Inspecting and Replenishing202
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate ⇒page 31 whether the oil level is too low. 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 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•Always check the oil level on vehicles with engine 1.2 l/47 kW when the engine is warm. Otherwise the measuring result is incorrect und oil could be incorrectly replenished - risk of engine damage!
•The oil level must on no account ex tend 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 the engine off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
Replenishing engine oil
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 201.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒page 200,
“Engine oil specifications”.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒page 201.
– 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 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before work ing in the engine compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account be above the range ⇒page 201. Oil will otherwise be drawn in through the cran kcase 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 profes- sional knowledge!
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before work ing in the engine compartment.
•Let the engine cool down - risk of burning from hot oil.
•Wear an eye protection - risk of caustic burns due to oil splashes.
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Inspecting and Replenishing203
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•Oil is toxic! Store old oil in a safe place out of the reach of children and unauthorized persons until you dispose of it properly.
Caution
You must not pour any additives into th e 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 mate- rial, equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you have the oil and oil filter change ca rried out by your Škoda Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash your skin.
Cooling system
Coolant
The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require an y maintenance under normal operating conditions. The coolan t consists of water with a concentration of coolant addi- tive of 40 %. This mixture not only provid es antifreeze protection down to -25°C but also protects the cooling and heat ing system from corrosion. It also
prevents the formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant by adding water, also not duri ng the summer months or in countries with a warm climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40%.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentra- tion of antifreeze is necessary for clim atic reasons but only up to 60% (anti- freeze protection down to approx. -40° C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to co untries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland) are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protec-tion down to about -35°C. In these countries the concentration of coolant addi- tive should be at least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is filled at the works with coolant (purple in colour), which complies with the specification TL-VW 774 F.
We recommend that you use the antifreeze agent - G12 PLUS (purple in colour).
We recommend that you contact your Šk oda Service Partner if you have any questions regarding the coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
Your Škoda Service Partner can also supp ly you with the correct coolant addi- tives.
Caution
•Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in particular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
•Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and, as a consequence of th is, result in major engine damage.
WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and Replenishing204
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment”
on page 198.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ fig. 146. The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie
between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. The level may also
rise slightly above the “MAX” ma rking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light in the instrument cluster ⇒page 30. We nevertheless recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expansion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of overheating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over- heating itself cannot be determined an d removed, since there may be grave damage to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant
– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
⇒ fig. 146 and unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left
⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
Fig. 146 Engine compartment: Coolant expansion bottle
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Inspecting and Replenishing206
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compart-
ment. The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is posi-
tioned on the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in “Working in the engine compartment”
on page 198.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒fig. 147. The level
must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear and automatic adjustment of the br ake 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 flui d level is too low is indicated by the warning light lighting up in th e instrument cluster ⇒page 34. In this case stop the car immediately and do not drive any further! Contact a Škoda Dealer to obtain professional assistance.
WARNING
•Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 198, “Working in the engine compartment” before work ing in the engine compartment.
•If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain profes- sional assistance.
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 syst em. 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 Škoda Auto a.s. The specifica- tion for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”.
We recommend that you have th e brake fluid replaced by a Škoda Service Par tner as part of an Inspection Service.
Fig. 147 Engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir
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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.
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Wheels and Tyres217
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
used in exceptional cases and only th en when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least replace them on both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed of in conf ormity with the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from other models of cars for technical reasons. This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same type of vehicle.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time you fit other wheels - e.g. light allo y wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of spherical cap. This is essentia l 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.
The Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities which exist regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trim.
WARNING
•In case of incorrect treatment of th e wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen when the car is moving - risk of accident!
•The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must never be treated with grease or oil.
•If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels is 120 Nm.
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehi cle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber blend, tread pattern). This applie s in particular to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H, V or W on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling characteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter ty re which are approved for your vehicle. The permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Approvals may differ becaus e of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is the case for summer tyres ⇒page 214.
WARNING (continued)
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Accessories, changes and replacement of parts220
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
Accessories and replacement parts
Škoda vehicles have been built according to the latest discoveries in safety engi- neering. Thus one should not change the condition in which the vehicle was delivered from the manufacturer without some thought.
The following guidelines should be observed when a vehicle is to be retrofitted with accessories, have technical changes ma de to it or a part has to be replaced at some time in the future.
•Advise should always be obtained from a Škoda Service Partner before buying any accessories and before making any technical changes ⇒.
•This is particularly the case when accessories are bought in a foreign country.
•Škoda Genuine Accessories which have been released for use and Skoda original parts can be obtained from Šk oda Service Partners. They will install them professionally and correctly.
•All Škoda original accessory which is li sted in the catalogue such as tilting roofs, spoilers, wheels etc. must ha ve an official stamp of approval.
•Radios, aerials and other electrical accessories should only be installed by an authorised workshop.
•The guidelines issued by Škoda Auto a.s. must be observed when making technical changes.
•This is to ensure that no technical damage occurs to the vehicle, that travel- ling and operating safety are maintained and that the chnages are permissible. Škoda Service Partners undertake this wo rk professionally or refer it to an specialist company in special cases.
Any damage which is done caused by technical changes made without consulting a Skoda a.s. dealer is excluded from the guarantee.
WARNING
•We advise you, in your own interest, to only use Škoda Genuine Accessories and Škoda original pa rts which have been expressly approved for use on your Škoda. Reliability, safety and suitabiliity have been established for these Škoda original parts.
•We cannot guarantee suitability of installation into your vehicle of other products despite keeping a constant eye on market developments (also not in the case where there is an attestation or permission can be produced).
Technical changes
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to oper- ational faults. This interfer ence can also impair not directly affected systems because of the networking of the elec tronic components. This means that the operating safety of your vehicle can be considerably jeopardized, a greater wear of vehicle parts can occur and finally th e vehicle registration documents expire.
We trust that you will understand that your Škoda Service Partner cannot be liable for damage resulting from unprofessional work.
We therefore recommend that you have all work carried out with Škoda original parts at your authorised Škoda Service Partners.
WARNING
Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unprofessionally, can cause operatio nal faults - risk of accident!
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Breakdown assistance224
–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 222 out of
the luggage compartment.
WARNING
•If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights system and place the warning tria ngle on the side of the road at the prescribed distance from your vehicl e 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 vehi cle sitting on the raised jack - danger of suffering injury!
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 unexpectedly 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* ⇒page 225 or the caps ⇒page 226.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap
⇒ page 226.
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒page 227.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the
ground ⇒page 227.
– 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 227.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wh eel trim cap or the caps.
Note
•All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
•You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
•When fitting on unidirectional tyres, ensure that the tyres rotate in the correct direction ⇒page 213.
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, you must perform the following steps.
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