2006 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Inspecting and Replenishing208
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions ⇒ stated below and with the general applicable rules of safety.
WARNING
•The battery acid is strongly corros ive and must, therefore, be handled with the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and creates deep wounds after contact with the skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflamma-tions, ulcers, slin cracks). Acids coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant development of heat.
•Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the battery vent openings . Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There is the danger of suffer ing blindness! If any battery electro- lyte gets into your eye, rinse out yo ur eye immediately with clear water for several minutes. Contact a doctor without delay.
•S pl a she s of ac id o n yo ur s ki n or clo the s sho uld be ne u tra li se d a s s oo n as possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a doctor immediately if you swallow battery electrolyte.
•Keep batteries out of the reach of children.
•Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explo- sive gas mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through spar-kling over during unclamping or loos ening of the cable plug while the ignition is on.
•Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects, cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explosion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
•It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks
when working with cables and electric al devices. Strong sparking repre- sents a risk of injury.
•Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the negative cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off the appropriate light.
•Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
•Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immedi- ately replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•You must only disconnect the battery if the ignition is switched off, other- wise the electrical system (electroni c components) of the vehicle may be damaged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first disconnect th e negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive terminal (+).
•When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no account connect the cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.
•Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the vehicle body otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
•Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the environ- ment - we recommend that you contact your Škoda Service Partner regarding disposing of the battery.
WARNING (continued)
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 208 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Inspecting and Replenishing209
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Note
•Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒page 210, “Disconnecting and recon- necting the battery”, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a charge level in dicator, the so-called magic
eye*
There is a so-called magic eye ⇒fig. 149 located on the top of the battery. The “magic eye” changes its colour in line with the charge state of and electrolyte level in the battery.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the “magic eye”. For this reason carefully knock on the “magic eye” before carrying out the check.
•Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.
•Dark colour - the battery has to be charged
•Colourless or yellow colour - we recommend you have the battery checked by a Škoda Service Partner.
Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you have the electrolyte level inspected and adjusted to the correct level or the battery replaced if necessary by a Škoda Service Partner.
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.g. control units) also in idle state. You can prevent the discharging of the battery by disconnecting the negative terminal or charging the battery constantly with a very low charging current. Please also refer to the notes when working on the battery ⇒page 207, “Working on the battery”.
Inspecting the electrolyte level
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating condi- tions. We do, however, recommend th at you have the electrolyte level inspected from time to time by a Škod a Service Partner when outside tempera- tures are high or when driving on long trips. You should also check the electro- lyte level ⇒page 210 each time the battery is charged.
The battery acid level will also be chec ked as part of the Inspection Service.
Operation in winter
The battery has to provide greater amounts of electricity during the winter. It also has only part of the initial power ou tput at low temperatures that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freez e at temperatures just below 0°C.
Fig. 149 Battery with a charge level indicator
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 209 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Inspecting and Replenishing210
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a Škoda Service Partner before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.
Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the
engine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on
page 207 and ⇒.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of
all “negative”, then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery
terminals (red = “positive”, black = “negative”).
– You can now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power
socket and switch on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch the charger off and unplug the
mains cable from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the
charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then
“negative”).
It is not normally necessary to disco nnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the battery using low am perages (as for example from a mini- charger ). Please also refer to the instructions from the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 of the total ba ttery capacity (or lower) is that which should be used until fu ll charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” a battery is dangerous ⇒ in “Working on the battery” on page 207. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We there- fore recommend that you have your battery quick-charged only by your Škoda Service Partner.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C ⇒. We recommend that you no longer use a battery which has thawed out because the casing of the battery may be cracke d through the formation of ice and this would allow battery electrolyte to flow out.
The vent plugs of the battery shou ld not be opened for charging.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic burns! Replace a frozen battery.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 210 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Inspecting and Replenishing211
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a Škoda Service Partner to ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing the battery
You should only replace a battery with a new battery of the same capacity, voltage (12 V), amperage and of the same size. Škoda Service Partners have a range of suitable batteries available.
We recommend that you only have an ol d battery disposed of by your Škoda Service Partner since it does require special disposal.
For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances su ch as sulphuric acid and lead. They must be disposed of in accordance with local environmental protection regula- tions and on no account as domestic waste.
Windshield washer system
The windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the headlamp clea ning system*. The reservoir is located in the front left of the engine compartment ⇒fig. 150.
The filling level of the container is 2 litres, 5.5 litres on vehicles which also have a headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensiv ely clean the windscreen and headlights. We therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from Škoda genuine accessories (i n winter additionally with antifreeze) which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleaning water in winter even if your vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles*.
It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits
OperationOperating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)⇒ page 52
Enter radio code numbersee Radio Operating Instruc- tions
Set hours⇒ page 17
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are deleted.⇒ page 17
Fig. 150 Engine compartment: Wind-shield washer fluid reser-voir
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 211 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Inspecting and Replenishing212
must not be more than 15 %. Please note, however, that the antifreeze protec- tion at this concentration is only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the windscreen washer fluid.
•If the vehicle is fitted with headlight cleaning system, you should only add cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the head- lights to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your specialist garage, who will tell you which clea ning agent you can use.
Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it up again with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation system and can lead to faults in operation of the windscreen wash system.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 212 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Wheels and Tyres213
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General comments
•New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving. You will also profit from longer tyre life.
•The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the configuration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufac- turer).
•Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and, where possible, at a right angles in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
•Inspect your tyres from time to time for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and bulges). Remove foreign bodi es from the tyre profile.
•Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently not visible. Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage. Please reduce your speed immediately an d stop if you suspect that a wheel is damaged. Inspect the tyres for signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.) If no visible damage is present, please drive at an appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.
•Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•Immediately replace any dust caps of the valves which have got lost.
•Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of running can be maintained when mounted them again.
•Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are fitted on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning th e use of unidirectional tyres ⇒page 218.
WARNING
•New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!
•Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 213 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Wheels and Tyres214
Ty re l i fe
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insuffi- ciently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at high speeds . It is therefore good to check the pressure at least once a month and also before setting off on a long trip. Pl ease do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyres.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 151. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒page 217.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times.
Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accord- ingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and br aking (squealing tyres) increase wear- and-tear on your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt through vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced since any imbalance increases wear- and-tear on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebal- anced when a new tyre is fitted an d each time a tyre is repaired.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and- tear on the tyres but will also has an ad verse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your specialist garage if yo u notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
•If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
•Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Fig. 151 An opened fuel filler flap with the tyre inflation pressure table
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 214 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM

Wheels and Tyres215
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed at right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8 points depending on th e make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre ⇒fig. 152. Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the posi-tion of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the wear indicators, means that your ty res have reached their legally permis- sible minimum tread depth.
WARNING
•You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the wear indicators have been wo rn down. The legally permissible minimum tread depth should be observed.
•Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning”
(uncontrolled movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing the front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over “crosswise” when certain types of wear characteristic aris e on the running surface of the tyres (but not in the case of unidirectional tyres). Škoda Se rvice Partners can provide you with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.
New tyres and wheels
Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use the tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by Škoda Auto. They are exactly matched to the vehicle type an d therefore contribute significantly to good road holding and safe driving characteristics ⇒.
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference) and, if possible, the same tread pattern on one axle.
Škoda Service Partners have access to the most current information about which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relating to tyres or wheels carried out by your Škoda Service Partner. Your dealer has all of the necessary special
Fig. 152 Tyre tread with wear indicators
WARNING (continued)
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 215 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM