
Intelligent Technology169
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
•When retrospectively mounting a front spoiler, solid wheel hubs etc. one must ensure that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced otherwise the braking system could run too hot.
•Allow for the fact that new brake pads do not achieve their full braking efficiency until approximat ely 200 kilometres. New brake pads must be first “run in” before they develop their optimal friction force. You can, however, compensate for this slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pe dal. This guideline also applies to any new brake pads installed at a future date.
Caution
•Never allow the brakes to rub by applying slight pressure if you do not wish to brake the vehicle. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.
•Before negotiating a steep downhill section, please reduce your speed and shift down into the next lower gear (ma nual gearbox) or select a lower driving stage (automatic gearbox). This enables you to make full use of the braking power of the vehicle and reduces the st rain on the brakes. Any additional braking should be done intermittently, not continuously.
Brake booster
The brake booster boosts the pressure which you generate with the brake pedal. The necessary pressure is only gene rated when the engine is running.
WARNING
•Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary.
•The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physical effort for braking is required when engine is switched off. Because if you do not stop as normal, this can cause an accident and severe injuries.
Antilock brake system (ABS)*
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhanc ing the active safety of your vehicle. Compared to a car not fitted with the AB S brake system, you are able to retain optimal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road surface because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be longer.
Operating principle
As soon as the vehicle speed has incr eased to about 20 km/hour an automatic test procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise for about 1 second.
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which is too low for the speed of the ve hicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is noticeable from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied by noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information that the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the brake pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally
WARNING (continued)WARNING (continued)
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Intelligent Technology171
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The steering characteristics can be changed by a specialist garage.
You will place great stresses on the power steering system if the steering is turne d to full lock when the v ehi cl e i s s ta ti onar y. Turning the stee ri ng to full lock in such a situation will be accompanied by noises.
It is still possible to fully steer the vehi cle if the power steering fails or if the engine is not running (veh icle being towed in). The only difference is that greater physical effort is required.
It is possible that the hydraulic pump of the power steering will not run due to the low vehicle network voltage if the batte ry has gone flat and the engine must started with the help off jump leads. This condition will be indicated by lighting up of the warning light.
The power steering operates again if the battery is charged to a specific range when engine is running. It also operates again, if the engine can be started with its own battery.
Caution
Do not leave the steering at full lock for more than 15 seconds when the engine is running - risk of dama ging the power steering!
Note
Have the steering inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage if there is a leak or fault in the system.
Tyre inflation pressure-control system*
The tyre inflation pressure-control system compares with the aid of the ABS sensors the speed and also the rolling ci rcumference of the individual wheels. If the inflation pressure and therefore the rolling circumference of a wheel has changed significantly, the warning light lights up in the dash panel ⇒ page 33. The tyre inflation pressure-control system functions late or too sensitively if:
•the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•the vehicle is loaded to one side or with a load on the roof,
•the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when driving uphill or downhill),
•the vehicle is operated in unfavourable winter conditions or on an unfirm ground,
•snow chains or emergency wheel are mounted,
•the driver has a sporty style of driving (with sharp acceleration and high speed when cornering).
Fig. 135 Button for setting the tyre inflation pressure control value
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Towing a trailer182
Exterior mirrors
You have to have addi tional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior 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 headlights. Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster ⇒ page 59.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles with towing device and suppliable from Škoda original accessories. It is stowed together with separate fitting instruc- tions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Note
•We recommend that you also have yo ur 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.
•Keep the mechanism of the ball head of the towing device clean and take proper care of it with a suitable preservative.
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 lega l 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, weat her or wind conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
You must always reduce your speed imme diately 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 and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temper- ature is very high ⇒page 14.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle186
WARNING
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system can affect the braking ef ficiency - risk of accident!
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed normally in automa tic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, however, depends primarily on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of the water and the type of washing and care products used. If th e paintwork of your vehicle appears mat after being washed or even has scratches, point this out to the operator of the vehicle wash plant. Use a different vehicle wash plant, if necessary.
There are no particular points to note before washing your vehicle in such a plant other than the usual precautionar y measures (closing windows, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fi tted to your car - such as spoiler, roof rack system, two-way radio aerial - it is be st to first of all consult the operator of the car wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing through the automatic vehicle wash system.
Caution
Do not screw the swivelling down roof ae rial tight before washing the vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash system - risk of damage!
Washing vehicle by hand
It is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thor- oughly as possible before wa shing your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or a washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - beginning with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during cl eaning Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
•The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle - risk of accident!
•Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are cleaning the underfloor, the in side of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicl e in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
•Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locks or at the door and panel joints if you spray your vehicle in winter down with a hose - risk of freezing.
•Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning products - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle189
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products - risk of damage to the plastic lenses Please use soap and clean warm water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the plastic lenses, this may result in da mage to the protective paintwork and consequently in formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.
Door and window seals
The rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and last longer if you trea t them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with a silicone-free oil in the spray). You also avoid premature wear of the seals and prevent leakages in this way. It is also easier to open the doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Locks
We recommend that you use the spray fr om Škoda original accessories with regreasing and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locks.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the locks.
Wheels
Steel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your vehicle its regular wash. This prevents an y brake dust, dirt and road salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remo ve stubborn brake abrasion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleane r. Touch up any damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is necessary in order to retain their decorative appearance over long periods. It is particularly important to remove any road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two weeks, otherwise the surface will suffer. Wash thoroughly and th en treat the wheels with a protective product for light alloy wheels which does not contain any acidic components. You should provide the wheel hubs with a hard wax layer every three months. You must not use any products which ca use abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative fr om Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wheels that moisture, ice and road salt may adversely affect brakin g efficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may show itself in the form of a wheel vibrat ion which is transmitted to the steering wheel which, in certain circumstance s, can cause premature wear of the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle192
– Apply only a small amount of the care product.
– Dry the leather off with a soft cloth
We recommend that you consult your Šk oda Service Partner, if you have any questions regarding cleaning and care of the leather interior.
Caution
•You must on no account treat the le ather with solvents (e.g. gasoline, turpentine), floor wax, shoe cream or such like.
•Avoid leaving your vehicle for lengthy pe riods in bright sunlight in order to avoid bleaching the leather. If you leav e your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the leather from the direct rays of the sun by covering it over.
•Sharp-edged objects on items of clothi ng such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-edged belts may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the surface.
Note
•Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect regularly and each time after cleaning the leather. Th e cream nourishes the leather, allows it to breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface protection.
•Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove fresh soiling each time this occurs.
•Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe cream etc., as quickly as possible.
•Care also for the leather dye. Refreshe n areas which have lost their colour with a special coloured leather cream as required.
Seat belts
– Keep the seat belts clean!
– Wash seat belts which have become soiled using a mild soapy
solution.
– Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condi-
tion.
Belt webbing which has become severely soiled may prevent the inertia reel from reeling up the belt properly.
WARNING
•The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
•Never clean the seat belts chemically as dry cleaning may destroy the fabric. The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into contact with corrosive liquids (such as acids etc.).
•We recommend that seat belts which have damage to the webbing, the connections, the inertia reel or the lock should be replaced by a Škoda Service Partner.
•Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up.
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Fuel195
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Refuelling
Opening the fuel filler cap
– Open the fuel filler flap with the hand ⇒fig. 139.
– Unlock the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube to the left using the
vehicle key.
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler
cap from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 140.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– Lock the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube to the right using the
vehicle key.
– Press the fuel tank flap closed.
The correct grades of fuel for your vehicl e are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 193.
The fuel tank has a capa city of about 55 litres.
WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare canister in the vehicle. We do not recommend ca rrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.
Caution
•Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle immediately - risk of paint damage!
•Vehicles fitted with cata lytic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel tank to run completely empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the engine can result in misfiring and unburnt fuel ma y get into the exhaust system, which may result in overheating and dama ge to the catalytic converter.
Fig. 139 Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel filler flap
Fig. 140 Filler flap with cap unscrewed
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Inspecting and Replenishing197
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever on the left below the dash panel
⇒ fig. 141.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.
Opening and closing the bonnet.
Fig. 141 Bonnet release lever
Fig. 142 Radiator grille: Fuse
Fig. 143 Securing the bonnet with the bonnet support
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