Driving and the Environment183
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Fill up your tank. The fuel consumption of the vehicle is much higher when driving
off-road than when driving on the road.
Install the towing eye at the front or at the rear before driving off-road. It is not
always possible to install the towing eye if the vehicle got stuck.
Always check the inflation pressure of a ll the tyres and if necessary correct it.
Check the vehicle tool kit and supplement it according to your needs.
Fill with engine oil up to the line , so that the engine is sufficiently supplied with
engine oil when the vehicle is in a tilted position page 205, “Check engine oil level”.
Top up wash fluid.
Stow your load as low as possible in th e vehicle and attach all the items which are
loose.
Off-road driving
Never be alone when driving off-road and be prepared to encounter unexpected
situations. Travel together with at least two off-road vehicles. Equipment with which
you can call for help in an emer gency is particularly useful.
Drive slowly through unclear terrain.
You must stop when encountering difficul t passages and explore the continuation
of the route on foot. If you cannot go on or if you doubt the safety of the route, turn
back and choose another way.
Drive slowly over hilltops. Ma ke sure that the wheels of the vehicle do not lift off
the ground, as this could severely damage the vehicle and it may become disabled.
Drive slowly on difficult stretches of the route. When driving on a slippery ground,
s h i f t u p i n to t h e n e xt h i g h e r g e a r a n d m a ke s u re t h a t t he v e h i c l e a l w a y s s t a y s i n m o t i o n.
Do not drive too fast so that you do n't lose control over your vehicle.
If your vehicle got stuck in sand, snow or sludge, it may be more effective to reverse
the vehicle than trying to drive forwards.
Place stones, footmats or pieces of wood under the spinning wheels in order to
achieve traction on a sandy or slippery ground.
Do no drive throug h water before reading what you must take into account
page 179.
Keep sufficient distance from other vehicles even at low speeds. When the first
vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehi cle can still stop in time without getting
stuck itself.
Do not plan day trips which are too far in distance.
Do not use the cruise control system when driving off-road. It is only intended for
driving on the road.
WARNING
The intelligent engineering of your ve hicle cannot overcome the physical
limits of your vehicle.
Be very alert and look ahead when driving off-road. Excessive speed or
incorrect driving manoeuvres can caus e damage to the vehicle and lead to
serious injuries.
Observe the important guidelines page 179.Caution
Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! The vehicle can be severely
damaged and become disabled once it touches the ground.
Never drive off-road with an almost empty fuel tank. The fuel supply to the engine
can be interrupted and therefore the cata lytic converter can be severely damaged.
Do not leave your foot on the clutch pedal or let the clutch slip when driving off-
road. Overwise you may unintentionally de press the clutch pedal on uneven ground
leading to a loss of control over the vehicle. In addition, the force for connecting the
engine and the gearbox is lost. Moreover, driving while letting the clutch slip causes a
fast wear of the clutch linings.Note
The fuel consumption is high er when driving off-road than when driving on conven-
tional roads, especially through difficult terr ain. When you prepare for your journey, be
aware of an increase in fuel consumption; the nearest filling station may be far away.
AA
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Towing a trailer
190
Towing a trailerTo w i n g a t r a i l e rTechnical requirements
The towing device must satisfy certain technical requirements.Your vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can,
however, also be used for towing a traile r - provided certain technical equipment is
fitted.
If your vehicle has already been supplied with a factory-fitted towing device then
everything that is nece ssary for towing a trailer in technical terms, and in terms of the
law, has already been taken into account.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection between
the vehicle and trailer. If the tr ailer which you wish to tow has a 7-pin connector, you
can use a suitable adapter
13) from Škoda original accessories.
This work must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications if
a towing device is retrofitted.
Authorised Škoda Service Partners are familiar with details relating to retrofitting a
towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing device from Škoda original accesso-
ries installed by an authorised Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the
relevant details relating to retrofitting such equipment. There is a risk of an
accident if the towing device is not properly fitted!
General Maintenance
There are a number of points to pay attention to when towing a trailer.Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclin es and descents if you do not make full
use of the permissible trailer load.
The trailer loads specified only apply for altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean sea
level. The fact that the engi ne power output drops with increasing height due to a
lowering of air pressure and thus the abil ity to climb, means that the towed weight
must be reduced by 10% for every further increase of 1 000 metres in height above sea
level. The towed weight is the weight of the (laden) vehicle and the (laden) trailer
together. One should take this into account before driving up to higher altitudes.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The data relating to your vehicle, which
is often less than this test data, can be found in your vehicle registration docu-
ments.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that any heavy items are located as close
as possible to the axle. Secure th e items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on yo ur vehicle for that of “fully laden”, page 216.
The inflation pressure of the tyres fitted to the trailer adjust in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional ex terior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the traffic
behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. Both exterior mirrors should be
attached to folding arms. Adjust the mirrors so that they provide you with an adequate
field of view to the rear.
13)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.s2ug.6.book Page 190 Friday, April 9, 2010 2:24 PM
Towing a trailer191
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 ai
d of the headlight beam adjuster page 58.
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 192.
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 17, “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 208,
“Inspecting the coolant level”.
Please refer to the following guidelines page 33, “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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Towing a trailer
192
Detachable towing device*The detachable ball head of the towing device is stowed in a box for the car tool kit 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 pulling the locked handwheel away from the ballhead
and turning it to the right. If the handwheel cannot be pulled out, but only turned
around a small angle (approx. 30°), the lock ing mechanism is O.K. The towing device
must not be used if the ballhead cannot be locked or in the event the handwheel can
be pulled out while in the locked positi on or turned around more than 30°.
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 encounter any problems using the device.
Never unlock the ball head with a trailer coupled to it.
You should take off the ball head if you 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. 159 Detachable ball head
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Inspecting and replenishing
206
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5
l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be slightly hi gher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time after
the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range - but not above this, if
the engine has been operating at high load s, for example during a lengthy motorway
trip during the summer months, towing a tr ailer or negotiating a high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster* will indicate page 31 whether the oil
level is too low. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with an
appropriate quantity of oil.
Caution
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range . Danger of damaging
the catalytic converter.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain professional
assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine damage.Note
Engine oil specifications page 243, “Technical Data”.Replenishing engine oil– Inspecting the engine oil level page 205.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres page 246, “Engine oil spec-
ifications”.
– Inspect the oil level page 205.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully.
WARNING
Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil - a
risk of fire!
Read and observe the warning notes page 204, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no acco unt extend beyond the range page 205. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankc ase ventilation and may pass through the
exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil ma y combust in the catalytic converter and
damage it.Changing engine oilThe engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator page 18, “Service Interval Display”.
WARNING
Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
Read and observe the warning notes page 204, “Working in the engine
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
First of all, let the engine cool down, we ar an eye protection and gloves - risk
of caustic burns due to hot oil.Caution
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Damage,
which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty.
For the sake of the environment
You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
AAAA
AA
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Breakdown assistance223
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Breakdown assistanceBreakdown assistanceSpace for first-aid box* and warning triangle*Fig. 173 Placing of the warning triangle / placing of the first-aid boxThe warning triangle can be attached to th e trim panel of the rear wall with rubber
straps fig. 173 - left.
The warning triangle, which is included in the equipment with the spare wheel*, can
be stowed in a removeable box on the right next to the spare wheel page 83.
The first-aid box can be attached to the ri ght side of the luggage compartment with a
strap fig. 173 - right.
If you wish to equip your vehi cle additionally with a warning triangle or with a first-aid
box, please contact a specialist garage.
Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.Fire extinguisher*The fire extinguisher is attached with st raps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions whic h are attached to the fire extinguisher. The fire extinguisher must be checked by
an authorised person or company annually
(please observe the differing legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeuvres
or an accident it can be “thrown” through the interior compartment and cause
injuries.
Note
The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant and valid legal requirements.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extinguisher
is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
The fire extinguisher is only supplied in certain countries within the scope of
delivery.
Vehicle tool kitThe vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack*, on which a sign is affixed, are stowed in a box
in the luggage compartment fig. 174 , there is also space here for the detachable ball
Fig. 174 Luggage compartment:
Example for placing the vehicle tool kit
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Breakdown assistance
224
head of the towing device*. The box is secured with a strap. The placement of the
vehicle tool kit can vary depe nding on the vehicle equipment.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
Wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims,
Wheel wrench*,
To w i n g e y e ,
Adapter for the wheel bolts lock*,
Replacement bulb set*
14),
To r x s c r e w d r i v e r.
Before placing the lifting jack back in its storage area, screw in the arm of the lifting jack
fully.
WARNING
The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
On no account attempt to lift a heavier vehicle or other loads - risk of injury!
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely attached in the luggage compart-
ment.Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.Tyre repair kit*The tyre repair kit is intended for the repair of minor tyre defects. The tyre repair kit
contains a compressor, inflation bottle, operating instructions and accessories.
The repair with the tyre repair kit is not at all intended to replace a permanent repair
on the tyre, this repair only serves to reach the next specialist garage. The repair can be
undertaken on the vehicle immediately. Please read the attached instructions care-
fully before the repair. The tyre repair kit is located in
a box in the luggage compartment page 223, fig. 174.
The placement of the tyre repair kit can vary depending on the vehicle equipment.
Spare wheel*The spare wheel is stowed in the luggage compartment in the area below the variable
loading floor* and is secured with a special screw fig. 175 .
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when generally
checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap page 216) to ensure
that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Temporary spare wheel
A yellow warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following notes when driving with a temporary spare wheel:
The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h with this spare wheel and pay particular attention
while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the maximum inflation
pressure of the standard tyres.
Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not intended
for continuous use.
14)Depending on the vehicle equipment.
Fig. 175 Luggage compartment: Spare
wheel
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Breakdown assistance225
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Changing a wheelPreliminary workThe following steps should be carried ou t before actually changing the wheel.
– If it is necessary to change a wheel, park the vehicle as far away as possible from
the traffic flow. The place you choose should be level.
–Have all the occupants get out. While changing a wheel, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (e.g. behind a crash barrier).
– Apply the handbrake firmly.
–Engage 1st gear or if your vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, position the
selector lever into position P .
– If a trailer is coupled, uncouple it.
–Take the vehicle tool kit page 223 and the spare wheel* page 224 out of the
luggage compartment.
WARNING
If you find yourself in flowing traffic switch on the hazard warning lights
system and place the warning triangle on the side of the road at the prescribed
distance from your vehicle while observing all national legal provisions. In this
way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
Never start the engine with the vehicle si tting on the raised jack - danger of
suffering injury.Caution
If you have to change a wheel on a slope first block the opposite wheel with a stone or
similar object in order to secure the vehicle from unexpectedly rolling away.
Note
Comply with the national legal regulations.
Changing a wheelAlways change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
– Take off the full wheel trim* page 226 or the wheel trim cap page 227 or the
caps page 226.
– In the case of light alloy wheels remove the wheel trim cap page 227.
– First of all slacken the safety wheel bolt * and afterwards the other wheel bolts page 227.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
page 227.
– Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper etc.).
– Take off the wheel.
– Fit on the spare wheel and tighten the wheel bolts slightly.
– Lower the car.
– Tighten the wheel bolts firmly, alternatel y and diagonally using the wheel wrench
(crosswise) and last the safety wheel bolt* page 227.
– Mount the full wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
Note
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
You must never grease or oil the wheel bolts!
When fitting on unidirectiona l tyres, ensure that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction page 216.
Subsequent stepsAfter changing the wheel, you mu st perform the following steps.
– Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special screw
page 224, fig. 175.
– Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
– Check the tyre pressure on the spare wheel just mounted as soon as possible.
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