2016 Seat Alhambra Owner's Manual

Checking and refilling levels
and they must be charged in a controlled en-
v ir
onment
››› . SEAT recommends taking
y our c
ar in f
or technical service.
Replacing a vehicle battery
The battery has been developed to suit the
conditions of its location and has special
safety features. If the battery must be re-
placed, consult a technical service for infor-
mation on electromagnetic compatibility, the
size and maintenance, performance and
safety requirements of the new battery in
your vehicle before you purchase one. SEAT
recommends you have the battery replaced
by a technical service.
Use only maintenance-free genuine batteries
conforming to TL 825 06 and VW 7 50 73
Standards. These standards must be dated
April 2008 or later.
Start-Stop systems ( ››› page 209) are equip-
ped with a special battery. Therefore, it must
only be replaced with a battery of the same
specifications.
Disconnecting the vehicle's battery
If you must disconnect the battery from the
electrical system, please note the following:
● Switch off the ignition and all electrical
equipment. ●
The vehic le must be unlocked before dis-
connecting the battery, otherwise the alarm
will be triggered.
● First disconnect the negative cable and
then the positiv
e ››› .
C onnectin
g the
vehicle's battery
● Before reconnecting the battery, switch off
the engine and all
electrical devices.
● First reconnect the positive cable and then
the negativ
e ››› .
Diff er
ent
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 100. Respect the maximum service
intervals permitted ››› Booklet Maintenance
Programme.
Vehicles with Keyless Access (››› page 117):
if, after connecting the battery, the ignition
cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the
vehicle from outside. Then try to switch on
the ignition again. If the ignition does not
work, seek professional assistance. Automatically disconnecting devices
The intellig

ent 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-
ternat
or provides more electricity.
● where necessary, the power of the most
power
ful devices is reduced or even com-
pletely disconnected.
● On starting the engine, the power supply
from the 12-v
olt 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
star
ting the engine, particularly if the ignition
is switched on.
● Use of electrical devices with the engine
switc
hed off.
● If the auxiliary heater is running
›››
page 180. »
287
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

Advice
● Re
gu
larly check tyres for non-visible dam-
age ››› page 294.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loa
ds specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle ››› page 295.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with
aggre
ssive substances, grease, oil, fuel or
brake fluid ››› .
● Lost valve caps should be replaced imme-
di at
ely

.
Changing wheels
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres
the wheels should be changed round from
time to time according to the system
››› Fig. 251. The useful life of all the tyres will
then be about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a
specialised workshop to have the tyres
changed.
Tyres 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
trea

d depth within the values stipulated by
the Law ››› .
The d at
e of

manufacture, part of the tyre
identification number (TIN), indicates the age
of the tyre ››› page 295.
Storing 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
mounted 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 v i

sible 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,
ma y

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 u
sed in an emergency and with ex-
treme caution. For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified
personnel ac

cording to the laws in the coun-
try concerned. Wheels
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the
rims. If
diff
er

ent 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 84.
For technical 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.
290

Wheels and tyres
Note for Italy: A S
EA T Service Centre should
be consulted 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 84.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various compo-
nents. 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 on-
ly be repaired in a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
Wheel rims
w

ith 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
mak e driv

ing more dangerous and result in
serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved
for use w
ith your vehicle should be used.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for damage
and repl
ace as required. WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted
ring trims ar

e not correctly tightened or loos-
ened, this could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel
rims with bo
lted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted
rims shoul
d be carried out at specialised
workshop. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service. Replacement of wheel rims and new
ty
r
e

s New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme
c aution f
or the fir

st 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
››
›
.●
Al
l

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-
cordin
g to the type and make of tyre and the
tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both
wheels on an ax
le (both wheels on the front
axle or both wheels on the rear axle) ››› .
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT
ap pr
o

ved 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 emer
gency ride system (Conti-
Seal/Run flat). Otherwise, we recommend
carrying a tyre mobility system.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT
appro
ved 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 h av

e reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity to start with, and therefore need run-
ning in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage,
extreme c
aution should be taken for the first
500 km (310 miles). » 291
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the
tyr e
s 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
great
er than the dimensions of tyres manu-
factured and approved by SEAT and should
not rub against parts of the vehicle. Note
● Although ty r

es 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.
● If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT,
you can be s
ure that the true tyre dimensions
will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre
models, the tyre vendor should provide the
manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indi-
cating that this type of tyre is suitable for
your vehicle. This certificate should always
be carried with the vehicle. Tyre pressure
Fig. 252
Position of tyre pressure specifica-
tion p l
at
e The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at
the f
act
or

