2011 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

WARNING
● Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved for your
model of ŠKODA
vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely af-
fect 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 higher 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 ca-
ses and when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
● Never fit tyres which have already been used without having adequate
knowledge of their previous history. Tyres age even if they have not been
used at all or only very little. A spare tyre must only be used in exceptional ca-
ses and only then when adopting an appropriately cautious style of driving.
● Do not, where possible, replace individual 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 conformity 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 bolts Wheels 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 correct length and shape
of spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and
that the brake system operates properly.
If you retrofit wheel trims (or have this done), please also ensure that an ade-
quate flow of air remains assured for cooling the brake system.
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 contact surfaces on the rim. CAUTION
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm. 
Winter tyres The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber
blend, tread pattern). This applies in particular to vehicles which are equipped
with low-profile tyres
or high-speed tyres (code index H, V or W on wall of tyre).
Winter tyres must be mounted on all four wheels to obtain the best handling
characteristics.
You must only fit those types of winter tyre which are approved for your vehicle.
The permissible sizes of winter tyres are stated in your vehicle documents. Ap-
provals may differ because of national legislation.
Please remember that the tyres should be inflated to 20 kPa (0.2 bar) more than is
the case for summer tyres ⇒ page 164

.
Winter tyres no longer offer the same winter performance once the tyre tread has
worn down to a depth of about 4 mm.
Ageing also causes winter tyres to lose most of their winter performance proper-
ties - even in cases where the remaining tread depth is still clearly more than 4
mm.
Speed restrictions apply to winter tyres as well as to summer tyres ⇒ page 166,
⇒  .
£ 167
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

You can fit winter tyres of a lower speed category to your vehicle provided that
you also do not drive faster than the permissible maximum speed for such tyres,
even if the possible maximum speed of your vehicle is higher. The corresponding
tyre category can damage the tyres when exceeding the permissible maximum
speed.
Please pay attention to the notes if you decide to fit winter tyres
⇒ page 164.
You can also fit so-called
“all-year tyres” instead of winter tyres.
Please contact your specialist garage if there are any points which are not clear
who will be able to provide you with information regarding the maximum speed
for your tyres. WARNING
You must on no account drive your car at more than the permissible maximum
speed for your winter tyres - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage
and loss of control over your car. For the sake of the environment
Fit your summer tyres on again in good time since summer tyres offer you better
grip and handling on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as ar tempera-
tures below 7 °C - the braking distance is shorter, there is less tyre noise, tyre
wear is reduced and fuel consumption is reduced. Note
Please observe the various differing legal requirements regarding tyres. 
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.
Should it be necessary to fit on a spare wheel in exceptional cases with a tyre not
dedicated to the running direction or in opposite running direction, please adopt a
cautious style of driving as the tyre is no longer able to provide optimal grip and
handling in such a situation. This particularly important on wet roads. Please refer
to the additional instructions ⇒ page 171,
Spare wheel.
You should have the defective tyre replaced as soon as possible and restore the
correct direction of rotation on all tyres Snow chains Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D) Tyre size
5J x 14 35 mm 165/70
6J x 14 37 mm 185/60
6J x 15 43 mm 185/55
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than
12 mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the different national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. WARNING
Please pay attention to the information in the supplied fitting instructions of
the snow chain manufacturer. CAUTION
You must take the chains off as soon as you drive on roads which are free of
snow. They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and
are rapidly destroyed. Note
We recommend that you use snow chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories. 168
Wheels and Tyres

Accessories, changes and replacement of parts
General ŠKODA vehicles have been built according to the latest discoveries in safety engi-
neering. Thus one should not change the condition in which the vehicle was deliv-
ered from the manufacturer without some thought.
If you want to retrofit the vehicle with accessories, if a vehicle part is to be re-
placed with a new one, or when technical changes are to be made, the following
instructions must be observed:
●
Advise should always be obtained from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner
before buying any accessories or parts and before making any technical changes
⇒  .
● The guidelines and instructions issued by ŠKODA must be observed when
making technical changes.
Adhering to the prescribed procedures will prevent any kind of damage to the ve-
hicle, and its travelling and operating safety will be maintained. The vehicle also
complies with German road transport regulations (StVZO). More information is
available from an authorised ŠKODA
Service Partner who can also perform the
necessary work properly.
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to opera-
tional faults. This interference can also impair systems that are not directly affec-
ted because the electronic components are networked. In other words, the vehi-
cle's road-worthiness may be put at risk and increased wear on parts may arise.
Any damage caused by technical changes made without consent by ŠKODA is ex-
cluded from the warranty – see the warranty certificate. WARNING
● Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unpro-
fessionally, can cause operational faults - risk of accident!
● We advise you, in your own interest, to only use ŠKODA Original Accesso-
ries and ŠKODA Original Parts which have been expressly approved for use on
your vehicle. Reliability, safety and suitability have been established for
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts.
● Although we constantly monitor the market, we are not able to assess or
warrant the parts even though in some instances such parts may have a type
approval or may have been approved by a nationally recognised testing labo-
ratory. Note
● ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA
Original Parts can be bought from au-
thorised ŠKODA Service Partners who also professionally undertake the assembly
of parts which were purchased there.
● We recommend having all work undertaken by an authorised ŠKODA Service
Partner.
● All ŠKODA Original Accessories and Original Parts from the Original Accessories
catalogue, such as a towing device, child seats, etc. are authorised.
● We recommend that you also buy car stereos, aerials or other electrical acces-
sories from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner, who should also carry out the
installation.  169
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Breakdown assistance
Breakdown assistance
First-aid box and warning triangle Fig. 137 Placing of the warning triangle
The first-aid box must be stored in such a way that it is immediately ready to
hand.
A warning triangle with the maximum dimensions 39 x
68 x 450 mm can be at-
tached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber straps ⇒ fig. 137WARNING
The first-aid box must be stored in such a way that the occupants do no suffer
any injuries in the event of an emergency braking or a collision of the vehicle. Note
Pay attention to the use-by-date of the contents of the first-aid box.
● We recommend a first-aid kit from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories
that you can purchase from an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner.
● If you also want to equip your vehicle with a warning triangle, we recommend
a warning triangle from the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories that you can pur-
chase from authorised

ŠKODA Service Partners. Fire extinguisher The fire extinguisher is attached with straps under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person or company annu-
ally (please observe the various differing national legal requirements).
WARNING
If the fire extinguisher is not correctly attached, in case of sudden manoeu-
vres 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 require-
ments.
● Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
● The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only. 
Vehicle tool kit Fig. 138 Luggage compartment: Storage
compartment for vehicle too kit
£170
Breakdown assistance

The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel
⇒ fig. 138 or in the compartment for the spare wheel. There is al-
so space here for the removable ball for the trailer towing device.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
● Wheel wrench,
● Wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims,
● Towing eye,
● Adapter for the wheel bolts lock,
● Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps,
● Replacement lamp,
● Screwdriver.
Before placing the lifting jack back in its storage area, screw in the arm of the lift-
ing 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. 
Spare wheel The spare wheel is stowed in the spare wheel well in the luggage
compartment below the floor covering.
Fig. 139 Luggage compartment: Spare
wheelThe spare wheel lies in a well under the floor covering of the luggage compart-
ment and is fixed in place along with a vehicle tool kit box using a special screw
⇒ fig. 139
.
One should check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (at best when general-
ly checking the tyre air pressures - see sign on the fuel filler flap ⇒ page 151) to
ensure that the spare wheel is always ready to use.
Unidirectional tyres
If you have such tyres on your vehicle, please refer to the notes below:
● The spare wheel provided with a car fitted with unidirectional tyres has differ-
ent dimensions. The wheel is provided with a warning sticker.
● 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 at-
tention while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast
cornering.
● The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the inflation pressure
of the standard tyres.
● Use this spare wheel only to reach the nearest specialist garage as it is not in-
tended for continuous use. 
Changing a wheel Preliminary work The following steps should be carried out 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 tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a
crash barrier, for example).
– 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 and the spare wheel ⇒ page 170 out of the luggage
compartment. £ 171
Breakdown assistance Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

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 prescri-
bed distance from your vehicle. Comply with the national legal regulations. In
this way you are protecting not only yourself but also other road users.
● Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting 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 wheel Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
–
Take off the full wheel trim ⇒ page 173 or the caps ⇒ page 173 .
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒ page 173.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
⇒ page 174.
– 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, alternately and diagonally using the wrench
(crosswise) ⇒ page 173.
– 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 unidirectional tyres, ensure that the tyres rotate in the correct
direction ⇒ page 164 . 
Subsequent steps After changing the wheel, you must perform the following steps.
–
Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
– Stow the replaced wheel in the luggage compartment.
– Check the tyre pressure on the spare wheel just mounted as soon as possible.
– Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible. Steel and light alloy wheels must be tightened to a tight-
ening torque of 120 Nm

.
– Change the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about possibilities
for getting repairs done. WARNING
It is necessary to observe the guidelines given on ⇒ page 166,
New tyres and
wheels if the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to
those it was fitted with at the works. Note
● If you find, when changing the wheel, that the wheel bolts are corroded and
difficult to turn, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening torque.
● Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed to a workshop where the tight-
ening torque can be checked. 172
Breakdown assistance

Full wheel trim
Fig. 140 Removing the full wheel trim
Pulling off
– Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the full
wheel trim.
– Push the wheel key through the clamp, support the wheel key on the tyre and
pull off the wheel trim ⇒ fig. 140.
Install
– First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel at the valve opening provided.
Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel in such a way that its entire cir-
cumference locks correctly in place. CAUTION
● Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock on the full wheel trim! Heavy
knocks mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into
the wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centering elements of the full
wheel trim.
● Check for yourself that the safety wheel bolt is located in the hole in the area
of the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached
with a safety wheel bolt ⇒  
page 175, Securing wheels against being stolen. Wheel bolts with caps The caps are designed to protect the wheel bolts.
Fig. 141 Changing a wheel: Pull off cap
from the wheel bolt
Pulling off
– Insert the plastic clip (in the car tool kit) sufficiently far onto the cap until the
inner catches of the clip are positioned at the collar of the cap.
– Pull the cap off with the plastic clip ⇒ fig. 141.
Install
– Insert the caps onto the bolts. 
Slackening and tightening wheel bolts Loosen the wheel bolts before jacking up the vehicle.
Fig. 142 Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel bolts
£ 173
Breakdown assistance Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data

Loosening the wheel bolts
–
Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt 1)
.
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn to the left
⇒ fig. 142.
Tightening wheel bolts
– Insert the wheel wrench fully onto the wheel bolt 1
)
.
– Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt to the right until it is tight. WARNING
Loosen the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) while the vehicle has not
yet been jacked up - risk of an accident!. Note
● Apply pressure carefully with your foot to the end of the wrench if it is difficult
to loosen the bolts. Hold tight on the vehicle when doing this and ensure that you
have a steady position. 
Raise vehicle You have to raise the vehicle with a lifting jack in order to be able
to take off the wheel.
Fig. 143 Changing a wheel: Jacking
points for positioning lifting jack Fig. 144 Attach lifting jack
Position the lifting jack by selecting the jacking point which is closest to the wheel
to be removed ⇒ fig. 143
. The jacking point is located directly below the engraving
in the lower sill.
– Position the lifting jack below the jacking point and move it up until its claw is
positioned directly below the vertical web of the lower sill.
– Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web ⇒ fig. 144 at the right be-
low the embossing in the side surface of the base plate.
– Make sure that the base plate of the lifting jack rests with its entire surface on
level ground and is located vertical to the point ⇒ 
fig. 144 where the claw
grasps the web.
– Turn the lifting jack up further until the wheel is just clear of the ground. WARNING
● Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed - risk of injury.
● Never position any body parts such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack. £1)
Use the appropriate adapter for loosening and tightening the safety wheel bolts ⇒ page 175.174
Breakdown assistance