2011 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level Fig. 131 Engine compartment: Brake flu-
id reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment. The
brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on the other side
of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒  in Working in the engine compartment on page 154.
– Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒ fig. 131 . The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster ⇒ page 26. In this case stop immediately and do not
drive any further! Obtain professional assistance. WARNING
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ 
page 153, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any fur-
ther - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assis-
tance. Replacing brake fluid Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be
the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water content also lowers the
boiling point of the brake fluid.
Only new genuine brake fluid from
ŠKODA may be used. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
● VW 501 14,
● FMVSS 116 DOT4,
● DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4.
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner as part of an Inspection Service. WARNING
● Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of
the formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. For the sake of the environment
Due to issues with disposal, the special tools and knowledge required, we recom-
mend you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
Battery General information Improper handling of the vehicle battery can cause damage. We therefore recom-
mend you have work on the vehicle battery carried out by an authorised
ŠKODA
Service Partner.
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 ap-
plicable rules of safety. £ 159
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

WARNING
● The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear protective 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 creates 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 in-
to 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 glasses or a shield! There
is the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte gets into your
eye, rinse out your eye immediately with clear water for several minutes. Con-
tact 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. If acid was
swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
● 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 dur-
ing unclamping or loosening of the cable 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. Avoid creating sparks when working
with cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
● Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition as well as all electrical components and disconnect the neg-
ative 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 have a too low electrolyte level - risk
of explosion and caustic burns!
● Never use a battery which is damaged - risk of explosion! Immediately re-
place a damaged battery. CAUTION
● You must only disconnect the battery if the 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 dis-
connect the negative terminal (-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
● 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 oth-
erwise damage could occur to the paintwork.
● Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the battery hous-
ing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
● If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge This is because certain electrical components 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. For the sake of the environment
A removed battery is a special type of waste which is harmful to the environment
- contact your specialist garage regarding disposing of the battery. Note
● Please also refer to the guidelines ⇒ page 162, also after connecting the bat-
tery.
● You should replace batteries older than 5
years.160
Inspecting and Replenishing

Battery cover
Fig. 132 The battery: Pull up the cover (automatic gearbox)/(manual gearbox)
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
– Unlock the interlock on the positive terminal side of the battery ⇒ fig. 132 -
left.
– Pull up the cover in direction of arrow ⇒ fig. 132
- left (automatic gearbox) or
⇒ fig. 132 - right (manual gearbox).
– The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place
in the reverse order. 
Battery control Fig. 133 The battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
The battery is practically maintenance-free under normal operating conditions. We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage from
time to time, especially in the following cases.
●
High outside temperatures.
● Long daily drives
● After each charge ⇒ 
page 162.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called mag-
ic eye ⇒

 fig. 133 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the change
in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. 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. Note
● The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner as part of the Inspection Service.
● For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description

“AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
● Vehicles with a “START-STOP” system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. 
Operation in winter The 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
temperatures.
A discharged battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked by a specialist ga-
rage 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. 161
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Charging the battery
A properly charged battery is essential for reliably starting the en-
gine.
– Read the warning notes ⇒  in General information on page 160 and ⇒  .
– Switch the ignition and all electrical components off.
– Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “nega-
tive ”, 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 the charger off and unplug the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
– Only then should you disconnect the 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 al-
so 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 General information on page 160.
It requires a special charger and specialist knowledge. We recommend having the
quick charging of vehicle batteries undertaken by a specialist garage.
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 low electrolyte level - risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns. CAUTION
On vehicles with the “START/STOP” system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth ⇒ fig. 148. 
Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery On disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the following functions are initially
deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free.
Operation Operating measure
Electrical power window (operational faults) ⇒ page 38
Enter the car stereo/radio navigation system
code number see operating instructions for the
car stereo/radio navigation sys-
tem
Setting the clock ⇒ page 13
Data in the multi-functional indicator are de-
leted.
⇒ page 14
We recommend having the vehicle checked by an authorised ŠKODA Service Part-
ner to ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.

Replacing the battery When replacing a battery, the new new battery must have the same capacity,
voltage (12


V), amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle battery
are available from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
We recommend you have a battery change carried out by an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner, who will properly install the new battery and dispose of the origi-
nal one. £162
Inspecting and Replenishing

CAUTION
Vehicles with a “START-STOP” system are fitted with a special battery type which
allows the battery control unit to check the energy level for recurring engine start.
This battery must only be replaced by a battery of the same type. For the sake of the environment
Batteries contain poisonous substances such as sulphuric acid and lead. For this
reason, it must be disposed of properly. Under no circumstances must it be dis-
posed of in the communal rubbish. 
Automatic consumer shut-off Under heavy load on the vehicle battery, the vehicle electrical system manage-
ment automatically takes various measures to avoid draining the vehicle battery.
●
The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
● If necessary, some electrical consumers are limited in their performance or are
temporarily switched off completely. Note
Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehicle
battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long time
with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during lon-
ger parking. 
Windshield washer system Fig. 134 Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoirThe windshield washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
shield or rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system. The reservoir is loca-
ted in the front of the engine compartment on the right side of the vehicle
⇒ fig. 134. On some vehicles, the reservoir is located on the left side of the vehicle
next to the battery.
The filling level
of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 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 Original 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 ve-
hicle is fitted with heated windscreen 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 antifreeze protection at
this concentration is only adequate down to -5°C. WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 153, Working in the engine com-
partment before working in the engine compartment. CAUTION
● On no account should you add radiator antifreeze or other additives to the
windscreen washer fluid.
● If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, you should only add
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate glass of the headlights
to the windshield washer fluid. Please contact an authorised ŠKODA

Service Part-
ner who will help you select a suitable cleaning agent. Note
Do not take the filter out of the windscreen wash container when filling it up
again with liquid otherwise dirt can get into the liquid transportation system and
can lead to faults in operation of the windscreen wash system.  163
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Wheels and Tyres
Wheels
General information ●
New tyres do not offer optimal grip at first. They should therefore be run in for
about 500 km at a moderate speed and an appropriately cautious style of driving.
You will also profit from longer tyre life.
● The tread depth of new tyres may differ because of design features and the
configuration 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.
● We recommend you Inspect your tyres and rims from time to time for damage
(punctures, cuts, splits and bulges). Remove foreign bodies from the tyre profile.
● Damage to tyres is frequently not visible. Unusual vibrations or pulling of the
vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre damage.
Please reduce your speed im-
mediately and stop if you suspect 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 or-
der 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 marked 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 properties in terms of grip, low noise, wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
Further information concerning the use of unidirectional tyres ⇒ page 168

. 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. 
Tyre life Fig. 135 An opened fuel filler flap with a
tyre size and tyre inflation pressure ta-
ble
The 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 insuffi-
ciently 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 tyre pressure, including that of the spare
wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long trip.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap ⇒ fig. 135. The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres
⇒ page 167.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. £164
Wheels and Tyres

Always check the inflation pressure of tyres when cold. Do not reduce the higher
pressure of warm tyres. Adapt the inflation pressure of the tyres accordingly if
your vehicle is carrying a significantly higher payload.
Tyre inflation pressure - Tyre size 185/55
R15
The same inflation pressure values apply to tyres of the tyre size 195/55 R15 as to
tyres of the tyre size 185/55 R15 which are intended to be used with snow chains,
see the inside of the fuel filler flap.
The tyres of the tyre size 185/55 R15, which are intended to be used with snow
chains and are fitted on models Fabia Combi Scout, have the following inflation
pressure values in kPa. Engine Partial load Full load
1.2/63 kW TSI
220/230 220/290
1.4/63 kW 220/290
1.2/77 kW TSI 230/300
1.6/77 kW 230/300
1.2/55 kW TDI CR 230/300
1.6/66 kW TDI CR 220/290
1.6/77 kW TDI CR 220/290
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking (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 since 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 rear 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 higher rolling
resistance. 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 ca-
ses and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption. 
Wear indicators Fig. 136 Tyre tread with wear indicators
The base of the tread of the original tyres has wear indicators 1.6 mm high, instal-
led 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 circumfer-
ence of the tyre ⇒ fig. 136. Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters
“TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indi-
cators.
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 mini-
mum tread depth. £ 165
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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). 
Changing wheels around If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend changing
the front wheels around with the rear wheels. You will then obtain approximately
the same life for all the tyres.
It may be advantageous to swap the tyres over
“

crosswise” when uneven wear
characteristic arise on the running surfaces of the tyres (but not in the case of uni-
directional tyres). We recommend that you contact an authorised ŠKODA Service
Partner. They have extensive knowledge about the possible combinations.
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 wheels Tyres and wheel rims are important design elements. One should therefore use
the tyres and wheel rims which have been released for use by
ŠKODA. 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.
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 relating to tyres or wheels carried out by
an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner. Authorised ŠKODA Service Partners have
all of the necessary special tools and replacement parts available plus the re-
quired specialist knowledge and are also in a position to properly dispose of the
old tyres. A large number of authorised ŠKODA Service Partners also have an at-
tractive range of tyres and wheels available. The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents. Approval and licensing may differ according to the legis-
lation prevailing in individual countries.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct
type of tyre. Tyres do, for example, have the following
inscription on their walls:
185 / 65 R 14 86 T
What this means is: 185 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Code letter for the type of tyre -
R adial 14 Diameter of wheel in inches
86 Load index
T Speed symbol
The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
Speed symbol Permissible maximum speed
Q 160 km/h
R 170 km/h
S 180 km/h
T 190 km/h
U 200 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
W 270 km/h
The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the in-
side of wheel).
DOT ... 20 11...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 20th week of the year
2011.
Any spare wheel which differs from the tyres fitted to the vehicle (e.g. winter
tyres or low-profile tyres) should only be used only for a short time in the event of
a puncture and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving. It should
be replaced as quickly as possible by a normal wheel. £166
Wheels and Tyres