tyre pressure Seat Alhambra 2010 User Guide

Driving and the environment 254
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other condi-
tions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in practice
it is technically superfluous as it is a waste of fuel.
Adjusting type pressures.
Having the correct pressure in your tyres helps to reduce rolling resistance
and, as a result reduces fuel consumption. Increasing the tyre pressure
slightly (+ 0.2 bar / + 3 psi) can help to save fuel.
If you are prepared to accept a slight reduction in comfort, the tyres may be
filled to the pressures recommended for a fully-loaded vehicle. This is also
valid when driving alone without luggage.
When you buy new tyres, make sure they are optimised for minimum rolling
resistance.
Use low friction engine oil
The use of low viscosity totally synthetic oils, known as low friction engine oil,
help to reduce fuel consumption. Low friction engine oils reduce the resist-
ance caused by friction in the engine, they flow around the engine more
quickly and efficiently, particularly in cold starts. The effect is particularly
noticeable in vehicles frequently used for short journeys.
Always check the engine oil level and observe service intervals (engine oil
change intervals).
When purchasing engine oil, always observe legal requirements and ensure
that the oil is approved by SEAT.
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving style.
For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel consumption
up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Optional
equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce the
aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds.

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.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning271
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xWashing the vehicle in low temperatures: When washing the vehicle with
a hose, do not direct water into the lock cylinders or the gaps around the
doors, tailgate, or sunroof. Locks and seals could freeze!
Caution
To prevent damage to the vehicle, please observe the following before
entering an automatic car wash:
xCompare the distance between the vehicle wheels and the distance
between the guide-rails of the car wash to prevent damage to the wheels and
tyres!
xSwitch off the rain sensor and the Auto Hold function before entering a car
wash.
xCompare the height and width of your vehicle with the available height
and width when entering and driving through the car wash.
xFold in exterior mirrors Electrically retractable exterior mirrors must NOT
be folded in or out by hand. Always use the electrical power control.
xTo avoid damaging the bonnet paintwork, rest the wipers on the wind-
screen after drying them. Do not let them fall!
xLock the tailgate to prevent it from opening unexpectedly while inside the
car wash.
Washing the vehicle with high pressure cleaning equipment
When cleaning the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, always follow the
operating instructions for the equipment. Pay special attention to the
required pressure of the jet and the distance between the jet and the vehicle
Ÿ.
Keep a suitable distance from soft materials, such as rubber hoses or insu-
lating material, and from the parking distance warning system sensors. The parking distance sensors are fitted in the rear bumpers and, where appli-
cable, in the front bumpers Ÿ.
Do not use a nozzle that sprays the water out in a direct stream or one that
has a rotating jet for forcing off dirt Ÿ.
WARNING
The incorrect use of high pressure cleaning equipment could result in
permanent damage, visible or invisible, to the tyres or other materials. This
could result in serious accident.
xEnsure there is a suitable distance between the nozzle and the tyres.
xNever wash tyres with a concentrated jet or so-called “dirt blasters”.
Even at large spraying distances and short cleaning times, you may
damage the tyres.
WARNING
After the vehicle has been washed, the braking effect will be reduced (and
the braking distance increased) due to moisture (and ice in winter) on the
brakes.
xDry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you are
not endangering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in the
process.
Caution
xThe temperature of the water must not be above +60 °C (+140 °F).
xTo avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
xThe sensors on the bumpers should be kept clean and free of ice at all
times to ensure the parking distance warning system and the parking aid
system operate correctly. When cleaning with pressure hoses and steam
cleaners, the sensors should be sprayed only briefly. A distance of 10 cm
between the sensors and the steam / hose nozzle must be observed.

