Contents6
Head airbags* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transporting children safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What you should know about transporting children! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system* Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system
Driving Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . . Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Antilock brake system (ABS)* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrohydraulic power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards . . Catalytic converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driving in an economical and environmentally conscious manner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Avoiding damage to your vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Towing a trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your ve hicle and cleaning the vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of the exterior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and Replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . . Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First-aid box* and Warning triangle* . . . . . . . . . . . Fire extinguisher* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tyre repair kit* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spare wheel* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jump-starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tow-starting and towing vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identification data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
150 152
155
155 159163164
165
165 165 168169169170170171
173 173 174
175 179179180
181 181
185
185 185 185191
193 193 193195
197 197 200203206207211
213 213
220 220 220
221
221 221 221222222223223229231
235 235 239
247
247 247
249
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 6 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
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.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 182 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 Tyres216
tools and replacement parts available plus the required specialist knowledge and is also in a position to properly di spose of the old tyres. A large number of Škoda Service Partners also have an attractive range of tyres and wheels avail-able.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are ap proved for your vehicle are indicated in your vehicle documents. Approval an d licensing may differ according to the legislation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct type of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
185 / 65 R 14 86 T
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
The date of manufacture is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside of wheel):
DOT ... 05 06...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the th week of the year 2006.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres) should only be used only for a short time in the event of a puncture and when adopting an appr opriately cautious style of driving. It should be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
•Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your model of Škoda Auto a.s. vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval and licencing of your vehicl e on public roads may also become void as a result.
•You must on no account drive at a higher speed than is permissible for your tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over your vehicle.
•Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in excep- tional cases and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
•Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be
185Tyre wi dt h i n mm
65Height/width ratio in %
RCode letter for the type of tyre - Radial
14Diameter of wheel in inches
86Load index
TSpeed symbol
Speed symbolPermissible maximum speed
Q160 km/h
R170 km/h
S180 km/h
T190 km/h
H210 km/h
V240 km/h
W270 km/h
Speed symbolPermissible maximum speed
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 216 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
5
Wheels and Tyres218
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance prop- erties - even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4 mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒ page 215, ⇒.
You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres, even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corre- sponding tyre category can damage th e tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres ⇒page 213.
You can also fit so-called “all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear who will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed for your tyres.
WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over your car.
For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar temperatures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced.
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.
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 aqua- planing.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spar e wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please adopt a cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Please refer to the notes ⇒page 223, “Spare wheel*”.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the correct direction of rotation on all tyres
Snow chains
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissi ble to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations:
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 218 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
Breakdown assistance222
Note
•The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal require- ments.
•Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin- guisher is used after the expiration da te, its proper function is no longer assured.
•The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of delivery.
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack ar e stored in a locable plastic box in the spare wheel ⇒fig. 154. There is also space here for the removable ball for the trailer towing device.
The vehicle tool kit contains the foll owing parts (depending on equipment fitted):
•Torx wrench,
•Wheel wrench,
•Hook for pulling off a full wheel trim,
•To w i n g e y e ,
•Adapter for the wheel bolts lock.
After using the lifting jack, screw in the arm of the lifting jack fully before placing it back in its stowage area.
WARNING
•The hexagon socket in the handle of the screwdriver should only be used to fit on the wheel bolts. Neve r use the hexagon socket of the screw- driver for tightening the wheel bolt s because you will not be able to achieve the necessary tightening torque with the hexagon socket - risk of accident!
•The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle. On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk of injury!
•Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compartment.
Tyre repair kit*
The tyre repair kit is intended for the repair of minor tyre defects. The tyre repair kit contains a compressor, inflation bottle, operating instructions and accesso-ries.
Fig. 154 Luggage compartment: Storage compartment for vehicle too kit
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 222 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
Breakdown assistance223
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent repair on the tyre, this repair only serves to reach the next workshop. The repair can be undertaken on th e vehicle immediately. Please read the attached instructions carefully before the repair.
The tyre repair kit is locate d in the luggage compartment.
Spare wheel*
The spare wheel is stowed in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment belo w the floor covering.
The spare wheel lies in a well under the luggage compartment floor and is fixed in place along with the vehicle tool kit box using special screws ⇒fig. 155.
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when gener- ally checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap ⇒page 195) to ensure that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Unidirectional tyres*
If you have such tyres on your vehi cle, please refer to the notes below:
•The spare wheel provided with a car fitted with unidirectional tyres has different dimensions. The wheel is provided with a warning sticker.
•After fitting on the wheel, the warning sticker must not be concealed (e.g. by the wheel trim).
•Do not drive with this spare wheel at more than 80 km/h - risk of accident. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
•The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pres- sure of the standard tyres.
•Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not intended for co ntinuous use.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
The following steps should be carried out before actually changing the
wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far away as
possible from the traffic flow. The place you choose should be
level .
– Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the occu-
pants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (e.g. behind a
crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
Fig. 155 Luggage compartment: Spare wheel
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 223 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM
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.
NKO A05Fabia 20.book Page 224 Tuesday, September 26, 2006 8:38 AM