tow bar Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Safe driving 8
xCheck that the lights and turn signals operate correctly.
xCheck the tyre pressures (Ÿpage 323) and level of fuel (Ÿpage 293).
xEnsure there is good visibility through all the windows.
xMake sure that all objects and bags in the storage compartments, in the
luggage compartment and, where applicable, on the roof, are securely
fastened Ÿpage 13.
xEnsure there is nothing obstructing the free passage of the foot pedals.
xUse child retention systems appropriate for the child's body weight and
height Ÿpage 42.
xCorrectly adjust front seat, head rests and rear-view mirrors to suit your
height Ÿpage 10.
xWear close-fitting shoes which do not prevent you from using the pedals
correctly.
xThe driver's floor mat should be fixed to the floor, leaving the pedal area
unobstructed.
xBefore starting out, ensure you are correctly seated and remain in this
position throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 10.
xCorrectly fasten your seat belt before starting to drive and keep it securely
fastened throughout the journey. This applies to all passengers in the vehicle
Ÿpage 22.
xNever carry more passengers than the number of available seats and seat
belts in your vehicle.
xNever drive with impaired faculties (for example, due to medication,
alcohol or drugs).
xDo not allow yourself to be distracted from the traffic, for example, to reset
or switch on a menu, by other passengers or to answer a phone call.
xAlways try to adapt the speed of the vehicle and your style of driving to the
condition of the ground or the road and to weather and traffic conditions.
xObserve the highway code and speed limits.
xOn long journeys, rest at regular intervals (at least every two hours).
xIf carrying animals, make sure they are correctly restrained in accordance
with their weight and size.
WARNING
Always observe traffic regulations and speed limits and try to anticipate
traffic movements. Correctly anticipating traffic situations may mean the
difference between arriving safe and sound at your destination or having a
serious accident.
Note
Regular servicing of your vehicle not only helps to keep it in good working
order but also helps to ensure road safety. Therefore, please ensure the
vehicle is taken for service as indicated in the Maintenance Programme. If the
vehicle is subjected to hard use, it may require certain maintenance work
before the next service date. Hard use may involve frequent driving in traffic
jams, driving in dusty areas or frequent use of the tow-bar. For further infor-
mation, please refer to a SEAT dealer or specialised workshop.
Driving abroad
Check list
In some countries, certain safety regulations and requirements are in force
relating to exhaust gas emissions, which differ from the technical character-
istics of the vehicle. Before travelling abroad, SEAT recommends you consult
a SEAT dealer about the legal requirements and the following points:
xDoes the vehicle need technical modifications for driving abroad, for
example, adjustment of the headlamps?
xDoes the vehicle have all the tools, diagnostics equipment and spare
parts required for inspections and repairs?
xAre there any SEAT dealers in the destination country?

Lights and visibility 116
Turning on and off lights
The legal requirements regarding the use of vehicle lights in each country
must be observed.
In vehicles with tow bar fitted as standard: If the trailer is connected electri-
cally and is fitted with a rear fog light, this is automatically switched off on the
vehicle.
Turn the light switch to the required position Ÿfig. 67:
Fog lights
The warning lamps
or
on the light switch also indicate that the fog
lights are switched on.
Fig. 67 Next to the steering wheel: diagram of some of
the types of light switch.
when the ignition is turned offwhen the ignition is on
/Fog lights, dipped beam and
side lights off.Lights off or daytime driving light
on.
!54/The guidance lights may be
switched on.Automatic dipped beam control
or daytime driving light on.
Side light on.Side light on.

Dipped beam off; if necessary,
the side light comes on for a
time.Dipped beam switched on.

Driving 214
xSwitch off the engine and release the brake pedal.
xRemove the key from the ignition.
xIf necessary, turn the steering wheel slightly to lock the steering.
xWith a manual gearbox, engage the 1st gear on flat ground and slopes, or
even the reverse gear on hills, and release the clutch pedal.
xEnsure that all passengers leave the vehicle, especially children.
xWhen leaving the vehicle, take all keys with you.
xLock the vehicle.
Additional information for steep slopes and hills
Before switching off the engine, rotate the steering wheel so that if the
vehicle should move then it will be held by the kerb.
xOn slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
kerb.
xUphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road.
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures. This
could cause a fire and considerable damage.
xAlways park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc).
Caution
xSpecial care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fixed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop
before the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
xSpecial attention is required when driving through entrances, over ramps,
kerbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as you
drive over these objects.
Information about the brakes
For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles), new brake pads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be run in first Ÿ.
The slightly reduced braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic.
The rate of wear of the brake pads depends to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only do
this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users Ÿ.
A layer of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted roads
without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the layer of
salt on the brakes Ÿ.
If the vehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and

