2014 Seat Alhambra lock

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Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard with anti-puncture technology
tyres (Conti-Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of up to 5 mm, the
tyre seals the hole with a protective layer inside the tread.
The inclusion of such technology means that there is no type of spare
wheel, nor puncture repair kit included in the vehicle's inventory.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a speci-
alised workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement
parts, trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Park assist system ⇒ page 204
● Tyre control systems ⇒ page 225
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Change wheel ⇒ page 310
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 259
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (370 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist systems also depends on
the grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

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 310.
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 310.
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 specialised work-
shop. 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 specialised workshop. 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 specialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Serv-
ice.

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. 

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Wheels and tyres
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒ 
.
Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 308.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion display) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your Technical Service for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted speed and the required pressures for the tyres.
All-wheel drive*
Thanks to its all-wheel drive, your car will have plenty of traction in winter
conditions, even with the standard tyres. Nevertheless, SEAT still recom-
mend that winter tyres or all-season tyres should be fitted on all four wheels
when winter road conditions are expected, mainly because this will give a
better braking response.
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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

308Wheels and tyres
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each
wheel can carry (load capacity). 615 kg (1356 pounds)
650 kg (1,433 pounds)
690 kg (1,521 pounds)
730 kg (1,609 pounds)
775 kg (1,709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for tyres with a maximum author-
ised speed above 240 km/h (149 miles). 
91
93
95
97
99
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
Z
W
Y Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 310
● 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. 

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Wheels and tyres
Full hubcaps*
Fig. 182 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. 182 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. 185 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. 185 1
. Make sure that the hubcap is correctly fitted all
the way around the wheel. Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 183 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. 183 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

310Wheels and tyres
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 72
● 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.
WARNING (Continued)
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● Always stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and
place the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or
engage a gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.

Preparations for changing a wheel
Check list
Before changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given ⇒ 
:
Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
Automatic gearbox: move the selector lever to position P ⇒ page 176.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 176.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe
place (for example, behind the safety barrier).
Block the opposite wheel with wedges or a similar object.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle. Take the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
Remove the wheel trims ⇒ page 308. 
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

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Wheels and tyres
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.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 184 Changing a
wheel: Slacken the wheel
bolts.
Fig. 185 Changing a
wheel: Tyre valve 1 and
position of anti-theft
wheel locking bolt 2
or
3
Only use the tool supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
Loosen 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 brace carefully with your foot. Hold on to the vehicle
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. 184.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn anticlockwise ⇒ 
.
Loosening anti-theft wheel bolts
For wheels with full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded into
position ⇒ Fig. 185 2
or 3 before mounting the hubcap. Otherwise it will
not be possible to mount the full hubcap.
● Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle tool kit.
● Insert the adapter onto the anti-theft wheel bolt. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

312Wheels and tyres
● 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 anticlockwise ⇒ 
.
Important 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 tightening torque.
Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Although
they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could come loose
while driving.
WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not fitted correctly they could be released while
driving leading to loss of vehicle control and serious damage.
● Only use wheel bolts which correspond to the wheel rims in question.
● Never use different wheel bolts.
● The bolts and threads should be clean, free of oil and grease and easy
to thread.
● To loosen and tighten the wheel bolts, always use the wheel brace
supplied with the vehicle.
● Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jack.
● Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Al-
though they have been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could
come loose while driving.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the correct torque, they may
come loose while driving, and the bolts and rims may come out. If the
tightening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be dam-
aged.
