Inspecting and replenishing
203
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Inspecting and replenishingEngine compartmentBonnet remote releaseBonnet remote release– Pull the unlocking lever below the
dash panel on the driver's side
⇒fig. 169
.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force. A locking lever appears at the same time in the radiator grille.Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 170 Radiator grille: Locking lever / se
curing the bonnet with the bonnet support
Opening the bonnet– Unlock the bonnet
⇒fig. 169
.
– 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.
– Pressing on the locking lever in direction of arrow
⇒fig. 170
will unlock the
bonnet.
– Grasp the front part of the bonnet under the chrome trim. – Take the bonnet support out of its holder in direction of arrow and secure the
opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support in the opening designed for it ⇒fig. 170
.
Closing the bonnet– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet support
into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height
of about 20 cm into the lock - bonnet
do
not press down on it
!
– Check whether the bonnet is properly closed.
WARNING
•
Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of the
engine compartment - risk of scalding!
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 properly
after closing the bonnet.•
Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is not
properly engaged and close the bonnet
properly - risk of an accident!
Fig. 169 Bonnet release lever
A1
A2A3
sgg.6.book Page 203 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
205
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Overview of the engine compartment The main inspection points.Fig. 171 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
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 th
e engine compartment of petrol and diesel
engines is practically identical.
Engine oilCheck engine oil level The dipstick indicates the le
vel of oil in the engine.
Checking the oil level– Ensure that the vehicle is po
sitioned on a level surface.
– Switch the engine off. – Open the bonnet
⇒
in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 204.
– Wait a few minutes and pull out the oil dipstick. – Wipe off the dipstick with a clea
n cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.Oil level within range –You must
not
top up the oil.
Oil level within range –You
may
top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within range
after doing this.
A1
207
A2
214
A3
206
A4
205
A5
209
A6
210
Fig. 172 Dipstick
AAAB
AA
sgg.6.book Page 205 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
206
Oil level within range –You
must
top up the oil
⇒page 206. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep the
oil level within range .
It is normal for the engine to consume oil.
The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you operate your vehicle. The oil
consumption may be slightly hi
gher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres. One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches. We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range -
but not above this
, if
the engine has been operating at high load
s, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a tr
ailer or negotiating
a high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate
⇒page 33, “Engine oil pres-
sure
” whether the oil level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as
possible. Top up with an appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
•
The oil level must on no account extend
beyond the range . Danger of damaging
the catalytic converter.•
Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil.
Switch the engine off
and obtain professional
assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.
Note
Engine oil specifications
⇒page 243, “Technical Data”.
Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level
⇒page 205.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening. – Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres
⇒page 246, “Engine oil spec-
ifications”.
– Inspect the oil level
⇒page 205.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
•
Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil - a
risk of fire!•
Read and observe the warning notes
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no acco
unt extend beyond the range
⇒page 205. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankc
ase ventilation and may pass through the
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma
y combust in the cata
lytic converter and
damage it.Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or according to the service interval indicator
⇒page 18, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
•
Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!•
Read and observe the warning notes
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.•
First of all, let the engine cool down, we
ar an eye protection and gloves - risk
of caustic burns due to hot oil.
Caution
You must not pour any
additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Damage,
which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
ACAB
AAAA
AA
sgg.6.book Page 206 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
207
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
For the sake of the environment
•
You must on no account pour oil into
the ground or into the sewage system.
•
In view of the problems involved in prop
erly disposing of old oil, the necessary
special tools and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you have the oil and oil filter change carried out
by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
Note
After your skin has come in contact with th
e oil, you must thoroughly wash your skin.
Cooling systemCoolant The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal operating condi- tions. The coolant consists of water with a
concentration of coolant additive of 40 %.
This mixture not only provides
antifreeze protection down to -25°C but also protects
the cooling and heating system from corrosion.
It also prevents the formation of scale
and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant. You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the coolant by adding water, also not during the summer mo
nths or in countries with a warm climate.
