2004 SKODA SUPERB service interval

Driving and the Environment187
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 trailer191
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Tyre pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒
page 226. 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 192.
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 Replenishing211
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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
(QG2)
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!
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)
Specification
Petrol enginesVW 503 00
Diesel enginesVW 506 01
VW 506 00 a)
a)Not valid for PDi engine (a unit injector engine) and 6-cylinder diesel engine above
110 kW. Further information - see Technical Data.

Inspecting and Replenishing
212
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.
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 209.
– 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 ⇒fig. 161 .
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 213. 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.
Fig. 161 Dipstick
Aa
Ab
Aa
Ac
Ab
Aa

Inspecting and Replenishing213
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 209, “Working in the
engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger
of damaging the catalytic converter.
•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.
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 212.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 211, “Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 212.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
The location of the engine oil filler opening is shown in the illustration of
the engine compartment ⇒page 210.
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 209, “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 be above the range ⇒page 212,
fig. 161 . 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 16.
WARNING
•Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required
professional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 209, “Working in
the engine compartment” before working in the engine compart-
ment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
Aa
Aa

Index265
Operation in winter
Biodiesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
De-icing windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
The battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Overview of the engine compartment . . . . . 210
P
Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Paint damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Parking aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Parking light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Parking lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Passive Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Petrol engines Starting engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Polishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Power socket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95, 96
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Power windows Central locking system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Operational problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Switch on the driver's door . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Switches in front passenger door and in rear doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
R
Raise vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Rear fog light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Rear seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Rear window heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Rear-view mirror
Exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Interior rear-view mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Recirculated air mode Heating and ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Refrigerator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206 Emergency release of fuel filler flap . . . . 207
Remote control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Synchronisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Replacing fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Replacing windscreen wiper blades . . . . . . . 66
Roof aerial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Running in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
S
Safe distance to steering wheel . . . . . . . . . . 116
Safe securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Safety instructions Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Safety wheel bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Saving electrical energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Seat belt
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Seat belt height adjuster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Seat belt warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Seat belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 Belt tensioners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Blocking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Fasten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Height adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Safety instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
taking off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Seat heaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Selector lever . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Selector lever position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Service Interval Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Service intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Service key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Setting temperature The air conditioning system . . . . . . . . . . 105
Setting the clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Shifting of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Side airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Ski bag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Snow chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Spare wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237