Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Manual

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 270
For the sake of the environment
The remains of car care products should not be disposed of with ordinary
household waste. Observe information provided by the manufacturer.
Washing the vehicle
The longer substances such as insects, bird droppings, resinous tree sap,
road dirt, industrial deposits, tar, soot or road salt and other aggressive mate-
rials remain on the vehicle, the more damage they do to the paintwork. High
temperatures (for instance due to strong sunlight) further intensify the corro-
sive effect. The vehicle undercarriage should also be thoroughly washed at
regular intervals.
Automatic car washes
Always observe the instructions provided at the automatic car wash. The
standard precautionary measures prior to entering the car wash should be
taken to avoid damage to the vehicle (close all windows, fold in exterior
mirrors). If the vehicle is fitted with additional components (spoiler, roof-rack,
aerial...), check with the car wash supervisor whether these can enter the car
wash Ÿ.
The vehicle paintwork is so durable that the car can normally be washed
without problems in an automatic car washing tunnel. However, wear and
damage to the paintwork will depend on the type of car wash used. SEAT
recommends the use of car washed without brushes.
To remove traces of wax on windows and to prevent wiper blades from
scratching, please observe the following Ÿpage 272, “Cleaning windows
and exterior mirrors”.
Washing the car by hand
When washing the car by hand, use plenty of water to soften the dirt first, and
rinse off as well as possible.Then clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, glove or brush using only slight
pressure. Start at the roof and work downwards. Special car shampoo should
only be used for very persistent dirt.
Rinse the sponge or glove thoroughly and often.
Wheels, sills and similar should be cleaned last. Use a second sponge for
this.WARNING
Sharp components on the vehicle may cause injury.
xProtect arms and hands from sharp edges when cleaning the vehicle
undercarriage or the interior of the wheel hubs.
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 exceed +60 °C (+140 °F).
xTo avoid damage to the paintwork, do not wash the vehicle in full sun.
xDo not use rough sponges or similar which could damage the surface to
clean away the traces of insects.
xNever wipe the headlights with a dry cloth or sponge, always moisten
first. It is best to use soapy water.

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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.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 272
xDo not use a high pressure cleaner to remove ice or snow from windows
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!
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Cleaning windows and exterior mirrors
Spray windows and exterior windows with a standard window cleaner
containing alcohol.
Dry the windows with a clean chamois leather or a lint-free cloth. The chamois
leathers used on painted surfaces are not suitable for cleaning windows
because they are soiled with wax deposits which could smear the windows.
Use window cleaner or a silicone remover to clean rubber, oil, grease and sili-
cone deposits off Ÿ.
Removing wax deposits
Automatic car washes and certain car care products may leave wax deposits
on the windows. These deposits can only be removed with a special product
or cleaning cloths. Wax deposits on the windscreen could cause the wiper
blades to judder. SEAT recommends you wipe the wax deposits off the wind-
screen with a soft cloth each time after you have washed the vehicle.
A window cleaning detergent which helps to dissolve the wax may be added
to the windscreen washer fluid to prevent the wiper blades from scratching
the windscreen. Please ensure the you add the cleaning product in the correct
proportions. Products for removing grease do not eliminate the wax deposits
Ÿ.
Special cleaning products or window cloths are available at any Technical
Service. To remove wax deposits, SEAT recommends the following products:
xFor the hottest time of the year: the window cleaner for summer use G 052
184 A1 . Proportion 1:100 (1 part detergent, 100 parts water) in the wind-
screen washer bottle.
xAll year round: the window cleaner G 052 164 A2; Proportion 1:2 in wind-
screen washer bottle (1 part concentrate, 2 parts water) in winter, up to
-18 °C (-0.4 °F), or 1:4, during the rest of the year.
xWindow cloths G 052 522 A1 for all windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing snow
Use a small brush to remove snow from the windows and exterior mirrors.
Removing ice
If possible, use a de-icing spray to remove ice. If you use an ice scraper, push
it in one direction only without swinging it. If you pull the scraper backwards,
the dirt may scratch the window.
WARNING
Dirty or misted windows reduce visibility in all directions and increase the
risk of accident and serious injury.
xDo not drive unless you have good visibility through all windows!
xRemove ice and snow from the windows and demist inside and out.
Caution
xNever mix our cleaning products with other products not recommended
by SEAT in the windscreen washer bottle. This could lead to flocculation and
may block the windscreen washer jets.
xDo not use hot or warm water to remove ice or snow from the windows and
exterior mirrors. The glass could crack!
xThe heating element for the rear window is located on the inner side of the
window. Do not stick adhesive labels over the heating elements and never
clean the inside of the rear window with corrosive or acid products or other
similar chemical cleaning products.

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xAerials on the inside of windows may be damaged if knocked or if cleaned
with corrosive or acid cleaning products. Do not stick adhesive labels over the
heating elements and never clean the inside of the rear window with corro-
sive or acid products or other similar chemical cleaning products.
Cleaning and changing windscreen wiper blades
The windscreen wiper blades are supplied as standard with a layer of
graphite. This layer is responsible for ensuring that the wipe is silent. If the
graphite layer is damaged, the noise of the water as it is wiped across the
windscreen will be louder.
Check the condition of the wiper blades regularly. If the wipers scrape across
the glass they should be changed if they are damaged, or cleaned if they are
dirty Ÿ.
Damaged wiper blades should be replaced immediately. Blades are available
from qualified workshops.
Lifting and unfolding the wiper arms
The wiper arm may only be lifted at the point where it is fastened to the blade.
For windscreen wipers, please note: the wiper should be in service position
before unfolding it Ÿpage 124.
Cleaning windscreen wiper blades
xLifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
xUse a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the windscreen wiper blades.
Fig. 165 Changing the
front wiper blades
Fig. 166 Changing the
rear wiper blade.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 274
xIf the blades are very dirty, a sponge or damp cloth may be used Ÿ.
Changing the front wiper blades
xLifting and unfolding the wiper arms.
xHold down the release button Ÿpage 273, fig. 165 while gently
pulling the blade in the direction of the arrow.
xFit a new wiper blade of the same length and design on to the wiper arm
and hook it into place.
xRest the wiper arms back onto the windscreen.
Changing the rear wiper blade
xLift and unfold the wiper arm.
xPull the wiper blade out of its mounting on the wiper arm Ÿpage 273,
fig. 166 (arrow ).
xHold down the release button Ÿpage 273, fig. 166 while gently
pulling the blade in the direction of the arrow . This may require some
strength.
xInsert a new blade of the same length and type in the wiper arm in the
opposite direction to the arrow Ÿpage 273, fig. 166 and hook into
place. This feature is operational when the knob is in position (arrow ).
xReplace the wiper arm on the rear window.
WARNING
Worn or dirty wiper blades reduce visibility and increase the risk of acci-
dent and serious injury.
xAlways replace damaged or worn blades or blades which do not clean
the windscreen correctly.
Caution
xDamaged or dirty windscreen wipers could scratch the glass.
xIf products containing solvents, rough sponges or sharp objects are used
to clean the blades, the graphite layer will be damaged.
xNever use fuel, nail varnish remover, paint thinner or similar products to
clean the windows.
Caring for and polishing the vehicle paintwork
Waxing
Regular waxing protects the paintwork. It is time to apply a good coat of wax
when water no longer forms droplets and rolls off the clean paintwork.
Even if a wax solution is used regularly in the automatic car wash, SEAT
recommends protecting the paint with a hard wax coating at least twice a
year.
Polishing
Polishing is only necessary if the paint has lost its shine, and the gloss cannot
be brought back by applying wax.
If the polish does not contain wax, a wax product should be applied after
polishing.
Caution
xTo prevent damage, car polish or hard wax should not be used on compo-
nents painted in matt paint, plastic components and the glass headlamp and
tail light covers.
xDo not polish the paintwork if it is dirty, apply polish in dusty or sandy
zones.
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Cleaning chrome parts
Clean chrome parts with a damp cloth. SEAT recommends the use of a chrome
care product to clean stains and dirt from chrome surfaces. Use a soft dry
cloth to polish chrome parts.
Caution
To prevent scratching chrome surfaces:
xDo not use abrasive products.
xDo not clean or polish chrome parts in a sandy or dusty environment.
xDo not polish dirty surfaces.
Caring for and cleaning anodized surfaces
It is not easy to detect the difference between aluminium and an anodized
surface, for example, a radiator grille. However, anodized surfaces must not
be treated in the same way as aluminium surfaces. Never use rough sponges
or cloths to wipe away insect remains.
xUse a clean, damp, lint-free cloth to clean anodized surfaces.
xIf there is a lot of dirt, use a special cleaning product which does not
contain solvents.
Caution
To prevent damage to the anodized surfaces:
xDo not use products containing solvents.
xDo not use polish or hard wax.
xDo not use abrasive products.
xDo not polish anodized surfaces in sandy or dusty environments.
xDo not polish dirty surfaces.
Cleaning wheels
Cleaning steel wheels
Use an industrial cleaner to remove brake dust. Therefore, clean wheels regu-
larly with a separate sponge.
Any damage to the paint on steel wheels should be touched up before the
metal starts to rust.
Caring for and cleaning alloy wheels
Remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels approximately once
a fortnight. Use an acid free detergent to clean the wheel rims. SEAT recom-
mends treating the wheels thoroughly with a wax compound about once
every three months.
It is important to remove road salt and brake dust by washing the wheels at
regular intervals, otherwise the finish will be impaired.
Always use an acid-free detergent for alloy wheel rims. Car polish or other
abrasive agents should not be used.
If the protective coating on the paint has been damaged (for example, hit by
a stone), it should be repaired immediately.
Caring for rubber seals
The rubber seals on doors, windows, etc., remain flexible, provide a better
seal and last longer if they are regularly treated with a product specifically
designed for use on rubber.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 276
Before applying the product, use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the
rubber seals.
De-icing the door lock cylinder
To de-ice the lock cylinders, SEAT recommend the use of genuine SEAT spray
with lubricating and anti-corrosive properties.
Caution
The use of products containing degreasing agents to de-ice the locks may
rust the lock cylinder.
Protection of vehicle undercarriage
The vehicle underbody is coated to protect it from chemical and mechanical
damage. The protective coat on the undercarriage may wear through use
while driving. Therefore, SEAT recommends that the protective coating on the
undercarriage and on the running gear should be regularly checked, and
repaired if necessary.
WARNING
Additional underseal or anti-corrosion products could catch fire due to the
high temperatures reached by the exhaust gas system and other engine
components.
xDo not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion products to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, heat shields or other parts of the
vehicle which reach high temperatures.
Cleaning the engine compartment
The engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous area
Ÿpage 304.
The engine compartment should only be cleaned by qualified personnel. If it
is not correctly cleaned, the anti-corrosion coating and consequently elec-
trical components may be damaged. Moreover, water may filter directly into
the vehicle interior through the water chamber Ÿ.
If the engine compartment is very dirty, always take the vehicle to a qualified
workshop for professional cleaning. SEAT recommends visiting a qualified
workshop.
Water box
The water box is in the engine compartment, between the windscreen and the
engine, and beneath a perforated cover. Air is taken in through the water box
from outside to the vehicle interior via the heating and air conditioning
system.
Leaves and other loose objects should be regularly cleaned away from the
water box either by hand or with a vacuum.
WARNING
When working on the engine or in the engine compartment, there is a risk
of injury, burns, accident or fire.
xBefore starting work, please ensure you are familiar with the required
procedure and the safety precautions Ÿpage 304.
xSEAT recommends you have this work performed by a qualified dealer-
ship.
Caution
If water is manually poured into the water box (for example, using a high pres-
sure cleaning appliance), this could cause significant damage to the vehicle.

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For the sake of the environment
Only wash the engine compartment in areas allocated for this purpose, to
prevent dirty water which may be contaminated by oil, grease or fuel, from
entering the drains. In some districts, the engine compartment may not be
washed outside the wash bays provided for this purpose.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 278
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle interior
Introduction
The dye from many items of modern clothing (e.g. dark jeans) is not always
solid enough. Seat upholstery (material and leather), especially when light-
coloured, may visibly discolour if the dye comes out of clothing (even when
used correctly). This is not an upholstery defect but indicates that the dye in
the item of clothing is not solid enough.
Additional information and warnings:
xCaring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior Ÿpage 269
xAccessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications Ÿpage 285
WARNING
Car care products may be toxic and hazardous. If car care products are not
suitable or are used inappropriately, this could result in accident, serious
injury, burns or intoxication.
xCar care products must always be stored in the original container which
should be kept closed.
xObserve information provided by the manufacturer.
xTo prevent confusion, never store car care products in empty food cans,
bottles or other containers.
xKeep all care products out of reach of children.
xHarmful vapours may be produced when using car care products. There-
fore, care products should only be used in well-ventilated spaces or in the
open air.
xNever use fuel, turpentine, engine oil, acetone or any other volatile
liquid to wash, clean or care for the vehicle. These are toxic and highly
flammable.
WARNING
Inappropriate care and cleaning of vehicle components may effect the
vehicle safety equipment, increasing the risk of severe injury.
xVehicle components should only be cleaned and maintained in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's instructions.
xOnly use approved or recommended care products.
Caution
xCleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
xTo avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a specialist
cleaning company.
Note
Suitable car care products are available from your Technical Service.
Treating your upholstery
Check list
For information on how to treat and care for the vehicle upholstery, please
bear the following in mind Ÿ:
xBefore entering the vehicle, fasten all Velcro fastenings which could come
into contact with upholstery and coverings. If the Velcro fastenings on uphol-
stery and material covers are not securely fastened, this could damage them.
xTo prevent damage, do not allow the upholstery or covers to come into
contact with sharp or decorative objects. Decorative objects such as zips,
rivets and rhinestones on clothing and belts.
xDust and grit in the pores and seams should be removed regularly to
prevent them scratching and damaging the surface.

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xAlways check that the dyes used in clothing are fast to prevent them from
staining the upholstery. This is particularly true for clear-coloured upholstery.
Caution
Failure to observe the instructions in the check list for caring for your uphol-
stery could result in damage or discolouration of the upholstery and covers.
xAlways follow the check list and perform the necessary operations.
Note
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a qualified workshop to treat any
stains on the upholstery caused by the discolouration of clothing.
Cleaning upholstery, textile covers and Alcantara® material
Normal cleaning
xBefore applying cleaning products, please read the instructions for
handling and the warnings shown on the container.
xThe upholstery, textile covers, Alcantara® material and mats should be
regularly vacuumed (with vacuum brush).
xWe recommend that you use a soft sponge or lint-free, micro-fibre cloth
for normal cleaning Ÿ.
xClean Alcantara® surfaces with a damp lint-free cotton, wool or micro-
fibre cloth used for normal cleaning Ÿ.
General superficial dirt on upholstery and textile covers can be cleaned with
a normal foam cleaning product.
If the upholstery and the material trims are very dirty, we recommend you
have them cleaned by a specialist cleaning form.Cleaning stains
It may be necessary to clean the whole surface and not only the stain itself.
Especially if the surface has been dirtied through normal use. Otherwise, the
stained area may become lighter than the rest of the surface after treatment.Caution
Brushes should only be used to clean the mats and floor mat! Other surfaces
may be damaged if a brush is used.
Caution
Do not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more incrusted in
the material when steam is applied.
Type of stainCleaning the vehicle
Water-based stains,
e.g. coffee or fruit
juice.„ Use a sponge and wipe with a solution of water
and wool wash.
„ Dry the area gently with a soft dry cloth.
Persistent stains,
e.g. chocolate or
make-up.„ Apply cleaning paste a) directly to the stain and
treat.
„ Next, rinse with clean water using a sponge or
damp cloth to remove the cleaning product deposits.
„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
a)Bile soap can be used as a cleaning paste.
Grease-based
stains, e.g. oil or lip-
stick.„ Apply a neutral soap or cleaning pastea) and treat
the stain.
„ Apply absorbent material to loose colorants or par-
ticles of grease.
„ Then rinse the area with clean water. Take care not
to soak the upholstery.