
Towing a trailer 170Towing a trailerTo w i n g a t r a i l e rTechnical requirements
The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.Your vehicle is designed primarily for transporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted.
If your vehicle has been equipped with a towing device from Škoda Original Acces-
sories, then the towing device satisfies all technical and legal requirements.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin
connector, you can use a suitable adapter
8) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
if a towing device is retrofitted.
Specialist garages are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a towing device
and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original acces-
sories installed by a specialist garage. He is familiar with all the relevant
details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an accident
if the towing device is not properly fitted!
General Maintenance
There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a
trailer.Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines and descents if you do not make
full use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. The fact that the engine power output drops with increasing height due to
a lowering of air pressure and thus the ability to climb, means that the trailer load
must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above
sea level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and the (laden)
trailer together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher alti-
tudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing
device are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your
vehicle, which is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle
registration documents.
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 198. The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-
ance 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 exterior mirrors
8)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.
s3f4.1.book Page 170 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Fuel 182Operation in winterWinter-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 becomes viscous as a result of paraffin
separation.
It is therefore the case that EN 590 prescribes diesel fuel class for certain periods of
the year which can also be purchased 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 different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The specialist garages and the
filling stations in the country 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.
RefuellingOpen fuel filler flap
– Open the fuel filler flap with the hand ⇒fig. 177.
– Unlock the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube to the left using the
vehicle key.
– Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap
from above on the fuel filler flap ⇒fig. 178.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
Fig. 177 Right rear side of
the vehicle: Fuel filler flapFig. 178 Fuel filler flap with
cap unscrewed
s3f4.1.book Page 182 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Inspecting and replenishing 184Inspecting and replenishingEngine compartmentBonnet remote releaseBonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever on the left below the dash panel ⇒fig. 179.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. 179.
– 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.
Fig. 179 Bonnet release
lever
Fig. 180 Radiator grille:
Locking leverFig. 181 Securing the bonnet
with the bonnet support
s3f4.1.book Page 184 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Inspecting and replenishing 186•
Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine
compartment.
•
If you wish to work under the vehicle, 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-
ribbed belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition
system. Please observe in addition the following:
−Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
−Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair
from getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore
remove any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting
clothing.
•
Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical
system:
−Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
−Do not smoke.
−Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
−Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand.Caution
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no
account mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage!
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points.Fig. 182 Diesel engine 1.9 litre/77 kW
Coolant expansion bottle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
WARNING (continued)
A1
189
A2
197
A3
188
A4
187
A5
191
A6
192
s3f4.1.book Page 186 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Breakdown assistance207
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data Unidirectional tyres*
If you have such tyres on your vehicle, 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.
•
The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
•
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h with this spare wheel and pay particular atten-
tion while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast
cornering.
•
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure
of the standard tyres.
•
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not
intended for continuous use.
Changing a wheelPreliminary workThe 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.
–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 206 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
•
If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the
prescribed distance from your vehicle 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 vehicle 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 wheelAlways change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim* ⇒page 208 or the caps ⇒page 209.
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒page 209.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
⇒page 210.
– 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.
s3f4.1.book Page 207 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Breakdown assistance209
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
•
Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock on 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 centering elements of the full
wheel trim.
•
First check for yourself that the theft-deterrent wheel bolt is located
⇒page 210, “Securing wheels against being stolen*” in the hole in the area of the
valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached with a
theft-deterrent wheel bolt.
Wheel bolts with caps*
The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts.Pulling off
– Insert the plastic clip (in the car tool kit) sufficiently far onto the cap
until the inner catches of the clip are positioned at the collar of the
cap.
– Pull the cap off with the plastic clip ⇒fig. 196.
Installing
– Insert the caps onto the bolts.
Slackening and tightening wheel bolts
Slacken the wheel bolts before jacking up the vehicle.Slackening wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt
9).
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn to the
left ⇒fig. 197.
Tightening wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt 9).
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt to the right until it is
tight.
WARNING
Slacken the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up - risk of an accident!.
Fig. 196 Changing a wheel:
Pull off cap from the wheel
bolt
9)Use the appropriate adapter for slackening and tightening the safety wheel bolts
⇒page 210.
Fig. 197 Changing a wheel:
Slackening wheel bolts
s3f4.1.book Page 209 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Breakdown assistance 210
Note•
apply pressure carefully with your foot to the end of the wheel wrench if it
proves difficult to slacken the wheel bolts. Hold tight on the vehicle when doing this
and ensure that you have a steady position.
Raise vehicle
You have to raise the vehicle with a lifting jack in order to be able to
take off the wheel.– Position the lifting jack by selecting the jacking point - engraving in the
lower sill - which is closest to the wheel to be removed ⇒fig. 198.
– Position the lifting jack below the jacking point and move it up until its
claw is positioned directly below the vertical web of the lower sill.
– Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the vertical web on the
engraving of the lower sill and the bottom base plate of the lifting
jack is resting flat with its complete surface against firm ground.
– Turn the lifting jack up further until the wheel is just clear of the
ground.
Ground below the lifting jack which is soft and slippery can cause the vehicle to
slip off the jack. It is therefore always necessary to place the lifting jack on a solid
surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat)
if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled stones, a tiled floor, etc.
WARNING
•
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed - risk of injury.
•
Take suitable measures to prevent the base of the lifting jack from slip-
ping off - risk of injury!
•
Place the lifting jack only on a solid and even surface.
•
Not positioning the lifting jack at the specified points can result in
damage to the vehicle. The jack can also slip off if it does not have sufficient
grip - risk of injury!
•
Never start the engine if the vehicle is lifted - risk of accident.
•
Never lie under the vehicle if the vehicle is only lifted with the vehicle
lifting jack.
•
It is important to support the vehicle with suitable supporting blocks if
you wish to work under the lifted vehicle - risk of injury!
Securing wheels against being stolen*
You need a special adapter for slackening the safety wheel bolts.
Fig. 198 Changing a wheel:
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack
AA
AB
Fig. 199 Safety wheel bolt
with adapter
s3f4.1.book Page 210 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM

Fuses and light bulbs223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Open the bonnet.
– For a vehicle with petrol engine remove the activated charcoal filter
system before replacing the bulb in the right front headlight
⇒fig. 213.Positions of the light bulbs in the front headlight ⇒page 222, fig. 212.
- low beam and main beam
- parking lights
- Turn signal light (at the front)
Switching on the low beam and main beam– Open the bonnet.
– Remove the protective cap ⇒page 222, fig. 212.
– For headlights with module (halogen lamp H7) ⇒fig. 214 turn the
connector with the halogen lamp to the left up to the stop and
remove.
– For headlights with reflector (halogen lamp H4) pull off the connector
from the lamp, release the sprung wire clamp and pull out the halogen
lamp towards the rear.
– Replace the halogen lamp H7, insert the connector with the new
halogen lamp and turn to the right up to the stop.
– Replace the halogen lamp H4, insert into the opening in the reflector
(with the fixing lugs in the recesses), secure with the sprung wire
clamp, position the protective cap and mount the connector.
– We recommend that you have the headlight setting checked by a
Skoda Service Partner after replacing the light bulb.
Fig. 213 Removing the acti-
vated charcoal filter system
AAABAC
Fig. 214 Removing the light
bulb for the low beam and
main beam light
AA
s3f4.1.book Page 223 Thursday, June 18, 2009 11:07 AM