
Instruments and Indicator/Warning Lights
16For the sake of the environment
Shifting up early helps you save fuel and reduce the operating noise of your 
vehicle.SpeedometerThe speedometer shows the current speed of the car.Engine coolant temperature DisplayThe coolant temperature gauge    page 15, fig. 15  operates only when the igni-
tion is switched on.
In order to avoid any damage to the engine, please pay attention to the following 
notes regarding the  temperature ranges:
Cold range
If the pointer is in the left-hand area of the scale it means that the engine has not 
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid running at high engine speeds, at full 
throttle and at severe engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temp erature as soon as the pointer moves 
into the mid-range of the scale. The pointer may also move further to the right at 
high engine loads and high outside temperat ures. This is not critical provided the 
warning symbol 
 in the instrument cluster does not flash.
If the symbol 
 in the instrument cluster flashes  it means that either the coolant 
temperature  is too high or the coolant level  is too low. Observe the guidelines 
 page 25, “Coolant temperature/coolant level  ”.
WARNING
Pay attention to the warning notes  page 131, “Working in the engine compart-
ment” before opening the bonnet and  inspecting the coolant level.
Caution
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air inlet 
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.  There is then a risk of the engine over-
heating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads!
Fuel gaugeThe fuel gauge    page 15, fig. 15  only works when the ig nition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of ab out 55 litres. The warning symbol 
 in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve marking. There are 
now about 9 litres of fuel remaining in the tank. This symbol is a reminder for you, 
that you must refuel .
An acoustic signal sounds  as an additional reminder.
Caution
Never run the fuel tank completely empty!  The irregular supply of the fuel system 
can lead to irregular running of the engine. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust 
system and damage the catalytic converter.Counter for distance drivenThe distance which you have driven with yo ur vehicle is shown in kilometres (km). 
In some countries the measuring unit “mile” is used.
Reset button
Hold the reset button    page 15, fig. 15  pressed for approx. 1 second. The trip 
counter is reset to zero.
Trip counter for distance driven
The trip counter shows the distance driven  since the time the trip counter was last 
erased. The trip is shown in steps  of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile.
Odometer
The odometer indicates the total distance in kilometres or miles which the vehicle 
has been driven.
Fault display
If there is a fault in the instrument cluster  Error will appear in the display. Contact a 
specialist garage.
WARNING
Never seek to adjust the trip counter fo r distance driven while driving for safety 
reasons!
A3
A6
A5
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Lights and Visibility
40
Lights and VisibilityLightsSwitching lights on and off 
Switching on side lights– Turn the light switch into position 
.
Switching on the low beam and main beam– Turn the light switch into position 
.
– Press the main beam lever forward in order to switch on the main beam  page 42, fig. 38 .
Switching off lights (except daylight driving lights)– Turn the light switch into position°0.
Low beam comes on only if the ignition is  switched on. After switching off the igni-
tion, the low beam is switched off automati cally and only the side lights come on.
On models fitted with  right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs 
from that shown in  fig. 34 . The symbols which mark the switch positions are 
identical, however.
WARNING
Never drive with side lights on - risk of  accident! The side lights are not bright 
enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other  oncoming traffic. In this case, always swit
ch on the low beam when it is dark or 
if visibility is poor.
Note
•
An audible warning will sound if you withdraw the ignition key and open the 
driver's door when the vehicle lights are still on.
•
The acoustic warning signal is switched  off over the door contact when the 
driver's door is closed (ignition off). The vehicle can be parked with the side lights 
on.
•
If the car is parked for a lengthy period, we recommend switching off all lights, 
or leaving only the parking lights switched on.
•
The switching on of the desc ribed lights should only be undertaken in accord-
ance with the legal requirements.
•
If a fault occurs in the light switch, the low beam comes on automatically
•
In the event of cool or humid weather co nditions, the headlights can be misted 
up from inside.
−The temperature difference between interior and external area of the head-
light lenses is decisive.
− When the driving lights are switched on, the light outlet surfaces are free 
from mist after a short period. The headlight lenses can possibly mist up at the 
border areas.
− It also concerns reverse light and turn signal lights.
− This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
“DAY LIGHT”* Switching on daylight driving lights– Switch on the ignition without turning the light switch out of the position 0.Deactivating 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 bottom and hold 
it in this position for at least 3 seconds.