y is shown on a label and is valid
for summer and winter tyres. This label
››› Fig. 252 is either on the driver door strut or
inside the fuel tank flap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce
the life of the tyres considerably and also im-
pair the car's handling ››› . It is essential to
m aint
ain the c

orrect tyre pressures, especial-
ly if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre
pressure causes premature wear and could
cause tyre blow-out. The pressure should therefore be checked at
lea

st once a month and before starting a
journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for
cold tyres. When the tyres are hot, the pres-
sures are greater.
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the
required pressure. This could result in very
low tyre pressures which may lead to sudden
blow-outs.
Checking tyre pressures
Tyre pressures should only be checked when
the vehicle has not been driven for more than
a few kilometres (miles) at low speeds in the
past three hours.
● The tyre pressures should be checked regu-
larly, and on
ly when the tyres are cold. Al-
ways check all the tyres. Tyre pressures
should be checked more often in colder re-
gions, and only when the vehicle has not
been driven recently. Always use a correctly-
operating tyre gauge.
● Adjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in
the vehic
le.
● After checking the pressure, always replace
the valv
e caps, and where applicable, ob-
serve the instructions given for adjusting the
tyre control system ››› page 234.
292

Wheels and tyres
WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the
tyr e m
ay deflate or burst suddenly while driv-
ing. This could result in a serious accident.
● If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overhe
at, resulting in tread detachment or
even burst tyres.
● When driving at high speeds and/or fully
loaded, the ty
re 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 reduc
e the service life of the tyre, affect-
ing the vehicle's performance.
● Tyre pressures should be checked regularly,
at le
ast once a month and before long jour-
neys.
● Adjust the pressures of all the tyres to the
vehicl
e load.
● Never deflate excess pressure from hot
tyre
s. CAUTION
● Tak e c

are 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-
serv e the in

structions for the tyre control sys-
tem ››› page 234. Wear indicator depth profile
Fig. 253
Tyre tread: tread wear indicators Tread depth
C
er
t

ain 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 m
aj
ority

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.
Winter tyres lose much of their performance
when their 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.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm (1/16 inch) high ››› Fig. 253 tread
wear indicators running across the tread. A
number of these indicators are equally
spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks
on the tyre walls (e.g. the letters “TWI” or
other symbols) indicate the position of the
wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is
worn. They must always be replaced before
the tyre tread has worn to the level of the in-
dicator. WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and
ma y

lead to loss of control of the vehicle with
serious consequences. » 293
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety

Advice
●
Ty r
es must be replaced before the wear in-
dicators are at the same level as the tread
pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip,
espec
ially on wet surfaces, increasing the
risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle
more difficu
lt in normal or difficult driving
conditions, increasing the braking distance
and the risk of skidding. Tyre damage
Damage to wheels and tyres is often invisible
t
o the n
ak

ed eye. If you notice unusual vibra-
tion or the car pulling to one side, this may
indicate that one of the tyres is damaged
››› .
● Slow down immediately if you think you
h av
e a d

amaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek
qualified ass
istance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive
slowly
and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have
penetrated thr
ough the tyre wall! ●
If the v
ehicle comes with a tyre mobility
system, where necessary seal the damaged
tyre as shown in section ››› page 85. Use a
specialised workshop for repair or replace-
ment. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership for this.
The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread
wraps around the foreign body and provision-
ally seals the tyre.
Tyre wear
The wear of tyres depends on a number of
factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings.
Driving
style: Driving round bends quickly or
sudden acceleration or braking speed accel-
erates tyre wear. When the driving style is
normal, if the tyres wear too quickly, have the
running gear settings checked at a special-
ised workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles
are balanced. However, certain circumstan-
ces may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is
detected as vibrations in the steering wheel.
Run-out leads to wear of the steering and
suspension. In the event of run out, the
wheels should be balanced again. When a
new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced
again. Running gear settings
: an incorrectly
posi-
tioned running gear increases the wear of
tyres and affects your safety while driving. If
tyres wear too quickly, have the wheel align-
ment checked at a specialised workshop. WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls
to one s ide whi

le driving, this may indicate
that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while
obser
ving the highway code.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or
wheels. Reque
st qualified assistance immedi-
ately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive
slowly
and carefully to the nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked. 294