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40%. You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons
but only up to 60% (antifreeze protection
down to approx. -40°C). The antifreeze prot
ection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold
climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland) are
already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35°C. In these countries the concentration of
coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
Coolant The cooling system is factor
y-filled with coolant (purple
in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the same cool
ant additive - G12 PLUS-PLUS (purple in
colour) for topping up the system. Please contact an authorised Škoda Serv
ice Partner if you have any questions
regarding the coolant or if you wish
to fill up with a different coolant.
An authorised Škoda Service Partner can also supply you with the correct coolant addi- tives.
Caution
•
Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in particular,
involves significantly reduci
ng the anticorrosion effect.
•
Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant
and, as a consequenc
e of this, result in
major engine damage.
Inspecting the coolant levelThe coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right. – Switch the engine off. – Open the bonnet
⇒page 203.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒fig. 173
. When the
engine is cold, the coolant level must
lie between the and markings. When
the engine is warm, the level may also lie slightly above the hatched part.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light in the instrument cluster
⇒page 34, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant quantity
”. We
Fig. 173 Engine compartment: Coolant expansion bottle
Aa
Ab
sgg.6.book Page 207 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
209
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 for up
to 10 minutes after the engine has been
switched off - even if the igni
tion is also off. It may also
switch on suddenly after a
certain time, if•
the coolant temperature has risen beca
use of an accumulation of heat or
•
the warm engine compartment is heated
up additionally by strong sunlight.
WARNING
You must therefore be aware when workin
g in the engine compartment that the
fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!Brake fluidInspecting the brake fluid levelThe brake fluid reservoir is lo
cated 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 203.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir
⇒fig. 174
. 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 brak
e pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If the brake fluid level is too low, this
is indicated by the warning light
⇒page 37, “Brake
system
” lighting up in the instru
ment cluster. In this case
stop immediately and do
not drive any further! Obtain
professional assistance.
WARNING
•
Read and observe the warning notes
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working
in the engine compartment.
•
If the fluid level has dropped below
the MIN marking, do not drive any
further - risk of accident! Obtain professional assistance.Replacing brake fluidBrake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes
the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Exce
ssive water in the brake fluid may be the
cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
This is why brake fluid must be replaced every two years.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto. The specification for the brake fluid is “FMVSS 116 DOT 4”. We recommend that you have th
e brake fluid re
placed by an
authorised Škoda
Service Partner
as part of an Inspection Service.
WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the formation of vapour bubbl
es in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency an
d thus also the safety of your vehicle.
Fig. 174 Engine compartment: Brake fluid reservoir
sgg.6.book Page 209 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
211
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
cable (-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it is sufficient to switch off the appropriate light.•
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic
burns! Replace a frozen battery.•
Never use a battery which is damaged
- risk of explosion! Immediately
replace a damaged battery.
Caution
•
You must only disconnect the battery if th
e ignition is switched off, otherwise the
electrical system (electronic components
) of the vehicle may be damaged. When
disconnecting the battery from the electrical system of the vehicle, first disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Th
en disconnect the positive terminal (+).
•
When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the batt
ery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.•
Ensure that battery acid does not come
into contact with th
e vehicle body other-
wise damage could occur to the paintwork.•
Do not place the battery in
direct daylight in order to protect the battery housing
from the effects of ultra-violet light.
For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the environment - contact your specialist garage re
garding disposing of the battery.
Note
Please also refer to the guidelines
⇒page 213, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a two-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye
⇒fig. 176
, is located on
the top of the battery. The indicator changes its colour in line with the electrolyte level in the battery. Air bubbles can influence the colour of the in
dicator. 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. Batteries, which are more than 5 years old, must be replaced. We recommend you have the battery checked or repl
aced by a specialist garage.
Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more th
an 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical co
mponents consume electricity (e.g. control units) also in
idle state. You can prevent the discharging of
the battery by disconnecting the negative
terminal or charging the battery constantly
with a very low charging current. Please
also refer to the notes when working on the battery
⇒page 210.
