washed the vehicle.
A window cleaning detergent which helps to dissolve the wax may be added
to the windscreen washer fluid to prevent the wiper blades from scratching
the windscreen. Please ensure the you add the cleaning product in the cor-
rect proportions. Products for removing grease do not eliminate the wax de-
posits ⇒ 
.
Special cleaning products or window cloths are available at any Technical
Service. To remove wax deposits, SEAT recommends the following products:
● For the hottest time of the year: the window cleaner for summer
use G 052 184 A1. Proportion 1:100 (1 part detergent, 100 parts water) in
the windscreen washer bottle.
● All year round: the window cleaner G 052 164 A2; proportion 1:2 in
windscreen washer bottle (1 part concentrate, 2 parts water) in winter, up to
-18 °C (-0.4 °F), or 1:4, during the rest of the year.
● Window cloths G 052 522 A1 for all windows and exterior mirrors. Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper,
push it in one direction only
without swinging it. If you pull the scraper
backwards, the dirt may scratch the window.
WARNING
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility in all directions and increase
the risk of accident and serious injury.
● Do not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
● Remove ice and snow from the windows and demist inside and out.
CAUTION
● Never mix our cleaning products with other products not recommended
by SEAT in the windscreen washer bottle. This could lead to flocculation and
may block the windscreen washer jets.
● Do not use hot or warm water to remove ice or snow from the windows
and exterior mirrors. The glass could crack!
● The heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of
the window. Do not stick adhesive labels over the heating elements and
never clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acid products or
other similar chemical cleaning products.
● Aerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if
cleaned with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive la-
bels over the heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear win-
dow with corrosive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning prod-
ucts. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

254Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
The longer stains or dirt remain on the vehicle surfaces, especially the fab-
rics covering the padded upholstery, the more difficult it becomes to clean
and maintain them. If stains and dirt are left for a long time, it may be that
they are impossible to remove.
WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. Using unsuitable car-care
products or, using them in the wrong way, may cause accidents, serious
injury, burns or intoxication.
● Keep your car-care products in their original containers.
● Read the instructions.
● Never keep car-care products in empty food containers, bottles or
other similar containers, other people may confuse them.
● Keep all car-care products out of the reach of children.
● Some products may give off harmful vapours during use. Therefore,
they should be used outdoors in well-ventilated places.
● Never use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, nail-varnish remover or any
other volatile product for washing, maintenance or cleaning. These are
toxic and highly flammable.
WARNING
Unsuitable maintenance and cleaning of vehicle components may impair
proper operation of safety equipment and cause serious injury.
● Maintain and clean vehicle components according to the manufactur-
er's instructions.
● Only use approved or recommended cleaning products.
CAUTION
● Cleaning products which contain solvents have a corrosive effect and
may damage the material irreparably.
● Stains and dirt containing aggressive substances or solvents attack the
material and may damage it irreparably, even when they are cleaned quick-
ly.
● Dirt and stains should not be allowed to dry and should be cleaned as
quickly as possible.
● In the case of stubborn stains, take the vehicle to a specialised work-
shop to avoid damage. 
Treating your upholstery
Checklist
To treat and maintain your seat upholstery, keep the following in mind ⇒ 
:
¥ Before entering the vehicle, close any Velcro fasteners that might
snag on the upholstery or trim fabric. Any open Velcro fasteners may
damage the trim or upholstery fabrics.
¥ To prevent damage, avoid direct contact between sharp decorative
objects and the upholstery and trim fabrics. Decorative objects in-
clude zips, rivets and rhinestones on clothing and belts.
¥ From time to time, clean the dust that gathers in the perforations,
folds and seams so that the surfaces of the seats are not damaged
by its abrasive effect.
¥ Make sure clothes are colour-fast to avoid them running and staining
the upholstery. This is especially important if the upholstery is light
in colour.


Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Parking sensor system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200, 201Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Optical parking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
With towing bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 178
Petrol Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Filling the tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Portable waste bin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Pre-heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Preparation Checking the engine coolant level . . . . . . 290
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Work in the engine compartment . . . . . . . 281
Preparations Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Checking the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . 285
Topping up the engine oil level . . . . . . . . . 285
Preparing for the journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Principles of physics regarding a frontal colli- sion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Protection of vehicle undercarriage . . . . . . . . 252
Pushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 R
Radio reception Aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Operating faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Rails and attachment element system Baggage net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rails and attachment system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Control of function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Raising the vehicle Check list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Raising vehicle Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
With a lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Reading the Fault memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Rear assist Fault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Mode 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Mode 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Things to note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
User instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Rear Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Rear assist systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Rear shelf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Rear vision mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110, 111
Rear vision mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Recommended gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Refilling precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Reflective vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Reflective vests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 318
Refuelling
Mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Remote control Auxiliary heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
See "Keys" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Removing ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Removing snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Removing wax deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261, 262 Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Lifting platform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Replacement of parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Reprogramming control units . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Retaining hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Retro-fitting Two-way radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Vehicle telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Rev counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Reversing camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Rocker switches Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Rollback anti-trap function Electric sliding doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Roof carrier system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
379
Index