Checking and refilling levels 296
Closing the tank cap
xScrew on the tank cap clockwise until it you hear it click into position.
xPress the tank flap until you hear it click into place. The tank flap must be
flush with the body contour.
WARNING
Do not continue refilling once the fuel nozzle has switched itself off. The
fuel tank may be filled too much. As a result, fuel may spurt out and spill.
This could lead to a fire, explosion and severe injuries.
Caution
xAlways remove any fuel spilled on the vehicle paintwork immediately to
avoid damage to the wheel housing, the tyre and vehicle paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Spilt fuel can contaminate the environment.
Refilling precautions
Information on bulb replacement Ÿpage 360.
Checklist
Never work on the engine or in the engine compartment 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
Ÿpage 304, “Working in the engine compartment”! Have the work carried
out by a qualified workshop if you are uncertain. Check the following regu-
larly, preferably when you refuel:
xWindscreen washer fluid level Ÿpage 124
xEngine oil level Ÿpage 309
xEngine coolant level Ÿpage 313
xBrake fluid level Ÿpage 210
xTyre pressure Ÿpage 323
xVehicle lighting required to guarantee road safety:
–Indicators
– Side lights, dipped headlights and full beam headlights
– Rear lights
–Brake lights
– Rear fog light Ÿpage 116
WARNING
Not following the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to acci-
dents and severe injuries.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.

Wheels and tyres323
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a quali-
fied workshop. They have the necessary special tools and replacement parts,
trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a qualified workshop.
Additional information and warnings:
xTransporting Ÿpage 13
xTo wi ng m o d e Ÿpage 260
xBraking, stopping and parking Ÿpage 210
xPark assist system Ÿpage 229
xTyre control systems Ÿpage 245
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xWheel trims Ÿpage 336
xChange wheel Ÿpage 339
xNotes for the user Ÿpage 283
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or used)
are worn or damaged.
xIncorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
xAll four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
xNew tyres do not give maximum grip and will 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 600 km (370 miles).
xCheck tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
xNever drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked 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 immedi-
ately.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
xThe efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
xIf you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
xTo minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a serious
accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels.
xNever mount used tyres or wheels if you are not sure of their previous
history. They may be damaged, although the damage is not immediately
visible.
xOld tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly 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.
WARNING (continued)

Wheels and tyres325
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
About your tyres and wheels
The tyres of a vehicle are the components which are subjected to most stress
and are the most underestimated. Tyres are very important, as the support
offered by their narrow surface is the only point of contact between 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 handling.
Avoiding damage to tyres and wheels
xIf you have to drive over a kerb or similar obstacle, drive very slowly and
as near as possible at a right angle to the kerb.
xInspect the tyres regularly for damage (punctures, cuts, cracks, dents).
xRemove any foreign bodies found on the outside of the tread provided
they have not passed through the wall of the tyre Ÿpage 330.
xThe instructions for tyre control systems should always be observed.
xReplace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible Ÿpage 330.
xRegularly check tyres for non-visible damage Ÿpage 330.
xNever exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle Ÿpage 333.
xDo not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid Ÿ.
xLost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
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 Ÿpage 333. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction 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 direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system Ÿfig. 182. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to have the
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for long
periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile than
tyres which are in constant use.
Fig. 182 Diagram for
changing wheels

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 tyres329
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xAdjust the pressures of all the tyres to the vehicle load.
xNever deflate excess pressure from hot tyres.
Caution
xTake care not to tilt the manometer when placing it on the valve. Other-
wise, the valve may be damaged.
xTo avoid damage to the valves, always replace valve caps correctly. Check
that the caps are identical to the standard caps and have been correctly tight-
ened.
For the sake of the environment
Under-inflated tyres will increase the fuel consumption.
Note
When checking tyre pressures, please observe the instructions for the tyre
control system Ÿpage 245.
Tread depth and wear indicators
Tread depth
Certain driving conditions require a deeper tread, as well as needing the tread
to be approximately the same on the front and rear tyres. This is particularly
important when driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on wet roads
Ÿ.
The minimum tread depth required by law in the majority of cases is 1.6 mm
(1/16 of an inch), measured in the tread grooves next to the tread wear indi-
cators. Observe legal requirements in each country.
The performance of winter tyres is much reduced when the tread has worn to
4 mm (5/32 inch).
The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make of tyre
and the tread pattern.
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) high Ÿfig. 184
tread wear indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 184 Tyre tread: tread
wear indicators.

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 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.