Note
•
Batteries with two-tone indicator, which
are mounted as of factory, are marked
with a code which always begins with
5K0
. The exact marking can be e.g.
5K0 915 105 D
.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 176 The battery: Show
sgg.6.book Page 211 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
213
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– You can now plug the mains cable of the
charger into the power socket and switch
on the charger.
– When charging is completed: switch th
e charger off and unplug the mains cable
from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the terminal clamps of the charger.– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”). It is not normally necessary to disconnect th
e cables of the battery if you recharge the
battery using low amperages (as for example from a
mini-charger
). Please also refer
to the instructions from the charger manufacturer. A charging current of 0.1 of the total battery
capacity (or lower) is that which should 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” a battery is
dangerous
⇒
in “Working on the battery” on
page 210. It requires a special charger and appropriate knowledge. We therefore recommend that you have your battery qu
ick-charged only by your Škoda Service
Par tner. A discharged battery may already
freeze
at temperatures just below 0°C
⇒
. We
recommend that you no longer use a batter
y which has thawed out because the casing
of the battery may be cracked through th
e formation of ice and this would allow
battery electrolyte to flow out. The vent plugs of the battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery
- risk of explosion and caustic burns.
Replace a frozen battery.•
Never charge a battery which has a too
low electrolyte leve
l - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns.
Disconnecting and reconnecting the batteryOn disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free. We recommend having the vehicle checked by
a specialist garage to ensure full func-
tionality of all electrical systems.Replacing the batteryYou should only replace a battery with a ne
w battery of the same
capacity, voltage (12
V), amperage and of the same size. Specialist garages have a range of suitable batteries available.
For the sake of the environment
•
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. They must
be disposed of in accordance with local
environmental protection regulations and on
no account as domestic waste.•
In view of the problems involved with
its proper disposal, we recommend having
the battery replaced by a specialist garage.Operation
Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)
⇒ page 50
Enter radio code number
see Radio Operating Instructions
Set hours
⇒page 20
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are deleted.
⇒ page 20
sgg.6.book Page 213 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Wheels and Tyres
215
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Wheels and TyresWheelsGeneral information•
New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first and should therefore be run in for about
500 km at a moderate speed and an appropri
ately cautious style of driving. You will
also profit from longer tyre life.•
The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the config-
uration of the tread (depending on the type of tyre and the manufacturer).•
Drive over curbs on the side of the road
and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.•
Inspect your tyres from time to time
for damage (punctures, cuts, splits and
bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.•
Damage to tyres and wheels is frequently
not visible. Unusual vi
brations or pulling
of the vehicle to one side coul
d be a sign of tyre damage.
Please reduce your speed
immediately and stop if you su
spect that a wheel is damaged.
Inspect the tyres for
signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.). If no
visible damage is present, please drive at an
appropriately slow speed and carefully to the nearest specialist garage in order to have your vehicle inspected.•
Also protect your tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
•
Immediately replace any dust caps of
the valves which have got lost.
•
Mark wheels before removing them so that
their previous dire
ction of running can
be maintained when mounted them again.•
Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where
possible, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
WARNING
•
New tyres during the first 500 km do not offer optimal grip and should
therefore be run appropriately - risk of accident!•
Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres.Ty re l i feThe life of your tyres very much depends on the following points: Tyre pressure The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insufficiently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse
effect on the handling of your vehicle.
Correctly inflated tyres are of particular importance when travelling at
high speeds
. It
is therefore good to check the pressure at
least once a month and also before setting
off on a long trip. Please do not forget the spare wheel when checking the tyres. The tyre inflation pressures for
summer tyres
are indicated on the inside of the fuel
filler flap
⇒fig. 178
. The inflation pressures for
winter tyres
are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher
than those for summer tyres
⇒page 218.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times. Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher pres- sure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Fig. 178 An opened fuel filler flap with a tyre size and tyre inflation pressure table
sgg.6.book Page 215 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM