2013 Seat Alhambra length

15
Safe driving
WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior when the rear lid is open. This
could cause loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious
injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle always drive with the rear lid
closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must drive with the rear lid open,
observe the following to reduce the entry of toxic gases inside the vehi-
cle:
–Close all windows and the sliding sunroof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heating and air conditioner.
– Open all of the air outlets in the dash panel.
– Turn the heating fan and heater to the highest level.
CAUTION
An open rear lid 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
⇒ page 14.
● Accelerate gently and carefully.
● Avoid sudden braking and manoeuvres.
● Brake early.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a trailer
⇒ page 236.
● If necessary, read the instructions for driving with a roof carrier system
⇒  page 139.
WARNING
A sliding load could considerably affect the stability and safety of the ve-
hicle resulting 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
technical data provided in this documentation is applicable to the basic
model. The vehicle data label in the Maintenance Programme or the vehicle
documentation shows which engine is installed in your vehicle.
The figures may be different depending whether additional equipment is fit-
ted, for different models and for special vehicles.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised weight and the load on the axles
could cause damage to the vehicle, accidents and serious injuries.
● The real load on the axles should never exceed the maximum permit-
ted.
● The load and its distribution in the vehicle have effects on the vehicle
handling and the braking ability. Always drive at a suitable speed.
CAUTION
Distribute the load as uniformly and as low down on the vehicle as possible.
When transporting heavy objects in the luggage compartment, these
should be placed as far forward as possible or over the rear axle to have as
little influence on handling as possible. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

109
Lights and visibility
● Damaged blades: A film of water on the damaged blades may lengthen
the activation time, reduce the washing intervals or result in a fast and con-
tinuous wipe.
● Insects: insects on the sensor may trigger the windscreen washer.
● Salt on roads: in winter, salt spread in the roads may cause an extra
long wipe when the windscreen is almost dry.
● Dirt: dry dust, wax, coating on glass (Lotus effect) or traces of detergent
(car wash) 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 with 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-
screen obstructs visibility.
Note
● Clean the sensitive surface of the rain sensor regularly and check the
blades for damage ⇒ Fig. 69 (arrow).
● To remove wax and coatings, we recommend a window cleaner contain-
ing alcohol. Checking and topping up the windscreen washer reservoir
with water
Fig. 70 In the engine
compartment: wind-
screen washer reservoir
top
Check the water level in the windscreen washer reservoir regularly and top
up as required.
● Open the bonnet 
⇒  page 278.
● The washer reservoir is marked with the symbol  on the lid
⇒ Fig. 70.
● Check there is enough water in the reservoir.
● To top up, mix water with a window cleaner recommended by SEAT
⇒ 
.
Please follow the instructions for use found on the packaging.
● In cold weather, a special antifreeze should also be added to prevent
the water from freezing ⇒ 
.
Reservoir capacity
The reservoir holds approximately 3.0 litres; in vehicles with headlight
washer, it is approximately 7.0 litres. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

123
Seats and storage
Head restraints Adjusting the head restraints
Fig. 84 A: Adjust the head restraints with no possibili-
ty of lengthways direction adjustment, B: Adjust the
head restraints with lengthways direction adjustment
Fig. 85 Adjust the head
restraints in the second
or third row of seats
All seats are equipped with a head restraint. Adjusting height
●
Raise the head restraint in the direction of the arrow or lower it ⇒ Fig. 84
or ⇒ Fig. 85 1
with the button pressed ⇒ .
● The head restraint must engage securely in position. There are three
possible positions on the second row of seats and two possible positions
on the third row of seats.
Adjusting the front head restraints
● Push the head restraint forward in the direction of the arrow or backward
⇒ Fig. 84 1
B with the button pressed.
● The head restraint must engage securely in position.
Correct adjustment of head restraints
Adjust the head restraint so that its upper edge is at the same level as the
top of your head, or as close as possible to the same level as the top of your 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

124Seats and storage
head and under no circumstances below eye level. Keep the back of your
neck as close as possible to the head restraint.
Adjusting the head restraint for short people
Lower the head restraint completely, even if your head is below its upper
edge. When the head restraint is at its lowest, it is possible that a small gap
remains between it and the seat backrest.
Adjusting the head restraint for tall people
Raise the head restraint completely.
WARNING
Travelling with the head restraints removed or improperly adjusted in-
creases the risk of severe or fatal injuries in the event of accidents and
sudden braking or manoeuvres.
● Always fit and adjust the head restraint properly whenever a person
is occupying a seat.
● All vehicle occupants must correctly adjust the head restraint accord-
ing to their height to reduce the risk of back injuries in the event of an
accident. The upper edge of the head restraint must be as close as possi-
ble to the same level as the top of your head and under no circumstances
below eye level. Keep the back of your neck as close as possible to the
head restraint.
● Never adjust the head restraint while the vehicle is in motion.

Removing and fitting the head restraints
Fig. 86 A: Fitting the head restraints with no possibili-
ty of lengthways direction adjustment, B: Fitting the
head restraints with lengthways direction adjustment 

125
Seats and storage
Fig. 87 Fitting the head
restraints in the second
or third row of seats
All seats are equipped with a head restraint.
Removing the front head restraints in vehicles without the lengthways
direction adjustment of the head restraints
● If necessary, adjust the seat backrest so that the head restraint can be
fitted.
● Push the head restraint up as far as it will go
⇒ 
.
● Pull out the head restraint pressing the button completely
⇒ Fig. 86 1
A.
Fitting the front head restraints in vehicles without the lengthways
direction adjustment of the head restraints
●
Correctly place the head restraint into the guides on the seat backrest
and insert it.
● Completely press the button 1
A and push the head restraint down-
wards.
● Adjust the head restraint according to the correct seat position and se-
cure it ⇒ page 123. Removing the front head restraints in vehicles with the lengthways
direction adjustment of the head restraints
●
If necessary, adjust the seat backrest so that the head restraint can be
fitted.
● Push the head restraint up and backward as far as it will go ⇒ 
.
● Place a flat object, e.g. a plastic card 2 B, on both sides between the
seat backrest cover and the end protector of the seat backrest retaining bar
and unlock the retaining bars with a little pressure.
● Completely pull out the head restraint.
Fitting the front head restraints in vehicles with the lengthways direction
adjustment of the head restraints
● Pull out the two retaining bars from the head restraint as far as possible.
● Correctly place the head restraint into the guides on the seat backrest
and insert it.
● Push the head restraint down as far as possible until the two retaining
bars are secured.
● Adjust the head restraint according to the correct seat position and se-
cure it ⇒ page 123.
Removing the head restraints from the second and third row of seats
● Fold the seat backrest of the rear seat forwards ⇒ page 126.
● Push the head restraint up as far as it will go ⇒ 
.
● Pull out the head restraint ⇒ Fig. 87 1 with the button pressed.
● Fold the seat backrest of the rear seat backwards until it is engaged.
Installing the head restraints for the second and third row of seats
● Fold the seat backrest of the rear seat forwards ⇒ page 126.
● Insert the head restraint into the guides on the seat backrest.
● Push the head restraint down while pressing the button 1
.
● Fold the seat backrest of the rear seat backwards until it is engaged.
● Adjust the head restraint to the correct position ⇒ page 123.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

188Driving
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact 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
fixed 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, kerbs 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 pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒ .
The slightly reduced 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 specialised 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 layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce the effectiveness of
the brakes and increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged peri-
od on salted roads without braking then brake carefully several times to
eliminate the layer of salt on the brakes ⇒ 
.
If the vehicle 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 build up 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 ⇒ 
.
Faults 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 specialised workshop 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 distan-
ces.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases.
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brake pedal will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒ 
.

206Driving
● 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 system 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 (12 mph)), 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. 145
will light up.
● Apply the turn signal for the side on which you want to leave the parking
space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒ 
in
Parking using the park assist system on page 205: 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 (4 mph).
● The park assist system is only responsible 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
will stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park assist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
●
Driving faster than 7 km/h (4 mph).
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and press the button 
again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR system is switched off or the ASR or ESC is working.
WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
space 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
braking does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒ 
.
Braking 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
status, load, inclination), the Park Assist system may stop the vehicle com-
pletely before an object. 

211
Driving
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines displayed on the screen ⇒ Fig. 149. 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
● 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 orientation lines. 
1
2
3
Parking parallel to the road (mode 2)
Fig. 150 Display: orien-
tation lines and surfaces
for the space behind the
vehicle
After applying the turn signal, the lines and surfaces not required are de-
leted.
Summary of the orientation points
Meaning of orientation lines and surfaces displayed on the screen
⇒  Fig. 150. 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
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Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications