
Contents
4
Driving Tips
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intelligent Technology
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic stability programme (ESP)* . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake booster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antilock brake system (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Assist* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electromechanical power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre inflation pressure-control system* . . . . . . . .
Driving and the Environment
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwards .
Catalytic converter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious manner  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Environmental compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Motoring abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Avoiding damage to your vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving through bodies of water on roads  . . . . . .
Towing a trailer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing a trailer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General Maintenance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the 
vehicle
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the exterior of vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Care of the interior of vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Petrol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diesel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refuelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspecting and replenishing
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine compartment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake fluid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Battery  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield washer system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories, changing and replacing parts
. .
Accessories and replacement parts . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicles of category N1  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown assistance
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First-aid box* and Warning triangle* (Octavia) . .
First-aid box* and warning triangle* (Estate car)
Fire extinguisher*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle tool kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spare wheel*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tyre repair kit*  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing vehicle  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses and light bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Data
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Used abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weight  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Identification details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuel consumption based on ECE regulations and EC 
guidelines  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil specifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.4 ltr./59 kW - EU5  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6 ltr./75 kW - EU4, EU2  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2.0 l/81 kW TDI CR EU4  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Index
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
105105105107108108109109109111111111112115116116116118118121121121121125127127127128130130132133135
136140141141146146146146147147147147147147148148149153154156156159165165165165165165165166166166168
170172175
s2lk.2.book  Page 4  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Lights and Visibility41
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Activating the function daylight driving lights– Pull the turn signal light lever towards the steering wheel up to 3 seconds after 
switching on the ignition and at the same  time, slide it to the top and hold it in 
this position for at least 3 seconds.
The daytime driving light is a combination of low-beam and parking light (front and 
rear), including licence plate light.
When the daylight driving lights are switched on, the lighting of the instrument 
cluster is switched on as well.Fog lights* 
Switching on the fog lights– First of all turn the light switch into position 
 or 
   fig. 35 .
– Pull the light switch into position  .
The rear fog light warning light 
   page 21 lights up in the instrument cluster 
when the fog light is switched off.
Rear fog light 
Switching on the rear fog light– First of all turn the light switch into position 
 or 
   fig. 35 .
– Pull the switch into position  .
The rear fog light warning light 
   page 21 lights up in the instrument cluster 
when the fog light is switched off. Only the rear fog light of the trailer ligh
ts up automatically when you are towing a 
trailer  using a factory-fitted towing device which is fitted with the rear fog light.
The rear fog light is located in the re ar light array on the driver's side.
Caution
The rear fog light should only b e  s w i t c h e d  o n  i f  v i s i b i l i t y  i s  p a r t i c u l a r l y  p o o r  ( c o n f o r m  
with any varying legal provisions) to avoid dazzling vehicles behind your vehicle.Headlamp range adjustment 
Once the low beam is switched on  you can then adapt the range of 
the headlights to the load of the vehicle.– Turn the control dial  fig. 36  until you have adjusted the low beam so that 
oncoming traffic is not dazzled.
Settings
The positions correspond approximately to the following vehicle loads: Front seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment empty.
All seats occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Driver seat occupied, luggage compartment laden.
Caution
Set the headlight beam adjustment in such  a way as to avoid dazzling oncoming 
traffic.
Fig. 35  Dash panel: Light switch
1
2
Fig. 36  Dash panel: Lights and Visibility
-123
s2lk.2.book  Page 41  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Starting-off and Driving77
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Caution
Each time the vehicle is parked, first of all apply the handbrake and then additionally 
engage the 1st gear.Rear parking aid*The parking aid provides a warnin g of obstacles behind the vehicle.The audible parking aid determines the distance from the rear bumper to an 
obstacle behind the car with the aid of  ultrasound sensors. These ultrasound 
sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance  of about 160 cm from the obstacle (area 
   fig. 87 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter as the 
clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance  of approx. 30 cm (area  ) - danger area. 
