
Towing a trailer
190
Towing 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 tr
ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a traile
r - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted. If your vehicle has already been supplied with a
factory-fitted
towing device then
everything that is nece
ssary for towing a trailer in technical terms, and in terms of the
law, has already been taken into account. Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power so
cket for the electrical connection between
the vehicle and trailer. If the tr
ailer which you wish to tow has a
7-pin connector
, you
can use a suitable adapter
14) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance
with the manufacturer's specifications if
a towing device is retrofitted. Authorised Škoda Service Partners 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 accesso- ries installed by an authorised Škoda Serv
ice Partner. 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 inclin
es 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 engi
ne power output drops with increasing height due to a
lowering of air pressure and thus the abil
ity to climb, means that the towed weight
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 altitudes.
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 th
e items to preven
t them slipping.
Tyre pressure Correct the tyre inflation pressure on yo
ur vehicle for that of “fully laden”,
⇒page 215.
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 ex
terior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic
behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate field of view to the rear.
14)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.sgg.6.book Page 190 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Towing a trailer
191
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter the setting as necessary with the ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster
⇒page 58.
Detachable ball head The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which
feature a factory-fitted
towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instru
ctions in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment of the vehicle. Further information on the towing device
⇒page 192.
Note
•
We recommend that you also have your
vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.•
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling 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 combina-tion. 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 cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots. You must always reduce your speed immediat
ely 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 downhill 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 engi
ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high
⇒page 17, “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 your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the engine if the warning light
in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
⇒page 207,
“Inspecting the coolant level”. Please refer to the following guidelines
⇒page 34, “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 of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear
for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th
e slope without any drop in speed.
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Towing a trailer
192
Detachable towing device*The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in a box for the car tool kit in the luggage compartment. An instruction for correct installation and remo
val of the ball head of the towing device
is supplied with the ball head. Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is prop
erly locked each time before setting off.
The inspection is performed by turning th
e closed locking lever downwards. If the
locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking mecha- nism is O.K. After the inspection pull the locking lever back again to its stop. The towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to
close or if it can be turned freely in the
closed position.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This might result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the safety of the towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident.
Note
•
Do not carry out any modifications or re
pairs to the ball head or to any other
components on the towing device.•
Contact a specialist garage if you en
counter any problems
using the device.
•
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.
•
You should take off the ball head if yo
u drive without towing a trailer. Inspect
whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.•
Remove the ball head beforehand if you
wish to clean your vehicle using a steam
jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.•
It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.
Fig. 167 Detachable ball head
sgg.6.book Page 192 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

Breakdown assistance
223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceSpace for first-aid box* and warning triangle*Fig. 181 Placing of the warning tria
ngle / placing of the first-aid box
The warning triangle can be attached to th
e trim panel of the rear wall with rubber
straps
⇒fig. 181
on the left.
The warning triangle, which is included in the equipment with the spare wheel*, can be stowed in a removeable box on
the right next to the spare wheel
⇒page 83.
The first-aid box can be attached to the ri
ght side of the luggage compartment with a
strap
⇒fig. 181
on the right.
If you wish to equip your vehi
cle additionally with a warning triangle or with a first-aid
box, please contact a specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached with st
raps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions whic
h are attached to the fire extinguisher.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by
an authorised person or company annually
(please observe the differing legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is
not correctly attached, in
case of sudden manoeuvres
or an accident it can be “thrown” through the interior compartment and cause injuries.
Note
•
The fire extinguisher must comply with
the relevant and valid legal requirements.
•
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extinguisher
is used after the expiration date, its
proper function is no longer assured.
•
The fire extinguisher is only supplied in
certain countries within the scope of
delivery.Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 182 Luggage compartment: storage compartment for vehicle tool kit
sgg.6.book Page 223 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Breakdown assistance
224
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack*, on which a sign is affixed, are stowed in a box in the luggage compartment
⇒page 223, fig. 182
; there is also space here for the
detachable ball head of the towing devi
ce*. The box is secured with a strap.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following
parts (depending on equipment fitted):
•
Wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims,
•
Wheel wrench*,
•
To w i n g e y e ,
•
Adapter for the wheel bolts lock*,
•
Replacement bulb set*
15),
•
To r x s c r e w d r i v e r.
Before placing the lifting jack back in its storage area, screw in the arm of the lifting jack fully.
WARNING
•
The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk of injury!•
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compart-
ment.
Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.Tyre repair kitThe tyre repair kit is intended for the repair
of minor tyre defects. The tyre repair kit
contains a compressor, inflation bottle,
operating instructions and accessories.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is
not at all intended to replace
a permanent repair
on the tyre, this repair only serves to reach the next specialist garage. The repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately.
Please read the attached instructions care-
fully before the repair.
The tyre repair kit is located in
a box in the luggage compartment
⇒page 223,
fig. 182
.
Spare wheel*The spare wheel is stowed in the luggage compartment in the area below the variable loading floor* and is secured with a special screw
⇒fig. 183
.
One should check the inflation pressure in
the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap
⇒page 215) to ensure
that the spare wheel is always ready to use. Temporary spare wheel A yellow warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel. Please observe the following notes when driving with a temporary spare wheel:•
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 attention
while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.•
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the maximum 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.
15)Depending on the vehicle equipment.
Fig. 183 Luggage compartment: Spare wheel
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Breakdown assistance
225
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Changing a wheelPreliminary workThe following steps should be carried ou
t before actually changing the wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park
the vehicle as far aw
ay as possible from
the traffic flow. The place you choose should be
level
.
–Have
all the occupants get out.
While changing a wheel, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the ro
ad (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
⇒page 223 and the
spare wheel*
⇒page 224 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 si
tting 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 226 or the caps
⇒page 226.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap
⇒page 227.
– First of all slacken the safety wheel bolt * and afterwards the other wheel bolts
⇒ page 227.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to
be changed is clear of the ground
⇒ page 227.
– 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. – Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternatel
y and diagonally using the wheel wrench
(crosswise) and last the safety wheel bolt*
⇒page 227.
Note
•
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
•
You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
•
When fitting on unidirectiona
l tyres, ensure that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction
⇒page 215.
Subsequent stepsAfter changing the wheel, you mu
st perform the following steps.
– Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.– Stow the replaced wheel in the luggage compartment. –
Check
the
tyre pressure
on the spare wheel just mounted as soon as possible.
sgg.6.book Page 225 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM

Breakdown assistance
228
– Align the lifting jack* so that its claw grasps the web of the lower sill at the height
of the marking on the plasti
c cover and the base plate
is resting flat with its
complete surface ag
ainst firm ground.
– Turn the lifting jack* up further until
the wheel is just cl
ear 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-sl
ip 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 slipping
off - risk of injury!•
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!•
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 sl
ackening the safety wheel bolts.
– Pull off the full wheel trim/cap from the wheel hub or cap from the safety wheel
bolt.
– Insert the adapter with its toothed side into the inner toothing of the head of
the safety wheel bolt
⇒fig. 188
.
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the adapter .– Slacken the wheel bolt, or tighten it firmly
⇒page 227.
– Reinstall the full wheel trim/wheel cap after removing the adapter or place the cap
onto the safety wheel bolt.
– Have the
tightening torque
checked
with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening torque of
120 Nm
.
The safety wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with them (one safety wheel bolt per wheel) can only be loosened or tighten
up by using the adapter provided.
It is meaningful to note th
e code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter
or the rear side of the safety wheel bolts.
You can obtain a replacement adapter from
an authorised Škoda Service Partner, if necessary, by quoting this number. We recommend that you always carry the ad
apter for the wheel bolts with you in the
vehicle. It should be stow
ed in the vehicle tool kit.
Caution
Damage can occur to the adapter and safety wh
eel bolt if the safety wheel bolt is tight-
ened up too much.
Note
The set of safety wheel bolts can be obta
ined from an authorised Škoda Service
Par tner.
AAAB
Fig. 188 Safety wheel bolt with adapter
ABAA
AB
sgg.6.book Page 228 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM