Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle209
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, completely 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 spreading 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 216, “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 leather 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.
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Fuel213
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
Therefore, your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel which complies with
the standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria). Filling the tank even only once wi th diesel fuel which does not comply with
the standard, can result in damage to the engine parts, the lubrication system, the fuel
and exhaust system.
If by mistake you have refuelled with a different fuel other than the diesel fuel
which complies to the above mentioned standards (e.g. petrol), do not start the engine
or switch on the ignition! This can result in severe engine damage! Contact a specialist
garage and have the fuel sy stem of the engine cleaned.
Water which has collected in the fuel fi lter can result in engine problems.
Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofue l (RME), therefore this fuel must not be
refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) 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 th e diesel becomes viscous as a result of paraffin sepa-
ration.
It is therefore the case that the standard EN 590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany,
standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria) is the diesel fuel class prescribed for certain
periods of the year which can also be purc hased at the corresponding 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 characteristic. 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 improve its flow properties.RefuellingFig. 179 Right rear side of the ve hicle: Open fuel filler flap / fuel filler flap with cap unscrewedThe filler flap is automatically unlocked or locked with the central locking.Opening the fuel filler cap– Press onto the left side of the fuel filler flap fig. 179 - left.
– Unscrew the fuel filler ca p anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from above
on the fuel filler flap fig. 179 - right.Closing fuel filler cap– Screw on the fuel filler cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to click.
– 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 212.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 60 litres.
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Inspecting and replenishing
216
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 stated below when
carrying out any essential work on the fu el system or on the 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)
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Inspecting and replenishing223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any work on
the battery and on the electrical system. For
this 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
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 jump-start the batteries which ha ve a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns.
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 226, also after connecting the battery.
WARNING (continued)
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Inspecting and replenishing225
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 225 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 an authorised Škoda
Service Partner before the start of the winter and recharged if necessary.
WARNING
Never charge a frozen or thawed battery - risk of explosion and caustic burns.
Replace a frozen battery.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 222 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 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 222. It requires a special charger an d appropriate knowledge. We therefore
recommend that you have your battery quic k-charged only by an authorised Škoda
Service Partner.
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.
Never charge a battery which has a too lo w electrolyte level - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns.
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Breakdown assistance
242
– Attach the other end to the positive term inal of the battery supplying the power
.Connecting negative terminal and engine block– Attach one end to the negative termin al of the battery supplying the power .
– Attach the other end to a solid metal part which is connected firmly to the
engine block, or to the engine block itself.Starting the engine– Start the engine of the vehicle providing current and run the engine at idling speed.
– Now start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
– Interrupt the attempt at starting an engine after 10 seconds if it does not start right
away and wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
– Disconnect the cables on the engine in exactly the reverse order they were
connected up.
WARNING
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never make contact
with each other. Furthermore, the cable connected to the positive terminal of
the battery must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the
vehicle - risk of a short circuit!
Do not affix the jump starting cables to the negative terminal of the
discharged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being started.
Run the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotating
parts in the engine compartment.
Do not bend over the batteries - risk of caustic burns!
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes etc.)
away from the battery - risk of an explosion!
Never jump-start the batteries which have a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns.
Jump-starting on vehicles with jump-starting pointFor vehicles with the 3.6 ltr./191 kW FSI engi nes, the positive terminal of the battery
supplying the power can only be connected to the jump-starting point in the engine
compartment of the vehicle which must be started by means of a jump-starting
cable fig. 202 !
– Open the protective cap of the jump-starting point in direction of arrow.
– Connect the positive termin al of the battery supplying the power with the jump-
starting point.
– Attach the negative terminal of the batte ry supplying the power to a solid metal
part which is connected firm ly to the engine block or to the engine block itself.
–Start the engine page 242.
– After the engine start, close the prot ective cap of the jump-starting point.Tow-starting and towing vehicleGeneralPlease pay attention to the following instru ctions if you are going to use a tow rope:Driver of the towing vehicle– Do not drive off until the tow rope is taught.
A2
AB
A3
AB
A4
Fig. 202 Detail of the engine compart-
ment: Jump-starting point
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Breakdown assistance243
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Release the clutch particularly gently wh
en starting off or depress the accelerator
particularly gently if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Driver of the towed vehicle– Switch the ignition on so that the steeri ng wheel is not blocked and you can also
operate the turn signal lights, the headlight flasher, the windscreen wipers and
windscreen washer system.
– Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if your
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
– Note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is running. You will require significantly grea ter physical force to depress the brake
pedal and to steer th e vehicle if the engine is not running.
– Ensure that the tow rope is always kept taught.
Tow rope or tow bar
A tow bar is safest way of towing a vehicle an d also minimizes any shocks. You can use
a tow rope only if a suitable tow bar is not available.
The tow rope must be elastic to protect the vehicle. Thus one should only use plastic
fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic material.
Only attach the tow rope to the towing eyes provided for this purpose page 243
and page 244.
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 may in certain circumstances result in the
front towing eye being unscrewed out of your vehicle.
Front towing eye
The towing eye is stored in th e box for the vehicle tool kit.Fig. 203 Front bumper: Removing the cover / installing the towing eye– Take the cover out of the front bumper fig. 203 - left.
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop fig. 203 - right and
tighten it as much as po ssible. For tightening, we recommend that you use for
example the wheel wrench*, the lashing eye of another vehicle or a similar object
which you can push through the eye.
– Put the cover in place after screwing out the towing eye again and press into place.
The cover must engage firmly.
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Breakdown assistance
244Caution
The towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, otherwise the
towing eye can tear when to wing in or tow-starting!Rear towing eyeFig. 204 Rear bumper: Removing the cover / installing the towing eye– Press onto the bottom part of the cover in the rear bumper fig. 204 - left and
take it out.
– Screw in the towing eye by hand to the left up to the stop fig. 204 - right and
tighten it as much as possible. For ti ghtening, we recommend that you use for
example the wheel wrench*, the lashing eye of another vehicle or a similar object
which you can push through the eye.
– Put the cover in place after screwing out the towing eye again and press into place.
The cover must engage firmly.
Caution
The towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, otherwise the
towing eye can tear when to wing in or tow-starting!
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 241 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.
– Depress the clutch pedal fully when the engine fires and take the vehicle out of
gear.
For technical reasons it is not possibl e to tow-start a car fitted with an automatic
gearbox .
WARNING
There is high risk of having an accident when tow-starting a vehicle, when for
example the towed vehicle r uns into the towing vehicle.
Caution
Vehicles which are fitted with a catalytic converter should not be tow-started over a
distance of more than 50 metres. Unburnt fu el may get into the catalytic converter and
damage it.Towing in a vehicle fitted with a manual gearboxPlease refer to the additional instructions page 242.
The vehicle can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope or with the front or rear
wheels raised. The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
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