2004 SKODA FABIA service interval

Driving and the Environment161
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
You should avoid fully exploiting the top speed of your vehicle wherever
possible. Fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises
increase disproportionally at high speeds.
The
⇒page 160, fig. 129 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the
speed of your vehicle. You will cut your fuel consumption by half if you only
make use three-quarters of the possible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
It is worthwhile switching off the engine in a traffic jam or when waiting at
a level crossing or at traffic lights with a lengthy red phase. Even after just
30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when
you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal
operating temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though,
are particularly high in the warming-up phase. This is why you should
drive off right after starting the engine. Do avoid high engine revolutions at
this time, however.
Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine consumes an unnecessarily high
amount of fuel.
Having your vehicle serviced regularly at a Škoda Dealer enables you to
satisfy one of the requirements for economical motoring even before you
set off on your journey. Keeping your vehicle properly serviced not only
has a positive effect on the safety of your vehicle and maintaining its
value, but also saves on fuel. A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10%
higher than normal.
The foreseen maintenance work should be undertaken exactly according
to the Service schedule by a Škoda dealer.
Also check the oil level
after refueling. Oil consumption is dependent to
a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consump-
tion could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of
driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first,
and reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. It is there-
fore not possible to correctly assess the oil consumption of a new vehicle
until after you have driven about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
•You can achieve additional improvements in your fuel economy by
using high-lubricity oils.
•Check the ground below your car at regular intervals to detect any
leakages in good time. Please have your vehicle inspected by a Škoda
dealer if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the floor.

Towing a trailer
166
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are
located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them
slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒ page 200. 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 56.
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 167.
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

Inspecting and Replenishing185
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points
Fig. 137 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/47 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol
and diesel engines is practically identical.
Engine oil
Engine oil specifications
The grade of engine oil should be selected in accordance
with precise specifications.
The engine of your vehicle has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil
which you can use throughout the year - except in extreme climatic
regions.
You can mix various oils together with each other when refilling with oil.
This does not, however, apply for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1).
Engine oils are, of course, undergoing continuous further development.
Thus the information stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the
time of publication.
Škoda dealers are informed by Škoda Auto about current changes. This
why you should always have engine oil changed by your Škoda dealer.
Engine oil specifications for vehicles with fixed service intervals
(QG0, QG2)
A1189
A2197
A3187
A4186
A5191
A6193
DenominationPetrol engineDiesel engine
Multigrade high-
lubricity oilsVW 500 00
VW 502 00VW 505 01
VW 505 00 a)
a)This does not apply for PDi engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
- see Technical Data.
Multigrade oilsVW 501 01
ACEA A2 b) or A3 b)
b)Only to be used in exceptional cases if the oils specified above are not available.
ACEA B3 b) or B4 b)

Inspecting and Replenishing
186
Engine oil specifications for models with flexible service intervals
(QG1)
Caution
Only the above-mentioned oils may be used on vehicles with flexible
service intervals (QG1). We recommend always refilling with oil of the
same specification since this will maintain the properties of the oil. In
exceptional cases, you must top up only once engine oil complying with
Specification VW 502 00 (only for petrol engines) or Specification VW 505
01 (only for diesel engines) to maximum 0.5 litres. You must not use other
engine oils - risk of engine damage!
Note
•Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with
you engine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.
Consequently, you will always have the correct engine oil for refilling.
•We recommend using a preservative from the Škoda original accesso-
ries offered by your Škoda dealer.
•For further information - see Service Schedule.
Inspecting the engine oil level
The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Engine oil specifications
Petrol enginesVW 503 00
Diesel enginesVW 506 01
VW 506 00 a)
a)This does not apply for PDi engines (a unit injection engine). Further information
- see Technical Data.
Fig. 138 Oil dipstick on
the 1.4 litre/74 kW
engine.
Fig. 139 Oil dipstick on
the 1.2 litre/40 kW
engine.

Inspecting and Replenishing
188
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
•Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up
will oil - a risk of fire!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 183, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account go beyond the range ⇒page 186. 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 15.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required
professional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 183, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil
splashes.
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of chil-
dren and unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine
damage! Damage, which results from such product, are excluded from the
warranty.
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.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash
your skin.
Ac
WARNING (continued)

Index243
Safety instructions
Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
fasten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Selector lever positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Service Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Setting temperature Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Stability programme (ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Starting engine Petrol engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Diesel engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Steering force assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Storage compartment Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Storage compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Storage facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Sun visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Switch on the driver's door Power windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Switching lights on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Switching off the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
T
Taking care of your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
TCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Temperature Outside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
The automatic wiper/washer system . . . . . . . 61
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29, 193 changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Inspecting the electrolyte level . . . . . . . . 195
Operation in winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
The electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . 31, 39
The outside temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
The radiator fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 The roof luggage rack system . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Thickness of brake pads
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Towing a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Towing eye at the front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
at the rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Tow-starting a vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Traction control system (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 General Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Transporting children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Tread depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Turn signal lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Turn signal system for vehicles towing a trailer Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Turn signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Two-way radio systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Type plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Winter tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204