Towing a trailer
204
Detachable towing device*The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in a box for the car tool kit in
the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment.
An instruction for correct installation and remo val of the ball head of the towing device
is supplied with the ball head
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is prop erly locked each time before setting off.
The inspection is performed by turning th e closed locking lever downwards. If the
locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking mecha-
nism is O.K. After the inspection pull the locking lever back again to its stop. The towing
device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever turns slightly
in the closed position.
WARNING
Do not use any aids or tools for installing or removing the ball head. This might
result in damage to the locking mechanism to the extent that the safety of the
towing device is no longer assured - risk of an accident!
Note
Do not carry out any modifications or repairs to the ball head or to any other
components on the towing device.
Contact a specialist garage if you en counter any problems using the device.
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.
You should take off the ball head if yo u drive without towing a trailer. Inspect
whether the end cover properly seals off the mounting shaft.
Remove the ball head beforehand if you wish to clean your vehicle using a steam
jet. Ensure that the end cover properly seals the mounting shaft.
It is recommended to wear gloves when installing and removing.
Fig. 178 Detachable ball head
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
206
There are no particular points to note be fore washing your vehicle in an automatic
vehicle wash system other than the usua l precautionary measures (closing the
windows and the sliding/tilting roof etc.).
If you have any particular attached parts fitted to your car - such as spoiler, roof rack
system, two-way radio aerial - it is best to first of all consult the operator of the car
wash plant.
It is important to degrease the lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers after passing
through the automatic vehicle wash system.Washing vehicle by handIt is important to first soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse it off as thoroughly
as possible before washin g your vehicle by hand.
One should then clean the vehicle using a soft washing sponge, washing glove or a
washing brush and only slight pressure. Work from the top to the bottom - beginning
with the roof. Only place slight pressure on the vehicle paintwork during cleaning Only
use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Rinse off the vehicle well after giving it a wash and dry it off using a chamois leather.
WARNING
The ignition should always be switched off when you wash your vehicle -
risk of accident!
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when you are
cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims -
risk of cuts!Caution
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
Ensure that the jet of water is not aimed di rectly at the locking cylinders or at the
door and panel joints if you spray your vehi cle in winter down with a hose - risk of
freezing.
Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitc hen sponges or similar cleaning products
- risk of damage to the surface of paintwork.For the sake of the environment
Only wash your vehicle at wa shing bays specifically reserved for this purpose. This
ensures that no water which may be contaminated by oil flows into the sewage system.
It is not even permitted to wash your vehicl e in certain areas except at such specific
washing bays.Washing with a high-pressure cleanerWhen you wash your vehicle with a high-press ure cleaner, it is essential to comply with
the instructions for use of the cleaning equi pment. This applies in particular to the
pressure used and to the spraying distance . Maintain a sufficiently large distance to
soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
On no account use circular spray nozzles or so-called dirt cutters!
WARNING
It is particularly important that you do not clean tyres with circular spray jets.
Visible but also invisible damage to tyres may occur even at a relatively large
spraying distance and if sprayed only for a short time - risk of accident!
Caution
The water containing wax must be no hotter than 60°C, otherwise the vehicle can be
damaged.Wax treatmentGood wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from harmful envi-
ronmental influences and minor mechanical damage.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quali ty hard wax polish at the latest, when no
more drops form on the clean paintwork.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
208
Do not use window leathers which you have us ed to polish the vehicle body to dry off
the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window leather can dirty the window
and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the
heating elements of the rear window heater .
We recommend using a preserva tive from Škoda genuine accessories offered by your
Škoda dealer.
Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the glass parts with warm or hot water - risk of forma-
tion of cracks in the glass.The headlight lensesPlease do not use any aggressi ve cleaning or chemical solvent products for cleaning
the front headlights - risk of damage to the plastic lenses. Please use soap and clean
warm water.
Caution
Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the plastic
lenses, this may result in damage to the protective paintwork and consequently in
formation of cracks on the headlight lenses, e.g through effect of chemical products.Door and window sealsThe rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and last
longer if you treat them from time to time with a rubber care product (e.g. with a spray
with silicone-free oil). You also avoid premature wear of the seals and prevent leakages
in this way. It is also easier to open the doors. Rubber seals which are well cared for also
do not stick together in cold winter weather.Locking cylinderWe recommend that you use the spray from Škoda original accessories with regreasing
and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locking cylinders.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as little water as possible gets into the locking
cylinders.WheelsSteel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your vehicle
its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road salt from sticking to the
wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abrasion adhering to the wheels with an
industrial cleaner. Touch up any damage to the paintwork on the wheels before rust is
able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wh eels is necessary in order to retain their decorative
appearance over long periods. It is particul arly important to remove any road salt and
brake abrasion from light alloy wheels every two weeks, otherwise the light metal will
suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat the wheels with a protective product for light
alloy wheels which does not contain any acidic componen ts. You should provide the
wheel hubs with a hard wax layer every thre e months. You must not use any products
which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage to the paint layer on
the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from Šk oda genuine accessories offered by your
Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning th e wheels that moisture, ice and road
salt may adversely affect braking ef ficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may show
itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering wheel which,
in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering. This means it is
necessary to remove the dirt.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
210
Upholstery cloth and cloth trim on the d oors, luggage compartment cover, headliner
etc. are best treated with special cleaning products, using if necessary a dry foam and
a soft sponge or brush.
We recommend using a cleaning product from Škoda genuine accessories offered by
your Škoda dealer.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack th e material and can damage it.Fabric covers of electrically heated seatsDo not clean the seat covers moist as this may re sult in damage to the seat heating
system.
Clean such covers using specia l agents, for example dry foam.Natural leather
Natural leather requires quite particular care and attention.Leather should be treated from time to time according the following guidelines
depending on how much it is used.Normal cleaning– Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or woollen cloth.Severe soiling– Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth dipped in a mild soapy solution (2 spoon-
fuls of natural soap to 1 litre of water).
– Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no water gets into the stitching of the seams.
– Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Removing stains– Remove fresh stains which are water-based (e.g. coffee, tea, juices, blood etc.)
with an absorbent cloth or household paper or use the cleaner from the care set
for a stain which has already dried in.
– Remove fresh stains on a fat base (e.g. butter, mayonnaise, chocolate etc.) with an
absorbent cloth or household cleaning paper or with the cleaner from the care set
if the stain has not yet pe netrated into the surface.
– Use a grease dissolver for grease stains which have dried in .
–Eliminate special stains (e.g. ball-point pens, felt pe n, nail varnish, dispersion
paint, shoe cream etc.) with a special stain remover suitable for leather.Leather care– Treat the leather every six months with th e leather care product available from an
authorised Škoda Service Partner.
– Apply only a small amount of the care product.
– Dry the leather off with a soft cloth.
It is best to consult an authorised Škod a Service Partner if you have any questions
regarding cleaning and care of the leather interior in your vehicle.
Caution
You must on no account treat the leather wi th solvents (e.g. gasoline, turpentine),
floor wax, shoe cream or such like.
Avoid leaving your vehicle for lengthy period s in bright sunlight in order to avoid
bleaching the leather. If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from the direct ra ys of the sun by covering it over.
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing su ch as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-edged
belts may leave permanent scratches or signs of rubbing on the surface.Note
Use a care cream with ligh t blocker and impregnation effect regularly and each
time after cleaning the leathe r. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to breathe
and keeps it supple and also provides mois ture. It also creates surface protection.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle211
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove fresh soiling each time this occurs.
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe cream
etc., as quickly as possible.
Care also for the leather dye. Refreshen ar eas which have lost their colour with a
special coloured leather cream as required.
The leather is a natural material with specific properties. During the use of the
vehicle, minor optical changes can occur on the leather parts of the covers (e. g wrin-
kles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers).
Seat belts– Keep the seat belts clean!
– Wash seat belts which have become soiled using a mild soapy solution.
– Inspect the seat belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition.
Belt webbing which has become severely so iled may prevent the inertia reel from
reeling up the belt properly.
WARNING
The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
Never clean the seat belts chemically as dry cleaning may destroy the fabric.
The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into contact with corrosive
liquids (such as acids etc.).
Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, the connections, the inertia
reel or the lock should be replaced by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up.
s3fg.2.book Page 211 Friday, April 30, 2010 12:17 PM
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 replenishing215
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. 180 .
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.Opening and closing the bonnet.Opening the bonnet– Unlock the bonnet fig. 180 . – 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.
– Pull on the locking lever fig. 181 , the bonnet is then unlocked.
– Grasp the bonnet at the bottom part of the radiator grille and lift it towards the top
so that it is held opened by the gas pressure support.
Closing the bonnet– You can overcome the force of the gas pressure support by pulling the bonnet
towards the bottom.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 30 cm into the lock - bonnet do
not press down on it !
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!Caution
Ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are correctly in place against the wind-
screen before opening the bonnet otherwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
Fig. 180 Bonnet release leverFig. 181 Radiator grille: Locking lever
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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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