
Starting-off and Driving121
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Starting-off and DrivingSetting steering wheel positionFig. 125 Adjustable steering wheel: Lever belo w the steering wheel / safe distance to the
steering wheelYou can set the height and the forward/back position of the steering wheel to the
desired position.
– Adjust the driver seat page 80.
– Pull the lever below the steering wheel down fig. 125 - left .
– Set the steering wheel to the desired position (concerning height and forward/back position).
– Push the lever upwards as far as the stop.
WARNING
You must not adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving!
The driver must maintain a distance of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel
fig. 125 - right. Not maintaining this minimum distance will mean that the
airbag system will not be able to properly protect you - hazard!
For safety reasons the lever must always be firmly pushed up to avoid the
steering wheel altering its po sition unintentionally when driving - risk of acci-
dent!
If you adjust the steering wheel furthe r towards the head, you will reduce
the protection offered by the driver airbag in the event of an accident. Check
that the steering wheel is aligned to the chest.
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer
edge in the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock po sition. Never hold the steering wheel
firmly in the 12 o'clock position or in another way (e.g. in the middle of the
steering wheel or at the inne r steering wheel edge). In such cases, injuries to the
arms, the hands and the head can occur when the driver airbag is deployed.
Ignition lockPetrol engines
- ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
- ignition switched on
- start engine
Diesel engines - interruption of fuel supply, ignition swit ched off, engine off, the steering can be
locked.
- heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 126 Ignition lock positions
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Starting-off and Driving
122
You should not switch on any major elec trical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
- start engine
Applies to all models:
Position
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel until the
steering locking pin is heard to engage. You should always lock the steering as a general
rule if you leave your vehicle. This acts as a deterrent against possible theft of your
vehicle .
Position
Move the steering wheel back and forward a little if the ignition key cannot, or cannot
easily be turned into this position, in order to release the steering lock.
Position
The engine is started in this position. At th e same time switched on low beam or main
beam or other electrical components wi th major power consumption are briefly
switched off. The ignition key moves back into position when one releases the key.
The ignition key must be turned back into position each time before starting the
engine again. The starter repeat lock in th e ignition lock prevents the starter being
engaged when the engine is r unning and thus getting damaged.
Ignition key withdrawal lock (automatic gearbox)
You can only withdraw the ignition key after switching off the ignition if the selector
lever is in position P.
WARNING
When driving, the ignition key must always be in the position (ignition
switched on) without the engine running. This position is indicated by the
warning lights coming on. If this is not the case, it could result in unexpected
locking of the steering wh eel - risk of accident!
Only remove the ignition key from the ignition lock when the vehicle has
come to a standstill (by applying the handbrake or moving the selector lever
into the position P). The steering lock can engage imme diately - risk of acci-
dent!
Always withdraw the ignition key if you are going to leave the vehicle, even
for a short time. This is particularly important if children are left in the vehicle.
The children might otherwise start the engi ne or switch on electrical equipment
(e.g. power windows) - risk of accident or injury!
Starting the engineGeneral
You can only start the engine only using an original ignition key.
Place the gearshift lever into neutral (or place the selector lever to the position P or
N in the case of an automatic gearbox) and put on the handbrake firmly before starting
the engine.
Before starting, it is necessary to depres s the clutch pedal and to hold it pressed
until the engine starts. If you start the engi ne without depressing the clutch pedal, the
engine does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster
to remind you of th e necessity to depress the clutch pedal.
Before starting the engine, on vehicles fitted with automatic gearbox with the
KESSY system*, it is necessary to depress th e brake pedal and to hold it pressed until
the engine starts. If you start the engine without depressing the brake pedal, the engine
does not start and a message is shown in the display of the instrument cluster to
remind you of the necessity to depress the brake pedal.
Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts otherwise there may be damage to
the starter.
The engine running noises may louder at first be louder for a short time after starting
the cold engine until oil pressure can be built up in the hydraulic valve clearance
compensation. This is quite normal and is not an operating problem.
If the engine does not start ...
You can use the battery of anothe r vehicle as a jump-start aid page 241.
It is only possible to tow-start vehicles fi tted with a manual gearbox. The tow-starting
distance must not be more than 50 metres.
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WARNING (continued)
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Starting-off and Driving123
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
WARNING
Never run the engine in non ventilated or enclosed areas. The exhaust gases
of the engine contain besides the odorless and colourless carbon monoxide a
poisonous gas - hazard! Carbon monoxide can cause unconsciousness and
death.
Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.Caution
The starter may only be operated (ignitio n key position ), if the engine is not
running. If the starter is immedi ately operated after switching off the engine, the starter
or the engine can be damaged.
Avoid high engine revolutions, full throttle and high engine loads as long as the
engine has not yet reached its normal oper ating temperature - risk of damaging the
engine!
Vehicles which are fitted with an exhaust gas catalytic converter should not be tow-
started over a distance of more than 50 metres.For the sake of the environment
Never warm up the engine when the vehicle is standing. Drive off right away. Through
this the engine reaches its operating temperature more rapidly and the pollutant emis-
sions are lower.Petrol enginesThese engines are fitted with a starter system which selects the correct fuel-air mixture
for every external air temperature.
Do not operate accelerator before and when starting engine.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the electric al fuel pump is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 246.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance. It may be necessary, if the engine is
very hot, to slightly depress the accelerator after
the engine has started.
Diesel enginesGlow plug system
Diesel engines are equipped with a glow plug system, the preglow period being
controlled automatically in line with the coolant temperature and outside tempera-
ture.
The preglow indicator light
comes on after the ignition has been switched on.
You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
You should start the engine immediately after the glow plug warning light
has
gone out.
The glow plug warning light will come on for about one second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This means
that you can start the engine right away.
Interrupt the attempt at starting after 10 seconds if the engine does not start right
awayand wait for about 30 seconds before repeating the attempt.
It is possible that the fuse on the diesel preglow system is defect if the engine still
does not start. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary page 246.
Contact the nearest specialist garage to obtain professional assistance.
Starting the engine after the fuel tank has run dry
It may take longer than normal to start the engine after refuelling if the fuel tank has
run completely dry - up to one minute. This is because the fuel system must first of all
be filled while the attempting to start the engine.
Switching off the engine– The engine can be switched off by tu rning the ignition key into position
page 121, fig. 126.
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Starting-off and Driving125
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
– Hold the button pressed and push the handbrake lever down fully
.
The handbrake warning light
lights up when the handbrak e is applied, provided the
ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds and the following text appears in the display* if you have inad-
vertently driven off with the handbrake applied:
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is acti vated if you drive at a speed of more than 6 km/h for
more than 3 seconds.
WARNING
Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating which will
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system - risk of accident! In
addition this can result in premature wear of the rear brake pads.
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for
example, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off - risk of accident!Caution
After the car has come to a stop, always firs t of all apply the handbrake firmly before
then additionally engaging a gear (manual gearbox) or moving the selector lever into
position P (automatic gearbox).KESSY system*IntroductionThe KESSY system makes it possible to switch the ignition on/off and to start/stop the
engine without actively using the key.
Unlocking and locking the steeringIt is necessary that a valid key is in th e vehicle in order to unlock the steering.Unlocking the steering– Open the driver door and enter the vehicle.
– When closing the driver door, the steering is unlocked.Locking the steering– Bring the vehicle to a stop.
– Switch off the engine and/or the ignition by pressing the starter button fig. 129 .
– When opening the driver door, the steering is locked.
The steering is also locked after locking the vehicle.
If the steering is locked and the KESSY syst em does not manage to unlock the steering
lock the first time (e.g. if the wheels rest against the curb), the attempt will be repeated
twice by the system.
If then the steering lock is still not unlocke d, you will be asked by the system, by means
of a message in the information display* Move steering wheel! or in the display of the
instrument cluster Move steering, to move the steering wheel and 3 more attempts to
unlock will be made after 2 seconds, the warning light
flashes.
If the steering lock can still not be unlocke d afterwards, the message in the information
display* Steering wheel still locked. is displayed.
Fig. 129 Starter button
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Automatic gearbox DSG*
136
Automatic gearbox DSG*Automatic gearbox DSG*IntroductionYour car is equipped with an automatic gearbox DSG. The abbreviation DSG means
Direct shift gearbox (Direct shift gearbox).
Two independent clutches are needed for the power transmission between the engine
and the gearbox. These replace the torque converter of the conventional automatic
gearbox. Their shifting is matched in such a way that there are no jerks when shifting
the gear and the power transmission of the engine to the front wheels is not
interrupted.Information for driving with the automatic gearbox DSG
Shifting up and down through the gears is performed automatically.You can also, however, switch the gearbox over into the Tiptronic mode. This mode
makes it possible for you to also shift gears manually page 139.Starting-off and Driving– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed.
– Press the Shiftlock button (button in ha ndle of the selector lever), move the
selector lever into the desired position, e.g. D page 137, and then release the
Shiftlock button.
– Release the brake pedal and depress the accelerator .Stop– The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping just for
a short time, such as at a cross roads. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary
using the foot brake. The engine can, however, be allowed just to idle.Parking– Depress the brake pedal and hold it depressed. – Apply the handbrake firmly.
– Press and Shiftlock button in the selector lever, move the selector lever to
P and
then release the Shiftlock button.
The engine can only be started when the selector lever is in position P or N
page 122. At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the
selector lever position P.
It is sufficient to engage selector lever position P when parking on a flat surface. When
parking on a slope you should first apply the handbrake firmly and then move the
selector lever into position P. This is to ensure that there is no excessive pressure acting
on the lock mechanism and that it is easier to subsequently move the selector lever out
of position P.
If the selector lever position N is selected by accident while driving it is first necessary
to release pressure on the accelerator pedal and wait for idling speed of the engine to
be reached before engaging a driv e position in the selector lever.
WARNING
Do not depress the accelerator when changing the position of the selector
lever if the car is stationary and the engine is running - risk of accident!
Never move the selector lever into position R or P when driving - risk of an
accident!
If you are stopping at a hill (downhill section), never try to hold the car
stationary with the gear engaged by mean s of the “accelerator”, this means by
letting the clutch slip. This can lead to ov erheating of the clutch. If there is a risk
of overheating of the clutch due to overlo ad, the clutch is opened automatically
and the vehicle rolls backward - risk of accident!
If yo u m us t s to p a t a sl ope , d e pre s s a nd ho ld t he b ra ke pe d a l , s o t ha t y ou c a n
prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
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Intelligent Technology
188
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an acci-
dent!
Note
All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve problem-free
operation of the ESP. Differing rolling circum ferences of the tyres can lead to an unde-
sirable reduction in the engine output.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on th e brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ESP page 234, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The electronic differential lock prev ents an individual wheel from slip-
ping.Models fitted with ESP ar e equipped with electronic differential lock (EDL).
General
The EDL makes it much easier, and sometimes at all possible, to start off, accelerate
and climb a steep hill when the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
Operating principle
The EDL is activated automaticall y, that is without any action on the part of the driver.
It monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of the ABS sensors. Should
only one drive wheel begin spinning on a slippery surface there will be an appreciable
difference in the speed of the driven wheels. The EDL function brakes the slipping
wheel and the differential transmits a greate r driving force to the other driven wheel.
This control process is also accompanied by noises.
Overheating of the brakes
The EDL switches off automatica lly if unusually severe stresses exist in order to avoid
excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being braked. The
vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not
fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically
as soon as the brake has cooled down.
WARNING
Carefully depress the accelerator when accelerating on uniformly slippery
road surfaces, such as ice and snow. Th e driven wheels might still spin despite
the EDL and affect the stability of the vehicle - risk of an accident!
You should always adapt your style of driving to the condition of road
surface and to the traffic situation even when your vehicle is fitted with EDL.
The increased safety offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than
otherwise - risk of an accident!Note
If the ABS or ESP warning light comes on, this may also indicate a fault in the EDL.
Please have the vehicle inspected as soon as possible by a specialist garage.
Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the EDL page 234, “Accesso-
ries, changes and replacement of parts”.
Traction control system (TCS)
The traction control system prevents the driven wheels from spinning
when accelerating.
WARNING (continued)
Fig. 171 TCS switch
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Towing a trailer203
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer, also check the setting of the headlights. Alter
the setting as necessary with the aid of the headlight beam adjuster
page 65, “Head-
lamp range adjustment* ”.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles which feature a factory-fitted towing device. It is
stowed together with separate fitting instru ctions in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment of the vehicle.
Further information on the towing device page 204.
Note
We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service inter-
vals if you tow a trailer frequently.
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
Driving Tips
Particular caution is required when towing a trailer.– Do not, as far as possible, drive with your vehicle unladen and the trailer laden.
– Do not make full use of the legal maximum speeds. This applies in particular to downhill sections.
– Apply the brakes in good time.
– Keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if the outside temperature is high.
Distribution of weight
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trailer is
laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combina-
tion.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for safety reasons. This also applies for countries
in which higher speeds are allowed. The fact that the driving stability of the vehicle + trailer combination reduces with
increasing speed means that the legally allowed speed should not be used when there
are unfavourable road, weather or wind cond
itions, particularly near accident black
spots.
You must always reduce your speed immediat ely as soon as you detect even just the
slightest swaying of the trailer. On no account attempt to stop the trailer from
“swaying” by accelerating.
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first and then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from the
trailer wheels locking. Shift down gears in good time before negotiating a downhill
section to allow the engine to also act as a brake.
Engine overheating
Please keep a check on the coolant temperature gauge if you have to negotiate a
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engi ne speed when the outside temperature is
very high page 16, “Coolant temperature gauge”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or even
the red area of the scale, reduce your speed immediately. Stop and switch off the
engine if the warning light
in the instrument cluster begins flashing. Wait a few
minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle page 220,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines page 32, “Coolant temperature/ Coolant
quantity ”.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.
Any increase in the cooling effect of the coolant fan through shifting down a gear and
increasing the engine speed is not possible since the fan speed is independent of the
engine speed. One should also not drop a gear for this reason when towing a trailer as
long as the engine can manage th e slope without any drop in speed.
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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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