
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
14
Engine revolutions counter
The start of the red zone in the revolutions counter    ⇒page 13, fig. 2  
indicates the maximum permissible engine speed for all gears for an 
engine which has been run in and operating at a normal temperature. You 
should shift into the next higher gear before this red zone is reached, or 
move the selector lever into position  D if your car is fitted with an automatic 
gearbox.
One should shift to the next lower gear at the latest when the engine is no 
longer running “smoothly”.
Avoid high engine speeds during the running-in period  ⇒page 185.
Caution
The needle of the revolutions counter must on no account move into the 
red zone of the scale - risk of engine damage!
For the sake of  the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of 
your vehicle.
Coolant temperature gauge*
The coolant temperature gauge    ⇒page 13, fig. 2  operates only when 
the ignition is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the 
following notes regarding the temperature ranges: Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale* it means that the engine 
has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high 
engine speeds, at full throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer 
moves into the mid-range of the scale*. The pointer may also move further 
to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. This is not 
critical provided the warning symbol 
 in the instrument cluster does not 
flash.
If the symbol 
 in the instrument cluster flashes it means that either the 
coolant  temperature  is too high or the coolant  level is too low. Please 
refer to the guidelines  ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/coolant level  ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes  ⇒page 210, “Working in the 
engine compartment” before opening the bonnet and inspecting 
the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh 
air inlet impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of 
the engine overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine 
loads!
Fuel gauge*
The fuel gauge    ⇒page 13, fig. 2  only operates when the ignition is 
switched on.
A1
A4
A7
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Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
30
WARNING
If there is a fault in the cornering lights, the headlights are automat-
ically lowered to the emergency position. Thus the illuminated 
length of the road is shortened.  Drive carefully and have the car 
inspected immediately by a specialist garage.
Electrohydraulic power steering 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is 
switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up 
continuously, a fault exists in the electrohydraulic power steering.
•If the  yellow  warning light lights up, this indicates a partial or total 
failure of the power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
Further information  ⇒page 183.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note
•If the yellow warning light  goes out after starting the engine again 
and a short drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.
•If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow 
warning light  comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light 
must go out after driving a short distance.
•There is no power-assisted steering support when the vehicle is being 
towed without the engine running or when the power-assisted steering is  defect. The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is simply increased 
force required to turn the steering wheel.
EPC fault light   (petrol engine)
The  (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few 
seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light 
 
does not go out or comes on or flashes while driving. The engine manage-
ment system selects an emergency programme which enables you to 
drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
ENGINE FAULT WORKSHOP!
Glow plug system  (diesel engine)
The indicator light  lights up for a  cold engine when switching on the 
ignition (pre-heat position)  2 ⇒ page 110. Start the engine after the indi-
cator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 second if the engine 
is at a  normal operating temperature  or if the outside temperature is 
above +5°C. This means that you can start the engine  right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the indicator light 
 does not 
come on at all or lights up continuously. Contact a specialist garage as 
soon as possible to obtain professional assistance.
There is a system fault in the engine control system if the warning light 
 
has started to flash while driving. The engine management system selects 
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 30  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Lights and Visibility
56
– Turn the light switch into position O  ⇒page 55, fig. 32 .
– Switch on the switch for daylight driving lights  ⇒page 55, 
fig. 33 .
– After switching on the ignition the side lights are switched on.
– After starting the engine the low beam is switched on.
Switching off daylight driving lights*
– Switch off the switch for daylight driving lights  ⇒page 55, 
fig. 33 .
– Turn the light switch to the position side lights 
 or low beam 
  ⇒ page 55, fig. 32 .
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is switched on. The low beam is 
switched off automatically when the engine is started and after switching 
the ignition off; only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with  right-hand steering* the position of certain 
switches differs from that shown in  ⇒page 55, fig. 32 . The symbols which 
mark the switch positions are identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of accident! The side lights are 
not bright enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or 
to be seen by other oncoming traffic. In this case, always switch on 
the low beam when it is dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
•An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open 
the driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•The acoustic warning signal is switched off over the door contact when 
the driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the 
side lights on.
•If you park the car for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all 
lights, or leaving only the side lights switched on.
•The switching on of the described lights should only be undertaken in 
accordance with the legal requirements.
•In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be 
misted up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of 
the headlight lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are 
free from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly 
mist up at the border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Cornering lights* 
For a better cornering illumination the cornering lights are controlled in the 
optimal position in line with the vehicle speed and the steering angle.
If the warning light 
 flashes for 1 minute while driving or after switching 
on the ignition and a warning signal sounds, a fault is confirmed.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 56  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Lights and Visibility
58
– Pull the light switch out to the  second detent  . The fog 
lights* light up at the same time.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights*, the rear fog light is switched on 
by turning the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to 
the position  . This switch does not have two positions, but only one 
position.
The rear fog light warning light 
  ⇒ page 27 lights up in the instrument 
cluster when the fog light is switched off.
Only the rear fog light of the trailer lights up if the vehicle is fitted with a 
towing device from Škoda original accessories  and when you are 
towing a trailer which is fitted with the rear fog light.
Caution
The rear fog light should only be switched on if visibility is particularly poor 
(conform with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles 
behind your vehicle.
Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on you can then adapt the 
range of the headlights to the load of the vehicle.
– Turn the control dial  ⇒fig. 35  until you have adjusted the low 
beam so that oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads:
Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such a way as to avoid dazzling 
oncoming traffic.
A2
A2
Fig. 35  Dash panel: 
Lights and Visibility
A-
A1
A2
A3
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 58  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Lights and Visibility65
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Headlight cleaning system*
The headlights are being cleaned after the windscreen washer system 
has been operated for the fifth time, the low beam or main beam are 
switched on as well as the windscreen wiper lever is held in the position 
 ⇒ page 63, fig. 42  for about 1 second.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the head-
light lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. Please refer 
to the following guidelines  ⇒page 201, “The headlight lenses”.
You should remove any snow from the fixtures of the washer nozzles and 
clear ice in winter with a de-icing spray in order to ensure proper operation 
of the cleaning system.
Replacing wiper blades for the windscreen wipers
Taking off the wiper blade
– Fold windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen.
– Press the locking button, in order to unlock the wiper blade  and pull off in the direction of arrow.
Attaching a wiper blade
– Push the wiper blade until it locks up to the stop.
– Check whether the wiper blade is correctly attached.
– Fold the windscreen wiper arm back onto the windscreen.
Wiper blades in proper condition are essential to obtain good visibility. 
Wiper blades should not be allowed to become dirtied by dust, insect 
remains and preserving wax.
Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades could then be due to wax resi-
dues left on the windscreen by vehicle washing in automatic vehicle wash 
systems. It is therefore important to  degrease the lips of the wiper blades 
after every pass through an  automatic vehicle wash system .
WARNING
•If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk 
of damage to the windscreen.
•You should clean the wiper blades  regularly with a windscreen 
cleaner in order to avoid any smears. Clean a wiper blade with a 
sponge or cloth if it is very dirty, for example from insect residues.
•Replace the wiper blades once or twice a year for safety 
reasons. The wiper blades are available from Škoda Service 
Partners.
A5
Fig. 43  Wiper blade for 
the windscreen wiper
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 65  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Driving and the Environment
192
Motoring abroad
General
Other circumstances may exist abroad.
It is also possible, in certain countries, that the Škoda Service Partner 
network is limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why 
obtaining certain spare parts may be somewhat complicated and 
specialist garage personnel may only be able to make limited repairs. 
Škoda Auto a.s. in the Czech Republic and relevant importers are happy 
to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required 
maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.
Unleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with 
unleaded petrol  ⇒page 186. The automobile associations can provide 
you with information regarding the locations of filling stations which offer 
unleaded petrol.
Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the 
side of the road on which you are driving to a greater extent. If you drive 
abroad on the other side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
It is necessary in order to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic to stick a sticker 
over a certain part of the headlights. Headlight stickers can be obtained as a spare part from the Skoda Service 
Partners.
Headlights with module are designed for driving in countries with traffic on 
the right or on the left. Have this done always at a Škoda Service Partner.
Note
You can obtain further information regarding masking over or converting 
the headlights from your Škoda Service Partner.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
When driving on poor roads and lanes or when driving over kerbstones, 
steep ramps etc., you must pay particular attention to ensuring that any 
low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust, do not touch 
the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport 
suspension) and also when your vehicle is fully laden.
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Towing a trailer
194
be found in your vehicle registration documents or in the brochure - 
Technical Data .
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are 
located as close as possible to the axle. Secure the items to prevent them 
slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”, 
⇒ page 226. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust 
in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see 
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exte-
rior 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 head-
lights. Alter the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam 
adjuster  ⇒page 58.
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 
instructions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the 
vehicle.
Note
•We recommend that you also have your 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.
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 legal 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, weather or wind 
conditions, particularly near accident black spots.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 194  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM 

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle 201
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 damage 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 treat them from time to time with a rubber 
care product (e.g. silicone 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 from 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 any brake dust, dirt and road 
salt from sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abra-
sion adhering to the wheels with an industrial cleaner. 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 deco-
rative 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 then 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 
cause 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 from 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 braking 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 vibration which is transmitted 
to the steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause prema-
ture wear of the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
NKO 20 A05.book  Page 201  Wednesday, June 21, 2006  1:42 PM