change wheel Seat Alhambra 2012 Owner's Guide

228Driving
● The vehicle is fitted with snow chains.
● The wheel on one axle is changed.
There may be a delay in the reaction of the tyre monitoring indicator  or it
may not indicate anything under certain circumstances (e.g. sports driving,
snow-covered or unpaved roads).
Adaptation of the tyre monitoring indicator
On adjusting tyre pressure or changing one or more wheels, the ⇒ fig. 156
button on the tyre monitoring indicator must be kept pressed down, with
the ignition on, until a signal is heard. Do the same, for example, when the
front and rear wheels are swapped ⇒ fig. 177.
If the wheels are subjected to an excessive load (towing a trailer, heavy
load), the tyre pressure must be increased to the maximum recommended
pressure ⇒  page 297. Press the tyre monitoring indicator button to confirm
the new pressure value.
Note
An erroneous indication may be given when snow chains are in use because
the chains increase the tread of the wheel. 

235
Trailer towing
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 inter-
vals.
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 func-
tion 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 ⇒ 
.
Additional information and warnings:
● Anti-theft alarm system ⇒ page 74
● Light ⇒ page 95
● Ecological driving ⇒ page 229
● Starter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 196●
Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 261
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.
● Only use a tow hitch in good condition and correctly installed.
● Never change or repair a tow hitch.
● To 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.
● Never 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.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions. 
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297
Wheels and tyres
Wheels and tyres
Wheels
Introduction
The SEAT Alhambra is equipped as standard with anti-puncture technology
tyres (Conti-Seal). In the event of a puncture or air leak of up to 5 mm, the
tyre seals the hole with a protective layer inside the tread.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and wheels is carried out by a Tech-
nical Service. They have the necessary special tools and replacement parts,
trained personnel and facilities for disposing of the old tyres. SEAT recom-
mends visiting a Technical Service.
Additional information and warnings:
● Transporting ⇒ page 13
● Towing mode ⇒ page 237
● Braking, stopping and parking ⇒ page 185
● Park assist system ⇒ page 204
● Tyre control systems ⇒ page 225
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● Notes for the user ⇒ page 259
WARNING
The vehicle cannot be totally controlled or braked if the tyres (new or
used) are worn or damaged.
● Incorrect use of wheels and tyres could make driving more dangerous
and result in serious accidents and damage.
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial tyres of the same type, size
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● New tyres do not give maximum grip and will not have reached their
maximum braking capacity to start with, and therefore need running in.
To prevent accidents and major damage, extreme caution should be tak-
en for the first 600 km (370 miles).
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are maintained at the
pressures indicated. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyres could over-
heat, resulting in tread detachment or even burst tyres.
● Never drive on damaged (punctured, cut, cracked or dented) or worn
tyres. Driving on damaged or worn tyres could result in burst tyres, seri-
ous accidents or damage. Worn or damaged tyres must be replaced im-
mediately.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle.
● The efficiency of driver and brake assist systems also depends on the
grip of the tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the vehicle pulls to one side when
driving, stop the car immediately and check the tyres and wheels for
damage.
● To minimise the risk of losing control of the vehicle or causing a seri-
ous accident, never undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. 
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299
Wheels and tyres
● Replace damaged or worn tyres as soon as possible ⇒ page 303.
● Regularly check tyres for non-visible damage ⇒ page 303.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of tyre fitted on your vehicle ⇒ page 306.
● Do not allow tyres to come into contact with aggressive substances,
grease, oil, fuel or brake fluid ⇒ 
.
● Lost valve caps should be replaced immediately.
Tyres 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 ⇒ page 306. Always
observe the direction of rotation indicated when mounting the wheel. This
guarantees optimum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning, excessive noise
and wear.
If the tyre is mounted in the opposite direction of rotation, drive with ex-
treme caution, as the tyre is no longer being used correctly. This is of partic-
ular importance when the road surface is wet. Change the tyre as soon as
possible or remount it with the correct direction of rotation.
Interchanging tyres
To ensure that the wear is equal on all tyres the wheels should be changed
round from time to time according to the system ⇒ fig. 177. All the tyres will
then last for about the same time.
SEAT recommends you take the vehicle to a Technical Service to have the
tyres changed.
Tyres that are over 6 years old
Tyres are subject to an ageing process as a result of physical and chemical
processes. This may affect their performance. Tyres which are stored for
long periods of time without being used, harden and become more fragile
than tyres which are in constant use.
SEAT recommends that tyres over six years old are replaced with new tyres.
This also applies to tyres which appear to be in perfect condition on the out- side and which have a tread depth within the values stipulated by the Law
⇒ 
.
The date of manufacture, part of the tyre identification number (TIN), indi-
cates the age of the tyre ⇒ page 306.
Storing tyres
Mark tyres when you remove them to indicate the direction of rotation (left,
right, forwards, backwards). This ensures you will be able to mount them
correctly when you replace them. When removed, the wheels and/or tyres
should be stored in a cool, dry and preferably dark location. Do not place
tyres mounted on the wheel in a vertical position.
Protect tyres not mounted on wheels from dirt by storing them in suitable
bags and standing them on the ground on their tread.
WARNING
Aggressive fluids or substances could result in visible or invisible dam-
age with the consequent risks.
● Always ensure that tyres do not come into contact with chemical
products, oil, grease, fuel, brake fluid or other aggressive substances.
WARNING
Old tyres, even if they have never been used, may lose air or burst unex-
pectedly while driving, resulting in serious accident or damage.
● If tyres are over six years old, they should only be used in an emer-
gency and with extreme caution.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of by qualified personnel according to the laws
in the country concerned. 
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300Wheels and tyres
Wheel rims
The design of wheel bolts is matched to the rims. 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 ⇒ page 309.
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 309.
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 with 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 result in serious accidents and damage.
● Only wheel rims which have been approved for use with your vehicle
should be used.
● 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 loosened, this 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 qualified 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 miles), 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
(rolling circumference) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, according to the type and make
of tyre and the tread pattern.
Replacing tyres
● Where possible, always replace both wheels on an axle (both wheels on
the front axle or both wheels on the rear axle) ⇒ 
.
● Old tyres should only be replaced by SEAT approved tyres for the vehicle
in question, and in accordance 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 big, they may knock or rub against the chassis or other components,
resulting in damage. 

305
Wheels and tyres
Please observe all instructions and warnings when using snow chains
⇒  page 305.
WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving safer in the winter, you
should not take unnecessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visibility, road, traffic and
weather conditions.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted speed or loads specified for the
type of winter 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), performance 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-
rammed” whenever a tyre is changed ⇒ page 227.
● Please ask at a Technical Service for information about the permitted
sizes for winter tyres. 
Snow chains
When using snow chains, applicable local legislation and maximum permit-
ted speed 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 wheels, even on all-wheel
drive vehicles, and only with the tyre and rim combinations listed below:
Tyre sizeWheel rim205/60 R166 1/2 J x 16 ET 33
SEAT recommends you ask a Technical Service for further information on
wheel, tyre and chain 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 bolts should be covered with caps for safety reasons. These are
available from Technical Services.
WARNING
The use of unsuitable or incorrectly fitted chains could lead to serious ac-
cidents 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
chains.
CAUTION
● Remove the snow chains to drive on roads without snow. 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.
Note
Snow chains are available in different sizes according to the vehicle type. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

308Wheels and tyres
Wheel trims*
Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Caring for and cleaning the vehicle exterior ⇒ page 246
● Change wheel ⇒ page 309
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not fitted correctly, they could
cause major accidents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come off while driving and en-
danger 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
blocked. This is also valid if hubcaps are fitted later. If there is not
enough air, you may require significantly longer braking distances.
CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care to avoid damage to the vehi-
cle. Full hubcaps*
Fig. 181 Removing the
full hubcap.
Removing the full hubcap
● Take the wheel brace and the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit
⇒ page 324.
● Hook the wire through one of the grooves on the hubcap.
● Insert the wheel brace onto the wire hook ⇒ fig. 181 and pull 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. 184 2
or 3. Otherwise it will not be possible to mount
the full hubcap.
Press the hubcap against the wheel so that the space for the valve fits over
the tyre valve ⇒ fig. 184 1
. Make sure that the hubcap is correctly fitted all
the way around the wheel. 

309
Wheels and tyres
Wheel bolt caps
Fig. 182 Removing the
wheel bolt caps
● Take the wire hook from the vehicle tool kit ⇒ page 324.
● Insert the wire hook in the cap through the opening ⇒ fig. 182 and pull
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 changed when switching from summer to winter tyres or vice-versa. See
⇒  page 303
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 ⇒ page 71
● Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 297
● Wheel trims ⇒ page 308
● Vehicle tools ⇒ page 324
WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, especially on the hard shoulder.
Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of injury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible. Park your vehicle as safe
distance from surrounding traffic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passengers and particularly chil-
dren a safe 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,
support the jack on a wide solid base.
● If you are changing a wheel yourself, you should be familiar with the
required procedure. Otherwise, you should seek professional assistance. 
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313
Wheels and tyres
Raising the vehicle with the jack
Fig. 185 Jack position
points
Fig. 186 A: jack mounted on the left front part of the
vehicle B: jack mounted on the left rear part of the ve-
hicle.
The jack may be applied only at the jacking points shown (marks on chas-
sis) ⇒ fig. 185. The mark indicates the jacking points below the vehicle. The
jacking points are on the ribs behind the front edges ⇒ fig. 186. Always the
relevant jacking point for the wheel to be changed ⇒ 
.Raise the vehicle using only the designated jacking points.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

314Wheels and tyres
Check list
For your own safety and that of other passengers, the following points
should be observed in the order given ⇒ 
:
Select a suitable flat and firm surface for raising the vehicle.
Switch off the engine, engage a gear (manual gearbox) or place the se-
lector lever in position P ⇒ page 176 and turn on the electronic parking
brake ⇒ page 185.
When towing a trailer: unhook the trailer from the towing vehicle and
park it correctly.
Loosen the wheel bolts on the wheel to be changed ⇒ page 311.
Look below the vehicle for the jacking point ⇒ fig. 185 closest to the
tyre which has to be changed.
Raise the jack with the handle until it can be inserted below the jacking
point.
Ensure that the foot of the jack is firmly on the ground and that it is
placed immediately below the lifting point on the vehicle ⇒ fig. 186.
Straighten the jack and continue raising it using the handle until the
claw holds the vertical reinforcement beneath the vehicle ⇒ fig. 186.
Raise the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground.
WARNING
If the vehicle is not correctly raised, it could fall off the jack causing seri-
ous injury. Please observe the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● You should only use a jack approved by SEAT for your vehicle. Other
jacks, even those approved for other SEAT models, might slip out of
place.
● The ground should be firm and flat. If the ground is sloped or soft
then the vehicle could slip and fall off the jack. If necessary, support the
jack on a wide solid base.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
WARNING (Continued)
● If the ground is slippery (for example, on tiles), place a non-slip sur-
face (for example a floor mat) beneath the jack to avoid slipping.
● Only fit the jack at the prescribed jacking points. The claw of the jack
should grip the reinforcement nerve on the underbody ⇒ fig. 186.
● You should never have any limbs beneath a raised vehicle which is
only supported by a jack.
● If you have to work underneath the vehicle, you must use suitable
stands additionally to support the vehicle, there is a risk of accident!.
● Never raise the vehicle if it is tilting to one side or the engine is run-
ning.
● Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised. The vehicle may
come loose from the jack due to the engine vibrations.
WARNING
Failure to follow the checklist prepared for your own safety could lead to
accidents and severe injuries.
● Always complete the operations given in the checklist and observe
the general rules of safety.
