2016 Seat Alhambra tyres

Operation
●
If the w arnin
g lamp  lights up, stop im-
mediately and check the tyres.
● If the tyres are inflated at different pres-
sure
s 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 pr
essure 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. 252.
● The tyre monitoring system can only oper-
ate corr
ectly if all of the tyres are inflated to
the correct pressure when cold.
● Driving with tyres at the wrong pressure
can dam
age 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
tyre
s to the correct pressure.
● If tyre pressure is too low then the tyre is
subj
ect 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 tyre
s can overheat and burst resulting in
a loss of vehicle control.
● Tyre pressures which are too high or too
low reduc
e the useful life of the tyre, affect-
ing vehicle performance. ●
If a ty r

e 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. Tyre monitoring indicatortyre monitor-
ing indic
at

or Fig. 229
Detailed view of the centre console:
b utt
on f

or the tyre pressure monitoring indi-
cator The tyre monitor indicator compares wheel
r
ev
o

lutions and, with this information, the
tread of each wheel using the ABS sensors. If
the tread of a wheel is changed, the tyre
monitoring indicator will indicate as such on
the instrument panel. The wheel tread
changes when:
● Tyre pressure is insufficient
● Tyre structure is damaged ●
The vehic
le is unbalanced because of a
load
● If the wheels on an axle are subject to a
heavier lo
ad (e.g. when towing a trailer).
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains
● The wheel on one axle is changed
There ma
y be a delay in the reaction of the
tyre monitoring indicator  or it may not in-
dicate anything under certain circumstances
(e.g. sports driving, snow-covered or un-
paved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one
or more wheels, the ››› Fig. 229 button on the
tyre monitoring indicator must be kept press-
ed down, with the ignition on, until an audi-
ble warning is heard. Do the same, for exam-
ple, when the front and rear wheels are swap-
ped ››› Fig. 251.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive
load (towing a trailer, heavy load), the tyre
pressure must be increased to the maximum
recommended pressure ››› page 288. Press
the tyre monitoring indicator button to con-
firm the new pressure value. Note
An incorrect warning may be given when
sno w c

hains are in use because the chains in-
crease the tread of the wheel. 236

Towing bracket device
Towing bracket device
Driv in
g w
ith a trailer
Introduction Always be aware of the legal requirements for
eac
h c

ountry to drive with a trailer and to use
a tow hitch.
Your car is intended mainly for transporting
passengers however, it can also be used to
tow a trailer provided that it is fitted with the
necessary equipment. The additional load
has an effect on the useful life, fuel con-
sumption and the vehicle performance and,
in some cases, reduce the service intervals.
Driving with a trailer requires more force from
the vehicle and, thus, more concentration
from the driver.
For wintertime temperatures, fit winter tyres
to the vehicle and the trailer.
Drawbar load
The maximum permitted Drawbar load exer-
ted by the trailer drawbar on the ball joint of
the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (ap-
proximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted tow
hitch, the Start-Stop function is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For
to
w hit

ches not installed by SEAT, the Start-
Stop function must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dash panel be-
fore driving with a trailer and it must remain
off for the entire journey ››› .
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will
endan g

er in their life and is against the law. WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause
acc ident

s and injury.
● Only use a tow hitch in perfect condition
and correctly
installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To reduce the risk of injury in case of a re-
vers
ing collision, injury to pedestrians and
cyclists when parking, always keep the ball
joint in when a trailer is not being used.
● Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distrib-
utes
the load” or “balances the load”. Your
vehicle has not been designed for this type of
tow hitch. The tow hitch may fail and the
trailer will separate from the vehicle. WARNING
Driving with a trailer and transporting heavy
or lar g

e objects can affect vehicle handling
and even cause an accident. ●
Alw a

ys secure loads correctly with suitable
and undamaged attachment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility
, road, traffic and weather conditions.
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can
over
turn more easily than those with a low
centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden
brakin
g.
● Always take the following precautions seri-
ously
.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you ob-
serve the tr
ailer rocking from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km/h (50 mph)
when tow
ing a trailer (or 100 km/h [62 mph]
in exceptional circumstances). This also ap-
plies in countries where higher speeds are
permitted. Always take the speed limits for
vehicles with and without trailers in each
country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increas-
ing speed. WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow
hitc h th

