2003 SKODA SUPERB brake light

Driving and the Environment177
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
New brake pads
Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking effi-
ciency until after the first 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first
“run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however,
compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pres-
sure on the brake pedal.
This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future
date.
During the running-in period, you should avoid excessive stresses on the
brakes. This includes, for example, violent braking, particularly from very
high speeds, and also when crossing mountain passes.
Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic
converter) is of major significance for driving your vehicle
in an environmentally conscious way.
Please refer to the following guidelines:
– Always fill the fuel tank with unleaded petrol ⇒page 198,
“Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒page 207,
“Replenishing engine oil”. – Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50
metres ⇒page 239, “Tow-starting a vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not avail-
able, you must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the
vehicle into a country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory.
Caution
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic converter should never be allowed to let
the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result
in poor ignition or misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter.
•Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the cata-
lytic converter being destroyed.
•If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine
running when driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the
vehicle inspected by the nearest Škoda dealer. The symptoms described
may be caused by a fault in the ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into
the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
WARNING
•In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the
catalytic converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way
that the catalytic converter cannot come into contact with easily
flammable materials below the vehicle - a risk of fire!
•Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-
protection agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or
heat shields. Such substances might ignite when driving - risk of
fire!

Driving and the Environment179
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Driving in an economical and
environmentally conscious manner
General
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-
and-tear to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three
factors:
•your personal style of driving
•the conditions under which your vehicle is operated
•technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 0 - 15 percent by driving in
an economical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you
with a number of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same
time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which
are beyond the driver'scontrol. It is, for example, normal for the fuel
consumption to increase in winter and under worsened conditions such as
poor road conditions, towing a trailer, etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of
the vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special
attention has been given to minimising negative effects on the environ-
ment. It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in
order to make best use of these characteristics and to maintain their
effectiveness.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight
you will not need to brake so often and will also then not have to accel-
erate so much. Let your vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is
possible, when you see that the next set of traffic lights is at red.
Shifting gears and saving energy
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox
– Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear. Shift up into the next higher gear at about 2 000 revs.
Fig. 147 Fuel
consumption in
litres/100 km. and
speed in km/h.

Towing a trailer185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒
page 220. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that
they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam
adjuster ⇒page 58.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing
device. It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 186.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between
service intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling
and decoupling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.
– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and
the trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid
driving with this combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies
for countries in which higher speeds are allowed.
The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination
reduces with increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed
should not be used when there are unfavourable road, weather or wind
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediately as soon as you detect
even just the slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to
stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake,
apply the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts
resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time

Towing a trailer
186
before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a
brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to
negotiate a lengthy downhill stretch in a low gear at a high engine speed
when the outside temperature is very high ⇒page 14. If the needle of the
coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even the red
area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluster begins flashing.
Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle ⇒page 208.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 31.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down
a gear and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan
speed is independent of the engine speed. One should also not drop a
gear for this reason when towing a trailer as long as the engine can
manage the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*
The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in the spare
wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and removal of the ball head of the
towing device is supplied with the ball head
Note
•Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any
other components on the towing device.
WARNING
•Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball
head. This might result in damage to the locking mechanism to the
extent that the safety of the towing device is no longer assured -
risk of an accident.
Fig. 150 Detachable
ball head

Care and cleaning
190
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be
washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem.
The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends
greatly on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water
and the type of washing and care products used. If the paintwork of your
vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this
out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash
plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in such
a plant other than the usual precautionary measures (closing windows
and sliding/tilting roof, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against
the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fitted to your car - such as spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the
operator of the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after
passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof aerial tight before washing the
vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash system - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as
thoroughly as possible before washing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge,
washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from
the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure
on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only use a shampoo for stub-
born dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for
such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a
chamois leather.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose
- risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar
cleaning products - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
WARNING
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the
brake system can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your
vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts
when you are cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel hous-
ings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.

Care and cleaning193
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
of the seals and prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the
doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in
cold winter weather.
Locks
We recommend that you use Genuine Škoda Spray with regreasing and
anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets
into the locks.
Wheels
Steel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving
your vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road
salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abra-
sion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleaner. Touch up any
damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their
decorative appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to
remove any road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two
weeks, otherwise the surface will suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat
the wheels with a protective product for light alloy wheels which does not
contain any acidic components. You should provide the wheel hubs with
a hard wax layer every three months. You must not use any products
which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the
paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from the range of accessories
offered by your Skoda dealer.
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance.
This may show itself in the form of wheel vibration which is transmitted to
the steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature
wear of the steering. It is therefore important to clean dirty wheels.
Underbody protection
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and
mechanical influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the
protective layer
when driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on
the underside of your vehicle and on the chassis at certain intervals - this
is best done at the beginning and end of the winter - and to touch up any
damaged areas.
Škoda dealers have suitable spray products available as well as the
necessary equipment and are familiar with the instructions for its use. It is
therefore best to have such touch-up work or additional corrosion protec-
tion measures carried out by a Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice
and road salt may adversely affect braking efficiency - risk of an
accident!

Inspecting and Replenishing
210
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system.
It should be collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental
protection regulations.
The radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled by a thermo-
stat according to the coolant temperature.
After the engine is switched off, the radiator fan may continue running for
up to 10 minutes - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on
suddenly after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat
or
•the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong
sunlight.
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
You can also see the location of the brake fluid reservoir in the
engine compartment from the general view of the engine
compartment ⇒page 204. The brake fluid reservoir on right-
hand steering models is positioned on the other side of the
engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
WARNING (continued)
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to
your health. Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are
also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always
safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the
reach of children - risk of poisoning.
•If any splashes of coolant get into your eyes, rinse out your
eyes immediately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as
possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have
inadvertently swallowed coolant.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compart-
ment that the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Fig. 158 Engine
compartment: Brake
fluid reservoir

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.