
287
Checking and refilling levels
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
● Wear eye protection.
● Always wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
● Always keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
● Use a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
● Never collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
● Oil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems. Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary ⇒
! Have
the work carried out by a specialised workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT
recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Working in the engine compartment ⇒ page 279
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
● Only keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in
a safe place.
● Never store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as
other people may accidentally drink it.
● Always keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
● Ensure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
● If the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating
to stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

297
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

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.

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. 186 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. 187.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ Fig. 187.
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. 187.
● 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.

316If and when
If and when
In case of emergency
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Emergency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 318
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of accident for the driver and
for other road users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park the vehicle a safe
distance from surrounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of an emer-
gency. Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people alone in the vehicle if the
doors are to be locked. In case of an emergency, passengers will be trap-
ped inside the vehicle. Individuals locked in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.
Protecting yourself and securing the vehicle
Fig. 189 In the centre of
the dash panel: Switch
for hazard warning lights
Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a broken down vehicle. In a
number of countries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn on the hazard
warning lights and use a reflective safety vest ⇒ page 318.
When being towed with the hazard warning lights on, a change in direction
or traffic lane can be indicated as usual using the turn signal lever. The haz-
ard lights will be interrupted temporarily.
Checklist
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒
:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from traffic and on suitable ground
⇒
.
Turn on the hazard warning lights with the button
⇒ Fig. 189.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 185.
1.
2.
3.

317
If and when
Move the selector lever to its intermediate position or to P ⇒ page 176.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 172.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and move to safety, for example
behind a guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to indicate the position of your ve-
hicle to other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down or reach the end of a traffic
jam, to warn the vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Always comply with the applicable laws regarding the use of hazard warn-
ing lights.
If the hazard warning lights are not working, you must use an alternative
method of drawing attention to your vehicle. This method must comply with
traffic legislation.
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.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.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 dried grass or fuel).
Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run down if the hazard warning
lights remain on for too much time (even with the ignition turned off).
● For some vehicles, the brake lights will blink when braking suddenly at
speeds of approximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to warn vehicles behind. If brak-
ing continues, then the hazard warning lights system will automatically be
turned on at the speed of less than approximately 10 km/h (6 mph). The
brake lights remain lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warning lights will be
automatically turned off.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

323
If and when
Manually unlocking the gear selector lever
Fig. 198 Remove the lin-
ing from the area of the
gear indication
Fig. 199 Manual release
of gear selector lever
If the vehicle power supply should ever fail (discharged battery, etc.) and
the vehicle has to be pushed or towed, the selector lever must first be
moved to position N using the manual release mechanism. The emergency release mechanism is located underneath the gearbox cover
panel to the right-hand side. To release the gear selector lever mechanism,
a suitable tool is required, for example a screwdriver.
Preparations
●
Apply the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be activated in the
vehicle must be secured otherwise so that it cannot move.
● Switch the ignition off.
To remove the gearbox cover panel
● Pull the cover up around the dust guard on the gear selector lever
⇒ Fig. 198.
● Take the cover off by passing it over the gear selector lever ⇒
.
Manual release of the selector lever
● Press the release lever ⇒ Fig. 199 in the direction of the arrow and hold
it in this position.
● Press the lock button ⇒ Fig. 198 1
on the gear selector lever knob and
place the gear selector lever in the N position.
WARNING
Never move the gear selector lever from the position P while the electron-
ic parking brake is deactivated. Otherwise, the vehicle may accidentally
move off on hills or steep slopes causing serious accidents.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is moved on its wheels with the engine stopped and the selec-
tor lever in position N for a prolonged period of time and at high speed, for
example for towing, then the automatic gearbox will be damaged.
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications

325
If and when
Components
Fig. 201 Components of
the vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit depends on the vehicle equipment. The following is a
description for a vehicle with all options.
The individual elements of the vehicle tool kit
⇒ Fig. 201
Adapter for anti-theft bolt. SEAT recommend you carry the wheel bolt
adapter in the vehicle tool kit at all times. The code number of the anti-
theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the adapter. In case it is lost,
another adapter can be ordered using this number. Note the anti-theft
bolt code for the wheels and keep it in a place other than the vehicle.
Towline anchorage, removable.
Wheel spanner.
Jack. Fold the jack before returning it to the tool kit.
Jack. Before storing the jack in the tool kit, fold its hook.
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for screwing and un-
screwing the wheel bolts once loosened. The screwdriver bit is inter-
1
23456
changeable. The screwdriver may be found underneath the wheel span-
ner.
Wire hook for pulling off the wheel cover, integral hubcaps and the
wheel bolt caps.
7
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical TipsTechnical Specifications