The essentials
Putting on the spare wheel
Chec k
the dir
ection of rotation of the tyre
››› page 49.
● Fit the wheel.
● Screw on the anti-theft locking bolt with
the adapt
er in position ››› Fig. 69 2 or
3 clockwise and tighten gently.
●
Replace the other wheel bolts and tighten
s ligh
tl
y using the hexagonal socket on the
end of the wheel brace.
● Lower the car with the jack.
● Tighten all of the wheel bolts clockwise
›››
. Tighten the bolts in diagonal pairs (not
in a c ir
c
le).
● Put the caps, trim or full hubcap back on
›››
page 45. WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not treated suitably or
not tight ened t
o the correct torque then this
could lead to loss of vehicle control and to a
serious accident.
● All the wheel bolts and hub threads should
be cle
an and free of oil and grease. The wheel
bolts should be easily tightened to the cor-
rect torque.
● The hexagonal socket in the wheel brace
should be u
sed for turning wheel bolts only.
Do not use it to loosen or tighten the wheel
bolts. Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have
been des
igned t
o 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 295.
Always observe the indicated direction of ro-
tation in order to guarantee optimum grip
and help avoid aquaplaning, 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.
Subsequent work ●
On alloy wheels: rep
l
ace the wheel bolt
caps.
● On plate wheels: repl
ace the wheel hubcap.
● Return all tools to their proper storing loca-
tion ›››
page 82.
● Check the tyre pressure of the newly moun-
ted tyr
e as soon as possible.
● If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre monitoring
syst
em, this should be “reprogrammed” if necessary whenever a tyre is changed
›››
page 234.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts c
hecked as soon as possible with a tor-
que wrench ››› page 47. Meanwhile, drive
carefully.
Snow chains
Action When using snow chains, applicable local
l
e
gi
slation and maximum permitted speed
limits must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help
to improve grip but also improve the braking
capacity.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the
front wheels , even on all-wheel drive vehi-
cles, and only with the tyre and rim combina-
tions listed below:
Tyre sizeWheel rim
205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33 SEAT recommends you ask a technical serv-
ic
e f
or f
urther information on wheel, tyre and
chain sizes. » 49
The essentials
Wherever possible use fine-link chains meas-
urin g l
e
ss than 15 mm (37/64 inch) includ-
ing the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings be-
fore fitting snow chains ››› . The wheel bolts
shou l
d be c
overed with caps for safety rea-
sons. These are available from technical serv-
ices. WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted
ch ain
s could lead to serious accidents and
damage.
● Always the appropriate snow chains.
● Observe the fitting instructions provided by
the snow c
hain manufacturer.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speeds
when driving with snow chains. CAUTION
● Remo v
e the snow chains to drive on roads
without snow. Otherwise they will impair
handling, damage the tyres and wear out very
quickly.
● Wheel rims may be damaged or scratched if
the chain
s come into direct contact with
them. SEAT recommends the use of covered
snow chains. Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes
acc or
ding to the vehicle type. Emergency towing of the vehi-
c
l
e
T
owing Fig. 73
On the right-hand side of the front
b umper:
Sc
rew in the towline anchorage. Fig. 74
On the rear bumper, to the right hand
s ide:
T
owline anchorage in position Towline anchorages
Att
ac
h the b
ar or rope to the towline ancho-
rages.
They are located with the vehicle's tools
››› page 82.
Screw the towline anchorage into the screw
connection ››› Fig. 73 o ››› Fig. 74 and tighten
it with the wheel brace.
Tow rope or tow bar
When towing, the tow bar is the safest and
vehicle friendly way. You should only use a
tow rope if you do not have a tow bar.
A tow rope should be slightly elastic to avoid
damage to both vehicles. It is advisable to
use a tow rope made of synthetic fibre or sim-
ilarly elastic material.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the
towline anchorage or specially designed fit-
ting.
Vehicles with a factory fitted towing device ,
can only be used for towing with a tow bar,
specially designed to fit on a tow hitch ball
››› page 237.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle: ● Make sure the gear selector lever is in the N
position.
● Do not
drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph).50
Operation
An optimum range is obtained by keeping
the r emot
e c
ontrol vertical, with the aerial
››› Fig. 198 A pointing upwards. When doing
so , do not
c
over the aerial with your fingers
or with the palm of your hand.
There must be a minimum distance of 2 me-
tres between the remote control and the vehi-
cle. CAUTION
● The ra dio fr
equency remote control con-
tains electronic components. Therefore, avoid
getting it wet and being knocked and protect
it from direct sunlight.
● Use of inappropriate batteries may damage
the remote c
ontrol. For this reason, always re-
place the used battery with another of the
same voltage, size and specifications. For the sake of the environment
● Ple a
se dispose of old batteries so that they
do not harm the environment.
● The remote control battery may contain
perch
lorate. Observe the legal requirements
for their disposal. Programming the auxiliary heater
The heater or ventilation inside the vehicle
c
an be pr
ogr
ammed for a certain period. Before programming, check that the day is
corr
ectly set in the Auxiliary heater -
day of the week menu ››› .
En ab
lin
g the Auxiliary heater menu on
the instrument panel
● From the main menu, select the Auxili-
ary heater submenu and pre
ss the OK button on the windscreen wiper lever.
● OR: pr ess the or
arrow buttons on the
mu lti-f
u
nction steering wheel until the Aux-
iliary heater menu is displayed.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
Switching
on
Switching
off
The auxiliary heater can be set to come
on automatically if required. To do so,
select a timer:
– The timer is displayed marked with a
.
– Only one timer can be selected. If a
timer has been selected, Prog. ON
will be displayed on the screen. If no
timer has been selected, the dash
panel display will show Prog. OFF.
– To modify the programmed timer, se-
lect another timer or select the Off
option.
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3
Three different timers (hh.mm) can lat-
er be selected using the On option. If
the auxiliary heater is to be switched
on for just a certain day of the week,
select the day of the week and the
time for the auxiliary heater to come
on.
Menu op-
tionsDescription
DurationThe operating time may vary between
10 and 60 minutes and can be set to
5-minute intervals.
Operating
modeSet to heat or ventilate the vehicle in-
terior when the auxiliary heater is
switched on.
DaySet the current day of the week.
Factory
settingsThe predefined factory values for the
functions of this menu are restored.
BackThis returns to the main menu. Checking programming
If
the
timer h
a
s been switched on after
switching the ignition off, the light on button will remain lit for around 10 seconds.
WARNING
Never program the independent heating sys-
tem t o be activ
ated and operated in closed,
unventilated areas. The auxiliary heater
fumes contain carbon dioxide, an odourless
and colourless toxic gas. Carbon monoxide
can cause people to lose consciousness. It
can also cause death. 182
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
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
Wheels and tyres
Tyre code Fig. 254
Universal code on tyres Radial
Rim di
amet
er c
ode
Load index & speed rating
DOT tyre identification number
Severe snow conditions
Tyre ply composition and materials used
Max. load rating
Treadwear, traction and temperature
grades
Max. permissible inflation pressure
Passenger car tyre
Nominal width of tyre in millimetres
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
Tyre code (example): Meaning
Make, logotypeManufacturer
Product nameName of tyre assigned by manufac-
turer.
P215 /
55 R 16Size:
PPassenger vehicle code.
215Nominal width between
walls, in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre type (R indicates "ra-
dial").
16Rim diameter in inches
91 VLoad index
››› page 296 and speed
rating ››› page 296.
XLReinforced tyres (“Reinforced”).
M+S or M/SWinter tyres (mud and snow tyres)
››› page 296.
SSR or DSST,
Eufonia, RFT,
ROF, RSC, ZP,
Conti-SealSpecific manufacturer codes for run-
flat tyres.
RADIAL
TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube. 12
Tyre code (example): Meaning
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with
international legislation followed by
a number denoting the country
granting the authorisation. The au-
thorisation number ( several digits)
is shown below.
DOT BT RA TY5
1709Tyre identification number (TIN
a)
,
may be only on interior wall of wheel)
and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the
legal requirements of the
US Department of Trans-
port, responsible for tyre
safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture
code.
RAInformation about manu-
facturer and tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre speci-
fications.
1709Date of manufacture:
Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the
Tread Wear Indicator ››› page 293.
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 permit-
ted tyre pressure.» 295
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety
Wheels and tyres
● On ly
u
se winter tyres of the size authorised
for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same
type, size (r
olling circumference) and tread
pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated
(code lett
er on tyre) ››› .
S peed limit
A c ode l
etter indicating the speed limit is
stamped on all winter tyres ››› page 296.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed
warning in the MFA (multifunction
display) menu on the instrument panel
››› page 26.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and
tyre 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 four
wheels when winter road conditions are ex-
pected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response. Please observe all instructions and warnings
when usin
g snow chains ›››
page 49. WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving
saf er in the w
inter, 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 loa
ds 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
tyr e
s when you have the time. In tempera-
tures 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 v
ehicle is fitted with a tyre control
system, this should be “reprogrammed”
whenever a tyre is changed ››› page 236.
● Please ask at a technical service centre for
information about
the permitted sizes for
winter tyres. 297
Technical data
Advice
Operation
Emergencies
Safety