towing Seat Alhambra 2006 User Guide

Driving and the environment189
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Gross combination weight
The gross combination weight is the actual weight of the laden vehicle plus
the actual weight of the laden trailer . If the maximum permissible trailer
weight is to be utilized, the weight of the vehicle may have to be reduced.
Distributing the load
Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the axle as
possible. Loads carried in the trailer must be secured to prevent them
moving.
Tyre pressure
Set tyre pressure to the maximum permitted pressure shown on the sticker on
the inside of the tank flap. Set the tyre pressure of the trailer tyres in accord-
ance with the trailer manufacturer's recommendations.
Exterior mirrors
Check whether you can see enough of the road behind the trailer with the
standard mirrors. If this is not the case you should have additional mirrors
fitted. Both exterior mirrors should be mounted on hinged extension
brackets. Adjust the mirrors to give sufficient vision to the rear.
Headlight adjustment
If towing a trailer the dipped light may dazzle 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.
WARNING
•Never transport people in a trailer. This could result in fatal accidents.
•To avoid dazzling other drivers, adjust the dipped beam according to
the load. If not, an accident may occur.
•If using 225/45 R 17 94 W tyres for 7J x 17 wheels it is not permitted to
tow a trailer.
Note
•Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. We recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
•Find out whether special regulations apply to towing a trailer in your
country.
Ball coupling of towing bracket
The removable ball coupling of the towing bracket is stored
with the tools on board behind the right-hand side trim of the
luggage compartment.
It is necessary to first tense the towing bracket removing the ball
coupling
Fig. 135 Location of
towing bracket

Driving and the environment 190
Remove the towing bracket from the luggage compartment
– Open the lock by turning the key Ÿpage 189, fig. 135 clock-
wise.
– Take out the wheel completely in the direction of the arrow
and turn clockwise to the maximum.
– Release the wheel. The towing bracket is pretensed.
– Remove the towing bracket.
Storing towing bracket in the luggage compartment
– First tension the towing bracket.
– Place the towing bracket in its casing on the right-hand side of
the luggage compartment. The bracket engages and the tension
is released Ÿ.
– Check that it is correctly fitted.
The ball coupling is provided with instructions on fitting and removing the
ball coupling of the towing bracket.
If the ball coupling is fitted it s possible to store the cover of the tow-bar in a
plastic bag next to the tools.
WARNING
The towing bracket ball coupling must be stored securely to prevent it
being flung through the vehicle and causing injury.
•When the pretensed towing bracket is being fitted, there is a risk of
injury in the event that the wheel goes back on itself.
Note
By law, the ball coupling must be removed if a trailer is not being towed and
it obscures the number plate.
•When placing the towing bracket in the casing check that it is no longer
tensed and securely fastened .
Driving tips
Driving with a trailer always requires extra care.
Weight distribution
The weight distribution of a loaded trailer with an unladen vehicle is very
unfavourable. However, if this cannot be avoided, drive extra slowly to allow
for the unbalanced weight distribution.
Speed
The stability of the car and trailer is reduced with increasing speed. For this
reason it is advisable not to drive at the maximum permissible top speed in
unfavourable road, weather or wind conditions. This applies especially when
driving downhill.
You should always reduce speed immediately if the trailer shows the slightest
sign of snaking. Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
Always brake in good time. If 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. Select a low gear (in both manual and
automatic gearboxes) in good time before going down a steep hill. This
enables you to use the engine braking effect to slow down the vehicle.
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Driving and the environment191
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a Overheating
At very high temperatures and during prolonged ascents, driving in a low gear
and high engine speed always monitor the temperature indicator for the
coolant.
Electronic Stabilisation Program
Do not switch off the ESP when towing a trailer. The ESP makes it easier to
stabilise if the trailer starts to snake.
Driving economically and with respect for the
environment
General notes
Fuel consumption depends largely on your personal driving
style.
Fuel economy, environmental impact and wear on the engine, brakes and
tyres depend largely on three factors:
•Personal driving style
•Conditions of use (weather, road surface)
•Technical requirements
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situation
ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%. This section
suggests methods of lessening the impact on the environment and reducing
your operating costs at the same time.
Think ahead when driving
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. If you think ahead when driving,
you will need to brake less and thus accelerate less. Wherever possible, let
the vehicle roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Regular servicing
By taking your car to an Authorised Service Centre for regular servicing you
can establish a basis for good fuel economy before you start driving. A well-
serviced engine gives you the benefit of improved fuel efficiency as well as
maximum reliability and an enhanced resale value.
A badly serviced engine can consume up to 10% more fuel than necessary.
Check the oil level every time you fill the tank. Oil consumption depends to a
great extent on the engine load and engine speed. Depending on your
personal driving style, oil consumption can be up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications 204
Retrofitting a towing bracket
The vehicle can be retrofitted with a towing bracket.
Fig. 137 Attachment
points for towing bracket

Accessories, parts replacement and modifications205
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a If a towing bracket is to be retro-fitted to the car, it must be done according to
the instructions of the towing bracket manufacturer.
The attachment points for the towing bracket Ÿpage 204, fig. 137 are
underneath the vehicle.
Always observe the minimum distance from the middle of the ball coupling to
the ground (350 to 420 mm). This also applies when the vehicle is fully laden,
including maximum drawbar load.
Fitting a towing bracket
•Driving with a trailer implies additional work for the vehicle. Therefore,
before fitting a towing bracket, please contact an Authorised Service Centre
to check whether your cooling system needs modification.
•Observe the legal requirements in your country (e. g. the fitting of a sepa-
rate pilot lamp).
•Certain vehicle components, e.g. the rear bumper must be removed and
reinstalled. The towing bracket securing bolts have to be tightened using a
torque wrench, and a socket connected to the vehicle's electrical system .
This requires specialist knowledge and tools.
•The figures in the illustration show the dimensions and attachment points
which must be observed if you are retrofitting a towing bracket.
WARNING
If a towing bracket is retrofitted, it should be done by a qualified dealer.
•If the towing bracket is incorrectly fitted, this could cause a safety risk.
•For your own safety, please observe the instructions provided by the
manufacturer of the towing bracket.
Caution
If the connector socket is not fitted correctly, this could cause damage to the
vehicle's electrical system.
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Checking and refilling levels 214
Note
Before a long trip, we recommend finding an engine oil that conforms to the
corresponding VW specifications and keeping it in the vehicle. This way, the
correct engine oil will always be available for a top-up if needed.
Checking the engine oil level
The engine oil dipstick indicates the level of the oil.
Before opening the bonnet, read and observe the warnings
Ÿpage 209.
– Park the vehicle on an even surface.
– Stop the engine and wait a few minutes for the oil to drain back
into the sump.
– Raise the bonnet Ÿpage 211.– Pull out the dipstick.
– Wipe the dipstick with a cloth and insert it again, pushing it in as
far as it will go.
– Then pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level .
– Replace the dipstick, pushing it in as far as it will go.
If the oil level is in area Ÿfig. 142 , you must not top up with oil.
If the oil level is in area , you may top up with oil (approx. 0,5 l).
If the oil level is in area , you must top up with oil (approx. 1,0 l).
It is normal for the engine to consume a certain amount of oil. Consumption
can be up to 1.0 litres per 1,000 km. 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 on mountain
passes, the oil level should preferably be kept within area (but not above).
WARNING
Special care must be taken when working on the engine or on components
in the engine compartment.
•When working in the engine compartment, always observe the safety
warnings Ÿpage 209
Caution
If the oil level is above the area do not start the engine. This could result
in damage to the engine and catalytic converter. Contact SEAT Service Centre ®.
Fig. 142 Dipstick
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If and when231
Safety FirstOperating instructionsTips and MaintenanceTe c h n i c a l D a t a
If and when
Vehicle onboard tools*, spare wheel*,
puncture repair kit* and towing bracket
Location
The vehicle tools, the spare wheel and the removable towing
bracket ball coupling are stored in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle tool kit and removable ball coupling
The vehicle tool kit and removable towing bracket ball coupling are stored on
the right of the luggage compartment, behind a cover.
Spare wheel
The spare wheel is stored underneath the vehicle Ÿpage 232.
Caution
Make sure that the spare wheel / removed wheel and the tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment.
Vehicle onboard tools*
The vehicle tools are stored in the luggage compartment, behind the side
cover on the right and are secured using a thumb screwŸfig. 152 . The
tool kit comprises the following items:
To ol b ox
44)
Screwdriver with hexagon socket in the handle for slackened wheel
bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver is in the wheel
bolt.
Towing eye, removable
Open jaw spanner 10 x 13 mm
Wire hook
44) for pulling off the centre cover and the wheel bolt caps
44)Optional equipment
Fig. 152 Storage of
vehicle tools
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If and when 232
Box spanner for wheel bolts
Jack. Before you return the jack to the tool box, you must fully wind in the
claw. The crank must then be folded tight against the side of the jack.
The removable towing bracket
44), the key for unlocking the sunroof in an
emergency44) and the anti-theft wheel bolt adaptor44) are stored next to the
vehicle tools.
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
We recommend you carry the wheel bolt adapter
44) in the vehicle tool kit at
all times.
The code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt is stamped on the front of the
adapter. You will need this number to replace the adapter if lost. Make a note
the code number of the anti-theft wheel bolt and keep it in a safe place - but
not in your vehicle.
WARNING
•Do not use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to tighten
the wheel bolts. It is not suitable for tightening the bolts to the necessary
torque. This may cause an accident.
•The jack supplied by the factory is only designed for changing wheels
on this model. Never attempt to use it for lifting heavier vehicles or other
loads. Risk of injury.
•Use the jack only on firm, level ground.
•Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the jack.
Risk of accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.
Taking out the spare wheel
1. Lift the cover Ÿfig. 153 located on the floor of the luggage
compartment, next to the tailgate lock.
2. Pull the ring of the rubber seal upwards.
3. Remove the box spanner from the vehicle tools.
4. Fit the box spanner on the bolt, to the maximum, and hold in this
position. At the same time press the safety ring downwards
Ÿ.
5. Turn the box spanner several times to the left, until the spare
wheel can be fitted, hanging from a wire, vertically behind the
vehicle.
6. Separate the plastic pieces so that they may be inserted into the
central aperture of the rim and so free the wheel.
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Fig. 153 Taking out the
spare wheel
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If and when 234
Breakdown set*
Components
Components
The anti-puncture kit contains the following components:
Tyre valve remover
Sticker indicating maximum speed “max. 80 km/h” or “max. 50mph”
Filler tube with cap
Compressor
Tube for inflating tyres
Pressure gauge
Air bleed screw
ON/OFF switch
12 volt connector
Bottle of sealant Ÿ
Spare tyre valve
Caution
•Note the expiry date on the bottle of tyre sealant Do not use sealant paste
that has expired. A bottle of tyre sealant can be obtained at any SEAT dealer.
•Dispose of used or expired sealant observing any legal requirements.
•Likewise, note any instructions from the anti-puncture kit's manufacturer
(if included).
Note
•In vehicles fitted with a towing bracket, it is first necessary to remove the
tools in order to reach the anti-puncture kit.
Preparation of anti-puncture kit
Small punctures (up to 4 mm in diameter), particularly ones
in the tread, can be sealed using the anti-puncture set.
If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle
in position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
– Take the compressor and the bottle of sealant from the luggage
compartment.
– Take the sticker Ÿfig. 155 out of the anti-puncture set and
apply it to the dash panel where it can be seen clearly.
– Leave the foreign body (e. g. screw, nail) in the tyre.
– Take the cap off the tyre valve.
Fig. 155 Contents of anti-
puncture kit
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If and when 236
WARNING
•Do not allow the sealant to get onto your skin or into your eyes. Risk of
injury.
•Keep children away from the sealant.
Changing a wheel
Preparatory work
You must park the vehicle correctly before changing a tyre.
– If you have a flat tyre or puncture, park the car as far away from
the flow of traffic as possible on a flat surface.
– Switch off the engine. Switch on the hazard warning lights.
– Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the selector
in the P position.
– Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with a stone
or similar object.
– If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
– Remove the spare wheel and the vehicle tools from the luggage
compartment.
– All passengers should leave the car. They should wait in a safe
place (for instance behind the safety barrier).
WARNING
•If you have a puncture, stop the car well away from moving traffic.
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set the emergency triangle in
position. Please observe legal requirements when doing so.
•All passengers should leave the car.
•Apply the handbrake firmly and engage a gear or put the gear selector
in the P position. Chock the wheel opposite the wheel being changed with
a stone or similar object.
•If you are towing a trailer, unhitch it from your vehicle.
•Only use jacks which have been approved for your vehicle by SEAT.
•Never use other jacks, even if they have been approved for use on other
SEAT models. The jack could slip. Risk of injury.
•Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. This may cause an
accident.
•Never place your body (e.g. arm or leg) underneath the vehicle if it is
only supported by the jack Risk of injury.
•If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle - Risk of accident!.