2010 SKODA SUPERB Owner's Manual

Inspecting and replenishing
224
Battery with a two-tone indicatorAn indicator for the electrolyte level, the so-called magic eye fig. 187 , 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 when working on the battery page 222, “Working on the
battery”.
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
 fig. 187 , is located on the top of the battery. 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 comp onents 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 page 222.
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 .
Fig. 187 The battery: magic eye
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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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Inspecting and replenishing
226
Disconnecting and reconnecting the batteryOn disconnecting and reconnecting the batt ery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
We recommend having the vehi cle checked by an authorised Škoda Service Partner to
ensure full functionality 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. The auth orised Škoda Service Partners have a range
of suitable batteries available.
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!
In view of the problems involved with it s proper disposal, we recommend having
the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear
window and for the headlamp cleaning system *. The reservoir is located at the front
right of the engine compartment fig. 188 .
The filling level of the container is about 3 litres and about 5.5 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 cleaning 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 216, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Operation
Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults)
page 54
Enter radio code number
see Radio Operat ing Instructions
Set hours
page 18
Data in the multi-functional indicator* are
deleted.
page 19
Fig. 188 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
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Inspecting and replenishing227
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution

On no account should you add radiator an tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.

If the vehicle is fitted with a headligh t cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do no t attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights to
the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact an authorised Škoda Service Partner, who
will tell you which clea ning agent you can use.
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Wheels and Tyres
228
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.
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 232.
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. 189 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa (0.2 bar) higher
than those for summer tyres page 232.
Fig. 189 An opened fuel filler flap with a
tyre size and tyre inflation pressure table
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Wheels and Tyres229
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The tyre inflation pressure for tyres of the tyre size 205/50 R17, which are intended to
be used with snow chains, is identical to the tyre inflation pressure for tyres of the tyre
size 225/45 R17, see
page 228, fig. 189 .
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all
times.
The tyre inflation pressure of the emergency spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa (4.2 bar).
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.
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 re ar 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 approp riately cautious style of driving.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.Wear indicatorsThe base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, installed at
right angles to the direction of travel. These wear indicators are located at 6 - 8 points
depending on the make and are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre
 fig. 190 . Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular
symbols or other symbols identify th e 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 experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
Fig. 190 Tyre tread with wear indicators
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Wheels and Tyres
230
Changing wheels aroundIf significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing the
front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the diagram fig. 191 . 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). The co-workers of the authorised Škoda Service Partners are extensively
familiar with the combination possibilites.
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 authorised Škoda Service Partners have access to the most current information
about which tyres we have released for use on your vehicle.
We recommend that you have any work relati ng to tyres or wheels carried out by an
authorised Škoda Service Partner . The authorised Škoda Service Partners have all of
the necessary special tools and replacement pa rts available plus the required specialist knowledge and are also in a position to pr
operly dispose of the old tyres. A large
number of authorised Škoda Service Partners also have an attractive 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 licens ing may differ according to the legislation
prevailing in indi vidual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it ea sier for you to select the correct type of
tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following inscription on their walls:
205 / 55 R 16 94 V
What this means is:
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres:
Fig. 191 Changing wheels around
205
Tyre wi dt h i n mm
55
Height/width ratio in %
R
Code letter for the type of tyre - R adial
16
Diameter of wheel in inches
94
Load index
V
Speed symbol
Speed symbol
Permissible maximum speed
S
180 km/h
T
190 km/h
U
200 km/h
H
210 km/h
V
240 km/h
W
270 km/h
Y
300 km/h
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Wheels and Tyres231
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the inside of
wheel).
DOT ... 20 09...
means, for example, that the tyre was ma nufactured in the 20th week of the year 2009.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or
low-profile tyres) should only be used for a short time in the event of a puncture and
when adopting an appropriately cautious styl e of driving. It should be replaced as
quickly as possible 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 circumstances to the wheels of the same type of
vehicle.Wheel boltsWheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time you
fit other wheels - e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres - you must therefore
also use the matching wheel bolts of the corr ect length and shape of spherical cap. This
is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and that the brake system oper-
ates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an adequate
flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
The authorised Škoda Service Partners are instructed in the technical possibilities
which exist regarding converting or retrofitting tyres, wheels 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.
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