2003 SKODA SUPERB oil level

Inspecting and Replenishing
206
Note
•We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
•For further information - see Service Schedule.
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 203. – Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– After this, once again withdraw the dipstick and read off the oil
level ⇒page 206, fig. 156 .
Oil level within range
– You must not top up the oil.
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 top up the oil ⇒page 207. It is sufficient, once this
is done, to keep the oil level is within range .
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.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range if the engine
has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass, but not above this .
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil
level is too low ⇒page 28. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Fig. 156 Dipstick
Aa
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa

Inspecting and Replenishing207
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Caution
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger of
damaging the catalytic converter.
Replenishing engine oil
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres
⇒page 205, “Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 206.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under
the conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch of the engine and
obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
The location of the engine oil filler opening is shown in the illustration of
the engine compartment ⇒page 204.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 206,
fig. 156 . Oil will otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass through the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may
combust in the catalytic converter and damage it.
Changing engine oil
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service
Schedule or according to the service interval indicator
⇒page 17.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine
damage!
For the sake of the environment
•You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage
system.
•In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the
material, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recom-
mend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out by your Škoda
dealer.
WARNING
Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will
oil - a risk of fire!
Aa
Aa
WARNING
Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and unau-
thorized persons until you dispose of it properly.

Inspecting and Replenishing
208
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal oper-
ating conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of
antifreeze agent of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protec-
tion down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heating system from
corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale and significantly
increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in coun-
tries with a warm climate. The concentration of antifreeze agent in the
coolant must be at least 40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant iIf a higher
concentration of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up
to 60% (antifreeze protection down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze
protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway,
Finland) are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze
protection down to about -35°C.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with TL 774-F (G12 PLUS) coolant -
colour purple - .
We recommend that you use the same antifreeze agent - G12 PLUS
(purple in colour).
Please contact your Škoda dealer if you have any questions regarding the
coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant. Your Škoda dealer can also supply you with the correct coolant additives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which,
in particular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss
of coolant and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine
damage.
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compart-
ment on the left.
– Switch the engine off.
Fig. 157 Engine
compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 203.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 157. The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie
between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The level may also
rise slightly above the “MAX” marking when the engine is
warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the
warning light in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 28. We nevertheless
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time
to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the
system. You should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also
important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a Škoda
dealer.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant
expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a
result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
One should contact a Skoda dealer as soon as possible if the source of
overheating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be
grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down. – Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒page 208, fig. 157 and unscrew the cap carefully by
turning it to the left ⇒.
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw on the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with
certain specifications ⇒page 208, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative
additive if the coolant additive G12°PLUS is not available in exceptional
cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange
adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again
by a Škoda dealer.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up
is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the
cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a
major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid
engine damage.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible
under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch off the
engine and obtain professional assistance from a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the
coolant expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of
scalding!

Inspecting and Replenishing211
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compart-
ment” on page 203.
– Pull off the rubber seal ⇒fig. 158 partially away and lift the
cover slightly.
– Inspect the brake fluid level at the reservoir . The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The markings are
indicated on the side of the reservoir.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the
fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the
“MIN” marking. A situation where the brake fluid level is too low is indi-
cated by the warning light
 lighting up in the instrument cluster
⇒ page 35. You should drive carefully and immediately to the nearest
Škoda Dealer and have the brake system inspected.
Replacing brake fluid
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture
from the surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the
brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water
content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. This is why brake
fluid must be replaced every two years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Skoda Auto. The specifi-
cation for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda Dealer
as part of an Inspection Service.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the
special tools and the professional knowledge required, you should have
the brake fluid replaced by a Škoda dealer.
AB
AC
AA
WARNING
•Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes
because of the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system.
This greatly impairs the braking efficiency and thus also the safety
of your vehicle.
•Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefore be kept safely in closed
original containers and well away from children and unauthorized
persons.

Breakdown assistance
230
– Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the
occupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (it is
better behind a crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic
gearbox, position the selector lever into position P .
– If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
– Take the vehicle tool kit and the spare wheel ⇒ page 229
out of the luggage compartment.
Caution
If you have to change a wheel on a slope first block the opposite wheel
with a stone or similar object in order to secure the vehicle from unexpect-
edly rolling away.
Note
Comply with the national legal regulations.
Changing a wheel
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap ⇒page 232,
“Wheel trim caps*” or the caps ⇒page 232, “Wheel bolts with
caps*”.
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒ page 233.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel is clear of the ground ⇒page 233.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the spare wheel and tighten the wheel bolts slightly.
– Lower the car.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternately and diagonally using the wheel wrench ⇒page 233.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
Note
•All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
•You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
WARNING
•If you find yourself in flowing traffic put on the hazard warning
lights system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road
at the prescribed distance from your vehicle while observing all
national legal provisions. In this way you are protecting not only
yourself but also other road users.
•Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack
- danger of suffering injury!

Index
252
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Attaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Child seat protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . 161
on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . 158
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Use of child seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Climatronic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
economic use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Keeping windows demisted . . . . . . . . . . 109
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Setting temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . 107
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Cockpit An overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coming Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . 178
Cool box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 208 replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Coolant temperature/coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
D
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Defrosting windows The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 104
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Detachable towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Doors Child safety locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Drinks can holder at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Dynamo Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
E
EDLSee Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . 34 Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Electronic Differential Lock
Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Electronic stability programme Operating principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Electronic stability programme (ESP) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Emergency key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Emergency operation Fuel filler flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Engine compartment Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Engine electronics EPC warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Engine revolutions counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . 179, 183
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
F
First-aid box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Fog lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31
For the first 1 500 kilometres . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Front armrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100