esp Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Checking and refilling levels 312
Engine oil consumption
The consumption of engine oil can be different from one engine to another
and can vary during the useful life of the engine.
Depending on driving style and the conditions of use, the consumption of
engine oil can reach 1 litre every 2,000 km (one quarter of a gallon every
1,200 miles); for new vehicles, this could be higher for the first 5,000 km
(3,000 miles). For this reason the engine oil level must be checked at regular
intervals, preferably when filling the tank and before a journey.
When the engine is working hard, for instance during sustained high-speed
motorway cruising in summer, when towing a trailer or climbing mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area Ÿpage 310,
fig. 175 .
Changing the engine oil
The engine oil must be changed regularly according to the specifications of
the Maintenance Programme.
Due to the problems linked with disposing of used oil and the need for suit-
able tools and special knowledge, always visit a qualified workshop to have
the engine oil and filter changed. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified work-
shop.
Detailed information on the service intervals are shown in the Maintenance
Programme.
Engine oil additives make new oil darker after the engine has been running
for a short period. This is normal and does not mean more frequent oil
changes are required.
WARNING
If, in exceptional circumstances, you must change the engine oil yourself,
please note the following:
xWear eye protection.
xAlways wait until the engine has completely cooled to avoid being
burned.
xAlways keep your arms horizontal when unscrewing the oil drainage
bolt so that the oil does not run down your arms when it begins to drain.
xUse a suitable and large enough container to collect all of the used oil
in the engine.
xNever collect engine oil in empty food containers, cans, bottles and
other containers as not all people are able to identify engine oil.
xOil is toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children.
For the sake of the environment
Before changing the engine oil, find a suitable location or service for proper
disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Always dispose of engine oil with the utmost respect for the environment.
Never dispose of used engine oil in places such as a garden, woods, drains,
roads, paths, rivers and drainage systems.
AA

Checking and refilling levels313
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Engine coolant
Introduction
Never work on the engine cooling system or if you are not familiar with the
operations to be carried out, the applicable safety standards and especially
if you do not have the instruments, liquids and tools necessary Ÿ! Have
the work carried out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Negligent work can cause serious injury.
Additional information and warnings:
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Engine coolant is toxic!
xOnly keep engine coolant in its original container, tightly shut and in a
safe place.
xNever store engine coolant in empty food containers or bottles as other
people may accidentally drink it.
xAlways keep engine coolant out of reach of children.
xEnsure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
xIf the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating to
stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment.
Coolant temperature warning lamp and gauge
When driving normally, the needle will remain in the middle area. The temper-
ature may also rise when the engine is working hard, especially at high
outside temperatures and so the indicator will move quite far to the right-
hand side.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
Fig. 177 Engine coolant
temperature gauge on the
instrument panel: cold
area; normal area;
warning area.
AAABAC

Checking and refilling levels 314
WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or may cause accidents and severe injuries.
xAlways observe any lit warning lamps and text messages.
xNever ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Caution
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear may
result in faults in the vehicle.
Engine coolant specifications
The engine cooling system comes with a special mixture of water and at least
40% G 12 plus-plus (TL-VW 774 G) or G 12 plus (TL-VW 774 F) engine coolant
additive. Both are easily recognisable because they are purple in colour.
This mixture gives the necessary frost protection down to -25 °C (-13 °F) and
protects the alloy parts of the cooling system against corrosion. It also
prevents scaling and raises the boiling point of the coolant.
To protect the engine cooling system, the proportion of additive must always
be at least 40%, even if frost protection is not required in countries with a
warm climate.
If greater frost protection is required in very cold climates, the proportion of
additive can be increased. However, the percentage of additive should not
exceed 60 %, as this would reduce the frost protection and, in turn, decrease
the cooling capacity.
When adding coolant, a mixture of distilled water and at least 40 % of the
additive G 12 plus-plus must be use to ensure optimum rust protection Ÿ.
lights up
Gauge
position
Ÿpage 31
3, fig. 177
Possible causeSolution
v
Warning
area Excessive engine
coolant tempera-
ture.
› Stop the vehicle!
Stop the vehicle safely as
soon as possible. Switch off
the engine and wait for it to
cool down and for the needle
to return to the normal area.
Check the engine coolant level
Ÿpage 315.
Normal
area Insufficient engine
coolant level.
Check the engine coolant
when the engine has cooled
and, if it is low, refill with
engine coolant Ÿpage 315.
Although the coolant level is
correct, there is a fault.
--Engine coolant
system faulty.› Do not drive any further.
Obtain professional assist-
ance.
--
Cold area

--
Avoid revving the engine too
much or making it work hard
while it has not reached nor-
mal service temperature.
flashesPossible causeSolution
vEngine coolant system faulty.You should obtain profes-
sional assistance.
AC
AB
AA

Checking and refilling levels315
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
In the event of insufficient antifreeze protection in the engine cooling
system, the engine could be damaged and severe injuries caused.
xEnsure that the proportion of engine coolant additive corresponds to
the lowest outside temperature to which the vehicle will be exposed.
xIf the outside temperature is extremely low, the engine coolant could
freeze causing the vehicle to stop. As this would also cause the heating to
stop working, passengers without sufficient clothing could freeze.
Caution
Never mix genuine additives with other additives that are not approved by
SEAT. Otherwise, you run the risk of causing severe damage to the engine and
the engine cooling system.
xThe engine coolant G 12 plus-plus can be mixed with G 12 plus and G 11.
xIf the fluid in the expansion reservoir is not purple but, for example,
brown, this means that you have mixed G 12 plus-plus or G 12 plus with
another coolant. The coolant must be changed as soon as possible if this is
the case! Failure to observe this point will result in serious malfunctions and
engine damage!
For the sake of the environment
Coolants and additives can contaminate the environment. Collect any spilt
fluids in suitable containers and dispose of in accordance with legislation
and with the utmost respect for the environment.
Checking the engine coolant level and refilling
If the coolant level is low, the coolant warning indicator will light.
Fig. 178 In the engine
compartment: Marking on
coolant expansion reser-
voir.
Fig. 179 In the engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion tank cap.

Checking and refilling levels321
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Start-Stop systems Ÿpage 223 are equipped with a special battery. There-
fore, 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:
xSwitch off the ignition and all electrical equipment.
xThe vehicle must be unlocked before disconnecting the battery, otherwise
the alarm will be triggered.
xFirst disconnect the negative cable and then the positive Ÿ.
Connecting the vehicle's battery
xBefore reconnecting the battery, switch off the engine, the ignition and
electric devices.
xFirst reconnect the positive cable and then the negative Ÿ.
Different control lamps may light up after connecting the battery and
switching the ignition 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 Ÿpage 64. Respect
the maximum service intervals permitted ŸBooklet “Maintenance
Programme”.
Vehicles with the KESSY system (Ÿpage 86): If, after connecting the battery,
the ignition cannot be switched on, lock and unlock the vehicle from outside.
Then try to switch the ignition back on. If the ignition can still not be switched
on, request the assistance of a specialist workshop.
Automatic consumer disconnection
The intelligent vehicle electrical system automatically implements a range of
measures to prevent the battery from discharging when high demands are
made on it:
xthe idling speed is increased so that the alternator provides more elec-
tricity.
xwhere necessary, the power of the most powerful consumers is reduced
or even completely disconnected.
xOn starting the engine, the power supply from the 12-volt sockets and the
cigarette 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?
xWhen stationary for a long time without starting the engine, particularly if
the ignition is switched on.
xUse of electrical consumers with the engine switched off.
xIf the auxiliary heater is running Ÿpage 187.
WARNING
Incorrectly securing the battery or using the wrong battery can cause
short-circuits, fire and serious injuries.
xAlways use only maintenance free batteries that do not run flat alone
and whose properties, specifications and size correspond to the standard
battery. The specifications are indicated on the battery case.
WARNING
A highly explosive mixture of gases is released when the battery is under
charge.
xThe batteries should be charged in a well-ventilated room only.
xNever charge a frozen or recently thawed battery. A flat battery can
freeze at temperatures around 0°C (+32 °F).

Wheels and tyres327
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more
dangerous and result in serious accidents and damage.
xOnly wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
xInspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required.
WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loosened, this could result in serious accident.
xNever loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
xAny work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried out
at qualified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims
New tyres
xWhen tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 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 Ÿ or braking capacity Ÿ.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xThe tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of
tyre and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
xWhere possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) Ÿ.
xOld tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in question, and in accordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
xNever use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres are
too big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage.
WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
xTo prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be
taken for the first 600 km (370 miles).
WARNING
There should be adequate space between the tyres and the vehicle in
accordance with the vehicle design. If this is not the case, the tyres may rub
against parts of the running gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment, and the risk of burst tyres.
xThe true tyre dimension should not be greater than the dimensions of
tyres manufactured and approved by SEAT and should not rub against parts
of the vehicle.
Note
Although tyres may be shown as being the same size, the true dimensions of
different types of tyre may vary with respect to the nominal size, or tread
patterns may be different.
Note
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT, you can be sure that the true tyre
dimensions will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre models, the tyre

Wheels and tyres 328
vendor should provide the manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indicating
that this type of tyre is suitable for your vehicle. This certificate should always
be carried with the vehicle.
Tyre pressures
Fig. 183 Position of tyre pressure specification plate.
The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at the factory is shown on a label and
is valid for summer and winter tyres. This label Ÿfig. 183 is either in the
driver's door strut or inside the fuel cap.
Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce the life of the tyres considerably
and also impair the car's handling Ÿ. It is essential to maintain the
correct tyre pressures, especially if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre pres-
sure causes premature wear and could cause tyre blow-out.The pressure should therefore be checked at least 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 pressures 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.
xThe tyre pressures should be checked regularly, and only when the tyres
are cold. Always check all the tyres. Tyre pressures should be checked more
often in colder regions, and only when the vehicle has not been driven
recently. Always use a correctly-operating tyre gauge.
xAdjust tyre pressures to the loads carried in the vehicle.
xAfter checking the pressure, always replace the valve caps, and where
applicable, observe the instructions given for adjusting the tyre control
system Ÿpage 245.
WARNING
If tyre pressures are too high or too low, the tyre may deflate or burst
suddenly while driving. This could result in serious accident.
xIf the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could overheat, resulting in
tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xWhen driving at high speeds and/or fully loaded, the tyre could
suddenly overheat, burst or be subject to tread detachment, with the
resultant loss of control of the vehicle.
xTyre pressures which are too high or too low reduce the service life of
the tyre, affecting the vehicle's performance.
xTyre pressures should be checked regularly, at least once a month and
before long journeys.

Wheels and tyres 330
are equally spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls (for
example, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the wear
indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be replaced
before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator.
WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of the
vehicle with serious consequences.
xTyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same level
as the tread pattern.
xWorn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfaces,
increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
xWorn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or diffi-
cult driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding.
Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unusual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one of
the tyres is damaged Ÿ.
xSlow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
xCheck the wheels and tyres for damage.
xIf tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
xIf there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.Foreign bodies in the tyre
xDo not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
xYou should obtain professional assistance immediately.
The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread wraps around the foreign body
and provisionally seals the tyre.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
xDriving style.
xUnbalanced wheels.
xRunning gear settings.
Driving style: driving round bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres wear
too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a qualified workshop.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and suspen-
sion. 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 positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a specialist workshop.
WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls to one side while driving,
this may indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
xReduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
xCheck the wheels and tyres for damage.

Wheels and tyres331
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xNever carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified
assistance immediately.
xIf there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
nearest qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Winter tyres
In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles
handling. The design of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread
pattern) gives less grip on ice and snow. SEAT strongly recommends using
winter tyres or all year round tyres on all four wheels of the vehicle, especially
if you expect to drive in wintery weather. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle
braking performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT
recommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn
below 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting
performance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
xObserve legal requirements in each country.
xWinter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
xOnly use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
xOnly use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
xOnly use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and tread pattern.
xAdjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) Ÿ.Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
Ÿpage 334.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA
(multifunction indicator) menu on the instrument panel Ÿpage 70.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be determined
by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further informa-
tion on the maximum permitted 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 expected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response.
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
Ÿpage 332.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you should
not take unnecessary risks.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter tyre fitted on your vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
When winter is over, change back to summer tyres. In temperatures above
+7 °C (+45 °F), performance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres 334
Tyres with directional tread pattern
Tyres with directional tread pattern have been designed to operate best when
rotating in only one direction. An arrow on the tyre sidewall indicates the
direction of rotation on tyres with directional tread. Always observe the direc-
tion of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre load ra tin g
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each wheel
can carry (load capacity).
91 615 kg (1,356 pounds)
93 650 kg (1,433 pounds)
95 690 kg (1,521 pounds)
97 730 kg (1,609 pounds)
99 775 kg (1,709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
P max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
Q max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
R max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
S max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
DOT BT RA TY5 1709Tyre identification number (TINa), may be only on
interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the legal require-
ments of the US Department of Transport,
responsible for tyre safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture code.
RAInformation about manufacturer and tyre
size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the Tread Wear
Indicator Ÿpage 329.
Made in GermanyCountry of manufacture.
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356
LBS)US load rating, indicating maximum permitted
load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre
pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1
NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, there are 4 layers below the
tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of
steel reinforcement and 1 layer of nylon.
Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of
the established base tyres (standardised test procedures):
TREADWEAR 280Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to
specific US standard test.
Tyre code (example)Meaning
TRACTION AABraking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B
or C).
TEMPERATURE ATyre temperature resistance at higher test speeds
(A, B or C).
If the tyre has other markings, these are specific tyre manufacturer codes
or specific national codes, e.g. for Brazil or China.
a)The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Tyre code (example)Meaning