Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle164
Automatic vehicle wash systems
The paintwork of the vehicle is sufficiently resistant that the vehicle can be washed normally in automatic vehicle wash plants without any problem. The actual stress to which the paintwork is subjected, howeve r, depends primarily on the design of the vehicle wash system, the filtering of th e water and the type of washing and care products used. If the 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 be fore washing your vehicle in such a plant other than the usual precautionary meas ures (closing windows, moving any factory-fitted aerials down flat against the bodywork, etc.).
If you have any particular atta ch e d p a r t s f i t te d t o y o u r c a r - s u ch a s s p o i l e r, ro o f ra ck system, two-way radio aerial - it is best 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 aeri al tight before washing the vehicle in an automatic vehicle wash sy stem - 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 cleaning 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 inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of cuts.
Caution
•Do not wash your vehicle 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 prod- ucts - risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at washing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This ensures that no water which may be cont aminated by oil flows into the sewage system. It is not even permitted to wash your vehicle in certain areas except at such specific washing bays.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
When you wash your vehicle with a high-pre ssure cleaner, it is essential to comply with the instructions for use of the cleaning equipment. This applies in particular to the pressure used and to the spraying distance. Maintain a sufficiently large distance to soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters!
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle166
Plastic parts
External plastic parts are cleaned by normal washing. Plastic parts and synthetic leather can also be treated with special solvent-free plastic cleaning agents if a damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care pr oducts are not suitable for plastic parts.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.
Windows
Only use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and backward but in one direction on the window which you are clea ning in order to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber, oil, grease, wax or silicone by using a special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle body to dry off the windows. Residues of preservati ves in the window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your Škoda dealer.
Caution
•Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of formation of cracks in the glass!
•When removing snow or ice from the windows and mirror lenses make sure not to damage the paintwork of the vehicle.
The headlight lenses
Please do not use any aggres sive 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 conse- quently in formation of cracks on the head light lenses, e.g through effect of chem- ical 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. with a spray with silicone-free oil). 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.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle169
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
Removing stains
– Remove fresh stains which are water-based (e.g. coffee, tea, juices,
blood etc.) with an absorbent cloth or household paper or use the
cleaner from the care set for a stain which has already dried in.
– Remove fresh stains on a fat base (e.g. butter, mayonnaise, chocolate
etc.) with an absorbent cloth or household cleaning paper or with the
cleaner from the care set if the stain has not yet penetrated into the
surface.
– Use a grease dissolver for grease stains which have dried in.
–Eliminate special stains (e.g. ball-point pens, felt pen, nail varnish,
dispersion paint, shoe cream etc.) with a special stain remover suit-
able for leather.
Leather care
– Treat the leather every six months with the leather care product avail-
able from Škoda Service Partners.
– Apply only a small amount of the care product.
– Dry the leather off with a soft cloth
We recommend that you consul t your Škoda Service Partner, if you have any ques- tions regarding cleaning and ca re of the leather interior.
Caution
•You must on no account treat the leather with solvents (e.g. gasoline, turpen- tine), 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 leave 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 clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp- edged belts may leave permanent scratche s 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. The cream no urishes 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. Refreshen 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 solu-
tion.
– Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
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.).
•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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Fuel171
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
•Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not be refuelled and driven. Using this fuel (RME) can lead to damage to the engine or the fuel system.
Operation in winter
Winter-grade diesel fuel
A different grade of diesel fuel is available at filling stations in winter than during the summer. Using “summer-grade diesel fuel” at temperatures below 0°C can result in operational problems because the diesel be comes viscous as a result of paraffin separation.
It is therefore the case that DIN EN 590 prescribes diesel fuel class for certain periods of the year which can also be pu rchased at the corresponding time during the year. “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still operate properly even at a temperature of -20°C.
It is often the case in countries with diff erent climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. Škoda Service Partners and filling stations in the count ry concerned will be able to provide you with informa- tion regarding the diesel fuels available.
Prewarming fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter prewarming system. This secures operation of a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25°C.
Caution
It is not permitted to add the various fuel additives on the market, including petrol, to diesel fuel in order to improve its flow properties.
Refuelling
Opening the fuel filler cap
– Open the fuel filler flap with the hand.
– Unlock the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube to the left using the
vehicle key.
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clo ckwise and place the fuel filler cap
from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 153.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
Fig. 152 Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel filler flap
Fig. 153 Filler flap with cap unscrewed
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Fuel172
– 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 vehicle are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further information on fuel ⇒page 170.
The fuel tank has a capacity 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 carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for safety reasons. The canister can be da maged in the event of an accident and fuel may leak out.
Caution
•Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle immedi- ately - risk of paint damage!
•Vehicles fitted with catalytic 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 may get into the exhaust system, which may result in overheating and damage to the catalytic converter.
•Make sure that the valve is not pressed into the filler tube when inserting the pump nozzle into the filler tube. Otherwis e you are unintentionally filling up the volume, which in case of heat can cause an expansion of the fuel. This can lead to an overflow of fuel or damage to parts of the fuel reservoir.
•The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue refuelling - otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.
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Inspecting and Replenishing173
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistancePraktikTechnical Data
Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever on th e left below the dash panel ⇒fig. 154.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.
Opening and closing the bonnet.
Opening the bonnet
– Unlock the bonnet ⇒fig. 154.
– Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place
against the windscreen before opening the bonnet otherwise
damage could occur to the paintwork.
– Press the locking button ⇒fig. 155, the bonnet unlocks itself.
Fig. 154 Bonnet release lever
Fig. 155 Radiator grille: Fuse
Fig. 156 Securing the bonnet with the bonnet support
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Inspecting and Replenishing174
– Grip the bonnet and lift it up.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder and set it in the opening
designed for it ⇒page 173, fig. 156.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the
bonnet support into the hold er designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock -
bonnet do not press down on it!
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged prop- erly after closing the bonnet.
•Stop your vehicle i mmediately while driving if you notice that the lock is not properly engaged and close the bonn et properly - risk of an accident!
Caution
•Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the windscreen. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when ca rrying out any work in the engine
compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compartment, e.g. inspecting an d 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 engine compart-ment of your car is a hazardous area ⇒.
WARNING
•Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the engine compartment - risk of scaldi ng! Wait long enough until the steam or coolant has stopped escaping.
•Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
•Apply the handbrake firmly.
•If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever into position P.
•Allow the engine to cool down.
•Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
•Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
•Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
•Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
•Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
•Never open the cap of the coolant expa nsion bottle as long as the engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
•Cover over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
•Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine compartment.
•If you wish to work under the vehicl e, you must secure the vehicle from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not sufficient for this - risk of injury!
•In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the engine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-
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Inspecting and Replenishing180
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan- sion bottle which is completely free of leak s if the coolant boils as a result of over- heating and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒page 174, “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 and 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
⇒ page 179, fig. 159 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.
The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one specific specification ⇒page 178, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not availa ble in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill up over the “MAX” marking! Excess coolant which is heated up is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in the cap of the coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
WARNING
•The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant expansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
•The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health. Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
•If any splashes of coolant get into yo ur eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi- ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
•You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently swallowed coolant.
Caution
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should be collected and disposed of in comp liance with environmental protection regulations.
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