Inspecting and replenishing
152For 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 material,
equipment and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you have
the oil and oil filter change carried out by a specialist garage.Note
After your skin has come in contact with th e oil, you must thoroughly wash your skin.Power steeringThe reservoir for hydraulic oil of power steering is located in the front right of the
engine compartment page 149, fig. 145 .
Check hydraulic oil
The hydraulic system of the power steering is filled with the hydraulic oil designated in
the catalogue as G 002 000.
Perform the inspection of the hydraulic oil level when the engine is cold and not
running.
The hydraulic oil level must be be tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings fig. 147 . If
the level drops below the marking “MIN”, it is necessary that the power steering is
checked by a specialist garage. It is not su fficient to solely refill with hydraulic oil.
Note
If the engine is not running (when towing) or if the V-ribbed belt is torn, the power
steering does not operate. The vehicle is fully steerable however. There is however
increased force required to turn the steering wheel.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 prot ection 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 mont hs 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 protection 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 of fers 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 factory- filled with coolant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW 774 G.
We recommend that you use the same coolan t additive - G13 (purple in colour) - for
topping up the system.
Please contact a specialist garage if you have any questions regarding the coolant or if
you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
A specialist garage can also supply yo u with the correct coolant additives.
Fig. 147 Hydraulic oil dipstick
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Inspecting and replenishing153
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General Maintenance
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Technical Data
Caution
Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in partic-
ular, involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant
and, as a consequence 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 in “Working in the engine compartment” on page 148.
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle fig. 148 . 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 lo w, this is indicated by the warning light in
the instrument cluster
page 28. We nevertheless recommend inspecting the
coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. You should
not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have the cooling
system inspected without delay by a specialist garage. Losses can only occur through the pressure
relief in the cap of the coolant expansion
bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of overheating
and is forced out of the cooling system.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
One should contact a specialist garage as s oon as possible if the source of overheating
itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave damage to the
engine.Replenishing the coolant– Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir fig. 148 and
unscrew the cap carefully by turning it to the left .
–Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock.
The coolant which you use for replenishing th e system, must comply with one specific
specification page 152, “Coolant”. Do not use an al ternative additive if the coolant
additive G13 is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system with water
and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio of water and
coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not top up the fluid above the hatched pa rt! Excess coolant which is heated up is
forced out of the cooling system through th e pressure relief valve in the cap of the
coolant compensation bottle.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major loss of
coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine damage.
Fig. 148 Engine compartment:
Coolant expansion bottleAa
Ab
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Inspecting and replenishing155
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General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
instrument cluster
page 31. In this case stop immediately and do not drive any
further! Obtain professional assistance.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 148, “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. Excessive 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.
One may only use new genuine brake fluid from Škoda Auto. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
VW 50114
FMVSS 116 DOT4
DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced 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 bubbles in the br ake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle.
Caution
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
In view of the problems involved with proper disposal of brake fluid, the special tools
and the professional knowledge required, you should have the brake fluid replaced by
authorised Škoda Service Partners.BatteryWorking on the batteryThe battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic cover*.
– Press the interlocks on the sides of the battery cover fig. 150 and pull the cover
upwards see arrow .
– The installation of the battery co ver takes place in the reverse order.
Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under certain
circumstances, lead to major dama ge. Contact a specialist garage.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work on
the battery and on the electrical system. For th is reason, it is essential to comply with
the warning instructions stated below and with the general applicable rules of
safety.
Fig. 150 Engine compartment:
The battery
AA
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Wheels and Tyres
160
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 be cause 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 vibrations 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 direction 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. 153 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa (0.2 bar)
higher than those for summer tyres page 163.
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. 153 An opened fuel filler
flap with a tyre size and tyre
inflation pressure table
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Wheels and Tyres163
Using the system
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Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
means, for example, that the tyre was ma
nufactured in the 50th week of the year 2008.
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 been 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 conf ormity 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 circumstan ces 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.Winter tyresThe handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow and
at temperatures below 7 °C because of thei r construction (width, rubber blend, tread
pattern). This particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with low-profile
tyres or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
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Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
166
Accessories, changes and replacement of partsAccessories and re placement partsŠkoda vehicles have been built according to the latest discoveries in safety engi-
neering. Thus one should not change the co ndition in which the vehicle was delivered
from the manufacturer without some thought.
The following guidelines should be observed when a vehicle is to be retrofitted with
accessories, have technical ch anges made to it or a part has to be replaced at some
time in the future.
Advise should always be obtained from a specialist garage before buying any
accessories and before making any technical changes .
This is particularly the case when acce ssories are bought in a foreign country.
Škoda Genuine Accessories which have been released for use and Skoda original
parts can be bought from specialist ga rages that professionally undertake the
assembly of parts which were purchased there.
All Škoda original accessories which are listed in the catalogue of original accesso-
ries such as sliding/tilting roofs, sp oilers, wheel rims etc. are homologized.
Radios, aerials and other electrical acce ssories should only be installed by a
specialist garage.
The guidelines issued by Škoda Auto mu st be observed when making technical
changes.
This is to ensure that no technical damage occurs to the vehicle, that travelling and
operating safety are maintained and that the chnages are permissible. The specialist
garages also undertake this work professionally or refer it to another specialist garage
in special cases.
Any damage which is done caused by tech nical changes made without consulting
a Skoda dealer is exclud ed from the guarantee.
WARNING
We advise you, in your own interest, to only use Škoda Genuine Accessories
and Škoda original parts which have been expressly approved for use on your Škoda. Reliability, safety and suitabilii
ty have been established for these Škoda
original parts.
We cannot guarantee suitability of installation into your vehicle of other
products despite keeping a constant eye on market developments (also not in
the case where there is an attestation or permission can be produced).
Technical changesInterference on the electronic components and their software can lead to operational
faults. This interference can also impair no t directly affected systems because of the
networking of the electronic components. This means that the operating safety of your
vehicle can be considerably jeopardized, a greater wear of vehicle parts can occur and
finally the vehicle registration documents expire.
We trust that you will understand that Šk oda Auto cannot be liable for damage
resulting from unprofessional work.
We therefore recommend that you have all wo rk carried out with Škoda original parts
at specialist garages.
WARNING
Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unprofes-
sionally, can cause operational faults - risk of accident!Vehicles of category N1The vehicle of category N1 is a vehicle wh ich is designed and manufactured for trans-
porting loads with a maximum weight of 3.5 tonnes.
WARNING (continued)
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Breakdown assistance
170
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternately and diagonally using the wrench* (cross-
wise) page 171.
– 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 unidirectional tyres, ensu re that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction page 160.
Subsequent stepsAfter changing the wheel, you must perform the following steps.
– Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well.
– Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
– 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 wh eels must be tightened to a tightening
torque of 120 Nm .
– Have the defective tyre repaired as soon as possible.
WARNING
It is necessary to observe the guidelines given on page 162, “New tyres and
wheels” if the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to
those it was fitted with at the works.
Note
If you find, when changing the wheel, that the wheel bolts are corroded and diffi-
cult to turn, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening torque.
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed to a workshop where the tightening
torque can be checked.
Full wheel trim*Pulling off– Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool ki t into the reinforced edge of the full
wheel trim.
– Push the wheel wrench* through the clamp, support the wheel wrench at the tyre and pull off the wheel trim fig. 160 .Installing– First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel at the valve opening provided. Then
press the full wheel trim into the wheel in such a way that its entire circumference
locks correctly in place.
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.
Check for yourself that the safety wheel bolt * is located in the hole in the area of
the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached with a
safety wheel bolt* page 172, “Securing wheels against being stolen*”.
Fig. 160 Removing the full
wheel trim
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Breakdown assistance175
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving style
Towing another vehicle requires a certain am
ount of practice. Both drivers should be
familiar with the particular points about to wing a vehicle. Unskilled drivers should not
attempt to tow in another vehicle or to be towed in.
One should be constantly vigi lant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces or
jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a vehicle
which is not standing on a paved road.
Caution
If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect, your
vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the ground, or on
a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
Note
Please comply with any national legal provisions particularly regarding the
switched on signal systems, when towi ng in or tow-starting another vehicle.
The tow rope must not be twisted as it ma y in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.
Front towing eye
The front towing eye is welded on behind the bumper on the right fig. 167 . The tow
rope or the tow bar must only be attached to this eye. The grille is secured with plastic
lugs at the points of the arrows. Remove the grille as follows:
– Grasp the grille on the ribs in the upper area. Press it in the direction of arrow and take it out in the direction or arrow fig. 167 .
– Install again by positioning first of all the lugs of the grille in the guides on the vehicle and press in the grille. The protective grille must engage firmly.Rear towing eyeThe rear towing eye is located below the rear bumper on the right fig. 168 .Tow-starting a vehicleIf the engine does not start, we generally do not recommend to tow-start your vehicle.
One should attempt to start the engine using jump start cables page 173 or call on
the services of the SERVICE mobile.If your vehicle has to be towed:– Engage 2nd or 3rd gear with the vehicle stationary.
– Depress the clutch pedal fu lly and keep it depressed.
– Switch on the ignition.
– Wait until both vehicles are moving then release the clutch pedal slowly.
Fig. 167 Front bumper: protec-
tive grille of towing eye
A1
A2
Fig. 168 Rear towing eye
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