2008 SKODA SUPERB coolant level

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights11
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
Engine revolutions counter
The red zone of the rev counter scale ⇒page 10, fig. 2 indicates the range in
which the engine control unit begins to li mit the engine speed. The engine control
unit restricts the engine speed to the steady limit value.
Shift into the next higher gear or select the selector lever position D of the auto-
matic gearbox before reaching the red zone of the rev counter scale.
Avoid high engine speeds during the driving time and before the engine has been
warmed up to operating temperature ⇒page 187.
For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps yo u save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your
vehicle.
Speedometer
Warning against excessive speeds*
An acoustic warning signal will sound wh en the vehicle speed exceeds 120 kilome-
tres per hour. The acoustic warning signal will switch off again when the vehicle
speed goes below this speed limit.
Note
This function is only valid for some countries.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 operates only when the igni-
tion 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 temp erature. 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 pointe r 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. Observe the guidelines
⇒ page 31, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine
compartment” before opening the bonn et and inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached co mponents in front of the fresh air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temper atures and high engine loads!
Fuel gauge
The fuel gauge ⇒page 10, fig. 2 only operates when the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of ab out 60 litres. The warning symbol
 in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are now
about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you, that
you must refuel .
The following will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! (Please refuel!)
A1
A4
A6
NKO B6 20.book Page 11 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights27
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
WARNING
•If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body
injuries or major vehicle damage.
•The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk
of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenis hing oil and other fluids. It is also
essential to observe all warnings ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine
compartment”.
Note
•The arrangement of the indicator light is dependent on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.
•Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority
1 - danger) or yellow symbols (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system 
Either the left  or right  indicator light flashes depending on the position of the
turn signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails. This does
not apply when towing a trailer.
Control system for exhaust⇒ page 29
Electromechanica l power steering⇒page 29
Engine oil pressure⇒page 30
EPC fault light (petrol engine)⇒page 30
Glow plug system (diesel engine)⇒page 30
Coolant temperature/coolant level⇒page 31
Tra c t i o n c o n t r o l s y s t e m ( TC S )⇒page 31
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*⇒page 32
Selector lever lock*⇒page 32
Tyre pressure*⇒page 32
Antilock brake system (ABS)⇒page 32
Bonnet⇒page 33
Seat belt warning light⇒page 33
Brake pad wear*⇒page 33
Boot lid⇒page 33
Open door⇒page 34
Fluid level in windshield washer system⇒page 34
Brake system⇒page 34
Dynamo⇒page 34
Engine oil level⇒page 35
Fuel reserve⇒page 35
NKO B6 20.book Page 27 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights31
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
If the
warning light
 begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine
control. The engine management 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!
Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds 4) w h e n th e i g ni t i o n i s s w i t c h e d o n .
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light
 does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and
obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to
severe engine damage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant
fan, replace it if necessary ⇒page 242, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment -
version 1” or ⇒ page 244, “Fuse assignment in en gine compartment - version 2”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at
the correct level and also the fuse of the fa n is in proper order. Contact a specialist
garage to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions ⇒page 213, “Cooling system”. The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING
•If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system ⇒ page 59.
•Take care when opening the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.
•Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automati-
cally even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS) 
The warning light  comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light comes on when driving when a control cycle is activated.
The warning light will come on and remains on if the TCS is switched off or if there
is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS
system can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can
be switched on again by swit ching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes
out, the TCS system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS ⇒page 181, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light  comes
on after switching on the ignition. The warn ing light must go out after driving a short
distance.4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after
switching the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level
is too low.
NKO B6 20.book Page 31 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Towing a trailer195
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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, “Headlamp range adjustment* ”.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device.
It is stowed together with separate fitting instructions in the spare wheel well in the
luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device ⇒page 196.
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.
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 temper- ature 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 coun-
tries 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.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately 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 down-
hill 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 temperature is
very high ⇒page 11, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur speed immediately. Stop and switch off
the engine if the warning light
 in the instrument cluste r begins flashing. Wait a
few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒ page 214, “Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines ⇒page 31, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear
and increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent
NKO B6 20.book Page 195 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing
214
Inspecting the coolant level
The coolant expansion bottle is loca ted in the engine compartment on
the right.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒fig. 189 .
The coolant level when the engine is cold must lie between the
(MIN) and (MAX) markings. The level may also rise slightly above
the (MAX) marking when the engine is warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster  ⇒ page 31. We nevertheless recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at th e reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
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 209, “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 ⇒fig. 189 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 213, “Coolant”. Do not use an alternative additive if
the coolant additive G12 PLUS is not available 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.
Fig. 189 Engine compart-
ment: Coolant expansion
bottle
Ab
Aa
Aa
NKO B6 20.book Page 214 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Inspecting and Replenishing215
Using the systemSafetyDriving TipsGeneral MaintenanceBreakdown assistanceTechnical Data
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 of the engine and contact
and obtain professional assistance from a specialist garage.
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.
Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running fo r up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if
•the coolant temperature ha s risen because of an accumulation of heat or
•the warm engine compartmen t is heated up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment.
The brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on
the other side of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒page 209, “Working in the engine compartment”.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒fig. 190 . The level must
be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the br ake pads, and is perfectly normal.
Fig. 190 Engine compart-
ment: Brake fluid reservoir
NKO B6 20.book Page 215 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM

Index
266
Changing bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Changing the engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Changing wheels around . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Charging the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Check engine oil level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Child safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 Side airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Child safety seat on the front passenger seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Child seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Classification into groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
ISOFIX system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Use of child safety seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Children and safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Chrome parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Cigarette lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Climatic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Climatronic Air outlet vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Defrosting windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Recirculated air mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning) . . . . . . 100
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Clothes hooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Cockpit General view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Convenience operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Converting/masking over headlights . . . . . . . . . . 192
Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
replenishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant level Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant quantity Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Coolant temperature gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Coolant temperatur e/coolant level
Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Correct seated position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Counter for distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cruise control system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cup holder front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
D
Daylight driving lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Deactivatingan airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Deactivating an airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Defrosting rear window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
De-icing the windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Detachable towing device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205 Diesel engines
Starting the engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Diesel particle filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Digital clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Direction indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Distance driven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Door Child safety lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Driver-steering recommendation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Driving economically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
E
EDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Electric power-operated window Operational faults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Electric sliding/tilting roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Electrically adjustable exterior mirror . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Electronic Differential Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Electronic immobiliser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Electronic stability programme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Electronic stability programme (ESP) Warning light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Engine starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Engine compartment Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
NKO B6 20.book Page 266 Wednesday, March 26, 2008 3:15 PM