2003 SKODA FABIA fuel consumption

Fuel
168
Fuel additives
You must not use fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and
similar products) in diesel fuel.
It is then necessary to have the fuel filter drained of water by a Škoda
dealer more often than stated in the service schedule if the quality of the
diesel fuel used is poor.
You can find information on refuelling ⇒page 169, “Refuelling”.
Caution
•Use a fuel complying with the standard. Filling the tank even only once,
which does not comply with the standard, can result in damage to the fuel
system.
•Water which has collected in the fuel filter can result in engine
problems.
Biofuel
Biofuel (methyl ester from rape oil) is manufactured from vegetable oil by
means of a chemical process.
Biofuel does not contain sulphur. This means that no sulphur dioxide
(SO
2) is produced when it is burnt.
The exhaust gases contain less
•carbon monoxide (CO)
•hydrocarbons (HC)
•particles (soot)
than when operating with conventional diesel fuel.
The Biofuel is more biodegradable. When using biofuel pay attention to the following points:
•The
Performance may be reduced slightly if you switch to driving with
biofuel.
•The Fuel consumption may increase slightly if you switch to driving
with biofuel.
Biodiesel conforming to the standard E 51 606 can be mixed in any
desired ratio with diesel fuel conforming to the standard EN 590.
We recommend refuelling with diesel fuel at temperatures below -10°C.
Caution
Filling the tank even only once with biofuel, which does not comply with
the standard standard E 51 606 , can result in damage to the fuel
system.
Operation in winter
Winter-grade diesel fuel
A different grade of diesel fuel is available at filling stations in winter than
during the summer. Using “summer-grade diesel fuel” at temperatures
below 0°C can result in operational problems because the diesel becomes
viscous as a result of paraffin separation.
It is therefore the case that DIN EN 590 prescribes diesel fuel class for
certain periods of the year which can also be purchased at the corre-
sponding time during the year. “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20°C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel
fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. Škoda dealers
and filling stations in the country concerned will be able to provide you with
information regarding the diesel fuels available.

Inspecting and Replenishing175
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assist-
anceTechnical DataFabia Praktik
Inspecting the engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.Checking the oil level
– Park the vehicle on a horizontal surface.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 172.
– Wait a few mi nutes and pull out the oil dipstick .
– Wipe off the dipstick wi th a clean cloth and insert it again fully
into the test opening down to its stop.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range
– You must top up the oil ⇒page 176. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
Oil level within range
– You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then
be within range after doing this.
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as
much as 0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the condi-
tions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be
slightly higher than this during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably
every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
Fig. 127 Oil dipstick
on the 1.4 litre/74 kW
engine.
Fig. 128 Oil dipstick
on the 1.2 litre/40 kW
engine.
AA
Aa
Ab
Ab
Ac
Ac

Wheels and Tyres
188
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre inflation pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are
insufficiently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the
handling of your vehicle.
Check the inflation pressure of the tyres at least once a month. The tyre
inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap ⇒page 187, fig. 135 . The inflation pressures for winter
tyres are 0.2 bar higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 191.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high
speeds. It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month
and also before setting off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare
wheel when checking the tyres.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your
vehicle at all times.
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres
accordingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (squealing tyres) increase
wear-and-tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influ-
ences when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes
themselves felt through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases
wear-and-tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must
also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is
repaired. Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-
and-tear to the tyres, but also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety.
Contact your Škoda dealer if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Wear indicators
WARNING
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater
flexing work. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of
this. This can result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
Fig. 136 Tyre tread
with wear indicators

Wheels and Tyres
192
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres
⇒ page 189, ⇒.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided
that you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for
such tyres, even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher.
Exceeding the speed category of the tyre can lead to damage occurring.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres
⇒ page 187.
You can also fit so-called “all-weather tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your Škoda dealer If there are any points which are not
clear who will be able to provide you with information regarding the
maximum speed for your tyres.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you
better grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well
as ar temperatures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is
less tyre noise, tyre wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of
the tyre . This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essen-
tial that the tyres are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the
tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise,
wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a
tyre not dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction,
please adopt a cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to
provide optimal grip and handling in such a situation. This particularly
important on wet roads. You should have the defective tyre replaced as
soon as possible and restore the correct direction of rotation on all tyres
Snow chains
Snow chains can be used on all tyres except type 195/50 R15 and 185/60
R15 and 185/60 R14 with wheel trims 6J x 14 with a depth of 38 mm.
Winter tyres of the type 185/55 R15 should be used for use with snow
chains on vehicles with a 2.0 litre/85 kW engine and 6j x 15 wheel trims.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but
also the braking performance.
Only use fine-link snow chains . They must not project more than 15 mm
- including the chain lock.
Remove the full wheel trim if you wish to fit snow chains to the wheels.
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free
of snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the
tyres and are rapidly destroyed.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permis-
sible maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident
resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over your car.

Index
228
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Drinks can holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Dynamo Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
E
EDL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Electronic immobiliser Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Electronic stability programme . . . . . . . . . . 141
Engine compartment Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Engine electronics Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 33
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Environmental note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
ESP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
F
First-aid box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 30
For the first 1500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Fuel consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Fuel gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Fuel reserve Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
G
Glow plug system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
H
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Hazard warning light system . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Head restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Headlight cleaning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Headlight flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Heating of the external mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Heating the front seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
I
Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Ignition lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Information display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Instrument lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Interior light
Luggage compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Interior lighting at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Intermittent wipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Isofix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
J
Jacking points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203, 204
K
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37