brakes Seat Alhambra 2011 Owner's Manual

9
Safe driving
● For petrol vehicles: Is unleaded petrol available at the right octane rat-
in g?
● F
or diesel engines: Is diesel fuel available with a low sulphur content?
● Are a suitable engine oil ( ⇒ page 279) and other en
gine fluids comply-
ing with SEAT specifications available in the destination country?
● Will the navigation system fitted at the factory operate correctly in the
destin
ation country with the available navigation data?
● Are special tyres required in the destination country? CAUTION
SEAT does not accept liability for any damage to the vehicle due to the use
of a lo w

er quality fuel, an inadequate service or the non-availability of genu-
ine spare parts. 
Driving along flooded roadways To prevent damage to the vehicle when driving through water, for example,
along a flooded r
o

ad, please observe the following:
● Check the depth of the water before entering the flooded zone. The wa-
ter shoul
d never come above the lower edge of the bodywork ⇒  .
● Do not drive faster than a pedestrian.
● Do not stop in the water, use reverse gear or switch off the engine.
● Oncoming traffic will cause waves which raise the level of the water,
mak in

g it difficult to cross the water. WARNING
When driving through water, mud, melted snow, etc., please remember
that due t

o damp or frozen brake discs and shoes in winter, the braking
effect may be delayed, therefore the required braking distance is greater.
● Dry the brakes and remove ice by braking carefully. Ensure that you
are not end
angering other road-users or breaking traffic regulations in
the process.
● After driving through water, avoid sudden sharp manoeuvres. CAUTION
● Driving through flooded areas may severely damage vehicle compo-
nents s

uch as the engine, transmission, running gear or electrical system.
● Never drive through salt water as salt causes corrosion. Always rinse any
parts
of the vehicle which have been in contact with salt water. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

81
Unlocking and locking
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is sw
itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds.
If a door is open or incorrectly closed, the indicator  or  on the instru-
ment panel will light.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, a symbol may be displayed on the in-
strument panel screen instead of the warning lamp. The indication is also
visible when the ignition is switched off. The indication disappears around
15 seconds after the vehicle has been locked. 
Sliding doors Introduction Additional information:
●
Vehicle key set ⇒ page 71
● C

entral locking and locking system ⇒ page 74
● Emer

gency locking and unlocking ⇒ page 314WARNING
If a sliding door is not correctly closed, it could open unexpectedly when
drivin g and c

ause serious injuries.
● Always stop immediately and close the sliding door.
● When closing, ensure that the sliding door has closed correctly. A
closed s
liding door should be flush with the corresponding parts of the
bodywork.
● Only open and close sliding doors when no body is in the way of the
door. WARNING
If a sliding door is not fully open, it could close unexpectedly and cause
serious injurie

s.
● Always open the sliding door fully. WARNING
Opening sliding doors while driving is dangerous. The sliding door could
be pushed open or c
losed when the vehicle accelerates and brakes caus-
ing serious injuries.
● Never open the sliding doors when the vehicle is in movement. 
Manually opening and closing the sliding door Fig. 50 On the sliding
door. door h
andl

e 1 .
 Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

175
Driving WARNING
Do not allow the brakes to “rub” for a prolonged period of time, or brake
frequently or f
or long periods of time. Continuous braking heats up the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking
distance or even result in the total failure of the brake system. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
nec e

ssary to brake. This will increase wear.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. 
Warning and control lamps lights up Possible cause Solution
 (red) Brake pedal not pressed! Press brake pedal to the floor.

(green) Brake pedal not pressed. To select a range of gears, press
the brak
e ped

al.
Please also see "Electronic park-
ing brake" ⇒ page 183. flashes Possible cause Solution

(green) The selector lever locking but-
ton h
a

s not engaged. The ve-
hicle does not start to move. Engage the selector lever lock
⇒ pag
e 178. Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is
sw

itched. This signals that the lamp is working properly. They
will switch off after a few seconds. WARNING
If the warning lamps and messages are ignored, the vehicle may stall in
traffic, or m a

y cause accidents and severe injuries.
● Never ignore the warning lamps or text messages.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
● If the vehicle stops and must be stopped for repairs, always park a
safe di
stance from surrounding traffic, turn on the hazard warning lights,
stop the engine and take all of the safety measures necessary to warn
other road users. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

185
Driving WARNING
Driving with brakes in bad condition could result in a serious accident.
● If the brake warning lamp  does not go out, or if it lights up when
driving, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low or there is a fault
in the brake system. Obtain professional assistance immediately
⇒ page 191, Brake fluid.
● If the brake warning lamp  lights up t
ogether with the ABS warning
lamp , the regulation function of the ABS could be malfunctioning. As a
result, the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. If the rear
wheels lock this could result in loss of vehicle control! If possible, reduce
your speed and drive carefully to a specialist workshop close by to check
the brake system. During the following journey, avoid sudden braking
and manoeuvres.
● If the ABS warning lamp  does not
go out or if it lights while driv-
ing, the ABS is malfunctioning. The vehicle can only be stopped using
normal braking without ABS. The protection provided by the ABS is not
available. Visit a specialised workshop as soon as possible.
● If  lights, alone or accompanied by a warning message on the in-
strument
panel screen, please go immediately to a specialist workshop
to check the brake pads and to replace them if they are worn. CAUTION
Failure to heed the warning lamps and text messages when they appear
ma y

result in faults in the vehicle. Electronic parking brake Fig. 135 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: elec-
tronic parking brake
switch
Applying the electronic parking brake
The parkin
g brake can be applied whenever the vehicle is at a standstill,
even when the ignition is switched off. Always apply the parking brake
when you leave your vehicle and when you park.
● Pull button  until the control lamp
 on the button lights
up.
● The parking brake is applied when the control lamp  lights up on the
ins

trument panel ⇒ page 184.
Releasing the electronic parking brake
● Switch the ignition on.
● Press button  . At the same time, press the brake pedal hard or gently
pre s

s the accelerator pedal with the engine switched on.
● The control lamps  on the button and
 on the instrument panel go
out. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

187
Driving
● On slopes, turn the front wheels so that they are against the edge of the
k erb
.
● Uphill, turn the wheels towards the centre of the road. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This c

ould cause a fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in cont
act with flammable materials (such as wood, leaves, spilled
fuel, dried grass, etc). CAUTION
● Special care should be taken when parking in areas with high kerbs or
fi x

ed barriers. Objects protruding from the ground may damage the bumper
or other parts of the vehicle during manoeuvres. To avoid damage, stop be-
fore the wheels touched the barrier or kerb.
● Special attention is required when driving through entrances, over
ramps, k
erbs or other objects. The vehicle underbody, bumpers, mudguards
and running gear, and the engine and exhaust system could be damaged as
you drive over these objects. 
Information about the brakes For the first 200 to 300 km (100 to 200 miles),
new brake p
ads have not yet
reached their maximum braking capacity, and need to be “run in” first ⇒  .
The slightly r
educed braking effect can be compensated for by increasing
pressure on the brake pedal. While running in, the full braking distance or
emergency braking distance is larger then when the brake pads have been
run in. While running in, avoid full power braking or situations requiring
braking performance. For example, in heavy traffic. The rate of wear of the brake pads
depends
to a great extent on the condi-
tions in which the vehicle is used and the way the vehicle is driven. If the
vehicle is used frequently in city traffic or for short trips or driven sport style,
visit a specialist workshop regularly more frequently than advised in the
Maintenance Programme to have the bake pads checked.
If you drive with wet brakes, for example, after crossing areas of water, in
heavy rainfall or even after washing the car, the effect of the brakes is less-
ened as the brake discs are wet or even frozen (in winter). At higher speed,
dry the brakes as quickly as possible by braking gently several times. Only
do this without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users
⇒  .
A la y

er of salt on the discs and brake pads will reduce brake efficiency and
increase braking distance. If you drive for a prolonged period on salted
roads without braking then brake carefully several times to eliminate the
layer of salt on the brakes ⇒  .
If the v

ehicle remains parked for considerable lengths of time, is used little,
or if the brakes are not used, there may be corrosion on the brake discs and
a buildup of dirt on the brake pads. If the brakes are not used frequently, or
if rust has formed on the discs, SEAT recommends cleaning the pads and
discs by braking firmly a few times at a moderately high speed. Only do this
without endangering vehicles behind you or any other road users ⇒  .
Fau lt

s in the brake system
During braking, if you notice that the vehicle does not react as usual (that
the braking distance has increased suddenly) it may be possible that there
is a fault in the braking system. The  warning lamp lights up and a text
message displayed. Take the vehicle to a Technical Service immediately and
have the fault repaired. Drive at a moderate speed and be prepared to use
more pressure on the brake pedal, and allow for longer stopping distances.
Brake servo
The brake servo only operates when the engine is running and the pressure
applied by the driver on the brake pedal increases. Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

188
Driving
If the brake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed, then the
brak e ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that the braking
distance will be increased when the brake servo does not operate ⇒  .
WARNING
New brake pads do not brake to full efficiency.
● For the first 320 km (200 miles), new brake pads have not yet reached
their max imum br

aking capacity, and need to be run in first. For this, to
compensate for reduced braking efficiency the brake pedal will have to
be pressed with more force.
● To avoid losing control of the vehicle and causing serious accidents,
alwa
ys take great care when driving with new brake pads.
● When running in new brake pads, always respect the safety distances
between y
ou and other vehicles and do not cause situations requiring ex-
treme braking performance. WARNING
When brakes overheat, braking is less efficient and braking distances in-
cr e

ase.
● When driving on slopes, brakes can be overloaded and overheat
quickly
.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears
before lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking ef-
fect and to reduce the strain on the brake system.
● Non-standard or damaged front spoilers could restrict the airflow to
the brake
s and cause them to overheat. WARNING
Wet, frozen or salt-covered brakes take time to brake and this increases
brak in

g distances.
● Test the brakes carefully.
● Dry the brakes, free them of ice and salt by braking gently several
times, when we
ather, road and traffic conditions permit. WARNING
Driving without the brake servo may significantly increase the braking
dist
ance and result in a severe accident.
● Never allow the vehicle to move forwards when the engine is switched
off.
● If the br

ake servo does not operate or the vehicle must be towed,
then the brake ped
al will have to be pressed with more force given that
the braking distance will be increased when the brake servo does not op-
erate. CAUTION
● Never make the brakes slip by pressing the pedal gently, if it is not really
nec e

ssary to brake. Continuously pressing on the brake pedal will heat the
brakes. This could significantly reduce braking power, increase braking dis-
tance or even result in the total failure of the brake system.
● Reduce speed, move down a gear or select a shorter range of gears be-
fore lon
g steep slopes. This allows you to use the engine braking effect and
to reduce the strain on the brake system. Otherwise, the brakes may over-
heat and fail. Only use the brakes to reduce speed or to stop. 

190
Driving
wheels are prevented from digging into loose surfaces. All-terrain ABS only
inter v
enes when driving in a straight line. When the front wheels are turned,
the normal ABS is activated.
Braking assist system (BAS)
The brake assist system may reduce the required braking distance. The
brake assist system boosts the braking force if you press the brake pedal
quickly in an emergency. As a result, the braking pressure increases rapidly,
the braking force is multiplied and the braking distance is reduced. This en-
ables the ABS to be activated more quickly and efficiently.
¡Do not lift your foot off the brake pedal! When the brake pedal is released
or when the brake force is reduced, braking assist automatically turns off
the brake servo.
Traction control when accelerating ASR (TCS)
In the event of wheelspin, the ASR (TCS) reduces the engine torque to match
the amount of grip available. The ASR (TCS) makes some situations easier,
for example, when starting, accelerating or going uphill, even in unfavoura-
ble road conditions.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched on or off manually ⇒ page 191.
Electronic differential lock system (EDS)
EDS is available when driving in straight lines under normal conditions.
When the EDL detects wheelspin, it brakes the spinning wheel and directs
the power to the other drive wheels. To prevent the disc brake of the braked
wheel from overheating, the EDL cuts out automatically if subjected to ex-
cessive loads. The EDL will switch on again automatically when the brake
has cooled down. WARNING
Driving at high speed on icy, slippery wet ground can result in loss of ve-
hicl e c

ontrol and serious injury to the driver and passengers.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather c
onditions. Even though the braking assist systems ABS, BAS,
EDS, ASR (TCS) and ESC (ESP) provide more security, do not take unnec-
essary risks while driving.
● Braking assist systems can not overcome the laws of physics. Even
with ESC
(ESP) and other systems, slippery and wet roads will always be
dangerous.
● Driving to quickly on wet ground can result in the wheels losing con-
tact w
ith the ground in an effect known as aquaplaning. Without adher-
ence, it is impossible to brake, steer or control the vehicle.
● Braking assist systems cannot avoid accidents if, for example, the
driver does
not respect safety distances or drives to quickly in difficult
conditions.
● Even though braking assist systems are extremely effective and help
contro
l the vehicle in difficult situations, remember that the vehicle sta-
bility depends on tyre grip.
● When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and
snow
, press the accelerator carefully. The wheels can still slip even with
braking assist systems resulting in loss of vehicle control. WARNING
The effectiveness of the ESC (ESP) can be considerably reduced if other
component s

and systems affecting driving dynamics are not maintained
or are not functioning correctly. This includes, among others, brakes,
tyres and other systems already mentioned.
● Remember that changing and fitting other components to the vehicle
can affect
operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC (ESP). 

191
Driving WARNING (Continued)
● Changes to the vehicle suspension or using unapproved wheel/tyre
c omb
inations can affect operation of the ABS, BAS, ASL EDL and ESC
(ESP) and their effectiveness.
● Likewise, the effectiveness of ESC (ESP) depends on the use of suita-
ble ty
res ⇒ page 293. Note
● To ensure that the ESC (ESP) and ASR (TCS) work properly, all four
wheel s

must be fitted with identical tyres. Any differences in the rolling radi-
us of the tyres can cause the system to reduce engine power when this is
not desired.
● If a malfunction should occur in the ABS, the ESC (ESP), ASR (TCS) and
EDS w
ill also be affected.
● Noises may be heard while any of the above systems are operating. 
Turning on and off the ASR (TCS) Fig. 136 Detailed view of
the centr
e c

onsole: but-
ton used to switch ASR
(TCS) on and off (vehicles
with ESC (ESP)). The electronic stabilisation control ESC (ESP) consists of ABS, EDL and ASR
(TCS) and on

ly works when the engine is running.
The ASR (TCS) can be switched off while the engine is running by pressing
the  OFF ⇒ fig. 136 butt
on.
The ASR (TCS) (and similar) is only switched off
when the required traction is not obtained:
● When driving through deep snow or on loose ground (gravel...).
● When freeing a trapped vehicle.
Turn the ASR (TC
S) back on by pressing the button  OFF ⇒ fig. 136.

Brake fluid Fig. 137 In the engine
comp
ar

tment: brake fluid
reservoir, lid
In the course of time, the brake fluid absorbs water from the ambient air. If
there is
too much water contained in the brake fluid, the brake system could
be damaged. In addition, the boiling point of the brake fluid is significantly
lowered. When the brake fluid contains too much water and the brakes are
subject to considerable forces, bubbles of water vapour can form in the sys-
tem. These bubbles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data

192
Driving
notably increasing braking distance, and could even result in the total fail-
ure of the br
ake system. Ensuring that the brake system is always function-
ing correctly is essential for your own safety and the safety of other road
users ⇒  .
Brak e fluid s

pecifications
SEAT have developed a special brake fluid optimised for the brake systems
of their vehicles. To ensure the optimum working of the brake system, SEAT
recommends the use of brake fluid in accordance with the VW 501 14
standard. If this brake fluid is not available or another brake fluid is used for
different reasons, use a brake fluid that complies with the United States
standard FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or the German standard DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
⇒  .
Brak e fluid

s conforming to the standard VW 501 14, fulfil the American re-
quirements of the FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard and the German
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard. However, fluids that comply with the Amer-
ican FMVSS 116 DOT 4 standard or the German DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standard do not necessarily comply with the VW 501 14 standard. Always
check the information on the brake fluid container and ensure that you are
using suitable brake fluid.
A suitable brake fluid can be obtained from Authorised Service Centres.
Brake fluid level
The level of the brake fluid should always be between the MIN and MAX
marks, or above the MIN mark ⇒  .
It i s

not always possible to check the level of the brake fluid, as in some
models the engine components make it difficult to see the brake fluid reser-
voir. If you cannot read the exact brake fluid level, consult a specialist.
The brake fluid level drops slightly when the vehicle is being used due to
wear of the brake pads and the automatic readjustment of the brake.
Changing the brake fluid
The brake fluid should be changed in accordance with the instructions giv-
en in the Maintenance Programme. Have the brake fluid changed by a Tech- nical Service. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service. This means
that on

ly brake fluid complying with the required specifications will be
used. WARNING
If the brake fluid level is low or unsuitable/old brake fluid is used, the
brak e sy

stem may fail or braking power will be reduced.
● Check the brake system and the brake fluid level regularly!
● The brake fluid should be changed regularly in accordance with the
instruction
s given in the Maintenance Programme.
● When the brake fluid is used and brakes are subjected to extreme
brakin
g forces, bubbles of vapour form in the brake system. These bub-
bles of water vapour can significantly reduce braking power, notably in-
creasing braking distance, and could even result in the total failure of the
brake system.
● Only used brake fluid that conforms to the VW 501 14 standard,
FMVS
S 116 DOT 4 standard or even the DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standard.
Other types of brake fluid could affect brake operation and reduce brak-
ing power. Do not use a brake fluid if the container does not specify com-
pliance with the VW 501 14, FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
standards.
● The replacement brake fluid must be new.
● Always ensure that you use suitable brake fluid. Do not use a brake
fluid if the cont
ainer does not specify compliance with the VW 501 14,
FMVSS 116 DOT 4 or DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4 standards. 

205
Driving
● A suitable parking space length is at least 1.1 m greater than the length
of the
vehicle.
● If the results of the park assist system are not as good after changing
the wheels, the sys
tem must memorise the perimeter of the new wheels.
This process is performed automatically while the vehicle is in motion. To
help this process, turn slowly (at less than 20 km/h), e.g. in an empty car
park. 
Leaving a parking space using the Park Assist system Driving off
●
Switch on the engine.
● Press button  . When the function is enabled, the button
⇒ fig. 144
wi l

l light up.
● Apply the turn signal indicator for the side on which you want to leave
the parkin
g space.
● Select reverse gear.
● Follow the instructions given by the park assist system.
● When the next indication appears, release the steering wheel ⇒  in
Park in

g using the park assist system on page 204: The system will move the
steering wheel! Observe the surrounding area.
● Observe the surrounding area and accelerate carefully at a maximum of
up to 7 km/h.
● The park

assist system is only r
esponsible for moving the steering wheel
during the manoeuvre. The driver applies the accelerator, the clutch, the
gears and the brake.
● When it is possible to leave the parking space, the Park Assist system
wil

l stop. Take control of the steering and when traffic conditions permit,
leave the parking space. Automatic stoppage of the manoeuvre
The park a

ssist system stops the manoeuvre in the event of one of the fol-
lowing:
● Driving faster than 7 km/h.
● The driver moves the steering wheel.
● A sliding door is opened. To restart the manoeuvre, close the sliding
door and pres
s the button  again.
● There is a system malfunction (system temporarily unavailable).
● The ASR (TCS) system is switched off or the ASR (TCS) or ESC (ESP) is
work in

g. WARNING
The steering wheel turns quickly automatically when leaving a parking
sp ac

e using the park assist system. Placing your hand between the steer-
ing wheel spokes could lead to injuries. 
Park Assist brake operation The Park Assist system helps the driver by braking automatically. Automatic
brak
in

g does not relieve the driver of responsibility for controlling the accel-
erator, brake and clutch ⇒  .
Brak in

g to avoid damage at excess speed
It is possible that the system operates the brakes to reduce excess speed.
The parking manoeuvre can then continue. The brakes will intervene during
each parking process.
Braking to minimise damage
When approaching an obstacle, the vehicle may brake automatically. In cer-
tain circumstances (for example, storm, detection of ultrasounds, vehicle Safety First Operating instructions Practical tips Technical Data