Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

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 332
Note
If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “repro-
grammed” whenever a tyre is changed Ÿpage 248.
Note
Please ask at SEAT qualified workshops for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres.
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation 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 vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
SEAT recommends you ask a SEAT qualified workshop for further information
on wheel, tyre and chain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm (37/64
inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains Ÿ.
The wheel bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from qualified workshops.
WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted chains could lead to serious acci-
dents and damage.
xAlways the appropriate snow chains.
xObserve the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufac-
turer.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speeds when driving with snow
chains.
Caution
xYou must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of
snow. Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out
very quickly.
xWheel rims may be damaged or scratched if the chains come into direct
contact with them. SEAT recommends the use of covered snow chains.
Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes according to the vehicle type.Tyre sizeWheel rim
205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
215/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33

Wheels and tyres333
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Tyre code
Fig. 185 Universal code on tyres.
Radial
Rim diameter code
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
Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
A6
A7
A8
A9
A10
A11
A12
Tyre code (example)Meaning
Make, logotypeManufacturer
Product nameName of tyre assigned by manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 16Size:
PPassenger vehicle code.
215Nominal width between walls, in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre type (R indicates "radial").
16Rim diameter in inches
91 VLoad index Ÿpage 334 and speed rating
Ÿpage 334.
XLReinforced tyres.
M+S or M/SWinter tyres (mud and snow tyres) Ÿpage 331.
SSR or DSST, Eufonia,
RFT, ROF, RSC, ZPSpecific manufacturer codes for run-flat tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with international
legislation followed by a number denoting the
country granting the authorisation. The authori-
sation number ( several digits) is shown below.

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

Wheels and tyres335
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a T max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
U max. 200 km/h (124 mph)
H max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
V max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
Z max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
W max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
Y max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for tyres with a maximum author-
ised speed above 240 km/h (149 miles).

Wheels and tyres 336
Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xChange wheel Ÿpage 339
xVehicle tools Ÿpage 353
WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cause major accidents or damage.
xIncorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and
endanger other road users.
xDamaged trims must never be mounted on the wheels.
xAlways ensure that the brake ventilation and cooling is not cut off or
blocked. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not enough
air, you may require significantly longer braking distances.
Caution
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the
vehicle.
Hubcaps
Depending upon the version, the hubcap is removed by pulling it Ÿfig. 186,
or by unscrewing it Ÿfig. 187.
Fig. 186 Removing the
hub cap.
Fig. 187 Remove the
hubcap by turning it
outwards.

Wheels and tyres337
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a Vehicles with removable hubcaps
xTo remove the hubcap, take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit and
hook it through an opening on the trim Ÿpage 336, fig. 186.
xRemove the trim by pulling it in the direction of the arrow.
xTo replace the hubcap, press the hubcap against the rim until it clicks into
place.
Vehicles with screw-on hubcaps
xTo remove, turn the hubcap to the right or to the left until it comes off the
rim Ÿpage 336, fig. 187.
xHold it from behind by a rib and pull the trim.
xTo re pl a ce, centrally align the trim on the wheel.
xPress the trim against the wheel rim until it clicks into place.
Full hubcaps*
Removing the full hubcap
xTake the wheel brace and the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit
Ÿpage 353.
xHook the wire through one of the grooves on the hubcap.
xInsert the wheel brace onto the wire hook Ÿfig. 188 and pull the hub cap
in the direction shown by the arrow.
Fitting hubcaps
Before mounting the full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded
into position Ÿpage 340, fig. 191 or . Otherwise it will not be
possible to mount the full hubcap.
Press the hubcap against the wheel so that the space for the valve fits over
the tyre valve Ÿpage 340, fig. 191 . Make sure that the hubcap is
correctly fitted all the way around the wheel.
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 188 Removing the
full hubcap.
A2A3
A1
Fig. 189 Removing the
wheel bolt caps

Wheels and tyres 338
xTake the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit Ÿpage 353.
xInsert the wire hook in the cap through the opening Ÿpage 337, fig. 189
and pull outwards in the direction of the arrow.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be remounted after changing the
tyre.
The anti-theft wheel locking bolt has a special cap. This cap only fits on anti-
theft locking bolts and is not for use with standard wheel bolts.

Wheels and tyres339
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Changing a wheel*
Introduction
The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. The
tools required for changing a wheel are only supplied with the vehicle if the
vehicle is supplied from the factory with winter tyres. If this is not the case,
please take the vehicle to a specialised workshop to have the wheels
changed.
You should only change the wheels yourself if the vehicle is parked in a safe
place, you are familiar with the procedure and you have all the necessary
tools! Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
Additional information and warnings:
xVehicle key set Ÿpage 78
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xVehicle tools Ÿpage 353
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
xStop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
xWhen changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly children
a safe distance away from the work area.
xTurn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
xEnsure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
xIf you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance.
xOnly use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
xAlways stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and place
the gear selector lever in position P, for an automatic gearbox, or engage a
gear for a manual gearbox to reduce the risk of the vehicle moving acciden-
tally.
xHave the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
possible with a reliable torque wrench.
Preparations for changing a wheel
Check list
Before changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given Ÿ:
1. Park the vehicle on an even and solid surface.
2. Connect the electronic parking brake Ÿpage 210.
3. Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P Ÿpage 201.
4. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition Ÿpage 195.
5. Manual gearbox: Select a gear Ÿpage 201.
6. Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe place
(for example, behind the safety barrier).
7. Block the opposite wheel with two folding wedges taken from the vehicle
tool kit Ÿpage 354, fig. 208 or similar objects.
8. When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
9. If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle.
WARNING (continued)