2015 Seat Alhambra service

Advice
● The vehicle must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positive ››› .
Connecting the vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negative ››› .
Different control lamps may light up after
connecting the battery and switching the ig-
nition on. They will be turned off after a short
trip at a speed of between 15-20 km/h
(10-12 mph). If the warning indicators remain
lit, please visit a specialised workshop to
have the vehicle checked.
If the battery has been disconnected for a
long time, it is possible that the next service
date is not displayed or calculated correctly
››› page 40 . Respect the maximum service in-
t er
vals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Vehic

les with Keyless Access (››› page 59): if,
after connecting the battery, the ignition can-
not be switched on, lock and unlock the vehi-
cle from outside. Then try to switch on the ig-
nition again. If the ignition does not work,
seek professional assistance. Automatic device disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system auto-
matically implements a range of measures to
prevent the battery from discharging when
high demands are made on it:
● the idling speed is increased so that the al-
ternator provides more electricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most
powerful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-volt power sockets and the ciga-
rette lighter may be interrupted for a short
time.
The on-board management program cannot
always prevent the battery from running flat.
For example, if the ignition is left on for a
long period with the engine off or if the side
lights or parking lights are left on while the
vehicle is stationary.
Why does the battery run flat?
● When stationary for a long time without
starting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switched off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running
››› page 128
. WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wrong battery can cause short-circuits, fire
and serious injuries.
● Always use only maintenance free batteries
that do not run flat alone and whose proper-
ties, specifications and size correspond to
the standard battery. The specifications are
indicated on the battery case. WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is re-
leased when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventilated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
battery. A flat battery can also freeze at tem-
peratures close to 0 °C (+32 °F).
● Always replace a battery which has frozen.
● Battery cables not correctly connected may
cause a short circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never disconnect the battery if the ignition
is switched on or if the engine is running.
This could damage the electrical system or
electronic components.
● Never plug accessories that supply current,
such as solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power sockets or the cigarette 230

Wheels and tyres
lighter. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. Collect any spilt service fluids and dis-
pose of them correctly. 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 this technology means that
there is no type of spare wheel included in
the vehicle's equipment.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
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 circumfer-
ence) 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 taken for
the first 600 km.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, 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, serious accidents or damage. Worn or
damaged tyres must be replaced immediate-
ly.
● 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 ve-
hicle 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 serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. » 231Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
●
Never mount used tyres or wheels if you are
not sure of their previous history. They may
be damaged, although the damage is not im-
mediately visible.
● Old tyres, even if they have never been
used, may lose air or burst unexpectedly
while driving, resulting in serious accident or
damage. If tyres are over six years old, they
should only be used in an emergency and
with extreme caution. Note
● For technical reasons, it is not generally
possible to use the wheels from other vehi-
cles. In some cases, this may also be true for
the same model of wheel. Please refer to the
vehicle documentation or ask at a technical
service. About your tyres and wheels
Fig. 174
Diagram for changing wheels The tyres of a vehicle are the components
which are subjected to most stress and are
the most underestimated. Tyres are very im-
portant, as the support offered by their nar-
row surface is the only point of contact be-
tween the vehicle and the road.
The service life of tyres is dependent on tyre
pressure, driving style, the care they receive
and the correct fitting.
The tyres and wheel rims are an essential
part of the vehicle's design. The tyres and
rims approved by SEAT are specially matched
to the characteristics of the vehicle and our
critical to good road holding and safe han-
dling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
● If you have to drive over a kerb or similar
obstacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the
outside of the tyre tread and ensure that they
have not passed through the wall of the tyre
››› page 237 .
● In a d
dition, the instructions for tyre control
systems should always be observed.
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as
possible ››› page 237. ●
Re
gularly check tyres for non-visible dam-
age ››› page 237.
● Never e

xceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle ››› page 238.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with
aggressive substances, grease, oil, fuel or
brake fluid ››› .
● Lost valve caps should be replaced imme-
diately.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been designed to operate best when rotating
in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre
sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread ››› page 238. Al-
ways observe the direction of rotation indica-
ted when mounting the wheel. This guaran-
tees optimum grip and helps to avoid aqua-
planing, excessive noise and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direc-
tion of rotation, drive with extreme caution,
as the tyre is no longer being used correctly.
This is of particular importance when the
road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon
as possible or remount it with the correct di-
rection of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheels should be changed round from
232

Wheels and tyres
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 174 . The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the s
ame time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a
result of physical and chemical processes.
This may affect their performance. Tyres
which are stored for long periods of time
without being used, harden and become
more fragile than tyres which are in constant
use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years
old are replaced with new tyres. This also ap-
plies to tyres which appear to be in perfect
condition on the outside and which have a
tread depth within the values stipulated by
the Law ››› .
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ››› page 238 .
St orin

g tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate
the direction of rotation (left, right, forwards,
backwards). This ensures you will be able to
mount them correctly when you replace
them. When removed, the wheels and/or
tyres should be stored in a cool, dry and pref- erably dark location. Do
not place tyres
mount

ed on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from
dirt by storing them in suitable bags and
standing them on the ground on their tread. WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result
in visible or invisible damage with the conse-
quent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into
contact with chemical products, oil, grease,
fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substan-
ces. WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used,
may lose air or burst unexpectedly while driv-
ing, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should
only be used in an emergency and with ex-
treme caution. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified
personnel according to the laws in the coun-
try concerned. 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 correct-
ly shaped bolt heads must be used. This en-
sures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly
››› page 246.
F or t

echnical reasons, it is not generally pos-
sible 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 spe-
cially matched to the characteristics of the
vehicle and are critical to good road holding
and safe handling.
Note for Italy: A SEAT Service Centre should
be c on

sulted whether different sized wheels
or tyres to those originally fitted by SEAT may
be fitted, as well as the combinations al-
lowed between the front axle (axle 1) and
back axle (axle 2).
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct
torque ›››
page 246
.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various compo-
nents. These are joined together by special
bolts using a special procedure. This ensures »
233
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
good performance, a better seal, improved
safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn
rims should always be replaced and must on-
ly be repaired in a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangea-
ble trim parts which are attached 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 dangerous 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 loos-
ened, 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 taking your car
in for technical service.
Replacement of wheel rims and new
tyres
New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme
caution for the first 500 km, as all tyres need
to be run-in . Tyres which have not been run-
in do not
have such good grip ››› or brak-
ing capacity ››› .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording 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 permit-
ted size, diameter, load and speed capacity.
● If replacing tyres, make sure the new ones
have an emergency ride system (Conti-
Seal/Run flat). Otherwise, we recommend
carrying a tyre mobility system. ●
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. WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will
not have reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity to start with, and therefore need run-
ning in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage,
extreme caution should be taken for the first
600 km. WARNING
There should be adequate space between the
tyres and the vehicle in accordance with the
vehicle design. If this is not the case, the
tyres may rub against parts of the running
gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment,
and the risk of burst tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be
greater than the dimensions of tyres manu-
factured and approved by SEAT and should
not rub against parts of the vehicle. Note
● Although tyres may be shown as being the
same size, the true dimensions of different
types of tyre may vary with respect to the
nominal size, or tread patterns may be differ-
ent. 234

Advice
● Adjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in
the vehicle.
● After checking the pressure, always replace
the valve caps, and where applicable, ob-
serve the instructions given for adjusting the
tyre control system ››› page 177. WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the
tyre may deflate or burst suddenly while driv-
ing. This could result in a serious accident.
● If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● When driving at high speeds and/or fully
loaded, the tyre could suddenly overheat,
burst or be subject to tread detachment, with
the resultant loss of control of the vehicle.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduce the service life of the tyre, affect-
ing the vehicle's performance.
● Tyre pressures should be checked regularly,
at least once a month and before long jour-
neys.
● Adjust the pressures of all the tyres to the
vehicle load.
● Never deflate excess pressure from hot
tyres. CAUTION
● Take care not to tilt the manometer when
placing it on the valve. Otherwise, the valve
may be damaged.
● If tyre valves are not protected by caps, or if
the caps are not screwed on correctly, they
may become damaged. Check that the caps
are identical to the standard caps and have
been correctly tightened. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase fuel con-
sumption. Note
When checking tyre pressures, please ob-
serve the instructions for the tyre control sys-
tem ››› page 177. Tread depth and wear indicators
Fig. 176
Tyre tread: tread wear indicators Tread depth
Certain driving conditions require a deeper
tread, as well as needing the tread to be ap-
proximately the same on the front and rear
tyres. This is particularly important when
driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on
wet roads
››› .
The minimum tread depth required by law in
the majority of cases is 1.6 mm (1/16 of an
inch), measured in the tread grooves next to
the tread wear indicators. Observe legal re-
quirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much re-
duced when the tread has worn to 4 mm
(5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording to the type and make of tyre and the
tread pattern.
236

AdviceTyre code (example)Meaning
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356 LBS)US load rating, indicating maximum permitted load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, there are 4 layers below the tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of steel reinforcement and 1
layer of nylon.
Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of the established base tyres (standardised test procedures)
:
TREADWEAR 280Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to specific US standard test.
TRACTION AABraking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATyre temperature resistance at higher test speeds (A, B or C).
If there are different letters, they are specific codes of the tyre manufacturer or specific national codes.
a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been designed to operate best when rotating
in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre
sidewall indicates the direction of rotation on
tyres with directional tread. Always observe
the direction of rotation indicated when
mounting the wheel. This guarantees opti-
mum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning,
grip, noise and wear. Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum
load in kilogrammes each wheel can carry
(load capacity).
615 kg (1,356 pounds)
650 kg (1,433 pounds)
690 kg (1,521 pounds)
730 kg (1,609 pounds)
775 kg (1,709 pounds)
91
93
95
97
99 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)
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
240

Wheels and tyres
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 authorised speed
above 240 km/h (149 mph).
Winter service
Winter tyres* In winter conditions winter tyres will consid-
erably improve the vehicle's handling. The
design of summer tyres (width, rubber com-
pound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice
and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehi-
cle braking performance, reducing the brak-
ing distance in winter weather. SEAT recom-
mend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle
at temperatures below +7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much re-
duced if the
tyre tread is worn below 4 mm
(1/16 inc h).
The age of the tyre is another
factor affecting performance, regardless of
the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using
winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each coun-
try. Z
W
Y ●
Winter tyres must be fitted on all four
wheels.
● Only use winter tyres in wintery weather
conditions.
● Only use winter tyres of the size authorised
for the vehicle.
● 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 240.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed
warning in the MFA (multifunction display)
menu on the instrument panel ››› page 47.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and
ty r

e pressure will be determined by engine
size. Please ask your technical service centre
for further information on the maximum per-
mitted 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 recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres should be fitted on all fourwheels when winter road conditions are ex-
pected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response
.
Please observe all instructions and warnings
when using
snow chains ››› page 242. WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving
safer in the winter, you should not take un-
necessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, 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 “reprogrammed”
whenever a tyre is changed ››› page 179.
● Please ask at a technical service centre for
information about the permitted sizes for
winter tyres. 241
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety