2003 SKODA SUPERB brake

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.

Wheels and Tyres
224
correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that
the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an
adequate flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
Škoda dealers are instructed in the technical possibilities which exist
regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trim.
The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on
wintry roads and at temperatures below 7 °C if you fit winter tyres.
Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice and snow because of their
construction (width, rubber blend, tread pattern). This applies in particular
to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres (code index V, W or Y on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best
handling characteristics.
Only use radial winter tyres.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your
vehicle. The permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle
documents. Approvals may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 0.2 bar more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒page 220.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre
tread has worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance
properties - even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly
more than 4 mm. Speed restrictions
apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres
⇒ .
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 219.
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 fo r 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 - 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.
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.

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!

Breakdown assistance
238
Tow-starting and towing vehicle
General
Please pay attention to the following instructions if you are going
to use a tow rope:
Driver of the towing vehicle
– Do not drive off until the tow rope is taught.
– Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelerator particularly gently if your vehicle is
fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Driver of th e towed vehicle
– Switch the ignition on so that the steering wheel is not blocked and you can also operate the turn signal lights, the headlight
flasher, the windscreen wipers and windscreen washer
system.
– Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require significantly greater
physical force to depress the brake pedal and to steer the
vehicle if the engine is not running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught.
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar is safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimizes any
shocks. You can use a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only
use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the towing eyes provided for
this purpose ⇒ page 239, “Towing eye” and ⇒page 239, “Rear towing
eye”.
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain amount of practice. Both drivers
should be familiar with the particular points about towing a vehicle.
Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow-start or tow in another vehicle.
One should be constantly vigilant not to allow impermissibly high towing
forces or jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and
damage resulting at the points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar
when you attempt to tow a vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a
defect, your vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised
clear of the ground, or on a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
Note
Please comply with any legal requirements particularly regarding the
switched on signal systems, when towing in or tow-starting another
vehicle.

Fuses and light bulbs
242
Caution
•Never attempt to “repair” fuses and also do not replace them with a
fuse of a higher amperage - risk of fire! This may also cause damage at
another part of the electrical system.
•Have the electrical system checked as quickly as possible by a Škoda
dealer if a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time.
Fuse assignment
Certain electrical components are only standard on certain vehicle model
versions or only suppliable as optional equipment for certain models.
Fig. 183 Schematic
representation of fuse
carrier
No.Amperes
1Heatable windscreen washing nozzles5
2Turn signals10
3Not assigned
4Licence plate light5
5
Instrument cluster - warning lights, seat heaters, cruise
control system, exterior mirror adjustment, lighting of
controls and switches, outside temperature display, air
conditioning, audible parking aid, navigation system,
multifunction steering wheel
10
6Heating of the external mirror5
7ABS, EDS, ASR, ESP, cruise control system, engine
electronics10
8Automatic headlight beam adjustment5
9Parking aid5
10CD changer, mobile phone, multifunction steering
wheel5
11Electrically adjustable seats5
12Power supply for diagnostic socket10
13Brake lights10
14Central locking control unit, interior lighting10
15Instrument cluster, air conditioning, automatic gearbox,
exterior mirror adjustment memory and navigation sys-
tem10
16ESP5
17Two-way radio system, special vehicles (police etc.)10

Fuses and light bulbs
244
removed in order to change the light bulbs. This applies, in particular, to
bulbs which can only be reached from the engine compartment.
We therefore recommend that you have any bulbs changed by a Škoda
dealer or, in exceptional cases, by calling on other professional assist-
ance.
Please note that the engine compartment is a hazardous area
⇒ page 203, “Working in the engine compartment”.
We recommend that you carry the set of light bulbs with you which was
delivered in your vehicle. Replacement light bulbs
5) are available at
Škoda dealers.
Fitted with a xenon headlight
Change of light bulbs on Xenon lights (low beam lights, parking lights and
main beam lights) should be undertaken by a Skoda dealer.
Overview of bulbs
5)Replacement light bulbs are, on the other hand, part of the basic equipping of the
vehicle in some countries.
Front headlightHalogen headlightXenon headlight
Low beamH7D2S
Main beamH3D2S, H3
Parking lightsW5WHW5W
Turn signalsPY21WPY21W
Fog lightsH3H3
Rear light unitBulb
Reversing lightP21W
Turn signal lightPY21W
Brake lightsP21W
Side light and rear fog lightP21/4W
Others
Side turn signal lightsWY5W
Licence plate lightC5W
3. Brake lightLED
Interior light4x W5W
Reading light12 V/3.8 W or C5W
Luggage compartment lightW5W
Entry lightW5W
Storage compartment light - front
passenger sideC3W
Interior mirror lightC5W
Footwell lightW5W
WARNING
•Bulbs H7 and H3 are pressurised and may burst when changing
the bulb - risk of injury!
•It is recommended to wear gloves and eye protection when
changing a light bulb.
•Gas discharge bulbs* (xenon bu lbs) operate with a high
voltage, professional knowledge is required - danger to life!

Index251
Index
A
ABS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Adjusting seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Adjusting front seats manually . . . . . . . . . 69
electrically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Adjusting the steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Deactivating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Front airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Head airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Airbag system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Alcantara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
An overview Cockpit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Antilock Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Antilock brake system (ABS) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Anti-theft alarm system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Auto Check Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Automatic gearbox
5-speed automatic gearbox . . . . . . . . . . 123
Dynamic shift programme . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Emergency programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Kickdown function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Selector lever lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Tiptronic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Automatic seat adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Automatic vehicle wash systems . . . . . . . . . 190
Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . 178
B
Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Bonnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Boot lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Brake Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Brake pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Brake system Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Bulbs Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Button on the driver's door
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
C
Car jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228, 233
CargoFlex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
CargoFlex folding box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Opening a single door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Unlocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Changing oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Changing wheels around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Chassis number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Child safety locks rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Child safety seats ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166