at was not installed by SEAT, the
Start-Stop function must be manually deacti-
vated. Otherwise, this could cause a braking
anomaly that could result in an accident with
serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop
function when a tr
ailer is being used on a tow
hitch that has not been installed by SEAT. » 237
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Operation
●
Never c onnect
the trailer's electric system
to the electrical connections of the rear lights
or any other power sources. CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehi-
c le when p

arked; places on its support wheel
or its supports. For example, when changing
the load or a puncture, the vehicle will be
pushed up or down. The force acting on the
tow hitch and the trailer could damage the
vehicle or the trailer. Note
● In the event of

a fault in the vehicle or trail-
er electrical system or in the event of prob-
lems with the anti-theft alarm system, have
the system checked by a specialised work-
shop.
● If the trailer accessories use energy from
the power soc
ket when the engine is stop-
ped, the battery will be discharged.
● For technical reasons, trailers fitted with
rear LED light
s cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the
electrica
l connection with the trailer is auto-
matically cut.
● With the engine running, the electrical
equipment on the trai
ler will be supplied with
power. Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trai
l

er weight is the load that the vehicle
can pull ››› . The drawbar load is the vertical
weight of

the tow hitch on the tow hitch ball
››› page 245.
The figures for trailer weights and drawbar
load weights given on the data plate of the
tow hitch are for values of this model only.
The correct figures for your specific vehicle,
which may be lower than these figures for the
tow hitch, are given in the vehicle documen-
tation. The instructions in the official vehicle
documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recom-
mends using the maximum allowed drawbar
load. The handling of the combined vehicle
and trailer will be poor if the drawbar load is
too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the
rear axle, reducing the vehicle carrying ca-
pacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of
the loaded vehicle and loaded trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be
balanced. Use the maximum drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or
the re
ar of

the trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy
obj
ects are as near to the axle as possible or
above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyr
e pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the man-
ufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maxi-
mum ››› page 288. WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle
loa d, dr

awbar load or the gross combination
weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could
cause a serious accident with severe conse-
quences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear
axle
s, the maximum axle load should never
be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear
should never exceed the gross vehicle
weight. WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of
the v ehic

le and trailer combination will be se-
riously affected and this could result in a seri-
ous accident. 242

Care and maintenance
Advice
C ar
e and m
aintenance
Accessories, replacement of
parts and modifications Introduction WARNING
The use of spare parts and accessories, or in-
corr ectly

performed modifications or repairs
may result in damage to the vehicle, acci-
dents and serious injury.
● SEAT strongly recommends you to only use
SEAT ap
proved accessories and SEAT ®
origi-
nal spare parts. These parts and accessories
have been specially tested by SEAT for suita-
bility, reliability and safety.
● Have any repairs or modifications carried
out at a s
pecialised workshop. These work-
shops have the necessary tools, diagnostics
equipment, repair information and qualified
personnel.
● Only mount parts with the same specifica-
tions a
s the parts fitted at factory.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action. ●
Only u

se wheels and tyre combinations
which have been approved by SEAT for your
vehicle type. Accessories and spare parts
SEAT recommends you consult an Official
Serv
ic

e before purchasing accessories and
spare parts or consumables. For example,
when fitting accessories at a later date, or
when replacing a component. A technical
service centre will advise you as to the legal
requirements and manufacturer's recommen-
dations regarding accessories, spare parts
and other components.
SEAT recommend you use only approved
SEAT accessories and genuine SEAT spare
parts ®
. These parts and accessories have
been specially tested by SEAT for suitability,
reliability and safety. In addition the techni-
cal service centre will guarantee that the as-
sembly is carried out professionally.
Although we continually monitor the market,
SEAT cannot guarantee that products not ap-
proved by SEAT are reliable, safe and suita-
ble for the vehicle. Therefore, SEAT cannot ac-
cept liability, even in those cases authorised
by an officially recognised technical inspec-
tion office or other official body.
Any retro-fitted equipment which has a direct
effect on the vehicle and/or the way it is driv- en must be approved by SEAT for use in your
vehic
l

e and bear the e mark (the European
Union's authorisation symbol). This includes
cruise control systems or electronically con-
trolled suspension.
If any additional electrical devices are fitted
which do not serve to control the vehicle it-
self, these must bear the  mark (European
Union manufacturer conformity declaration).
This includes refrigerator boxes, laptops or
ventilator fans. WARNING
Unprofessional repairs or modifications to
the v ehic

le may affect the performance of the
airbags, and may cause operating faults or fa-
tal accidents.
● Never mount, fasten or fit objects such as
drink hol
ders or telephone cradles over the
covers of the airbag modules or within their
radius of action.
● Objects placed over the airbag covers, or
within their ra
dius of action, could lead to se-
rious injury or loss of life if the airbags are
triggered. Service fluids and components
All vehicle fluids and consumables
, s
uc h a

s
notched belts, tyres, coolant fluids, engine
oils, spark plugs and batteries are continual-
ly being developed. Therefore all fluids and »
247
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
Automatic car washes
A lw
a
ys observe the instructions provided at
the automatic car wash. The standard pre-
cautionary measures prior to entering the car
wash should be taken to avoid damage to
the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior
mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional
components (spoiler, roof-rack, aerial, etc.),
check with the car wash supervisor whether
these can enter the car wash ››› .
The v
ehic

le paintwork is so durable that the
vehicle can normally be washed without
problems in an automatic car wash tunnel.
However, wear and damage to the paintwork
will depend on the type of car wash used.
SEAT recommends the use of car washes
without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to
prevent wiper blades from scratching, please
observe the following ››› page 255, Cleaning
windows and exterior mirrors .
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of
water to soften the dirt first, and rinse off as
well as possible.
Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge,
glove or brush using only slight pressure.
Start at the roof and work downwards. Spe-
cial car shampoo should only be used for
very persistent dirt. Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and of-
ten.
Wheels, s

ills and similar should be cleaned
last. Use a second sponge for this. WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause
injury .
● Pr

otect arms and hands from sharp edges
when cle
aning the vehicle undercarriage or
the interior of the wheel hubs. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect

will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The temper at

ure of the water must not ex-
ceed +60°C (+140°F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● Do not use rough sponges or similar which
coul
d damage the surface to clean away the
traces of insects. ●
Never w ipe the he

adlights with a dry cloth
or sponge, always moisten first. It is best to
use soapy water.
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! CAUTION
To avoid any risk of damage to the vehicle,
p le

ase check the following points before us-
ing an automatic car wash:
● Compare the distance between the vehicle
wheels and the di
stance between the guide-
rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the
wheels and tyres!
● Switch off the rain sensor and the Au-
to Hol
d function before entering a car wash.
● Compare the height and width of your vehi-
cle w
ith the available height and width when
entering and driving through the car wash.
● Fold in exterior mirrors Electrically retracta-
ble e
xterior mirrors must not be folded in or
out by hand. Always use the electrical power
control.
● To avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork,
res
t the wipers on the windscreen after dry-
ing them. Do not let them fall!
● Lock the rear lid to prevent it from opening
unexpect
edly while inside the car wash.254

Care and maintenance
Washing the vehicle with a high pres-
s ur
e c
leaner When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pres-
sur
e c

leaner, always follow the operating in-
structions for the equipment. Pay special at-
tention to the required pressure of the jet
and the distance between the jet and the ve-
hicle ››› .
Keep a s uit

able distance from soft materials,
such as rubber hoses or insulating material,
and from the parking distance warning sys-
tem sensors. The parking distance sensors
are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where ap-
plicable, in the front bumpers ››› .
Do not u
se a no

zzle that sprays the water out
in a direct stream or one that has a rotating
jet for forcing off dirt ››› .
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning
equipment c ou

ld result in permanent dam-
age, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other
materials. This could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Ensure there is a suitable distance between
the nozzl
e and the tyres.
● Never wash tyres with a concentrated jet or
so-cal
led “dirt blasters”. Even at large spray-
ing distances and short cleaning times, you
may damage the tyres. WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the brak-
ing eff ect

will be reduced (and the braking
distance increased) due to moisture (and ice
in winter) on the brakes.
● “Dry the brakes and remove ice” by braking
caref
ully. Ensure that you are not endanger-
ing other road-users or breaking traffic regu-
lations in the process. CAUTION
● The wat er t

emperature should not exceed
+60°C (+140°F).
● To avoid damage to the paintwork, do not
wash the
vehicle in full sun.
● The sensors on the bumpers should be kept
cle
an and free of ice at all times to ensure the
parking distance warning system and the
park assist system operate correctly. When
cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only
briefly. A distance of 10 cm between the sen-
sors and the steam / hose nozzle must be ob-
served.
● Do not use a high pressure cleaner to re-
move ic
e or snow from windows
● Washing the vehicle in low temperatures:
When washin
g the vehicle with a hose, do
not direct water into the lock cylinders or the
gaps around the doors or roof. Locks and
seals could freeze! Cleaning windows and exterior mir-
r
or
s Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Spr
a

y windows and exterior windows with a
standard window cleaner containing alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leath-
er or a lint-free cloth. The chamois leathers
used on painted surfaces are not suitable for
cleaning windows because they are soiled
with wax deposits which could smear the
windows.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to
clean rubber, oil, grease and silicone depos-
its off ››› .
R emo
v

ing wax residue
Automatic car washes and certain car care
products may leave wax deposits on the win-
dows. These deposits can only be removed
with a special product or cleaning cloths.
Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause
the wiper blades to judder. SEAT recom-
mends you wipe the wax deposits off the
windscreen with a soft cloth each time after
you have washed the vehicle.
A window cleaning detergent which helps to
dissolve the wax may be added to the wind-
screen washer fluid to prevent the wiper
blades from scratching the windscreen.
Please ensure you add the cleaning product
in the correct proportions. Products for »
255
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the
wron g b
attery 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-
le a

sed when the battery is under charge.
● The batteries should be charged in a well-
ventil
ated room only.
● Never charge a frozen or recently thawed
batter
y. 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 shor
t circuit. Reconnect first the posi-
tive cable and then the negative cable. CAUTION
● Never di s

connect 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 a
s solar panels or a battery charger, to
the 12-volt power sockets or the cigarette lighter. This could damage the vehicle's elec-
trica
l

system. For the sake of the environment
● Di spo

se 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. If it
has leaked use adequate care col-
lecting it (gloves and protective glasses), and
dispose of it correctly. Wheels and tyres
T y
r

es
Introduction The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard
with anti-p
u

ncture 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
brak ed if

the tyres (new or used) are worn or
damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could
make driv
ing more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage. 288

Wheels and tyres
●
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
wil
l 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 500 km (310 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are m
aintained 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,
crac
ked 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 loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist
syst
ems also depends on the grip of the
tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-
hicle p
ulls 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
vehicl
e or causing a serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. ●
Never mou nt

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, ma
y 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 t ec

hnical 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. Handling tyres and wheels
Fig. 251
Diagram for changing wheels The tyres of a vehicle are the components
whic
h ar
e s

ubjected 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
obs
tacle, drive very slowly and as near as
possible at a right angle to the kerb.
● Inspect the tyres regularly for damage
(punct
ures, cuts, cracks, dents).
● Remove any foreign bodies found on the
outside of the ty
re tread and ensure that they
have not passed through the wall of the tyre
››› page 294.
● In addition, the instructions for tyre control
syst
ems should always be observed.
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as
poss
ible ››› page 294. »
289
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety