Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

299
Wheels and tyres
Tread depth
Cer t
ain 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 par-
ticularly important when driving in winter, in cold temperatures and on wet
roads ⇒  .
The minimum tre a

d 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 ⇒ fig. 177
tread wear indicators running across the tread. A number of these indicators
are equally spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks on the tyre walls
(for example, the letters “TWI” or other symbols) indicate the position of the
wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is worn. Tyres must always be re-
placed before the tyre tread has worn to the level of the indicator. WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and may lead to loss of control of
the v ehic

le with serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear indicators are at the same lev-
el as
the tread pattern. WARNING (Continued)
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip, especially on wet surfa-
c e

s, increasing the risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle more difficult in normal or dif-
ficult
driving conditions, increasing the braking distance and the risk of
skidding. 
Damaged tyres Damage to wheels and tyres is often not immediately visible. If you notice
unu
s

ual vibration or the car pulling to one side, this may indicate that one
of the tyres is damaged ⇒  .
● Slow down immediately if you think you have a damaged wheel.
● Check the wheels and tyres for damage.
● If tyres are worn, stop driving and seek qualified assistance.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
near e

st qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have penetrated through the tyre
wall!
● Y

ou should obtain professional assistance immediately.
The sealant
at the lower part of the tyre tread wraps around the foreign body
and provisionally seals the tyre.
Wear of tyres
The wear of tyres depends on a number of factors, for example:
● Driving style.
● Unbalanced wheels.
● Running gear settings. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

300
Wheels and tyres
Driving style : driving r ound bends fast or sudden acceleration or braking
speed up the wear of tyres. When the driving style is normal, if the tyres
wear too quickly, have the running gear settings checked at a Technical
Service.
Wheel run-out: The wheels on new vehicles are balanced. However, certain
circumstances may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is detected as vibra-
tions in the steering wheel. Run-out leads to wear of the steering and sus-
pension. In the event of run out, the wheels should be balanced again.
When a new wheel is fitted, it should be balanced again.
Running gear settings : an incorrectly positioned running gear increases the
wear of tyres and affects your safety while driving. If tyres wear too quickly,
have the wheel alignment checked at a specialist workshop. WARNING
If you notice unusual vibration or the car pulls to one side while driving,
this m

ay indicate that one of the tyres is damaged.
● Reduce speed immediately and stop, while observing the highway
code.
● Check

the wheels and tyres for damage.
● Never carry on driving on worn tyres or wheels. Request qualified as-
sis

tance immediately.
● If there is no visible exterior damage, drive slowly and carefully to the
neare
st qualified workshop and have the vehicle checked. 
Winter tyres* In winter conditions winter tyres will considerably improve the vehicles han-
dling.
The de

sign of summer tyres (width, rubber compound, tread pattern)
gives less grip on ice and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehicle brak-
ing performance, reducing the braking distance in winter weather. SEAT rec- ommend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle at temperatures below
+7°C (+45°F).
The perf

ormance of winter tyres is much reduced if the tyre tread is worn be-
low 4 mm (1/16 inch). The age of the tyre is another factor affecting per-
formance, regardless of the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each country.
● Winter tyres must be fitted on all four wheels.
● Only use winter tyres in wintery weather conditions.
● Only use winter tyres of the size authorised for the vehicle.
● Only use radial winter tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference)
and trea
d pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated (code letter on tyre) ⇒  .
Speed limit
A c ode l

etter indicating the speed limit is stamped on all winter tyres
⇒ page 303.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed warning in the MFA (multifunc-
tion indicator) menu on the instrument panel ⇒ page 62.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and tyre pressure will be deter-
mined by engine size. Please ask your SEAT qualified workshop for further
information 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 recom-
mend 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. 

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

302
Wheels and tyres Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes according to the vehicle type. 
Tyre code Fig. 178 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
1 2
3
4
5
6
7 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)
Tyre code (example) Meaning
Make,
logotype Manufacturer
Product name Name of tyre assigned by manufacturer.
P215 / 55 R 16 Size:
P Passenger vehicle code.
215 Nominal width between walls, in mm.
55 Height/width ratio in %
R Tyre type (R indicates "radial").
16 Rim diameter in inches
91 V Load index
⇒ page 303 and speed rating
⇒  page 303. XL Reinforced tyres.
M+S
or M/S Winter tyres (mud and snow tyres)
⇒ page 300. SSR or
DSST, Eufonia,
RF
T, ROF, RSC, ZP Specific manufacturer codes for run-flat tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESS Radial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ... E-mark certifying tyre complies with internation-
al legislation followed by a number denoting the
country granting the authorisation. The authori-
sation number ( several digits) is shown below.
 8
9
10
11
12
ContiSeal

303
Wheels and tyres Tyre code (example) Meaning
DOT BT RA TY5 1709 Tyre identification number (TIN
a)
, ma y be only on
interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture: DOT The tyre complies with the legal require-
ments of
the US

Department of Trans-
port, responsible for tyre safety regula-
tions. BT Place of manufacture code.
RA Information about manufacturer and tyre
siz
e. TY5 Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709 Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWI This identifies the position of the Tread Wear In-
dicat
or

⇒ page 298. MAX LOAD 615 KG
(1356 LBS) US load rating, indicating maximum permitted
loa
d per ty

re. MAX INFLATION 350 KPA
(51 PSI) US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre
pre
s

sure. SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYON Information about tyre wall components:
1 la
y

er of rayon (artificial silk). TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAY
ON + 2

STEEL +
1 NYLON Information about tread components:
In the ex
amp
le, there are 4 layers below the
tread: 1 layer of rayon (artificial silk), 2 layers of
steel reinforcement and 1 layer of nylon. Information for the end consumer concerning the comparative values of
the es
t

ablished base tyres (standardised test procedures) :TREADWEAR 280 Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to
spec
ific

US standard test. TRACTION AA Braking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B
or C). Tyre code (example) Meaning
TEMPERATURE A Tyre temperature resistance at higher test
speed
s

(A, B or C). If there are different letters, they are specific codes of the tyre manufac-
tur
er or s

pecific national codes. a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
Ty r

es 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. Always observe the
direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This guarantees
optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise and wear.
Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum load in kilogrammes each
wheel can carry (load capacity).
615 kg (1356 pounds)
650 kg (1433 pounds)
690 kg (1521 pounds)
730 kg (1609 pounds)
775 kg (1709 pounds)
Speed rating
The speed rating indicates the maximum speed permitted for the tyres.
max. 150 km/h (93 mph)
max. 160 km/h (99 mph)
max. 170 km/h (106 mph)
max. 180 km/h (112 mph)
max. 190 km/h (118 mph)
max. 200 km/h (124 mph) 
91
93
95
97
99
P
Q
R
S
T
U
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. 