2015 Seat Alhambra tyre pressure

Safe driving
Safety
Safe driving Safety first! This chapter contains important information,
tips, suggestions and warnings that you
should read and consider for both your own
safety and for your passengers' safety.
WARNING
● This manual contains important informa-
tion about the operation of the vehicle, both
for the driver and the passengers. The other
sections of the on-board documentation also
contain further information that you should
be aware of for your own safety and for the
safety of your passengers.
● Ensure that the on-board documentation is
kept in the vehicle at all times. This is espe-
cially important when lending or selling the
vehicle to another person. Tips for driving
Introduction Depending upon how you expect to use your
vehicle, it may a good idea to protect the en-
gine from below. An undercarriage may help to reduce the risk of damage to the lower part
of the vehicle and the oil sump when driving
over kerbs, or along dirt tracks or unsurfaced
roads, etc. SEAT recommends you have the
guard fitted by a technical service centre.
WARNING
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs,
medication or narcotics may result in severe
accidents and even loss of life.
● Alcohol, drugs, medication and narcotics
may significantly alter perception, affect re-
action times and safety while driving, which
could result in the loss of control of the vehi-
cle. Before starting every trip
For your own safety and the safety of your
passengers, always note the following points
before every trip:
– Make sure that the vehicle's lights and turn
signals are working properly.
– Check tyre pressure.
– Ensure that all windows provide a clear and
good view of the surroundings.
– Make sure all luggage is secured
››› page 98.
– Make sure that no objects can interfere
with the pedals. –
Adjust front seat, head restraint and rear vi-
sion mirrors properly according to your
size.
– Ensure that the passengers in the rear
seats always have the head restraints in
the in-use position ››› page 90.
– Instruct passengers to adjust the head re-
straints according to their height.
– Protect children with appropriate child
seats and properly applied seat belts
››› page 26 .
– As s
ume the correct sitting position. Instruct
your passengers also to assume a proper
sitting position. ››› page 6.
– Fasten your seat belt securely. Instruct your
passengers also to fasten their seat belts
properly. ››› page 14.
What

affects driving safety? As a driver, you are responsible for yourself
and your passengers. When your concentra-
tion or driving safety is affected by any cir-
cumstance, you endanger yourself as well as
others on the road
››› , for this reason:
– Always pay attention to traffic and do not
get distracted by passengers or telephone calls.
– Never drive when your driving ability is im-
paired (e.g. by medication, alcohol, drugs).
»
5
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Cockpit
Operation
Cockpit Overview Door release lever
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Central lock button    . . . . . . . . . . 57
Switch for adjusting the exterior
mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
– Exterior mirror adjustment     
– Heated exterior mirrors 
– Folding exterior mirrors 
Instrument panel controls and light-
ing control  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Headlamp range adjustment  . . . 74
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
– Light off - -
– Automatic dipped beam head-
light control - -
– Side/dipped lights  
– Fog lights  
Controls on the multi-function
steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
– Volume control for radio, naviga-
tion system and phone conversa-
tions  – 
– Radio mute or voice control acti-
vation 
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 –
Activate telephone main menu or
accept an incoming call 
– SEAT information system control
buttons , 
, OK,

Lever for . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
– Main beam headlights 
– Headlight flasher 
– Turn signals 
– Parking lights 
Instrument panel: – Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
– Digital display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
– Control and warning lamps . . . . . .45
Horn (works only when the ignition
is on)/Front driver airbag . . . . . . . . .20
Windscreen wiper/ windscreen
wash lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
– Windscreen wipers  – 
– Intermittent wipe 
– “Brief wipe”  x
– Windscreen wipers 
– Automatic windscreen wash/wipe

– Rear window wiper 
– Automatic rear window
wash/wipe 
8
9
10
11 –
Lever with buttons for controlling
the SEAT information system - ,
 /
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
L ef

t seat heating controls  . . . . . . . 93
Radio or navigation system (fitted
at factory) ››› Booklet Radio or
››› Booklet Navigation system
Storage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Hazard warning lights switch  . . . 242
Switches for: – Electronic manual air condition-
ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
– Climatronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Right seat heating controls  . . . . . 93
Button for: – Anti-slip regulation (ASR)  . .137
– Start-Stop operation  . . . . . . . . . .156
– Parking distance warning system
(Park Pilot)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
– Park Assist system  . . . . . . . . . . . 162
– Tyre pressure monitor   . . . . .177
– Opening the rear lid  . . . . . . . . .66
– Opening and closing of electric
sliding doors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Locking lever to open glove com-
partment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Position of passenger front airbag
on the dash panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
»
12 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
39
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Yellow symbolsSym- bolMeaning ››› See 
Front brake pads worn.
›››
page
137 
it lights up: ESC malfunction or
off.
flashes: ESC working.