Driving229
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Park Assist system*
Introduction
The Park Assist system helps the driver to find a suitable place to park, to
insert the vehicle into parallel and perpendicular parking places and to leave
parallel parking places.
The Park Assist system is limited to the system abilities and requires that the
driver is especially attentive Ÿ.
The parking sensor system is a component of the Park Assist system that
helps to park the vehicle.
For vehicles with the optical parking system, the radio navigation systems
screen displays the detected zones in front of and behind the vehicle, indi-
cating - within the limits of the system - the position of obstacles compared
to the vehicle.
The park assist system cannot be switched on if the factory-fitted towing
bracket is electrically connected to a trailer.
Additional information and warnings:
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xParking sensor system Ÿpage 225
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Despite the assistance provided by the park assist system, do not run any
risks when parking. The system is not a replacement for driver awareness.
xUnintentional movements of the vehicle could cause serious injury.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xThe surface of certain objects and items of clothing and external sound
sources may have a negative affect on the park assist signals or on the
system sensors or may not reflect its signals.
xThe sensors have blind spots in which obstacles and people are not
registered.
xAlways observe the area around the vehicle, as the sensors do not
always detect small children, animals or objects.
Caution
xThe park assist system aims exclusively at other parked vehicles, without
taking curbs or other circumstances into account. Make sure you do not
damage the tyres and wheel rims when parking. Where necessary, stop
manoeuvring to avoid damaging the vehicle.
xThe sensors may not always be able to detect objects such as trailer draw
bars, thin rails, fences, posts and trees, etc. This could result in damage to
your car.
xAlthough the parking sensor system detects and warns of the presence of
an obstacle, the obstacle could disappear from the angle of measurement of
the sensors if it is too high or low and the system would no longer indicate it.
Therefore, it will not warn you of these objects. Ignoring the warnings of the
parking sensor system could cause considerable damage to the vehicle. This
is also valid when using the park assist (e.g. to park behind a truck or motor-
cycle). Therefore, always keep a close watch on the area in front of and behind
the vehicle while parking, and intervene promptly if necessary.
xTo ensure that the system works properly, the bumper sensors must be
kept clean, free of ice and snow and uncovered.
xThe bumper sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example,
when parking.
WARNING (continued)

Trailer towing 258
Trailer towing
Introduction
Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trailer and to use a trailer bracket.
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 equip-
ment. The additional load has an effect on the useful life, fuel consumption
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 exerted by the trailer drawbar on the
ball joint of the tow hitch must not exceed 100 kg (approximately 220 lbs).
Vehicles with the Start-Stop function
With a SEAT factory fitted or retrofitted trailer bracket, the Start-Stop function
is automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For trailer brackets
not installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated manually
using a button located on the dashboard before driving with a trailer and it
must remain off for the entire journey Ÿ.
Additional information and warnings:
xAnti-theft alarm system Ÿpage 83
xLight Ÿpage 113
xEcological driving Ÿpage 252
xStarter assist systems (Start-Stop function) Ÿpage 221
xWheels and tyres Ÿpage 323
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Never transport people in a trailer: this will endanger in their life and is
against the law.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
xOnly use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
xNever change or repair a tow hitch.
xTo reduce the risk of injury in case of a reversing collision, injury to
pedestrians and cyclists when parking, always keep the ball joint in when
a trailer is not being used.
xNever fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes 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 large objects can affect
vehicle handling and even cause an accident.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xTrailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
trailers with a low centre of gravity.

Trailer towing 264
Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can pull Ÿ. The drawbar load
is the vertical weight of the trailer hitch on the tow hitch ball Ÿpage 267.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate of
the towing bracket 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 registration documents. The instructions in the official
vehicle documents take precedence.
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends 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 capacity.
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 rear of the
trailer:
xDistribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle
as possible or even above it.
xCorrectly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum Ÿpage 323.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
combination weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a serious
accident with severe consequences.
xNever exceed the specifications.
xWith the actual load on the front and rear axles, 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 vehicle and trailer combi-
nation will be seriously affected and this could result in a serious accident.
xAlways correctly load the trailer.
xAlways secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
xIf the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.

Trailer towing 266
xThe maximum drawbar load is used.
xThe trailer must have a fixed drawbar.
xTrailers with brakes must be equipped with a mechanical inertia brake.
WARNING
Do not let the extra safety afforded by the stabilisation system tempt you
into taking any risks when driving.
xAdjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
xIf the road surface is slippery, take care when accelerating.
xWhen a system is operating, lift your foot off the accelerator.
WARNING
It is possible that the combination stabilisation system does not correctly
recognised all driving situations.
xIt is possible that the stabilisation system does not detect snaking of a
light trailer and thus does not intervene.
xWhen driving on slippery ground, the trailer could jack-knife despite
the stabilisation system.
xTrailers with a high centre of gravity may even tip over before they start
to rock sideways.
xIf a trailer is not used at the trailer socket is connected (for example,
installation of a bicycle carrier with lights), repeated automatic braking
may occur in extreme driving conditions.
Retrofitting a tow hitch
Fig. 164 Measurements and attachments to retrofit a tow hitch.
SEAT recommends visiting a specialist workshop to retrofit a tow hitch. For
example, it may be necessary to adjust the cooling system or to include
thermal plates. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified workshop.
In any case, the separation distances must be observed when fitting a tow
hitch. The distance between the centre of the tow hitch ball and the road
surface Ÿfig. 164 must never be lower than that indicated. This also
applies when the vehicle is fully laden, including maximum drawbar load.
Separation distances Ÿfig. 164:
Attachment points.
1,040 mm (41 inches)
74 mm (3 inches)
364 mm (14 inches)
AD
AA
AB
AC
AD

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)

If and when 376
xAs soon as the engine starts, press the clutch and move the gear lever into
neutral. This helps to prevent a collision with the towing vehicle.
Caution
When tow-starting, fuel could enter the catalytic converter and damage it.
Towing instructions
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 similarly elastic mate-
rial.
Only secure the tow rope or tow bar to the tow ring or specially designed
fitting.
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 Ÿpage 260.
Towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox
Note the following for a towed vehicle:
xMake sure the gear selector lever is in the N position.
xDo not drive faster than 50 km/h (30 mph) when towing a vehicle.
xDo not tow further than 50 km (30 miles).
xIf a breakdown truck is used, the vehicle must be towed with the front
wheels raised. Note the following instructions for towing four wheel drive
vehicles.Instructions for towing four-wheel-drive vehicles
Four wheel drive vehicles can be towed using a toolbar or tow rope. If the
vehicle is towed with the front or rear axle raised, the engine must be turned
off to avoid transmission damage.
For vehicles with a double clutched DSG
® (direct shift gearbox) the instruc-
tions for towing vehicles with an automatic gearbox apply Ÿpage 376.
Situations in which the vehicle should not be towed
In the following cases, the vehicle should not be towed but transported on a
trailer or special vehicle:
xIf the vehicle gearbox does not contain lubricant due to a fault.
xIf the vehicle battery is flat and, as a result, the electronic steering lock
and electronic parking brake cannot be disengaged if applied.
xIf the vehicle to be towed has an automatic gearbox and the distance to
be covered is greater than 50 km (30 miles).
Note
The vehicle can only be towed if the electronic parking brake and steering
lock are deactivated. If the vehicle has no power supply or there is an electric
system fault, the engine must be started using jump leads to deactivate the
electronic parking brake and electronic steering lock.

If and when 378
xScrew in the tow ring into its position anticlockwise as far as it will go
Ÿ. Use a suitable tool to firmly tighten the tow ring in its location.
xAfter towing, remove the tow ring by turning it clockwise and put the cover
back in place.
Caution
xThe tow ring must always be completely and firmly tightened. Otherwise,
it could be released while towing and tow-starting.
xVehicles 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. Otherwise, the tow
hitch ball and the vehicle may be damaged. Otherwise, a tow rope should be
used.
Towing advice
Towing requires some experience, especially when using a tow-rope. Both
drivers should be familiar with the technique required for towing. For this
reason, inexperienced drivers should abstain.
While driving, avoid excessive traction forces and jerking. When towing on an
unpaved road, there is always a risk of overloading and damaging the
anchorage points.
If the vehicle is towed, with the hazard warning lights on and the ignition
switched on, the turn signal may be used to indicate changes of direction.
Simply operate the turn indicator lever as usual. Meanwhile, the hazard
warning lights will go off. When the turn signal lever is returned to the rest
position, the hazard warning lights will be turned on automatically.
Notes for the driver of the towed vehicle
xLeave the ignition on to avoid locking the steering wheel, to release the
electronic parking brake and to activate the turn signal indicators, the horn
as well as the window wipers and window washers.
xAs the power assisted steering does not work if the engine is not running,
you will need more strength to steer than normally.
xThe brake must be depressed must harder as the brake servo does not
operate. Avoid hitting the towing vehicle.
xNote the instructions and information contained in the instruction manual
for the vehicle to be towed.
Notes for the driver of the towing vehicle
xAccelerate gently and carefully. Avoid sudden manoeuvres.
xBrake well in advance than usual and brake gently.
xNote the instructions and information contained in the instruction manual
for the vehicle to be towed.