ESP Seat Alhambra 2015 Owners Manual

Wheels and tyres
lighter. This could damage the vehicle's
electrical system.
For the sake of the environment
● Dispose of the battery in an environment-
friendly manner. Batteries contain toxic sub-
stances such as sulphuric acid and lead.
● Battery acid can contaminate the environ-
ment. Collect any spilt service fluids and dis-
pose of them correctly. 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.
The inclusion of this technology means that
there is no type of spare wheel included in
the vehicle's equipment.
SEAT recommend that all work on tyres and
wheels is carried out by a specialised work-
shop. These workshops have the necessary
special tools and replacement parts, trained
personnel and facilities for disposing of the
old tyres while respecting the environment.
SEAT recommends taking your car in for tech-
nical service.
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 circumfer-
ence) 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 taken for
the first 600 km.
● Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure
they are maintained at the pressures indica-
ted. If the tyre pressure is too low, they could
overheat, 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, serious accidents or damage. Worn or
damaged tyres must be replaced immediate-
ly.
● Never exceed the maximum permitted
speed or loads specified for the type of tyre
fitted on your vehicle.
● The effectiveness of driver and brake assist
systems also depends on the grip of the
tyres.
● If you notice unusual vibration or if the ve-
hicle 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 serious accident, never
undo the bolted joints of beadlock wheels. » 231Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
good performance, a better seal, improved
safety and wheel run out. Therefore, worn
rims should always be replaced and must on-
ly be repaired in a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
Wheel rims with bolted trims
Wheel rims may be fitted with interchangea-
ble trim parts which are attached to the rim
using self-locking bolts. Worn trims should
only be replaced at a specialised workshop.
SEAT recommends visiting a technical service
››› .
WARNING
The use of worn or damaged wheel rims could
make driving more dangerous 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 loos-
ened, 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 specialised workshop. SEAT recommends taking your car
in for technical service.
Replacement of wheel rims and new
tyres
New tyres
● When tyres are new, drive with extreme
caution for the first 500 km, as all tyres need
to be run-in . Tyres which have not been run-
in do not
have such good grip ››› or brak-
ing capacity ››› .
● All four wheels must be fitted with radial
tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumfer-
ence) and the same tread pattern.
● The tread depth of new tyres may vary, ac-
cording 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 permit-
ted size, diameter, load and speed capacity.
● If replacing tyres, make sure the new ones
have an emergency ride system (Conti-
Seal/Run flat). Otherwise, we recommend
carrying a tyre mobility system. ●
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. WARNING
New tyres do not give maximum grip and will
not have reached their maximum braking ca-
pacity to start with, and therefore need run-
ning in.
● To prevent accidents and major damage,
extreme caution should be taken for the first
600 km. WARNING
There should be adequate space between the
tyres and the vehicle in accordance with the
vehicle design. If this is not the case, the
tyres may rub against parts of the running
gear, chassis or brake lines, leading to faults
in the brake system or to tread detachment,
and the risk of burst tyres.
● The true tyre dimension should not be
greater than the dimensions of tyres manu-
factured and approved by SEAT and should
not rub against parts of the vehicle. Note
● Although tyres may be shown as being the
same size, the true dimensions of different
types of tyre may vary with respect to the
nominal size, or tread patterns may be differ-
ent. 234

Wheels and tyres
●
If you use tyres that are approved by SEAT,
you can be sure that the true tyre dimensions
will be correct for your vehicle. For other tyre
models, the tyre vendor should provide the
manufacturer's certificate with the tyre, indi-
cating that this type of tyre is suitable for
your vehicle. This certificate should always
be carried with the vehicle. Tyre pressures
Fig. 175
Position of tyre pressure specifica-
tion plate The correct tyre pressures for tyres fitted at
the factory is shown on a label and is valid
for summer and winter tyres. This label
››› Fig. 175 is either on the driver door strut or
in s
ide the fuel cap. Under-inflation or over-inflation will reduce
the life of the tyres considerably and also im-
pair the car's handling
››› . It is essential to
maintain the correct tyre pressures, especial-
ly if driving at high speeds. Incorrect tyre
pressure causes premature wear and could
cause tyre blow-out.
The pressure should therefore be checked at
least once a month and before starting a
journey.
As a general rule, the pressures given are for
cold tyres . When the tyres are hot, the pres-
s ur

es are greater.
Never deflate a hot tyre in order to obtain the
required pressure. This could result in very
low tyre pressures which may lead to sudden
blow-outs.
Checking tyre pressures
Tyre pressures should only be checked when
the vehicle has not been driven for more than
a few kilometres (miles) at low speeds in the
past three hours.
● The tyre pressures should be checked regu-
larly, and only when the tyres are cold. Al-
ways check all the tyres. Tyre pressures
should be checked more often in colder re-
gions, and only when the vehicle has not
been driven recently. Always use a correctly-
operating tyre gauge. »
235
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Wheels and tyres
Wear indicators on the tyre
The original tyres on your vehicle have
1.6 mm (1/16 inch) high ››› Fig. 176 tread
w e
ar indicators running across the tread. A
number of these indicators are equally
spaced around the tyre tread. Certain marks
on the tyre walls (e.g. the letters “TWI” or
other symbols) indicate the position of the
wear indicators.
Tread wear indicators indicate if a tyre is
worn. They must always be replaced before
the tyre tread has worn to the level of the in-
dicator. WARNING
Driving with worn tyres is dangerous, and
may lead to loss of control of the vehicle with
serious consequences.
● Tyres must be replaced before the wear in-
dicators are at the same level as the tread
pattern.
● Worn tyres have significantly reduced grip,
especially on wet surfaces, increasing the
risk of “aquaplaning”.
● Worn tyres make control of the vehicle
more difficult in normal or difficult driving
conditions, increasing the braking distance
and the risk of skidding. Damaged tyres
Damage to wheels and tyres is often not im-
mediately visible. If you notice unusual
vibra-
tion 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 nearest special-
ised workshop and have the vehicle checked.
Foreign bodies in the tyre
● Do not remove foreign bodies if they have
penetrated through the tyre wall!
● If the vehicle comes with a tyre mobility
system, where necessary seal the damaged
tyre as shown in section ›››
page 250. Use a
specialised workshop for repair or replace-
ment. SEAT recommends visiting a SEAT deal-
ership for this.
The sealant at the lower part of the tyre tread
wraps around the foreign body and provision-
ally 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.
Driving style : Driving round bends quickly or
sudden acceleration or braking speed accel-
erates tyre wear. When the driving style is
normal, if the tyres wear too quickly, have the
running gear settings checked at a special-
ised workshop.
Wheel run-out : The wheels on new vehicles
ar e b

alanced. However, certain circumstan-
ces may lead to imbalance (run-out), which is
detected as vibrations in the steering wheel.
Run-out leads to wear of the steering and
suspension. 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 posi-
tioned running gear increases the wear of
tyres and affects your safety while driving. If
tyres wear too quickly, have the wheel align-
ment checked at a specialised workshop. »
237
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Wheels and tyresTyre code (example)Meaning
P215 / 55 R 16Size:
PPassenger vehicle code.
215Nominal width between walls, in mm.
55Height/width ratio in %
RTyre type (R indicates "radial").
16Rim diameter in inches
91 VLoad index
››› page 240 and speed rating ››› page 240.
XLReinforced tyres (“Reinforced”).
M+S or M/SWinter tyres (mud and snow tyres) ››› page 241.
SSR or DSST, Eufonia, RFT, ROF, RSC, ZP,
Conti-SealSpecific manufacturer codes for run-flat tyres.
RADIAL TUBELESSRadial tyre without inner tube.
E4 ...E-mark certifying tyre complies with international legislation followed by a number denoting the country granting the
authorisation. The authorisation number ( several digits) is shown below.
DOT BT RA TY5 1709Tyre identification number (TIN a)
, may be only on interior wall of wheel) and date of manufacture:
DOTThe tyre complies with the legal requirements of the US Department of Transport, responsible for tyre
safety regulations.
BTPlace of manufacture code.
RAInformation about manufacturer and tyre size.
TY5Manufacturer's tyre specifications.
1709Date of manufacture: Week 17 of 2009.
TWIThis identifies the position of the Tread Wear Indicator ››› page 236.» 239
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

AdviceTyre code (example)Meaning
MAX LOAD 615 KG (1356 LBS)US load rating, indicating maximum permitted load per tyre.
MAX INFLATION 350 KPA (51 PSI)US limit, indicating maximum permitted tyre pressure.
SIDEWALL 1 PLY RAYONInformation about tyre wall components:
1 layer of rayon (artificial silk).
TREAD 4 PLIES
1 RAYON + 2 STEEL + 1 NYLONInformation about tread components:
In the example, 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 established base tyres (standardised test procedures)
:
TREADWEAR 280Relative service life of the tyre, with respect to specific US standard test.
TRACTION AABraking capacity of tyre on wet surface (AA, A, B or C).
TEMPERATURE ATyre temperature resistance at higher test speeds (A, B or C).
If there are different letters, they are specific codes of the tyre manufacturer or specific national codes.
a)
The letters TIN refer to the tyre serial number.
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. Always observe
the direction of rotation indicated when
mounting the wheel. This guarantees opti-
mum grip and helps to avoid aquaplaning,
grip, noise and wear. Tyre load rating
The load rating code indicates the maximum
load in kilogrammes each wheel can carry
(load capacity).
615 kg (1,356 pounds)
650 kg (1,433 pounds)
690 kg (1,521 pounds)
730 kg (1,609 pounds)
775 kg (1,709 pounds)
91
93
95
97
99 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)
max. 210 km/h (130 mph)
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
P
Q
R
S
T
U
H
V
240

Wheels and tyres
max. 240 km/h (149 mph)
max. 270 km/h (168 mph)
max. 300 km/h (186 mph)
Some manufacturers use the letters “ZR” for
tyres with a maximum authorised speed
above 240 km/h (149 mph).
Winter service
Winter tyres* In winter conditions winter tyres will consid-
erably improve the vehicle's handling. The
design of summer tyres (width, rubber com-
pound, tread pattern) gives less grip on ice
and snow. Winter tyres also improve the vehi-
cle braking performance, reducing the brak-
ing distance in winter weather. SEAT recom-
mend that winter tyres be fitted to the vehicle
at temperatures below +7 °C (+45 °F).
The performance of winter tyres is much re-
duced if the
tyre tread is worn below 4 mm
(1/16 inc h).
The age of the tyre is another
factor affecting performance, regardless of
the depth of the tyre tread.
Please observe the following when using
winter tyres:
● Observe legal requirements in each coun-
try. Z
W
Y ●
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 tread
pattern.
● Adjust speeds to within the limits indicated
(code letter on tyre) ››› .
Speed limit
A code letter indicating the speed limit is
stamped on all winter tyres ››› page 240.
In some vehicles, it is possible to set a speed
warning in the MFA (multifunction display)
menu on the instrument panel ››› page 47.
If you use V-rated tyres the speed limits and
ty r

e pressure will be determined by engine
size. Please ask your technical service centre
for further information on the maximum per-
mitted 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 recommend that winter tyres or all-
season tyres should be fitted on all fourwheels when winter road conditions are ex-
pected, mainly because this will give a better
braking response
.
Please observe all instructions and warnings
when using
snow chains ››› page 242. WARNING
Although winter tyres help to make driving
safer in the winter, you should not take un-
necessary risks.
● Adjust your speed and driving style to visi-
bility, 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 “reprogrammed”
whenever a tyre is changed ››› page 179.
● Please ask at a technical service centre for
information about the permitted sizes for
winter tyres. 241
Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Emergencies
First-aid kit
There is a first aid kit ››› page 112 in the rear
left-hand side storage compartment of the
luggage compartment.
The first aid kit must comply with legal re-
quirements. Check the expiry date of the con-
tents of the first aid kit.
Fire extinguisher
There is a Fire extinguisher underneath the
fr ont
passenger seat.
The fire extinguisher must conform to legal
requirements, be ready for use and be
checked regularly. Check the certification
seal on the extinguisher. WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently thrown in case of a sudden manoeu-
vre or braking and especially in accidents
causing serious injury.
● Secure fire extinguishers, first aid kit, re-
flective vests and warning triangle securely
to their respective supports. Protecting yourself and securing the
vehicle
Fig. 179
In the centre of the dash panel: push
button for hazard warning lights. Always fulfil legal requirements for securing a
broken down vehicle. In a number of coun-
tries it is now obligatory, for example, to turn
on the hazard warning lights and use a re-
flective safety vest
››› page 242.
When being towed with the hazard warning
lights on, a change in direction or traffic lane
can be indicated as usual using the turn sig-
nal lever. The hazard lights will be interrup-
ted temporarily.
For your own safety and that of other passen-
gers, the following points should be ob-
served in the order given:
Park the vehicle a safe distance from
traffic and on suitable ground ››› .
1. Turn on the hazard warning lights with
the button

››› Fig. 179.
Connect the electronic parking brake
››› page 137 .
Mo v

e the selector lever to its intermedi-
ate position or to
P ››› page 143.
Stop the engine and remove the key
from the ignition ››› page 133.
Have all occupants leave the vehicle and
move to safety, for example behind a
guard rail.
When leaving the vehicle, take all keys
with you.
Place an emergency warning triangle to
indicate the position of your vehicle to
other road users.
Allow the engine to cool and check if a
specialist is required.
Examples of when to use the hazard warning
lights:
● If the vehicles ahead suddenly slow down
or reach the end of a traffic jam, to warn the
vehicles behind.
● In case of an emergency.
● If the vehicle breaks down.
● When being towed.
Always comply with the applicable laws re-
garding the use of hazard warning lights. »
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
243Technical specifications
Advice
Operation
Safety

Advice
If the hazard warning lights are not working,
you must use an alternative method of draw-
ing attention to your vehicle. This method
must comply with traffic legislation. WARNING
A faulty vehicle in traffic represents a risk of
accident for the driver and for other road
users.
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park the vehicle a safe distance from sur-
rounding traffic to lock all the doors in case of
an emergency. Turn on the hazard warning
lights to warn other road users.
● Never leave children or disabled people
alone in the vehicle if the doors are to be
locked. In case of an emergency, passengers
will be trapped inside the vehicle. Individuals
locked in the vehicle can be exposed to very
high or very low temperatures. WARNING
The components of the exhaust system reach
very high temperatures. This could cause a
fire and considerable damage.
● Always park your vehicle so that no part of
the exhaust system can come in contact with
flammable materials (such as dried grass or
fuel). Note
● The vehicle battery will discharge and run
down if the hazard warning lights remain on for too long (even with the ignition turned
off).
● For some vehicles, the brake lights will
blink when braking suddenly at speeds of ap-
proximately 80 km/h (50 mph) to alert vehi-
cles to the rear. If braking continues, the haz-
ard warning lights system will automatically be turned on at a speed of less than approxi-
mately 10 km/h (6 mph). The brake lights re-
main lit. Upon accelerating, the hazard warn-
ing lights will be automatically turned off. Vehicle tool kit*
Introduction When securing the vehicle in case of a break-
down, please note the legal requirements for
each country.
WARNING
Loose objects in the vehicle interior can be vi-
olently fired through the compartment in
case of a sudden manoeuvre or braking and
especially in accidents causing serious in-
jury.
● Make sure that the vehicle tools are stored
safely in the luggage compartment. WARNING
Unsuitable or damaged vehicle tools can
cause injury or accidents.
● Never work with inappropriate or damaged
tools. Location
Fig. 180
In the luggage compartment, viewed
from inside the vehicle: the vehicle tool kit lo-
cated in a cavity close to the lock carrier. Depending on the model, the vehicle tools
may be kept in the luggage compartment, in
a cavity close to the lock carrier
››› Fig. 180 .
L oo
sen the safety straps and remove the ve-
hicle tool kit. For vehicles factory-fitted with
winter tyres, you will find additional tools in a
toolbox located in the luggage compartment.
244

Advice
WARNING
If the folding chocks are assembled or used
incorrectly, an accident may occur and seri-
ous injury caused.
● Never use damaged chocks.
● Never use chocks to immobilize the vehicle
on a slope. 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 237
The vehicle only comes with the necessary
tools for changing wheels if factory supplied
with winter tyres. If this is not the case, you
need to go to a specialised workshop to get
the wheels changed.
You should only change the wheels yourself if
the vehicle is parked in a safe place, you are
familiar with the procedure and safety stand-
ards and you have all the necessary tools!
Otherwise, you should seek professional as-
sistance. WARNING
Changing a wheel can be dangerous, espe-
cially on the hard shoulder. Please observe
the following rules to minimise the risk of in-
jury:
● Stop the vehicle safely as soon as possible.
Park at a safe distance from surrounding traf-
fic to change a wheel.
● When changing a wheel, keep all passen-
gers, and particularly children, a safe dis-
tance 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 proce-
dure. Otherwise, you should seek professio-
nal assistance.
● Only use suitable tools that are not dam-
aged when changing a wheel.
● Always stop the engine, turn on the elec-
tronic parking brake and place the gear selec-
tor lever in position P, for an automatic gear-
box, or engage a gear for a manual gearbox to
reduce the risk of the vehicle moving acciden-
tally.
● Have the tightening torque of the wheel
bolts checked as soon as possible with a reli-
able torque wrench. WARNING
If the wheel trims are not appropriate or not
fitted correctly, they could cause major acci-
dents or damage.
● Incorrectly mounted wheel trims may come
off while driving and endanger 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 signifi-
cantly longer braking distances. CAUTION
Remove and remount wheel trims taking care
to avoid damage to the vehicle. 246