Do not reverse any further after this signal sounds!  If the vehicle is equipped with 
a factory-fitted towing device*, the border  of the danger area - continuous tone - 
extends 5 cm further behind the vehicle. The vehicle can be extended through an 
installed detachable towing device.
On vehicles equipped with a factory-fitted  radio*, the distance to the obstruction is 
shown graphically in the display. On vehicl es with a factory-fitted towing device, the 
sensors are deactivated when towing a trailer. The driver is informed about this by 
a graphic display (vehicle towing a trailer)  in the radio* display. The factory-fitted 
radio* can be set so that the play function volume decreases when activating the 
parking aid, see Owner's Manual radio*. This improves the audibility of the parking 
aid. Activating
The parking aid is activated automatically when 
reverse gear is engaged and the 
ignition is turned on. This is confirmed by a brief acknowledgement signal.
Deactivating
The parking aid is deactivated by taking the car out of reverse gear.
WARNING
•
The parking aid is not a substitute for  the driver paying proper attention and 
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when parking the vehicle or 
carrying out similar manoeuvres.
•
You should therefore satisfy yourself, before reversing, that there is no small 
obstacle, such as a rock, thin post, traile r drawbar etc., behind your vehicle. Such 
obstacles might not be within the range detected by the sensors.
•
Under certain circumstances, surfaces  of certain objects and types of 
clothing cannot reflect the signal of the pa rking aid. Thus, such objects or people 
may not be recognised by the sensors of the parking aid.Note
•
The parking aid does not operate if you are towing a trailer (applies to models 
which feature a factory-fitted towing device*).
•
If a warning signal sounds for about 3  seconds after switching the ignition on 
and engaging reverse gear, and there is no obstacle close to your vehicle, this indi-
cates a system fault. Have the fault rectified by a specialist workshop.
•
The sensors must be kept clean and free of ice to enable the parking aid to 
operate properly.
Cruise control system (CCS)*IntroductionThe cruise control system (CCS) maintains  a constant speed, above approx. 30 km/h 
(20 mph), once it has been set, without yo u having to depress the accelerator pedal. 
This is only possible to the extent pe rmitted by the power output and braking 
power of the engine. The cruise control syst em makes it possible - particularly on 
long journeys - for you to rest your “accelerator foot”.
Fig. 87  Parking aid: Detection range of 
rear sensors
A
B
s2lk.2.book  Page 77  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Intelligent Technology
110
instrument cluster  page 26 and an audibl e signal sounds. The rolling circumfer-
ence of the tyre can change if:•
the tyre inflation pressure is too low,
•
the structure of the tyre is damaged,
•
the vehicle is loaded on one side,
•
the wheels of an axle are loaded heavil y (e.g. when towing a trailer or when 
driving uphill or downhill),
•
snow chains are mounted,
•
the temporary spare wheel is mounted,
•
one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of tyre inflation pressure-control system
After changing the tyre inflation pressures, after changing one or several wheels, 
the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the 
axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the 
system must be carried out as follows.
•
Inflate all tyres to the specified inflation pressure  page 141.
•
Switch on the ignition.
•
Press button    page 109, fig. 113  for more than 2 seconds. While pressing 
the button, the warning light 
 lights up. At the same time the memory of the 
system is erased and the new calibration  is started, which is confirmed with an 
audible signal and then the warning light 
 goes out.
•
If the warning light 
 does not go out after the basic setting, there is a fault in 
the system. Have the vehicle inspected by your nearest specialist garage.
Warning light 
 lights up
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in 
comparison to the stored basic value, the warning light 
    lights up.
Warning light 
 flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Have the vehicle inspected by 
your nearest specialist garage.
WARNING
•
When the warning light 
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and 
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeu vres. Please stop the vehicle without 
delay at the nearest possible  stop and inspect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.
•
The driver is responsible for the correct tyre inflation pressure. For this 
reason, the tyre inflation pressu res must be checked regularly.
•
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty  style of driving, wintry or unpaved 
roads) the warning light 
 can be delayed or does not light up at all.
•
The tyre inflation pressure-control syst em does not take away the responsa-
bility from the driver for the correct tyre inflation pressure.Note
The tyre inflation pres sure-control system:•
does not replace the regular tyre inflatio n pressure control, because the system 
cannot detect an even pressure loss,
•
cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss, e.g. in case of 
sudden tyre damage. In this case carefull y bring the vehicle to a standstill without 
sudden steering movements and without sharp braking.
•
In order to ensure a proper functioning  of the tyre inflation pressure-control 
system, it is necessary to carry out the basic setting again every 10 000 km or 1x a 
year.
 
WARNING (continued)
s2lk.2.book  Page 110  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Driving and the Environment111
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Driving and the EnvironmentThe first 1 500 kilometres and then afterwardsA new engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.Up to 1 000 kilometres– Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, that is 3/4 
of the maximum permissible engine speed.
– Do not use full throttle.
– Avoid high engine revolutions.
– Do not tow a trailer.From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres– Increase the power output of the engine  gradually up to the full speed of the 
gear engaged, that is up to the maximum permissible engine revolutions.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later 
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt 
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of 
running in your vehicle.
You should not drive at unnecessarily  high engine revolutions even after the 
running-in period is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by 
the beginning of the red zone on the sc ale of the revolutions counter. Before 
reaching the red zone at the latest, shift up into the next highest gear.  Extremely 
high engine revolutions are auto matically governed, by the way.
Do not drive at engine revolutions which are  too low. Shift down as soon as the 
engine is no longer running smoothly.
Caution
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its 
normal operating temperature. Never rev up an engine which is cold, neither when 
the vehicle is stationary nor when driving in individual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revo lutions and shifting to a higher gear as 
early as possible are ways to minimise fu el consumption and operating noise levels 
and protects the environment.New tyresNew tyres have to be “run in” since they do  not offer optimal grip at first. You should 
take account of this fact for the firs t 500 kilometres and drive particularly 
carefully.New brake padsAllow for the fact that new brake pads do  not achieve their full braking efficiency 
until after the first 200 kilometres. New br ake pads must be first “run in” before 
they develop their optimal friction force.  You can, however, compensate for this 
slightly reduced braking force by increasing the pressure on the brake pedal.
This guideline also applies to any new  brake pads installed at a future date.
During the running-in period, you should avoid excessive stresses on the brakes. 
This includes, for example, violent braking, particularly from very high speeds, and 
also when crossing mountain passes.Catalytic converterProper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) 
is of major significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally 
conscious way.Please refer to the following guidelines:
– For vehicles with petrol engine  only refuel with unleaded petrol page 127, 
“Grades of petrol”.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition  while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much engine oil into the engine  page 132, “Replenishing 
engine oil”.
s2lk.2.book  Page 111  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Driving and the Environment
112
– Do not tow-start the vehicle over a distance of more than 50 metres 
page 154, “Tow-starting and towing vehicle”.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in wh ich unleaded petrol is not available, you 
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a 
country in which use of a cata lytic converter is mandatory.
WARNING
•
In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic 
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic 
converter cannot come into contact with  easily flammable materials below the 
vehicle - a risk of fire!
•
Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents 
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances 
might ignite when driving - risk of fire!Caution
•
Vehicles fitted with cataly tic converter should never be allowed to let the fuel 
tank to run completely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or 
misfiring. Unburnt fuel may get into the  exhaust system and damage the catalytic 
converter.
•
Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic 
converter being destroyed.
•
If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when 
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the 
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in the 
ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the 
catalytic converter.For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour may 
be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends on the 
sulphur content of the fuel. It is often su fficient to refuel with unleaded premium-
grade petrol of a different brand  or at a different filling station.
