Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 155.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 160
Engine compartment overview 160
Checking the engine oil level 161
Replenishing the engine oil 161
Changing engine oil 162
Coolant 162
Checking the coolant level 163
Replenishing the coolant 163
Radiator fan 164
Checking the brake fluid 164
Changing the brake fluid 164
Windscreen washer system 165
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. £
158 General Maintenance
WARNING (Continued)
■ If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet - risk of an accident!
■ Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■ Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
■ Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
■ Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■ Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running! ■ Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■ When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■ Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
■ If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this - risk of injury!
■ If any inspection work has to be carried out when the engine is running,
there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. V-belt, alternator, radiator
fan) and the high-voltage ignition system. The following must also be ob-
served: ■Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■ Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts - hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
■ Additionally, the following warning instructions must be observed if work
has to be carried out on the fuel or electrical system. ■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■ Do not smoke.
■ Never work near open flames.
■ Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby. CAUTION
■ Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
■ Never open the bonnet using the locking lever - danger of causing damage. For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda
Service Partner as part of the inspection service. Note
■ If you have any questions regarding the fluids, visit a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories. Ð
159
Inspecting and replenishing
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 131
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever Fig. 132
Securing the bonnet with the
bonnet support
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Opening
›
Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 131.
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam-
aged.
› Pull the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2
» Fig. 131 and the bonnet
is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
› Take the bonnet support out of its holder and secure the opened bonnet by in-
serting the end of the support in the opening 3
» Fig. 132
designed for it.
ä Closing
› Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder designed to hold it.
› Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .
Check that the bonnet is closed properly. Ð Engine compartment overview
Fig. 133
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI Petrol engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 158.
Coolant expansion reservoir 163
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 165
Engine oil filler opening 161
Engine oil dipstick 161
Brake fluid reservoir 164
Battery (below a cover) 165
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical. Ð
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
160
General Maintenance
Battery cover
Fig. 138
Engine compartment: Polyester cover of the vehicle battery/plastic
cover of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
The battery is located in the engine compartment in a polyester cover
1
» Fig. 138 or in a plastic cover 2
.
› Open the battery cover in the direction of the arrow 1
or press the interlock on
the side of the battery cover in the direction of the arrow 2
, fold the cover up
and remove.
› The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
When working on the battery, the edge of the polyester battery cover 1
is inser-
ted between the battery and the side wall of the battery cover. ÐChecking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 139
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
ä First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 168.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 139, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced. Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner
as part of the Inspection Service. ■ For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked. ■ Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. Ð Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0
°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Service Partner before the start of the winter.
Ð
ä
ä
167
Inspecting and replenishing
Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
› Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then “positive”).
› Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“posi-
tive
”, black = “negative”).
› Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
› When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
› Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
› Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all
“positive”, then
“negative
”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you re-
charge the vehicle battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger). Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special charger
and specialist knowledge. We therefore recommend having the quick charging of
vehicle batteries undertaken by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 186, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP
system . Ð
ä Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
Operation Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults) » page 37
Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber » User manual of the radio
or »
user manual of the navigation
system
Setting the clock » page 11
Data in the multifunction display are deleted. » page 12 Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner to ensure
the full functionality of all electrical systems. Ð Replacing the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 165.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
We recommend that the battery is replaced by a ŠKODA Service Partner, where
the new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations. Ð
ä
ä
168 General Maintenance
Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the
wheel trim.
› Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
› First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference
locks correctly in place. CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Heavy knocks
mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into the
wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centring elements of the full wheel
trim.
■ First of all check that the theft-deterrent wheel bolt is located in the hole near
the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached
with a theft-deterrent wheel bolt » page 182, Securing wheels against theft .
■ If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system. ÐWheel bolts
Fig. 143
Remove the cap
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
Pulling off
›
Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap and detach the cap » Fig. 143.
Install
› Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel. Ð Wheel trim caps
Fig. 144
Pull off the wheel trim cap on
light alloy wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
Pulling off
›
Carefully remove the wheel trim cap using the wire clamp from the vehicle tool
kit » Fig. 144. Ð
ä
ä
174 General Maintenance
Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
Wheels and
wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy 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 essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and
that the brake system operates properly. ÐWinter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
The handling of your vehicle 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 particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with
low-profile tyres
or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4
mm and tyres must be no older
than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher. For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roads
which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7
°C. The fuel
consumption is also lower. ÐSnow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.ä
ä
ä 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 permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D)Tyre size
6J x 15 a)
47 mm 195/65
6.5J x 15 a)
50 mm 195/65
6J x 16 a)
50 mm 205/55
6J x 17 b)
45 mm 205/50 a)
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 15 mm.
b) Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. CAUTION
The chains must be removed when driving on roads which are free of snow. They
adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed. Ð176
General Maintenance
Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself
First-aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 146
Placing of the warning triangle
First-aid box and warning triangle
The first-aid box is attached by a strap to the right-hand side of the luggage com-
partment.
The warning triangle can be attached to the rear wall trim panel with rubber
straps » Fig. 146 - .
First-aid box and warning triangle (Estate car)
In estate vars, the first-aid box and warning triangle are housed in the right-hand
side compartment in the luggage compartment. The compartment is opened by
turning the locks in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 146 - . WARNING
The first-aid kit and warning triangle must always be secured safely so that
they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle
collision which could cause injuries to occupants. Note
■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the first-aid kit.
■ We recommend using a first-aid box from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Service Partner. Ð Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached with straps in a holder under the driver seat.
On vehicles fitted with electrically adjustable seats, the fire extinguisher is fas-
tened to a bracket underneath the front passenger seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person on an annual ba-
sis (the national legal provisions must be observed). WARNING
The fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come
loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants. Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant applicable national legal re-
quirements. ■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
■ The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only. Ð
178 Do-it-yourself