service Seat Alhambra 2010 Owner's Guide

Driving 220
xWhen the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
braking forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bubbles
of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably increasing
braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the brake
system.
xOnly used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard, FMVSS
116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. Other
types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce braking power.
Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify compliance with
the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
xThe replacement brake fluid must be new.
xAlways ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake fluid
if the container does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS
116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards.
WARNING
Brake fluid is poisonous.
xTo reduce the risk of poisoning, do not keep brake fluid in drinks
bottles/containers or similar. Other people could drink from these recipi-
ents even if the contents are clearly marked.
xAlways keep brake fluid in the original container; keep it correctly
sealed and out of reach of children.
Caution
Brake fluid could damage the paintwork. Wipe off any brake fluid from the
paintwork immediately.
For the sake of the environment
Brake fluid is an environmental pollutant. Collect any spilt service fluids and
allow a professional to dispose of them.
WARNING (continued)

Driving 226
Parking sensor system*
The parking sensor system assists the driver when parking. If the vehicle is
approaching an obstacle, an intermittent sound signal is emitted. The shorter the distance, the shorter the intervals between tones. If the vehicle is too
close to the obstacle, the sound signal becomes constant.
Switching the parking sensor system on and off
xPress the button Ÿfig. 148 when the ignition is switched on.
xAutomatic on: select reverse gear.
xAutomatic off: drive faster than 15 km/h.
The button lights up when the function is switched on.
Things to note regarding the parking sensor system
xThe parking sensor system sometimes registers water on the sensors as
an obstacle.
xIf the distance does not change, the warning signal will sound less loudly
after a few seconds. If the continuous signal sounds, the volume will remain
constant.
xWhen the vehicle moves away from the obstacle, the beeping sound auto-
matically switches off. On approaching the obstacle again, the beeping
sound will automatically switch back on.
xIf the electronic parking brake is engaged or the gear lever is set to P, no
sound will be emitted.
xYour Authorised Service Centre can adjust the volume of the warning
signals.
Note
If the parking sensor system is faulty, a constant acoustic signal will be
emitted the first time it is switched on and the button will flash. Switch the
parking sensor system off using the button and take the vehicle to a
specialist workshop to have the system checked as soon as possible.
Fig. 148 Detailed view of
the centre console: button
for switching the parking
sensor system on and off.
Fig. 149 Parking sensor
system sensors on the
front bumper.
'

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 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 towing261
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
xIf the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may be damaged.
xNever connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connections of
the rear lights or any other power sources. Only use suitable connections for
providing electric current to the trailer.
Note
Towing a trailer places additional demands on the vehicle. At SEAT, we recom-
mend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if the
vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
Note
In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight is more than 2500 kg
Electric tow hitch ball
The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals and
objects Ÿ.
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and
cannot be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
xMove the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
xBefore hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
xThe indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitched.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
xStop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
xSwitch the engine off.
xRemove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trailer. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
xPlace the dust guard over the ball.
xOpen the tailgate.
xPress the knob briefly Ÿfig. 163. The tow ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
xPush the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the button
indicator lights.
xClose the tailgate.
Fig. 163 Right-hand side
of the luggage compart-
ment: button to electri-
cally release the tow hitch
ball.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning269
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
Vehicle maintenance and cleaning
Care and cleaning the vehicle exterior
Introduction
Regular maintenance and washing help to maintain the value of the vehicle.
This may also be one of the requirements for acknowledging warranty claims
in the event of bodywork corrosion or paint defects.
Products suitable for the care of your vehicle are available at any Technical
Service.
Additional information and warnings:
xCare and cleaning of the vehicle interior Ÿpage 278
xWorking in the engine compartment Ÿpage 304
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
Cleaning products which contain solvents will damage the material.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle 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, washing vehicles outside wash bays is prohibited.
For the sake of the environment
Where possible, always use products which respect the environment.
WARNING (continued)

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.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning273
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTe c h n i c a l D a t a
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 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.

Vehicle maintenance and cleaning 280
Caution
xAlcantara® upholsteries should never be soaked.
xDo not use leather cleaning products, solvents, wax polish, shoe cream,
spot removers or similar products on Alcantara®.
xNever use brushes for cleaning damp material as they could damage the
surface.
xDo not use steam cleaning equipment, as the dirt becomes more
incrusted in the material when steam is applied.
Cleaning and care of real leather upholstery
In the event of query regarding the care or cleaning of the leather in your
vehicle, please ask a Technical Service or specialised workshop.
Cleaning and care
Untreated Nappa is delicate as it is not covered with a layer of colour.
xUse a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at regular
intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and moisturise the
leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. It will also form a protective film.
xClean the leather every two to three months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
xLeather should be treated every six months with a suitable leather care
product Ÿ.
xWhen using care and cleaning products, only apply the minimum
required quantities.
xRemove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe cream
and similar stains as soon as possible.
xCaring for coloured leather. A special coloured cream will renew the colour
of the leather when required and will eliminate differences in colour.
xThen wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Cleaning the vehicle
SEAT recommends the use of a damp cotton or wool cloth for general
cleaning.
Do not let the water soak through the leather or soak into the seams.
Caution
xOn no account use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, spot removers or
similar materials.
Type of stainCleaning the vehicle
More stubborn dirt„ Apply a mild soap and water solution a) using a
cloth. (Squeeze out the cloth well before applica-
tion).
„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
a)Mild soap and water solution: two table spoons of neutral soap per litre of water.
Water-based stains,
e.g. coffee, tea, fruit
juice, blood, etc.„ Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
„ Use a suitable cleaning product to treat dried-in
stains Ÿ.
Grease-based
stains, e.g. oil or lip-
stick, etc.„ Remove fresh stains with an absorbent cloth.
„ Use a suitable cleaning product if the stain has not
yet penetrated the surface Ÿ.
„ Treat dry stains with a grease-removal spray Ÿ.
Dry difficult stains,
e.g. ink, felt-tip pen,
nail varnish, pig-
ment dispersions or
shoe polish.„ Carefully dry the area with an absorbent dry cloth.
„ Clean using a special stain remover suitable for
use on leather.