trailer 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. 

229
Driving and the environment
Practical tips Driving and the environment
Running-in
Please observe the instructions for running-in new components.
Running-in the engine
The engine needs to be run-in over the first 1500 km (1000 miles). During
its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater
than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.
How the vehicle is driven for the first 1500 km (1000 miles) influences the
future engine performance. Throughout the life of the vehicle, it should be
driven at a moderate speed – especially when the engine is cold – this will
reduce engine wear and increase its useful life. Never drive at extremely low
engine speeds. Always engage a lower gear when the engine works “irregu-
larly”. For the first 1000 km or 600 miles, please note:
● Do not use full throttle.
● Do not force the engine above two thirds of its maximum speed.
● Do not tow a trailer.
Between 1000 and 1500 kilometres (600 to 1000 miles), gradually in-
crease power until reaching the maximum speed and high engine speeds.
Running in new tyres and brake pads
● Replacement of new tyres and wheel rims ⇒ page 297
● Notes on the brakes ⇒ page 189
For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and the
engine oil consumption reduced. 
Ecological driving Introduction
Fuel consumption, environmental impact and engine, brake and tyre wear
depend largely on three factors:
● Personal driving style.
● Conditions of use (weather, road surface).
● Technical requirements.
Savings of up to 25% in fuel consumption are possible with an appropriate
driving style and the adoption of certain simple tips.
WARNING
Always adapt your speed and the distance to the vehicles ahead in line
with visibility, weather conditions, the condition of the road and the traf-
fic situation.

Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

231
Driving and the environment
Other factors which increase fuel consumption (examples):
● Fault in engine management.
● Driving on hills.
● Trailer towing. 
Saving fuel while driving
Fig. 157 Fuel consump-
tion in litres per 100 km
at different outside tem-
peratures.
By adopting an economical driving style and anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you can easily reduce fuel consumption by 10-15%.
A vehicle uses most fuel when accelerating. By anticipating the traffic situa-
tion ahead, you will brake and therefore accelerate less. Wherever possible,
let the car roll slowly to a stop, for instance when you can see that the next
traffic lights are red.
Avoid short journeys
Fuel consumption is much higher when the engine is cold, immediately af-
ter it has been started. It takes a few kilometres of driving for the engine to
warm up and to normalise consumption. The engine and catalytic converter need to reach their proper
working tem-
perature in order to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The ambient
temperature has a decisive influence.
fig. 157 shows the difference in consumption for the same journey at
+20 °C (+68 °F) and at -10 °C (+14 °F).
Unnecessary short journeys should be avoided. Try to combine trips.
The vehicle uses more fuel in winter than in summer, even when other con-
ditions are the same.
“Warming” the engine is not only forbidden in some countries, but in prac-
tice 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 re-
sistance 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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

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. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

236Trailer towing
WARNING (Continued)
● Trailers with a high centre of gravity can overturn more easily than
trailers with a low centre of gravity.
● Avoid brusque manoeuvres and sudden braking.
● Always take the following precautions seriously.
● Reduce your speed immediately if you observe the trailer rocking
from side to side.
● Never drive at more than 80 km an hour when towing a trailer (or 100
km an hour in exceptional circumstances). This also applies in countries
where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the speed limits for ve-
hicles with and without trailers in each country into account.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a trailer hitch that was not installed
by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be manually deactivated. Other-
wise, this could cause a braking anomaly that could result in an accident
with serious consequences.
● Always manually deactivate the Start-Stop function when a trailer is
being used on a trailer hitch that has not been installed by SEAT.
Note
● Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or discon-
necting a trailer ⇒ page 78. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously acti-
vate the alarm.
● Never use a trailer with a new engine (for the first 1000 km or 600 miles)
⇒ page 261. ●
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the trailer hitch ball when a trailer is
not being used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle
with the extended trailer hitch ball could be more extensive.
● In some models, a trailer hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
reason, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times. 

237
Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted tow hitch it will already have the
necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements for
towing a trailer.
Only use an approved trailer hitch for the gross trailer weight rating. The tow
hitch must be suitable for both the vehicle and trailer and must be securely
fitted to the vehicle chassis. Only use a tow hitch with a removable ball
joint. Always check and take into account the tow hitch manufacturer's in-
structions. Never fit a trailer tow hitch “that distributes the load” or “balan-
ces the load”.
Bumper mounted tow hitch
Never fit a tow hitch or its attachments to the bumper. A tow hitch should
never interfere with the bumper performance. Do not modify the exhaust
system and brake system. Regularly check the tow hitch to ensure it is firmly
fitted.
Engine cooling system
Driving with a trailer increases the load on the engine and cooling system.
The cooling system should always have sufficient coolant and to be able to
cope with the vehicle and trailer.
Electric trailer brake
If the trailer has its own braking system, please note the relevant legal re-
quirements. The trailer braking system should never be connected to the ve-
hicle braking system.
Trailer cable
Always use a cable between the vehicle and the trailer ⇒ page 239.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 239.
Never connect the trailer's rear lights directly to the vehicle electric system.
In case of any doubt about the electrical connection of the trailer, ask a spe-
cialised workshop. SEAT recommends visiting a Technical Service.
Wing mirrors
When the field of vision behind the trailer cannot be seen using the stand-
ard wing mirrors of the towing vehicle, additional wing mirrors are required
according to the legal requirements of each country. The wing mirrors must
be fitted before driving and must provide a sufficient field of vision behind.
Trailer electricity consumption
Never exceed the specifications:
Electrical consumerMaximum powerPosition lights and rear lights50 WattsIndicator (each side)54 WattsBrake lights (total)84 WattsReversing lights (total)42 WattsRear fog light42 Watts
WARNING
If the tow hitch is badly fitted or unsuitable, the trailer may separate from
the vehicle causing an accident with serious consequences. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

238Trailer towing
CAUTION
● If the rear lights of the trailer are not correctly connected, the vehicle
electronics may be damaged.
● If the trailer absorbs excessive electric current, the vehicle electronics
may be damaged.
● Never 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
recommend additional services between the normal inspection intervals if
the vehicle is used frequently for towing a trailer.
● In some countries, an additional fire extinguisher is required if the trailer
weight is more than 2500 kg 
Electric tow hitch ball*
Fig. 158 Right-hand
side of the luggage com-
partment: button to elec-
trically release the tow
hitch ball. The rotation radius of the tow hitch ball should be free of people, animals
and objects
⇒ 
.
The tow hitch is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed and can-
not be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 158. The tow ball is released electronically
and folds out automatically; the button indicator will blink.
● Move the ball joint until it inserts and the button indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the tailgate is open and when a trailer is
not hitched.
Restoring the tow ball to its originally position
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Remove the trailer and disconnect the cable between the vehicle and
trailer. If necessary, remove the socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the tailgate.
● Press the knob briefly ⇒ fig. 158. The tow ball is electronically released;
the indicator blinks.
● Push the tow ball into the bumper until it locks in position and the but-
ton indicator lights.
● Close the tailgate. 

239
Trailer towing
The warning lamp
● When the indicator flashes, the tow ball is not in its final position, has
not engaged or is damaged ⇒ 
.
● When the indicator remains lit and the tailgate is open, the tow ball has
inserted correctly into the folded or deployed position.
● When the tailgate is closed, the indicator is turned off.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch can cause accidents and injury.
● Ensure that no person, animal or object gets in the way of the tow
ball.
● Never push the button when there is a trailer hitched or when any
kind of carrier or accessory is fitted to the tow hitch ball.
● While the ball is moving, do not interfere with any tool.
● Do not drive with a trailer if the indicator does not light.
● If there is a fault in the electric system or the trailer tow hitch, visit a
specialised workshop to have it checked.
● If the diameter of the tow hitch is less than 49 mm, never use this for
a trailer.
CAUTION
● If anything is attached to the tow hitch ball, do not, under any circum-
stances press the button.
● Never direct a high-pressure or steam cleaning system directly at the
tow hitch ball or trailer power socket. This could cause damage to seals or
remove lubricating grease.
Note
In extremely low temperatures, it is possible that the tow hitch is not re-
leased. In this case, place the vehicle in a warmer location (for example, a
garage). Installing a bicycle carrier to the tow hitch
The maximum load permitted for a bicycle carrier on the tow hitch ball is
75 kg, with a maximum distance of 300 mm from the support. The distance
between supports is the distance between the bicycle carrier centre of gravi-
ty (with the bicycles) and the centre of point of the tow hitch ball.
WARNING
The incorrect use of the tow hitch with a bicycle carrier installed can
cause accidents and injury.
● Never exceed the load and distances between supports indicated.
● Never fit the bicycle carrier to the tow hitch ball neck, underneath the
tow hitch given that the bicycle carrier may be incorrectly fitted due to
the shape of the tow hitch and the model of bicycle carrier.
● Always read and take the manufacturer assembly instructions into ac-
count.
CAUTION
Exceeding the maximum load and distance between supports indicated can
cause considerable damage to the vehicle.
● Never exceed the specifications. 
Hitching and connecting the trailer
Trailer cable
Always secure the trailer cable to the towing vehicle correctly. Leave a little
bit of slack in the cable for turning. However, ensure that the cable does not
rub off the ground while driving. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

240Trailer towing
Trailer electric socket
The electric connection between vehicle and trailer is a 13-pin socket. If the
trailer plug has seven pins, an adapter cable must be used.
Trailer rear lights
Check the trailer rear lights to ensure they work correctly and remain legal.
Ensure that the trailer does not use more than the maximum power
⇒ page 237.
Trailer connected to the anti-theft alarm:
● When a vehicle comes from the factory fitted with an anti-theft alarm
and tow hitch.
● When the trailer is connected to the vehicle using the socket.
● When the vehicle and trailer electrical systems work correctly and are
not damaged.
● When the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm
is turned on.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is triggered when the electrical con-
nection between the vehicle and the trailer is removed.
Always turn off the anti-theft alarm system before connecting or disconnect-
ing a trailer. Otherwise, the tilt sensor may erroneously activate the alarm.
WARNING
Erroneous or unsuitable connection of electric cables may supply energy
to the trailer causing an anomaly in the vehicle electronics that could re-
sult in an accident with serious consequences.
● All work on the electrical system must be carried out only by a speci-
alised workshop.
● Never connect the trailer's electric system to the electrical connec-
tions of the rear lights or any other power sources.
CAUTION
Do not leave the trailer connected to the vehicle when parked; places on its
support wheel or its supports. For example, when changing the load or a
puncture, the vehicle will be pushed up or down. The force acting on the
tow hitch and the trailer could damage the vehicle or the trailer.
Note
● In case of a fault in the vehicle or trailer electrical system or in case of
problems with the anti-theft alarm system, have the system checked by a
specialised workshop.
● If the trailer accessories use energy from the socket when the engine is
stopped, the battery will be discharged.
● For technical reasons, trailers fitted with rear LED lights cannot be con-
nected to the anti-theft alarm system.
● If the vehicle battery is running low, the electrical connection with the
trailer is automatically cut.
● With the engine running, the electrical equipment on the trailer will con-
sume power. 
Loading the trailer
Trailer weight / drawbar load
The trailer weight is the load that the vehicle can pull ⇒ . The drawbar
load is the vertical weight of the trailer hitch on the tow hitch ball
⇒  page 244.
The figures for trailer weights and draw bar weights given on the data plate
of the towing bracket are for values of this model only. The correct figures
for your specific vehicle, which may be lower than these figures for the tow
hitch, are given in the registration documents. The instructions in the offi-
cial vehicle documents take precedence. 

241
Trailer towing
For the sake of road safety, SEAT recommends using the maximum allowed
drawbar load. The handling of the combined vehicle and trailer will be poor
if the drawbar load is too low.
The drawbar load increases the weight on the rear axle, reducing the vehicle
carrying capacity.
Gross combination weight
This figure refers to the combined weight of the loaded vehicle and loaded
trailer.
Loading the trailer
The combined vehicle and trailer must be balanced. Use the maximum
drawbar load authorised and do not overload the front or the rear of the
trailer:
● Distribute loads in the trailer so that heavy objects are as near to the
axle as possible or even above it.
● Correctly secure the trailer load.
Tyre pressure
Inflate the trailer tyres according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Inflate the towing vehicles tyres to the maximum ⇒ page 297.
WARNING
Exceeding the maximum authorised axle load, drawbar load or the gross
combination weight of the towing vehicle and trailer could cause a seri-
ous accident with severe consequences.
● Never exceed the specifications.
● With the actual load on the front and rear axles, the maximum axle
load should never be exceeded. The weight on the front and rear should
never exceed the gross vehicle weight.
WARNING
If the load moves, the stability and safety of the vehicle and trailer com-
bination will be seriously affected and this could result in a serious acci-
dent.
● Always correctly load the trailer.
● Always secure loads correctly with suitable and undamaged attach-
ment rope or straps.

Driving with a trailer
Adjusting the headlights
When towing a trailer, the front of the vehicle may rise and so the dipped
beam headlights may blind other drivers. Use the headlight range control to
lower the cone of light. If you do not have headlight range control, have the
headlights adjusted by a qualified dealership. Vehicles with high-intensity
discharge lamps adapt automatically and do not require adjustment.
Details of driving with a trailer
● If the trailer has an overrun brake, apply the brakes gently at first and
then, firmly. This will prevent the jerking that can be caused by the trailer
wheels locking.
● As of the combined vehicle and trailer mass, braking distances will be
greater.
● Select a low gear before driving down a steep hill to use the engine
braking effect to slow down the vehicle. Otherwise, the braking system
could overheat and fail. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications