Inspecting and replenishing
175
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Note
Batteries with three-tone indicator, which are mounted as of factory, are marked
with a code which always begins with
1J0
, 7N0
or 3B0
. The exact marking can be e.g.
1J0 915 105 AC
.
Replacement batteries with three-tone indi
cator, which were obtained from Škoda
original accessories, are marked with the code
000 915 105 Ax
, whereby “x” stands for
a variable. The exact marking can be e.g.
000 915 105 AB
.
Inspecting the electrolyte levelThe battery is practically
maintenance-free
under normal operating conditions. We
do, however, recommend that you have the electrolyte level inspected from time to time by a specialist garage when outside
temperatures are high or when driving on
long trips. You should also have the electrolyte level
page 175 checked each time
the battery is charged. The electrolyte level of the battery will al
so be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.Operation in winterThe battery has to provide greater amounts of
electricity during the winter. It also has
only part of the initial power output at low temperatures that it has at normal temper-atures. A discharged battery may already freez
e at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the
battery checked by a specialist garage
before the start of the winter, and recharged if necessary.Charging the battery A properly charged battery is essentia
l for reliably starting the engine.
– Read the warning notes
in “Working on the battery” on page 172 and
.
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both
battery cables (first
of all “negative”,
then “positive”).
– Carefully attach the terminal
clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
– 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 th
e terminal clamps of the charger.
– Reconnect the cables to the battery (first of all “positive”, then “negative”). It is not normally necessary to
disconnect the cables of th
e 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 172. It requires a special charger an
d appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have your battery quick-
charged only by your specialist garage.
A discharged battery may already
freeze
at temperatures just below 0°C
. We
recommend that you no longer use a battery
which has thawed out because the casing
of the battery may be cracked through the 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.
s3j8.a.book Page 175 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Inspecting and replenishing
177
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
On no account should you add radiator an
tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.
If the vehicle is fitted with a headligh
t cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do no
t attack the polycarbonate co
ating of the headlights to
the windscreen washer fluid. Please contac
t your specialist garage, who will tell you
which cleaning agent you can use.
Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen
wash container when filling it up again with
liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid
transportation system and can lead to faults
in operation of the windscreen wash system.
s3j8.a.book Page 177 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Wheels and Tyres
179
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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. Tyre inflation pressure - Tyre size 185/55 R15 The same inflation pressure values apply to ty
res of the tyre size 195/55 R15 as to tyres
of the tyre size 185/55 R15 which are intended to be used with snow chains, see the inside of the fuel filler flap. The tyres of the tyre size 185/55 R15, which are intended to be used with snow chains and are fitted on models Fabia Combi Scout, have the following inflation pressure values in kPa. Driving style Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and brak
ing (squealing tyres) increase wear-and-
tear on your tyres. Balancing wheels The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences when driving which may result in an imbalance
and which makes themselves felt through
vibration in the steering.
You should have the wheels rebalanced si
nce any imbalance increases wear-and-tear
on the steering, the suspension and tyres. A wheel must also be rebalanced when a new tyre is fitted and each time a tyre is repaired. Wheel alignment errors Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear
will not only increase wear-and-tear on
the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. Contact your specialist garage if you notice any unusual tyre wear.
WARNING
If the inflation pressure is too low,
the tyre must perform a higher rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can result in tread separation and even a tyre blowout.
Immediately replace the damaged rims or tyres.
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an approp
riately cautious style of driving.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.Wear indicatorsThe base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed at right angles to the direction of travel. These
wear indicators are lo
cated at 6 - 8 points
depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre
Engine
Partial load
Full load
1.2/63 kW TSI
220/230
220/230
1,4/63 kW
220/290
1.2/77 kW TSI
230/300
1.6/77 kW
230/300
1,2/55 kW TDI CR
230/300
1.6/66 kW TDI CR
220/290
1.6/77 kW TDI CR
220/290
Fig. 148 Tyre tread with wear indicators
s3j8.a.book Page 179 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Wheels and Tyres
181
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The
date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall
(possibly only on the inside of
wheel).
DOT ... 13 10...
means, for example, that the tyre was ma
nufactured in the 13th week of the year 2010.
If the
spare wheel*
differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-
profile tyres), the spare wheel* should only be used for a short time in the event of a puncture and when adopting an appropriately
cautious style of driving. It should be
replaced as quickly as po
ssible by a normal wheel.
WARNING
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of Škoda Auto vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident! Approval and licencing of your vehicle on public roads may also become void as a result.
You must on no account drive at a high
er speed than is permissible for your
tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of control over your vehicle.
Tyres which are 6 years old or more should only be fitted in exceptional
cases and when adopting an approp
riately cautious style of driving.
Never fit tyres which have already b
een used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyre
s age even if they have not been used
at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional cases and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
Do not, where possible, replace individu
al tyres but at least replace them on
both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
For the sake of the environment
Old tyres must be disposed
of in conformity with
the appropriate regulations.
Note
It is not normally possible to fit wheels from
other models of cars for technical reasons.
This may also apply in certain circumstances to the wheels of the same type of vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and
wheel bolts
are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time you
fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the corr
ect length and shape of spherical cap. This
is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system oper- ates properly. If you retrofit
wheel trims
(or have this done), please
also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system. The specialist garages are informed about the technical possibilities which exist regarding converting or retrofitting wheels, tyres and wheel trims.
WARNING
In case of incorrect treatment of the
wheel bolts, the wheel
can loosen when
the car is moving - risk of accident!
The wheel bolts must be clean and must
turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
lossen when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent deformation of the contac
t surfaces on the rims.
Caution
The prescribed tightening torque of the wh
eel bolts for steel and light alloy wheels is
120 Nm.
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
W
270 km/h
Speed symbol
Permissible maximum speed
s3j8.a.book Page 181 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Wheels and Tyres
183
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than
12 mm
.
Remove the
full wheel trims
before installing the snow chains.
Observe the different national legal regulation
s relating to the use of snow chains and
the maximum vehicle spee
d with snow chains.
WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of the snow chain manufacturer.
Caution
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of snow. They adversely affect the handling of your ve
hicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed.
Note
Only fit snow chains from the ra
nge of Škoda genui
ne accessories.
When driving with snow chains, switch off the traction control system (TCS).
Wheel size
Depth (D)
Ty re s i z e
5J x 14
35 mm
165/70
6J x 14
37 mm
185/60
6J x 15
43 mm
185/55
s3j8.a.book Page 183 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Breakdown assistance
185
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceFirst-aid box* and Warning triangle*The first-aid box must be stored in such a
way that it is immediately ready to hand.
A warning triangle with the maximum di
mensions 39 x 68 x 450 mm
can be attached
to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber straps
fig. 149
.
If you wish to equip your ve
hicle additionally with a warning triangle, please contact a
specialist garage.
WARNING
The first-aid box must be stored in such a way that the occupants do no suffer any injuries in the event of an emergency
braking or a collision of the vehicle.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached
with straps 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 various differing national 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. 149 Placing of the warning triangle
Fig. 150 Luggage compartment: storage compartment for vehicle tool kit
s3j8.a.book Page 185 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Breakdown assistance
187
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
and the
spare wheel*
page 185 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 188 or the caps
page 188.
– Slacken the wheel bolts
page 189.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to
be changed is clear of the ground
page 189.
– 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 wrench (cross-
wise)
page 189.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
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 178.
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.
– Have the
tightening torque
of the wheel bolts
checked
with a torque wrench as
soon as possible. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tightening torque of
120 Nm
.
s3j8.a.book Page 187 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM
Breakdown assistance
189
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Slackening and tightening wheel bolts Slacken the wheel bolts befo
re jacking up the vehicle.
Slackening wheel bolts– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt
13).
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about
one
turn to the left
fig. 154
.
Tightening wheel bolts– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt
13).
– 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 (abo
ut one turn) as long as the vehicle has
not yet been jacked up - risk of an accident!
Note
Apply pressure carefully with your
foot
to the e nd of the wrench if it prove s d iff icult
to slacken the bolts. Hold tight on the vehicl
e 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 ja
cking point - engraving in the lower sill -
which is closest to the wheel to be removed
fig. 155
.
– Position the lifting jack below the jacking
point and move it up until its claw is posi-
tioned 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 ba
se 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-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 ba
se of the lifting jack from slipping
off - risk of injury!
Place the lifting ja
ck only on a soli
d and even surface.
13)Use the appropriate adapter for slackening and tightening the safety wheel bolts
page 190.
Fig. 154 Changing a wheel: Slackening wheel bolts
Fig. 155 Changing a wheel: Jacking points for positioning lifting jack
AA
AB
s3j8.a.book Page 189 Tuesday, April 20, 2010 1:10 PM