2010 SKODA ROOMSTER Owner's Manual

Inspecting and replenishing
168

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. This is why brake fluid must be replaced every two years.
One may only use new brake fluid approved by Škoda Auto. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
VW 501 14,

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.

Brake fluid is toxic! It must therefor e be kept safely in closed original
containers and well away from children and unauthorized persons.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, we recommend you have the brake fluid
replaced by a specialist garage.
BatteryWorking on the batteryFig. 140 The battery: Pull up the cove r (automatic gearbox) / (manual gearbox)The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
– Unlock the interlock on the positive terminal side of the battery fig. 140 .
– Pull up the cover in direction of arrow  fig. 140 (automatic gearbox) or fig. 140
(manual gearbox).
– The installation of the battery cover on th e positive terminal side takes place in the
reverse order.
Removal and installation of the battery is not recommended since it can, under certain
circumstances, lead to ma jor damage to the battery and fuse boxes. 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.
WARNING

The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear prot ective gloves, eye and skin protection
when handling batteries. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and
lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. Battery
WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and replenishing169
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Praktik
Technical Data
acid corrodes dental enamel and create
s deep wounds after contact with the
skin which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with diluted acids causes
skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks). Acids coming into contact
with water are diluted accompanied by significant development of heat.

Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glas ses or a shield! There is
the danger of suffering blindness! If an y battery electrolyte gets into your eye,
rinse out your eye immediately with cl ear water for several minutes. Contact a
doctor without delay.

Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. Contact a doctor
immediately if you swal low battery electrolyte.

Keep batteries out of the reach of children.

Hydrogen is released when you charge a battery and a highly explosive gas
mixture is produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over during
unclamping or loosening of the cabl e plug while the ignition is on.

Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects,
cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.

It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry out
any activities which produce sparks. Avoi d creating sparks when working with
cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.

Before carrying out any work on the el ectrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the negative
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. Then disconnect the positive terminal (+).

When reconnecting the battery, first connect the positive terminal (+) and only
then the negative terminal (-) of the battery. You must on no account connect the
cables wrongly - risk of a cable fire.

Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the 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 wa ste which is harmful to the environment -
contact your specialist garage regarding disposing of the battery.
Note

Please also refer to the guidelines page 171, “Disconnectin g and reconnecting
the battery”, also after connecting the battery.
Battery with a two-tone indicator
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 141 The battery: Show
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170
An indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye fig. 141 , is located on
the top of the battery. The indicator changes it s 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 replaced by a specialist garage.Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical components consum e 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 wh en working on the battery  in “Working on the battery”
on page 168.
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 .

Replacement batteries with two-tone indi cator, which were obtained from Škoda
original accessories, are marked with the code 000 915 105 Dx, whereby “x” stands for
a variable. The exact marking can be e.g. 000 915 105 DB.
Battery with a three-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level and the charge state, the so-called magic eye
 page 169, fig. 141 , is located on the top of the ba ttery. The indicator changes its
colour in line with the charge state of and 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.

Green colour - the battery is adequately charged.

Dark colour - the battery has to be charged

Colourless or 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 replaced by a specialist garage.Caution
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will discharge
because certain electrical components 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  in “Working on the battery”
on page 168.
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 171 checked each time
the battery is charged.
The electrolyte level of the battery will al so be checked as part of the Inspection
Service.
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Inspecting and replenishing171
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Safety
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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 168 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 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 168. 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.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.Operation
Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)
 page 44
Enter radio code number
see Radio Operating Instructions
Set hours
page 18
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are
deleted.
page 18
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We recommend that you only have an old ba ttery disposed of by a specialist garage
since it does require special disposal.
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.Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear
window and for the headlamp cl eaning system*. The reservoir is located in the front of
the engine compartment on the right side of the vehicle fig. 142 . On some vehicles,
the reservoir is located on the left side of the vehicle next to the battery.
The filling level of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
which have a headlight washing system.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We
therefore recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner
from Škoda genuine accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze) which is
capable of removing stubborn dirt. Follow the instructions for use on the packaging
when using screen cleaning products.
You should always add antifreeze to the cleani ng water in winter even if your vehicle is
fitted with heated wind screen washer nozzles*. It is also possible in exceptional cases to use methylated spirits when no screen cleaner
with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must not be more
than 15 %. Please note, however, that the anti
freeze protection at this concentration is
only adequate down to -5°C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes page 162, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution

On no account should you add radiator an tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.

If the vehicle is fitted wi th a headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating 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.
Fig. 142 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
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Wheels and Tyres173
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Praktik
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 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.
Unidirectional tyres*
The direction of rotation of the tyres is mark ed by arrows on the wall of the tyre. This
indicates the direction of rotation of the tyre, and it is essential that the tyres are fitted
on to run in this direction. Only then are the tyres able to provide the optimal proper-
ties in terms of grip, low nois e, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning th e use of unidirectional tyres page 177.
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. 143 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher
than those for summer tyres page 177.
Fig. 143 An opened fuel filler flap with a
tyre size and tyre inflation pressure table
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Wheels and Tyres
174
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 Roomster 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 greater flexing
work. 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 appropriately 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 located 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
220/210
230/320
1,4/63 kW
220/210
1.2/77 kW TSI
220/210
1.6/77 kW
220/210
1,2/55 kW TDI CR
220/220
1.6/66 kW TDI CR
220/220
1.6/77 kW TDI CR
220/210
Fig. 144 Tyre tread with wear indicators
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Wheels and Tyres175
Using the system
Safety
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Technical Data

fig. 144 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular
symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
A remaining tread of just 1.6 mm, measured in the grooves of the tread next to the wear
indicators, means that your tyres have reached their legally permissible minimum
tread depth.
WARNING

You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down . The legally permissible minimum tread
depth should be observed.

Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could e xperience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Changing wheels aroundIf significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing the
front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then obtain approximately the same
life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres ov er “crosswise” when certain types of wear
characteristic arise on the running surface of the tyres (but not in the case of unidirec-
tional tyres). Specialist garages are familiar with details.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10 000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.New tyres and wheelsTyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use the
tyres and wheel rims which have been releas ed for use by Škoda Auto. They are exactly
matched to the vehicle type and therefore contribute significantly to good road
holding and safe driving characteristics .
Only fit radial tyres of the same type on all 4 wheels, size (rolling circumference) and, if
possible, the same tread pattern on one axle. The specialist garage has access to the most current information about which tyres we
have released for us
e on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relati ng to tyres or wheels carried out by a
specialist garage . Your dealer has all of the necessary special tools and replacement
parts available plus the required specialist knowledge and is also in a position to prop-
erly dispose of the old tyres. A large number of specialist garages also have an attrac-
tive range of tyres and wheels available.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are appr oved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legislation
prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct type of
tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
185 / 65 R 14 86 T
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
185
Tyre wi dt h i n mm
65
Height/width ratio in %
R
Code letter for the type of tyre - R adial
14
Diameter of wheel in inches
86
Load index
T
Speed symbol
Speed symbol
Permissible maximum speed
Q
160 km/h
R
170 km/h
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
U
200 km/h
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