Fig. 34  Dash panel: Light switch
WARNING (continued)
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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
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Driving and the Environment
116Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and  recycling of old cars is available from a 
Škoda Service Partner.Motoring abroadGeneral
Other circumstances may exist abroad.It is possible, in certain countries, that  the Škoda Service Partner network is limited 
or has not been established yet. This is  the reason why obtaining certain spare parts 
may be somewhat complicated and specialist garage personnel may only be able to 
make limited repairs. Škoda Auto in the Czech Republic and relevant importers are 
happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required main-
tenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done.Unleaded petrolA vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded petrol 
 page 111. The automobile associations can provide you with information 
regarding the locations of filling stations which offer unleaded petrol.HeadlightThe low beam of your headlights is set asy mmetrically. It illuminates the side of the 
road on which you are driving to a greater  extent. If you drive abroad on the other 
side of the road, you will dazzle oncoming traffic.
In order to prevent the dazzling of oncoming  traffic, it is necessary that an adjust-
ment of the headlights is carried out by  your authorised Škoda Service Partner.Avoiding damage to your vehicleWhen driving on poor roads and lanes or  when driving over kerbstones, steep ramps 
etc., you must pay particular attention to  ensuring that any low-slung parts of the 
vehicle, such as spoiler and exhaust,  do not touch the ground and get damaged.
This particularly applies to models with a lowered suspension (sport suspension) 
and also when your vehicle is fully laden.
Driving through bodies of water on roadsIn order to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving through bodies of water (e.g. 
flooded roads), observe the following:•
Determine the depth of the water when driving through bodies of water. The 
water can reach at the maximum the web on the lower sill of the vehicle  fig. 117 .
•
Drive no more than at walking speed. At a higher speed, a water wave can form 
in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into the air induction 
system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle.
•
Never let the vehicle stand in the water, never drive backwards and do not 
switch off the engine.
WARNING
•
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and 
extend the braking distance - risk of accident!
•
Avoid sudden and severe braking m anoeuvres immediately after driving 
through bodies of water.
•
After driving through bodies of water,  the brakes must be cleaned and dried 
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the 
purpose of drying and  cleaning the brake discs if  the traffic conditions permit 
this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.Caution
•
When driving through bodies of water, parts of the vehicle such as the engine, 
gearbox, catalytic converter, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
•
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible 
water level for your vehicle.
Fig. 117  Crossing bodies of water
s2lk.2.book  Page 116  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 

Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle123
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
PolishingPolishing is only necessary if the paintwork of your vehicle has become unattractive 
and if it is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservers.
You must treat the paintwork with a wax preserver if the polish you use does not 
contain any preserving elements page 122.
We recommend using a preservative from Škoda genuine accessories offered by 
your Škoda dealer.
Caution
•
You must not treat mat painted parts or plastic with polishing products or hard 
wax.
•
Do not polish the paintwork of the vehicle in a dusty environment, otherwise the 
paintwork can be scratched.
Chrome partsFirst clean the chrome parts with a damp cloth and then polish them with a soft, dry 
cloth. If it does not prove to be adequate, use a chrome care product from Škoda 
original accessories.
Caution
Do not polish the chrome parts in a du sty environment, otherwise they can be 
scratched.Paint damageS li g ht da m a g e  t o  p a in tw o rk  s uc h a s s c ra tc h e s,  sc uf f s o r tra c e s o f c hi p da m a ge  m ust  
be touched up immediately with paint (Škoda painting pen)  before any corrosion 
can result. You can of course have this work carried out by authorised Škoda Service 
Partners.
The authorised Škoda Service Partners have a range of matching  touch-up pens or 
spray cans  available in the colour of your vehicle.
The paint number of the original paintwork of your vehicle is indicated on the 
vehicle data sticker  page 165.
Any corrosion which has already have formed must be removed thoroughly. Apply a 
corrosion protection primer  and then the paint to the affected point. You can of 
course have this work carried out by  authorised Škoda Service Partners.
Plastic partsExternal plastic parts are cleaned by norm al washing. Plastic parts and synthetic 
leather can also be treated with  special solvent-free plastic cleaning agents  if a 
damp cloth is not sufficient. Paint care products are not suitable for plastic parts.
Caution
Solvent-free cleaners attack the material and can damage it.WindowsOnly use a plastic ice scraper for removi ng snow and ice from the windows and 
mirrors. You should not move the ice scraper forward and backward but in one direc-
tion on the window which yo u are cleaning in order to avoid any damage to the 
surface of the glass.
You can best remove residues of rubber,  oil, grease, wax or silicone by using a 
special window cleaner or a special silicone remover.
You should also clean the windows regularly from the inside.
Do not use window leathers which you have used to polish the vehicle body to dry 
off the windows. Residues of preservatives in the window leather can dirty the 
window and reduce visibility.
Do not affix any stickers over the inside of the rear window to avoid damage to the 
heating elements of the rear window heater.
We recommend using a preservative from  Škoda genuine accessories offered by 
your Škoda dealer.
Caution
Never remove snow or ice from the glass  parts with warm or hot water - risk of 
formation of cracks in the glass!The headlight lensesPlease do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products for cleaning 
the front headlights - risk of  damage to the plastic lenses.  Please use soap and 
clean warm water.
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Taking care of your vehicle and cleaning the vehicle
124Caution
Never  wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects for cleaning the 
plastic lenses, this may result in damage  to the protective paintwork and conse-
quently in formation of cracks on the head light lenses, e.g. through effect of chem-
ical products.Door and window sealsThe rubber seals on the doors, boot lid, bonnet and windows remain supple and last 
longer if you treat them from time to ti me with a rubber care product (e.g. with a 
spray with silicone-free oil). You also avoi d premature wear of the seals and prevent 
leakages in this way. It is also easier to  open the doors. Rubber seals which are well 
cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.Locking cylinderWe recommend that you use the spray from Škoda original accessories with 
regreasing and anticorrosive effect for de-icing locking cylinders.
Note
When washing your vehicle, ensure that as  little water as possible gets into the 
locking cylinders.WheelsSteel wheels
You should also thoroughly wash the wheels and wheel trims when giving your 
vehicle its regular wash. This prevents any brake dust, dirt and road salt from 
sticking to the wheel hubs. You can remove stubborn brake abrasion adhering to 
the wheels with an industrial cleaner. Touch up any damage to the paintwork on the 
wheels before rust is able to form.
Light alloy wheels
Regular care of light alloy wheels is nece ssary in order to retain their decorative 
appearance over long periods. It is part icularly important to remove regularly any 
road salt and brake abrasion from light alloy wheels, otherwise the light metal will 
suffer. Wash thoroughly and then treat  the wheels with a protective product for 
light alloy wheels which does not contai n any acidic components. We recommend 
to apply a hard wax layer onto the wheel hubs every three months. You must not  use any products which cause abrasion when treating the wheel hubs. Any damage 
to the paint layer on the wheel hubs must be touched up immediately.
We recommend using a preservative from
 Škoda genuine accessories offered by 
your Škoda dealer.
WARNING
One should remember when cleaning the wh eels that moisture, ice and road salt 
may adversely affect braking efficiency - risk of an accident!
Note
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may 
show itself in the form of a wheel vibrat ion which is transmitted to the steering 
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering. 
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.Underbody protectionThe underside of your vehicle is protected  for life against chemical and mechanical 
influences.
One cannot, however, completely rule out damage to the  protective layer when 
driving so we recommend that you inspect the protective layer on the underside of 
your vehicle and on the chassi s at certain intervals - this is best done at the begin-
ning and end of the winter - and to touch up any damaged areas.
The authorised Škoda Service Partners have suitable  spray products available as 
well as the necessary equipment and are famili ar with the instructions for use. It is 
therefore best to have such touch-up work  or additional corrosion protection meas-
ures carried out by an authorised Škoda Service Partner.
WARNING
Never use additional underbody protection  or corrosion-protection agents for 
the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or  heat shields. When the engine reaches 
its operating temperature, these subst ances might ignite - risk of fire!Protection of hollow spacesAll the cavities of your vehicle which are at  risk from corrosion are protected for life 
by a layer of  protective wax  applied in the factory.
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Inspecting and replenishing
140
Windshield washer systemThe windshield washer reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or 
rear window and for the headlamp cleaning system*. The reservoir is located at the 
front right of the engine compartment  fig. 128 .
The  filling level  of the container is 3 litres, 5.5 litres on vehicles which also 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 genuine 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 
vehicle 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, howeve r, that the antifreeze protection at this 
concentration is only ad equate down to -5 °C.
WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes  page 131, “Working in the engine 
compartment” before working in the engine compartment.
Caution
•
On no account should you add radiator an tifreeze or other additives to the wind-
screen washer fluid.
•
If the vehicle is fitted with headlight cleaning system, you should only add 
cleaning products which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights 
to the windscreen washer fluid. Please contact your Škoda Service Partner, who will 
tell you which cleaning agent you can use.
Fig. 128  Engine compartment: Wind-
shield washer fluid reservoir
s2lk.2.book  Page 140  Monday, April 18, 2011  7:41 AM