ASR manually deactivated.

ABS faulty or does not work.

Electronic parking brake faulty.›››
page
137 
Rear fog light switched on.›››
page
74 
it lights up: Driving light totally or
partially faulty.›››
page
266
flashes: Fault in the adaptive light
system.››› page
74 
Fault in catalytic converter.
›››
page
151 
it lights up: pre-ignition of diesel
engine.
flashes: Fault in engine manage-
ment.

Fault in engine management.

Diesel particulate filter blocked
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Fault in the steering system.›››
page
131 
Tyre pressure too low.›››
page
231
Fault in the tyre pressure gauge.››› page
177 
Level of windscreen washer fluid
too low.›››
page
81 
Fuel tank almost empty.›››
page
206 
flashes: engine oil sensor faulty.›››
page
218
it lights up: insufficient engine oil. 
Fault in airbag system and seat
belt tensioners.›››
page
20 


Front passenger front airbag is
disabled (    ).››› page
20 
Top up "AdBlue", or there is a fault
in the "AdBlue" system.›››
page
212 
Fuel tank not closed correctly.›››
page
206 
Lane Assist is switched on, but not
active.›››
page
172 Green symbols
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Left or right turn signal.›››
page
74
Hazard warning lights on.››› page
242 
Use the foot brake!
Change
››› page
143
Brake
››› page
137 
Cruise control operating.›››
page
169 
Lane Assist is switched on and ac-
tive.›››
page
172 Blue symbols
Sym-
bolMeaning ››› See 
Main beam on or flasher on.›››
page
74 Headlight adjustment (Light As-
sist) on.
46

Transport and practical equipment
Transporting a load Secure all objects in the vehicle
● Distribute the load throughout the vehicle,
on the roof and in a trailer as uniformly as
possible.
● Transport heavy objects as far forward as
possible in the luggage compartment and
lock the seat backs in the vertical position.
● Secure luggage in the luggage compart-
ment with suitable straps on the fastening
rings ››› page 100
.
● Chec k
the headlight adjustment
››› page 74
.
● Use the suitable tyre pressure according to
the load being transported. Read the tire in-
flation information label ›››
page 231.
● For vehicles with a tire pressure indicator,
change the vehicle load status ›››
page 177. CAUTION
Objects on the shelf could chafe against the
wires of the heating element in the heated
rear window and cause damage. Note
Please note the information about loading a
trailer ››› page 179 and the roof carrier sys-
t em ›

›› page 110. Driving with the rear lid open
Driving with the rear lid open creates an addi-
tional risk. Secure all objects and secure the
rear lid correctly and take all measures possi-
ble to reduce toxic gases from entering the
vehicle.
WARNING
Driving with the rear lid unlocked or open
could cause serious injuries.
● Always drive with the rear lid closed.
● Secure all objects in the vehicle. Loose
items could fall out of the vehicle and injure
other road users or damage other vehicles.
● Drive particularly carefully and think
ahead.
● Avoid sudden manoeuvres and braking giv-
en that this could cause an uncontrolled
movement of the open rear lid.
● When transporting objects that protrude
out of the luggage compartment, indicate
them suitably. Observe legal requirements.
● If objects must project out of the luggage
compartment, the rear lid must never be used
to “secure” or “attach” objects.
● If a baggage rack is fitted on the rear lid, it
should be removed before travelling with the
rear lid open. WARNING
Toxic gases may enter the vehicle interior
when the rear lid is open. This could cause
loss of consciousness, carbon monoxide poi-
soning, serious injury and accidents.
● To avoid toxic gases entering the vehicle al-
ways drive with the rear lid closed.
● In exceptional circumstances, if you must
drive with the rear lid open, observe the fol-
lowing to reduce the entry of toxic gases in-
side the vehicle:
– Close all windows and the sliding sun-
roof.
– Turn off the air recirculation for the heat-
ing 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 boot hatch 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 99 .
● Ac

celerate gently and carefully. »
99
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considera-
bly increase fuel consumption. If you think
ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance
from the vehicle in front, it is possible to slow
down by simply lifting your foot off the accel-
erator. This eliminates the need for constant
braking and acceleration.
Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The
more you drive at a constant speed, the lower
the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more effi-
cient to drive at a constant and more moder-
ate speed than to be continuously accelerat-
ing and braking. As a general rule, you will
reach your destination just as quickly when
you drive at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to ach-
ieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional devices
It is important to travel in comfort, but con-
venience systems should be used ecological-
ly.
Some equipment, when connected, increase
fuel consumption considerably, for example:
● Air conditioning cooling system: If the air
conditioning system is required to cool to
significantly lower temperatures than the true outside temperature, it will require a large
amount of energy from the engine. Therefore,
we recommend that the selected temperature
for the vehicle is not too different to the out-
side temperature. It is a good idea to air the
vehicle before starting your journey and to
drive a short distance with all the windows
open. Only then should you close all the win-
dows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high
speeds. Driving with the windows open in-
creases fuel consumption.
●
Switch off the seat heating when the seats
have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the
windscreen heating when the windows have
demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched
on when the vehicle is moving ››› page 128.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the
engine is cold, immediately after 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 temperature in or-
der t o minimi
se fuel consumption and emis-
sions. The ambient temperature has a deci-
sive influence. Fig. 133 shows the difference in consump-
tion for the same journey at +20 °C (+68 °F)
and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Therefore, unnecessary short journeys
should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in
summer, even when other conditions are the
same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden
in some countries, but in practice it is techni-
cally 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
[2.9 psi/20 kPa]) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduc-
tion 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, helps to re-
duce fuel consumption. These oils reduce the
resistance caused by friction in the engine,
150

Driver assistance systems
front wheels are turned, the normal ABS is
activated.
Brake assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the re-
quired braking distance. The brake assist
system boosts the braking force if you press
the brake pedal quickly in an emergency. As
a result, the braking pressure increases rap-
idly, the braking force is multiplied and the
braking distance is reduced. This enables the
ABS to be activated more quickly and effec-
tively.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal!
When the br ak
e pedal is released or when
the brake force is reduced, braking assist au-
tomatically turns off the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating (ASR)
In the event of wheelspin, the traction control
system reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. The ASR makes
some situations easier, for example, when
starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in
unfavourable road conditions.
The ASR can be switched on or off manually
››› page 156.
Electr

onic differential lock system (EDL and
XDS)
EDL is available when driving in straight lines
under normal conditions. When the EDL de- tects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel
and directs the power to the other drive
wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the
braked wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts
out automatically if subjected to excessive
loads. The EDL will switch on again automati-
cally when the brake has cooled down.
The XDS function is an extension of the elec-
tronic differential lock. The XDS does not re-
act to the traction of the driving wheels, but
to the adherence of the front wheel on the in-
side of the curve whilst gripping rapidly in
corners. The XDS gives pressure to the brakes
of the wheel on the interior of the corner to
prevent skidding. This improves traction,
which assists the vehicle in continuing the
required line.
WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet
ground can result in loss of vehicle control
and serious injury to the driver and passen-
gers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, road, traffic and weather conditions.
Even though the brake assist systems, ABS,
BAS, EDL, ASR and ESC, provide more securi-
ty, do not take unnecessary risks while driv-
ing.
● Brake assist systems can not overcome the
laws of physics. Even with ESC and other sys-
tems, slippery and wet roads will always be
dangerous. ●
Driving to quickly on wet ground can result
in the wheels losing contact with the ground
in an effect known as “aquaplaning”. Without
adherence, it is impossible to brake, steer or
control the vehicle.
● Brake assist systems cannot avoid acci-
dents if, for example, the driver does not re-
spect safety distances or drives to quickly in
difficult conditions.
● Even though brake assist systems are ex-
tremely effective and help control the vehicle
in difficult situations, remember that the ve-
hicle stability depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface,
for example on ice or snow, press the acceler-
ator carefully. The wheels can still slip even
with brake assist systems resulting in loss of
vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC can be consider-
ably reduced if other components and sys-
tems affecting driving dynamics are not main-
tained or are not functioning correctly. This
includes, among others, brakes, tyres and
other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other
components to the vehicle can affect opera-
tion of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC.
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using
unapproved wheel/tyre combinations can af-
fect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and
ESC, as well as their effectiveness. » 155
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Driver assistance systems
● when a sporty driving style is employed,
● in the event of a major distraction for the
driver,
The tiredness detection function switches off
when the ignition is switched off or when the
driver unbuckles their seat belt and opens
the door. If driving for a long time under 65
km/h (40 mph), the system ceases to assess
tiredness automatically. If driving speed is
then increased, the behaviour at the wheel
will again be evaluated.
Tyre monitoring systems
Introduction The tyre monitor indicator monitors the tyre
pressure of each wheel during driving using
the ABS sensors. The ABS sensors monitor
the tyre tread perimeter and vibrations of
each tire. The tyre monitor indicator warns
the driver if it detects a considerable drop in
tyre pressure of one or several tyres while
driving. Loss of tyre pressure will be indica-
ted by the indicator
 as well as an audible
warning and sometimes a text message on
the dash panel display. When you open the
driver door, you will find a label indicating
the tyre pressure recommended by the manu-
facturer for the maximum vehicle load for
each tyre approved for the vehicle in ques-
tion. By pressing the adjustment button on the tyre monitoring indicator, you may
change the reference pressure for the tyres
so that the tyre pressure coincides with ac-
tual pressure
››› page 179 .
S uit
able use of the adjustment button
››› page 179. WARNING
Unsuitable handling of the wheels and tyres
may lead to sudden tyre pressure losses, to
tread separation or even to a blow-out.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres
could overheat, resulting in tread detachment
or even burst tyres.
● Tyre pressure should be that indicated on
the label when the tyres are cold at all times
››› page 235.
● Re

gularly check the cold inflation pressure
of the tyres. If necessary, change the tyre
pressure of the vehicle tyres while they are
cold.
● Regularly check your tyres for damage and
wear.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle. WARNING
Incorrect use of the tyre monitoring indicator
button could result in the indicator giving er- roneous messages or prevented from indicat-
ing the danger caused by a defective tyre
››› page 179. CAUTION
● The tyre valves may be damaged if the cap
is not in place. Check that the caps are identi-
cal to the standard caps and have been cor-
rectly tightened. Do not use metal caps
››› page 179.
● Do not damage the valves when changing
the tyres ››› page 179
. For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres lead to increased fuel
consumption and tyre wear. Note
● Do not only rely on the tyre monitoring sys-
tem. Regularly check your tyres to ensure
that the tyre pressure is correct and that the
tyres are not damaged due to puncture, cuts,
tears and impacts/dents. Remove objects
from the tyres only when the tyres have not
been pierced by these.
● The tyre monitoring system is set to the
tyre pressure recommended by the manufac-
turer and indicated on the label ››› Fig. 175. 177
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Operation
Elements of the tyre monitoring
indicatorTyre monitoring indicator with button.
See ››› page 179. 
Control lamp  on the instrument panel.

 SET button on the centre console.

Monitoring the tread of all tyres using ABS sensors
(indirect measurement). 
Adjustable medium and full-load tyre pressures.

Button to update the system when the tyre pressure is
changed. Control lamp
Lights
up or
flashesPossible causeSolution 
The tyre pressure
of a wheel has
dropped consider-
ably in relation to
the pressure set
by the driver
››› page 179. 
Stop the vehicle!
Reduce your speed im-
mediately! Stop the ve-
hicle safely as soon as
possible. Avoid sud-
den manoeuvres and
braking!
Check all tyres and
pressures. Replace any
damaged tyres.
Lights
up or
flashesPossible causeSolution 
System malfunc-
tion.
Consult a specialised
workshop if the tyre
pressure is correct and
the lamp remains lit af-
ter switching the igni-
tion off and back on
again. Have the sys-
tem checked there.
Several warning and control lamps light up
for a few seconds when the ignition is switch-
ed on, signalling that the function is being
verified. They will switch off after a few sec-
onds.
WARNING
Observe the safety warnings ››› in Control
and warning lamps on page 47. WARNING
When the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or at a pressure that is too low then a
tyre may be damaged resulting in a loss of
control of the vehicle and a serious or fatal
accident.
● If the warning lamp  lights up, stop im-
mediately and check the tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sures or if a tyre pressure is too low, this will
increase tyre wear, negatively affecting vehi- cle stability and increasing braking distan-
ces.
●
If tyres are inflated at different pressures or
a tyre pressure is too low, a tyre may be dam-
aged and burst resulting in a loss of control
of the vehicle.
● The driver is responsible for ensuring that
all of the vehicle tyres are correctly inflated
to the right pressure. The recommended tyre
pressure is indicated on the label ››› Fig. 175.
● The ty r

e monitoring system can only oper-
ate correctly if all of the tyres are inflated to
the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure
can damage them and result in an accident.
Ensure that the tyre pressures of all the tyres
correspond to the vehicle load.
● Before starting a journey, always inflate
tyres to the correct pressure.
● If tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is
subject to greater forces and it may be heated
to such an extent that the tread can rupture
and the tyre will burst.
● With an overloaded vehicle at high speed,
the tyres can overheat and burst resulting in
a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduce the useful life of the tyre, affect-
ing vehicle performance.
● If a tyre has not been “punctured” and does
not have to be changed immediately, drive to
the nearest specialised workshop at a moder-
ate speed and have the tyre checked and in-
flated to the correct pressure. 178