Seat Alhambra 2013 Owner's Manual

229
Driving and the environment
Economic driving style
Changing gear early
General instructions: The highest gear is always the most economical gear.
As a guideline, for the majority of vehicles: At a speed of 30 km/h (20 mph),
drive in third gear, at 40 km/h (25 mph) in fourth gear and at 50 km/h
(30 mph) in fifth gear.
In addition, skipping gears when shifting up helps to save fuel, weather and
traffic conditions permitting.
Do not wait until the last moment before changing gear. Only use first gear
when you move off and change to second gear quickly. Avoid the kick-down
function in vehicles with automatic gearbox.
Vehicles with a gear display help to achieve an economical driving style as
the display indicates the best moment to change gear.
Let the vehicle roll
If you take your foot off the accelerator, the fuel supply is stopped and con-
sumption is reduced.
Allow the vehicle to roll without accelerating, for example when approach-
ing a red traffic light. However, if the vehicle is rolling too slowly or the dis-
tance is too long, the clutch pedal should be pressed to declutch. The en-
gine will then operate at idle speed.
If the vehicle is going to be at a standstill for a period of time, switch off the
engine; for example, while waiting at a level crossing. In vehicles which
have the Start-Stop function on, the engine switches off automatically when
the vehicle is not moving.
Think ahead and “flow” with the traffic
Frequent acceleration and braking considerably increase fuel consumption.
If you think ahead as you drive and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in
front, it is possible to slow down by simply lifting your foot off the accelera-
tor. This eliminates the need for constant braking and acceleration. Calm and steady driving
Constancy is more important than speed: The more you drive at a constant
speed, the lower the fuel consumption.
When driving on the motorway, it is more efficient to drive at a constant and
more moderate speed than to be continuously accelerating and braking. As
a general rule, you will reach your destination just as quickly when you drive
at a constant speed.
The cruise control function helps you to achieve a constant style of driving.
Moderate use of additional electrical appliances
It is important to travel in comfort, but convenience systems should be used
in an ecological manner.
Some equipment, when connected, increase fuel consumption considera-
bly, for example:
●
Air conditioning cooling system: If the air conditioning system is re-
quired to cool to significantly lower temperatures than the true outside tem-
perature, it will require a large quantity of energy from the engine. There-
fore, we recommend that the selected temperature for the vehicle is not too
different to the outside temperature. It is a good idea to open all the win-
dows of the car before starting your journey, and to drive a short distance
with all the windows open to allow the vehicle to cool down slightly. Only
then should you close all the windows and switch on the air conditioning.
Keep windows closed when travelling at high speeds. Driving with the win-
dows open increases fuel consumption.
● Switch off the seat heating when the seats have warmed up.
● Switch off the heated rear window and the windscreen heating when the
windows have demisted and are free of ice.
● Do not leave the auxiliary heater switched on when the vehicle is mov-
ing ⇒  page 164. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

230Driving 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
(mpg) at different outside
temperatures
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. 

231
Driving and the environment
Avoid carrying unnecessary loads
The lighter the vehicle, the more economical and ecological the driving
style. For example, an additional weight of 100 kg will increase fuel con-
sumption up to 0.3 l/100 km.
Remove any unnecessary objects or loads from the vehicle.
Remove optional equipment and unnecessary accessories
The more aerodynamic the vehicle, the lower the fuel consumption. Option-
al equipment and accessories (such as roof racks or bike carriers) reduce
the aerodynamic benefits of the vehicle.
Therefore, we recommend you remove all optional and unnecessary equip-
ment and racks, especially if you intend to drive at high speeds. 
Engine management and exhaust gas
purification system Introduction
Additional information and warnings:
● Changing gear ⇒ page 175
● Refuelling ⇒ page 267
● Fuel ⇒ page 270
● Engine oil ⇒ page 282
● Vehicle battery ⇒ page 291
● Information stored in the control units ⇒ page 260
● Tow starting and towing away ⇒ page 343
WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach very high temperatures.
This could cause a fire.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of the exhaust system can
come in contact with flammable materials (such as dried grass).
● Do not apply additional underseal or anti-corrosion coatings to the
exhaust pipes, catalytic converter, heat shields or the diesel particulate
filter.

Control lamps
lights upPossible causeSolution
Fault in engine management
(Electronic Power Control).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.
Pre-heating a diesel engine
before starting the engine.⇒ page 171
Fault in catalytic converter.
You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next specialised
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
Diesel particulate filter
blocked
Drive for 15 minutes in 4th gear
(manual gearbox), or in D (auto-
matic gearbox) at a minimum
speed of 70 km/h (45 mph).
Observe speed limits ⇒ 
.
If the warning lamp remains lit
up, take the vehicle to a special-
ised workshop ⇒ page 232. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

232Driving and the environment
flashesPossible causeSolution
Fault in the engine manage-
ment (diesel engines).Take the vehicle to a specialised
workshop as soon as possible
and have the engine checked.

Combustion fault which could
damage the catalytic convert-
er.You should reduce speed ac-
cordingly. Drive carefully until
you reach the next specialised
workshop. Have the engine
checked there.
Several warning and control lamps should light up for a few seconds when
the ignition is switched on, signalling that the function is being verified.
They will switch off after a few seconds.
WARNING
Observe traffic regulations when cleaning the diesel particulate filter
while driving.
● Only carry on driving if visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions
so permit.
● Never endanger your safety or that of other road users.
CAUTION
Always pay attention to any lit control lamps and to the corresponding de-
scriptions and instructions to avoid damage to the vehicle.
Note
While the indicators  ,  or  remain lit, there may be engine problems,
fuel consumption may be greater and the engine may lose power. Catalytic converter
The catalytic converter permits the subsequent treatment of the exhaust
gases thus reducing contaminating gas emissions. To ensure a longer work-
ing life for the exhaust system and catalytic converter in a petrol engine:
●
Always use unleaded petrol.
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 282.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 340.
If you should notice misfiring, uneven running or loss of power when the car
is moving, reduce speed immediately. Have the car inspected by a special-
ised workshop. If this happens, unburnt fuel can enter the exhaust system
and escape into the atmosphere. The catalytic converter can also be dam-
aged by overheating.
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Diesel particulate filter
The diesel particulate filter removes soot particulates from the exhaust gas.
The filter retains these particulates and burns them. To assist the combus-
tion process, SEAT recommends you avoid frequent short trips.
● Always use diesel with a low sulphur content ⇒ page 270.
● Never use petrol or fuel oil.
● Never use biodiesel. However, a blend prepared by the diesel manufac-
turer containing biodiesel within the limits established by the EN 590
standard may be used ⇒ page 270. 

233
Driving and the environment
● Never run the fuel tank completely dry.
● Do not top up with too much engine oil ⇒ page 282.
● Do not tow-start the vehicle; use the starter cables ⇒ page 340.
In order to reduce blocking of the diesel particulate filter, some vehicles
with an automatic gearbox may increase the engine speed slightly to auto-
matically start cleaning the diesel particulate filter. The control lamp will not
light up in this case .
For the sake of the environment
Even when the emission control system is working perfectly, there may be a
smell of sulphur from the exhaust gas under some conditions. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel being used. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

234Trailer towing
Trailer towing
Introduction
Always be aware of the legal requirements for each country to drive with a
trailer and to use a tow hitch.
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 tow hitch, the Start-Stop function is
automatically deactivated when a trailer is connected. For tow hitches not
installed by SEAT, the Start-Stop function must be deactivated manually us-
ing a button located on the dash panel 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 228
● Starter assist systems (Start-Stop function) ⇒ page 195●
Wheels and tyres ⇒ page 296
● Accessories, parts replacement, repairs and modifications ⇒ page 260
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. 

235
Trailer 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 (50 mph) when towing a trail-
er (or 100 km an hour (60 mph) in exceptional circumstances). This also
applies in countries where higher speeds are permitted. Always take the
speed limits for vehicles with and without trailers in each country into ac-
count.
● Never try to stop the “snaking” by increasing speed.
WARNING
When driving with a trailer and using a tow 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 tow 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 260. ●
At SEAT, we recommend folding in the tow hitch ball when a trailer is not
being used. In case of a rear collision, the damage caused to the vehicle
with the extended tow hitch ball could be more extensive.
● In some models, a tow hitch is necessary for towing vehicles. For this
reason, you should store the tow hitch in the vehicle at all times. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

236Trailer towing
Driving with a trailer
Technical requirements
If the car is supplied with a factory-fitted towing bracket it will already have
the necessary technical modifications and meet the statutory requirements
for towing a trailer.
Only use an approved tow 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 238.Trailer rear lights
The rear lights of a trailer must fulfil the corresponding standards
⇒ page 238.
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 powerSide lights and rear lights50 WattsTurn signal (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. 

237
Trailer 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 towing bracket is located in the bumper. The electric tow ball is fixed
and cannot be removed.
Releasing and unfolding the tow ball
● Stop the vehicle and apply the electric parking brake.
● Switch the engine off.
● Open the rear lid.
● 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 control lamp lights.
● Close the rear lid.
● Before hitching the trailer, remove the dust guard from the ball.
● The indicator only lights when the rear lid 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 power socket adapter.
● Place the dust guard over the ball.
● Open the rear lid.
● 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 rear lid. 
Safety FirstOperating instructionsPractical tipsTechnical Specifications

238Trailer towing
The control lamp
●When the control lamp flashes, the tow ball is not in its final position,
has not engaged or is damaged ⇒ 
.
● When the control lamp remains lit and the rear lid is open, the tow ball
has inserted correctly into the folded or deployed position.
● When the rear lid 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 tow 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 control lamp 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. 