Seat ALHAMBRA Owner's Manual page 272

270 Checking and refilling levels
If, in exceptional circumstances, petrol with a lower octane rating to that
recommended is used, only use moderate engine speeds and a light throttle.
Avoid using full throttle and overloading the engine. Otherwise you may
damage the engine. Fill up with fuel of a suitable octane rating as soon as
possible.
Do not refuel if the filler indicates that the fuel contains metal. LRP (lead
replacement petrol) fuels also contain high concentrations of metal addi-
tives. This could damage the engine!
Just one full tank of leaded fuel would seriously impair the efficiency of
the catalytic converter and could damage it.
Diesel
Diesel fuel
Diesel fuel must correspond to European standard EN 590 (In Germany,
EN 590 or DIN 51628).
The use of diesel fuel with a high sulphur percentage requires shorter service
intervals Booklet "Maintenance Programme"
shop will be able to tell you which countries have diesel with a high sulphur
content.
Do not mix fuel additives (thinners, or similar additives) with diesel fuel.
Winter-grade diesel
When using "summer-grade diesel fuel", difficulties may be experienced at
temperatures below 0°C (+32°F) because the fuel thickens due to wax sepa-
ration. For this reason, "winter-grade diesel fuel" is available in Germany, for
example, during the cold months. It can be used at temperatures as low as
-20°C (-4°F).
In countries with different climatic conditions, other types of diesel fuel are
available that are suitable to local temperatures. SEAT qualified workshops
and filling stations in the country concerned will inform you on the type of
diesel fuels available.
A cold diesel engine makes more noise during winter temperatures than
summer temperatures. Furthermore, the exhaust fumes may turn slightly
bluish while the engine is heating. The quantity of exhaust gases will depend
on the outside temperature.
Filter pre-heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine are fitted with a fuel filter pre-heater. This
ensures that the fuel system remains operational to approx. -24°C (-11.2°F),
provided you use winter-grade diesel which is safe to -15°C (+5.0°F).
However, if the fuel has waxed to such an extent that the engine will not start
at temperatures of under -24°C (-11.2°F), simply place the vehicle in a warm
garage or workshop for a while to heat up.
Auxiliary heater
Vehicles with a diesel engine may be fitted with an auxiliary heater. The
heater runs off the fuel from the fuel tank. On doing so, smells and steam may
be noticed outside the vehicle for a short period. This is normal and it is not
an indication of a fault in the vehicle.
. Your qualified work-
Whenever there is little fuel in the tank (reserve), the auxiliary heater auto-
matically switches off.
Never use start boosters. An aerosol start booster could explode or cause
a sudden rise in engine speed leading to engine damage and serious injury.
Caution
The vehicle is not prepared for the use of biodiesel. Under no circum-
stances should this fuel be used. It could damage the fuel system and subse-
quently lead to engine failure!
WARNING