Driving in an economical and environmentally 
conscious mannerGeneral
Your personal style of driving is a major factor.Your fuel consumption, any pollution of  the environmental and the wear-and-tear 
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:•
your personal style of driving,
•
the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
•
technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an econom-
i c a l  w a y  w i t h  f o r e s i g h t .  T h i s  s e c t i o n  i s  i n t e n d e d  t o  p r o v i d e  y o u  w i t h  a  n u m b e r  o f  t i p s  
on how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are beyond 
the driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to increase 
in winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions, towing a 
trailer, etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the 
vehicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has 
been given to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to 
take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of these 
characteristics and to main tain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtain ed when accelerating, in order to avoid 
a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with forsight you will not 
need to brake so often and wi ll also then not have to accelerate so much. Let your 
vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the next 
set of traffic lights is at red.
s2lk.2.book  Page 112  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Towing a trailer
118
Towing a trailerTowing a trailerTechnical requirementsYour vehicle is designed primarily for tr ansporting persons and luggage. It can, 
however, also be used for towing a trailer - provided certain technical equipment is 
fitted.
If your vehicle has already been supplied with a  factory-fitted towing device then 
everything that is necessary for towing a tr ailer 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 th e trailer which you wish to tow has a  7-pin 
connector , you can use a suitable adapter 
6) 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 can pr ovide information about retrofitting a 
towing device and for any necessary modifications to the cooling system.
WARNING
We recommend that you have the towing de vice from Škoda original accessories 
installed by an authorised Škoda Service Partner. He is familiar with all the rele-
vant details relating to retrofitting such  equipment. There is a risk of an accident 
if the towing device is not properly fitted!General MaintenanceTrailer load
The permissible trailer load must on no account be exceeded.
You can negotiate appropriately steeper inclines 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 engine power  output drops with increasing height due 
to a lowering of air pressure and thus th e ability to climb, means that the towed  w e i g h t  m u s t  b e  r e d u c e d  b y  1 0  %  f o r  e v e r y  f u r t h e r  i n c r e a s e  o f  1  0 0 0  m e t r e s  i n  h e i g h t  
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 the items to prevent them slipping.
Tyre inflation pressure
Select the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for that of “fully laden”, 
 page 141. The inflation pressure of the tyre s fitted to the trailer adjust in accord-
ance with the manufacturer's recommendation.
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirr ors 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.
Headlights
Before starting off with a hitched trailer,  also check the setting of the headlights. 
Alter the setting as necessary with th e aid of the headlight beam adjuster 
 page 41.
Detachable ball head
The ball rod is detachable on vehicles wh ich feature a factory-fitted towing device.
Further information on the towing device  page 119.
Note
•
We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service 
intervals if you tow a trailer frequently.
•
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
6)In some countries the adapter is supplied with the towing device.s2lk.2.book  Page 118  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM 

Towing a trailer119
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
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 temperatur e 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 
combination.
Driving speed
Do not drive faster than 80 km/hour for sa fety reasons. This also applies for coun-
tries 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 conditions, particularly near accident 
black spots.
You must always reduce your speed immedi ately 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 temper ature gauge if you have to negotiate a 
lengthy slope in a low gear at a high engine speed when the outside temperature is 
very high  page 16, “Engine coolant temperature Display”.
If the needle of the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area or 
even the red area of the scale, reduce yo ur 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 134, “Inspecting the coolant level”. Please refer to the following guidelines 
page 25, “Coolant temperature/coolant 
level  ”.
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 the slope without any drop in speed.
Detachable towing device*The ball head of the towing device is stow ed together with separate fitting instruc-
tions in the spare wheel well in the luggage compartment of the vehicle.
Inspect the ball head to ensure that it is properly locked each time before setting 
off. The inspection is performed by turning the closed locking lever downwards. If 
the locking lever can only be turned around a small angle (approx. 5°), the locking 
mechanism is O.K. After the inspection pull  the locking lever back again to its stop. 
The towing device must not be used, if it does not wish to close or the locking lever 
turns slightly in the closed position.
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 re pairs to the ball head or to any other 
components on the towing device.
Fig. 118  Detachable ball head
s2lk.2.book  Page 119  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM