rims Seat Alhambra 2011 User Guide

296
Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. If different rims are fitted,
the corr
ect
wheel bolts with the right length and correctly shaped bolt
heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are fitted securely and that
the brake system functions correctly ⇒ page 305.
For technical reasons, it is not generally possible to use the wheels from
other vehicles. In some cases, this may also be true for the same model of
wheel.
The tyres and rims approved by SEAT are specially matched to the character-
istics of the vehicle and are critical to good road holding and safe handling.
Wheel bolts
Wheel bolts must be tightened to the correct torque ⇒ page 305.
Beadlock wheel rims
Beadlock wheel rims have various components. These are joined together
by special bolts using a special procedure. This ensures good performance,
a better seal, improved safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn rims
should always be replaced and must only be repaired in a Technical Service.
SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
Wheel rims w

ith bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangeable trim parts which are attach-
ed to the rim using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should only be replaced at
a Technical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service ⇒  .
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could make driving more danger-
ous and r

esult in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be u
sed.
● Inspect wheel rims regularly for damage and replace as required. WARNING
If the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims are not correctly
tightened or loo sened, thi

s could result in serious accident.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● Any work relating to wheel rims with bolted rims should be carried
out at qua
lified workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. 
Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims New tyres
●
When tyres are new, drive with extreme caution for the first 500 km
(310 mil e

s), as all tyres need to be run-in. Tyres which have not been run-in
do not have such good grip ⇒  or braking capacity
⇒  .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(ro l

ling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyr
e and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front ax
le or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒  .
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in ques tion, and in ac

cordance with the maximum permitted size, diameter,
load and speed capacity.
● Never use tyres which are larger than SEAT approved tyres. If the tyres
are too b
ig, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage. 

301
Wheels and tyres
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow c hains
⇒  page 301. WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you
shoul d not

take unnecessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of w
inter 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), per f

ormance will be improved if summer tyres are used. Fuel
consumption, wear and noises while driving will all be reduced. Note
● If the vehicle is fitted with a tyre control system, this should be “reprog-
r ammed” whenev

er a tyre is changed ⇒ page 223.
● Please ask at SEAT qualified workshops for information about the per-
mitted siz
es for winter tyres. 
Snow chains When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum permit-
ted s
peed limits

must be observed.
In winter weather, snow chains not only help to improve grip but also im-
prove the braking capacity. Snow chains must only be mounted
on the front wheel
s, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below: Tyre size Wheel rim
205/60 R16 6 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
SEAT recommends you ask a SEAT qualified workshop for further informa-
tion on wheel, tyr
e and c

hain sizes.
Wherever possible use fine-link chains measuring less than 15 mm (37/64
inch) including the lock.
Remove wheel hub covers and trim rings before fitting snow chains ⇒  .
The wheel bo lts

should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from qualified workshops. WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted chains could lead to serious ac-
cident s

and damage.
● Always the appropriate snow chains.
● Observe the fitting instructions provided by the snow chain manufac-
turer
.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speeds when driving with snow
chain
s. CAUTION
● You must remove the snow chains to drive on roads which are free of
s no

w. Otherwise they will impair handling, damage the tyres and wear out
very quickly.
● Wheel rims may be damaged or scratched if the chains come into direct
contact
with them. SEAT recommends the use of covered snow chains. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

304
Wheels and tyres
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
m ax. 240 km/h (149 mph)
m
ax. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for tyres with a maximum author-
ised speed above 240 km/h (149 miles). 
Wheel trims*
Introduction Additional information and warnings:
●
Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 242
● Ch

ange wheel ⇒ page 305
● V

ehicle tools ⇒ page 320 WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cau se m

ajor accidents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and en-
dang
er other road users.
● Damaged trims must never be mounted on the wheels.
● Always ensure that the brake ventilation and cooling is not cut off or
block
ed. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not
enough air, you may require significantly longer braking distances. H
V
Z
W
Y
CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the vehi-
cl e. 
F

ull hubcaps* Fig. 179 Removing the
fu
l

l hubcap.
Removing the full hubcap
● Take the wheel brace and the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit
⇒ pag e 320.
● Hook

the wire through one of the grooves on the hubcap.
● Insert the wheel brace onto the wire hook ⇒ fig. 179 and pul
l the hub
cap in the direction shown by the arrow.
Fitting hubcaps
Before mounting the full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded
into position ⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 . Otherwise it will not be possible to mount
the fu l

l hubcap. 

305
Wheels and tyres
Press the hubcap against the wheel so that the space for the valve fits over
the tyr e
valve ⇒ fig. 182 1 . Make sure that the hubcap is correctly fitted all
the wa y
around the wheel. 
Wheel bolt caps Fig. 180 Removing the
wheel bo
lt

caps
● Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 320.
● In

sert the wire hook in the cap through the opening ⇒ fig. 180 and pul
l
outwards in the direction of the arrow.
The caps protect the wheel bolts and should be remounted after changing
the tyre.
The anti-theft wheel locking bolt has a special cap. This cap only fits on an-
ti-theft locking bolts and is not for use with standard wheel bolts. Changing a wheel*
Introduction The tyres mounted on the vehicle are anti-puncture. The wheels should only
be ch
an

ged when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. See
⇒  page 299
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:
● Vehicle key set ⇒ pag
e 71
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ pag
e 293
● Wheel trims ⇒ pag
e 304
● Vehicle tools ⇒ pag
e 320 WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Ple a

se observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
dist
ance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a saf
e distance away from the work area.
● Turn on the hazard warning lights to warn other road users.
● Ensure the ground on which you park is flat and solid. If necessary,
suppor
t the jack on a wide solid base.
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required pr
ocedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

306
Wheels and tyres WARNING (Continued)
● Only use suitable tools that are not damaged when changing a wheel.
● A
lw
ays stop the engine, turn on the electronic parking brake and
plac
e 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 mov-
ing accidentally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as
poss
ible with a reliable torque wrench. 
Preparations for changing a wheel Check list
Bef
or

e changing a wheel, complete the following operations in the order
given ⇒  :
Park the

vehicle on an even and solid surface.
Connect the electronic parking brake ⇒ page 183.
Automatic gearbox: Move selector lever to position P ⇒ page 174.
Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition ⇒ page 170.
Manual gearbox: Select a gear ⇒ page 174.
Have all vehicle occupants get out of the vehicle and wait in a safe
place (for example, behind the safety barrier).
Block the opposite wheel with wedges or a similar object.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
If the luggage compartment is full: take the baggage out of the vehicle. Take the vehicle tool kit out of the luggage compartment.
Remove the wheel trims ⇒ page 304.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11. WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
acc ident

s and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the genera
l rules of safety. 

307
Wheels and tyres
Wheel bolts Fig. 181 Changing the
wheel: Sl
ac
ken the wheel
bolts. Fig. 182 Changing the
wheel: T
y

re valve 1 and
pos ition of
anti-theft
wheel locking bolt 2 or
3 .
Only use the tool supplied with the vehicle to loosen the wheel bolts.
Loo sen the wheel

bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle with
the jack. If the wheel bolt is very tight, you may be able to loosen it by pushing down
on the end of the wheel br

ace carefully with your foot. Hold on to the car for
support and take care not to slip.
Loosening wheel bolts
● Fit the wheel brace as far as it will go over the wheel bolt ⇒ fig. 181.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Loo senin
g anti-theft wheel bolts
For wheels with full hubcap, the anti-theft wheel lock must be threaded into
position ⇒ fig. 182 2 or
3 before mounting the hubcap. Otherwise it will
not be po s

sible to mount the full hubcap.
● Take the adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts out of the vehicle tool kit.
● Insert the adapter onto the wheel bolt.
● Fit the wheel brace onto the adapter as far as possible.
● Hold the wheel brace at the end and rotate the bolt approximately one
turn antic
lockwise ⇒  .
Import ant
information about wheel bolts
The wheel rims and bolts have been designed to be fitted to factory op-
tions. If different rims are fitted, the correct wheel bolts with the right length
and correctly shaped bolt heads must be used. This ensures that wheels are
fitted securely and that the brake system functions correctly.
In some circumstances, wheel bolts from the same model vehicle should
not be used.
Wheel bolt tightening torque
The prescribed tightening torque for wheel bolts for steel and alloy wheels
is 140 Nm. Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon
as possible with a reliable torque wrench.
If wheel bolts are rusty and it is difficult to tighten them, the threads should
be replaced and cleaned before checking the torque. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

308
Wheels and tyres
Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Although
they h av
e been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could come loose
while driving. WARNING
If the wheel bolts are not fitted correctly they could be released while
drivin g l

eading to loss of vehicle control and serious damage.
● Only use wheel bolts which correspond to the wheel rims in question.
● Never use different wheel bolts.
● The bolts and threads should be clean, free of oil and grease and easy
to thre
ad. WARNING (Continued)
● To loosen and tighten the wheel bolts, always use the wheel brace
s up

plied with the vehicle.
● Loosen the wheel bolts only about one turn before raising the vehicle
with the jac
k.
● Never grease or lubricate wheel bolts or the wheel hub threads. Al-
though they hav
e been tightened to the prescribed torque, they could
come loose while driving.
● Never loosen the bolted joints of wheel rims with bolted ring trims.
● If the wheel bolts are not tightened to the correct torque, they may
come loose whi
le driving, and the bolts and rims may come out. If the
tightening torque is too high, the wheel bolts and threads can be dam-
aged. 

Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Exterior mirr
or
s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
High pressure cleaning equipment . . . . . . 244
Imitation leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Instrument panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Plastic parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Protection of vehicle undercarriage . . . . . 248
Real leather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Rubber seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Service position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Special features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243, 244
Textile covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Treating your upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Vehicle paintwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Washing by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Wooden trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Vehicle code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Vehicle data label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Vehicle identification number . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Vehicle key Synchronising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Vehicle key set See "Keys" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Vehicle specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Vehicle telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle's battery Automatic consumer disconnection . . . . . 291
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Connecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Disconnecting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Runnin
g flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Vibrations Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
W Warning indicator Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Warning lamp AdBlue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Brake system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Changing gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Diesel particulate filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine oil pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Exhaust gas purification system . . . . . . . . 228
Pressing the brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vehicle battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Warning lamps Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Warning triangle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242 by hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Washing the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198, 203 Special features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
with high pre
ssure cleaning equipment . . 244
Water box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wear indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Wear of tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305, 307, 347 Caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Tightening torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 307
Wheel load capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Beadlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Bolted trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
See "Wheels and tyres" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Wheels and tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 Avoiding damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Damaged tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Errors in wheel alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Foreign bodies in the tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Interchanging tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
New tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Older tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Replacing tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Run-flat tyre codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Run-out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Serial number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Speed rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302, 303
Storing tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302380
Index

Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Ty
r
e code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Tyre identification number (TIN) . . . . . . . . 303
Tyre load rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
Tyre pressures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Tyre pressure sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Tyres with directional tread pattern . 295, 303
Valve caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
Wear indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Wear of tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Wheel balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel rims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Wheel trims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304 Full hub caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Wheel bolts caps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Windows See "Electric windows" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Windscreen heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Windscreen washer water Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Topping up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Windscreen wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Windscreen wiper lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windscreen wiper fluid Control lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Windscreen wipers Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Headlight washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated windscreen washer jets . . . . . . . . 107
Lifting the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Rain sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Replacing the wiper blades . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Servic
e position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Special features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Windscreen wipers service position . . . . . . . . 107
Wing mirrors Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Winter Additional heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Menu configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Winter-grade diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Winter driving Driving with a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Filter pre-heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Winter-grade diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Winter operation Headlight washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Heated windscreen washer jets . . . . . . . . 107
Salt on the roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300 All-wheel drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Speed limit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Other Characters "Safe" security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 381
Index