Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
197
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Underbody protectionThe underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechanical influences. One cannot, however, complete
ly rule out damage to the
protective layer
when
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of your vehicle and on the
chassis at certain intervals - this is best done at the beginning
and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas. The authorised Škoda Service Partners have suitable
spray products
available as well
as the necessary equipment and are familiar with the instructions for use. It is therefore best to have such touch-up
work or additional corrosion
protection measures carried
out by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, di
esel particle filter or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating
temperature, these substances might
ignite - risk of fire!Protection of hollow spacesAll the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for life by a layer of
protective wax
applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated. Please remove any small amount of wax which flows out of the cavities at high temperatures with a plastic scraper and clean the spot using petroleum cleaner.
WARNING
Safety and environmental pr
otection regulations should observed when using
petroleum cleaner to remove wax - a risk of fire!
Engine compartmentGood corrosion protection is very importan
t, particularly in winter when one often
drives over its salt-strewn roads. One should therefore clean the whole engine compartment before and after the salt spread
ing period and treat with preservative in
order to prevent the salt from being destructive. The authorised Škoda Service Partners have the cleaning agents and preservatives recommended by the manufacturer and also the required equipment.
WARNING
•
It is necessary to observ
e the guidelines given in the chapter before working
on the engine compartment
⇒page 204, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.•
Let the engine cool down before cleaning the engine compartment.Caution
•
Engine cleaning may be only be un
dertaken when the ignition is off.
•
It is recommended to cover the generator before washing the engine compart-
ment.
For the sake of the environment
The dirty water produced by washing the engine has washed away petrol, and residues of grease and oil and should therefore be
cleaned by an oil separator. This is why
engine washing should only be undertaken in
a specialist garage or at a fueling station
(when these are fitted with the required equipment).Care of the interior of vehiclePlastic parts, artificial leather and clothsYou can clean plastic parts and artificial le
ather with a moist cloth. You should only
treat such parts with special
solvent-free plastic cleaning and care products
it does
prove to be adequate.
sgg.6.book Page 197 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Fuel
200
FuelPetrolGrades of petrolThere are various grades of petrol. Please read
⇒page 243, “Technical Data” in order
to know which grade of petrol your vehicle
requires. You will also find the same infor-
mation affixed to the inside of th
e fuel filler flap of your vehicle
⇒page 201, fig. 168
.
A distinction is made between unleaded and
leaded petrol. All Škoda vehicles with
petrol engines are equipped wi
th a catalytic converter and must therefore be only
driven with
unleaded petrol
. Unleaded petrol complies with the
standard EN 228
.
The individual grades of petr
ol are distinguished by their
octane number
(RON).
Please adopt the following procedure if the grade of petrol which you normally use is not be available in exceptional circumstances. Engines which need
unleaded premium petrol 95 RON
can also be run on unleaded
regular petrol 91 RON. This does, however,
result in a slight loss in performance.
If, in an emergency, the only fuel availa
ble is one which has a lower octane number
than that required by the engine then only drive at medium engine speeds and lower engine loadings. You can make unlimited use of fuel whic
h has a higher octane number than that
required by the engine. There will, however, be no advantages gained by this in terms of engine performance and fuel consumption! The handling, performance and life of your
engine are determined to a significant
extent by the quality of the fuel. Do not use any petrol additives.
Use fuel which
complies with the standard EN 228
.
You can find further information on refuelling
⇒page 201, “Refuelling”.
Caution
•
Filling the tank even only once with le
aded petrol will resu
lt in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.•
Operating the engine with petrol of a low octane number can result in engine
damage at high revolutions or severe engine loading.
DieselDiesel fuelYour vehicle can be operated with
diesel fuel
, which complies with the standard
EN 590
.
Fuel additives You must not use fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar prod- ucts) in diesel fuel. If the quality of the diesel fuel is poor, it is then necessary to drain the
fuel filter
more
often than stated in the Service schedule. You can find information on refuelling
⇒page 201, “Refuelling”.
Caution
•
Only use fuel which complies with the standard
EN 590
. Filling the tank even only
once, which does not comply with the stan
dard, can result in damage to the fuel
system.•
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can result in engine problems.
•
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biodie
sel, therefore this fuel must not be refu-
elled and driven. Using this biodiesel can lead to damage to the engine or the fuel system.Operation 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 beco
mes viscous as a result of paraffin sepa-
ration.
sgg.6.book Page 200 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
Fuel
201
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 co
rresponding 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 avail- able have a different temperature characte
ristic. The authorised Škoda Service Part-
ners and filling stations in the country concer
ned will be able to provide you with infor-
mation 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 im
prove its flow properties.
RefuellingFig. 168 Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel fi
ller flap / fuel filler
flap with cap unscrewed
The filler flap is automatically unlocke
d or locked* with the central locking.
Opening the fuel filler cap– Press in the middle of the left area of
the fuel filler flap in direction of arrow
⇒ fig. 168
.
– The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube
must be unlocked to the left using the
vehicle key (only valid for vehicles which
do not have automatic unlocking of the
fuel filler flap).
– Unscrew the fuel filler ca
p anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above
on the fuel filler flap
⇒fig. 168
on the right.
Closing fuel filler cap– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock. – The fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube
must be locked to the right using the vehicle
key (only valid for vehicles which do not
have automatic locking of the fuel filler
flap).
– Close the fuel filler flap until it locks. The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and inflation pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further information on fuel
⇒page 200.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 60 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 damaged
in the event of an accident and fuel
may leak out.
Caution
•
Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system (auxiliary
heating and ventilation) *.•
Remove any fuel which has spilled onto th
e paintwork of your vehicle immediately
- risk of paint damage!•
On vehicles fitted with a ca
talytic converter, never let the fuel tank 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.
A1
sgg.6.book Page 201 Thursday, September 24, 2009 2:32 PM
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
204
Caution
Never open the bonnet using the locking lever - danger of causing damage.Working in the engine compartment Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the engine compartment!There is a risk of injuries, scalding, acci
dents and fire when working in the engine
compartment, e.g. inspecting and 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 safe
ty. The engine compartment 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 scalding!
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.
•
Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the anti-
freeze 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 expans
ion 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 fr
om 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 cabl
es of the ignition system.
− Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose it
ems 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 warnin
g instructions st
ated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fu
el system or on th
e 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 oper
ating problems and also vehicle damage!
WARNING (continued)
sgg.6.book Page 204 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
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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
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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
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