2011 SKODA ROOMSTER 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 157 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 157.
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. 143. 
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. £ 159
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik 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 165. 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. 130 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. 130 . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2

bar) higher than those for summer tyres ⇒ page 164.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. £ 161
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
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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 required
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 attractive
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 -
Radial 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
20011.
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. £ 163
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik 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 161.
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 168

, 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 175/70
6J x 14 37 mm 185/65
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.  165
Wheels and Tyres Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
tance Praktik Technical data

Breakdown assistance
Breakdown assistance
First-aid kit and warning triangle Fig. 132 Placing of the warning triangle
The first-aid kit 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. 132 WARNING
The first-aid kit 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 kit.
● 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. 133 Luggage compartment: Storage
compartment for vehicle too kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel ⇒ fig. 133 or in the compartment for the spare wheel. There is al-
so space here for the removable ball for the trailer towing device. £ 167
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tance Praktik 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 170 or the caps ⇒ page 170.
– Slacken the wheel bolts ⇒ page 170.
– Jack up the vehicle until the wheel to be changed is clear of the ground
⇒ page 171.
– 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 170.
– 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 161
. 
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 163, 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.  169
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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. 137.
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. 138 Changing a wheel: Jacking
points for positioning lifting jack Fig. 139 Attach lifting jack
Position the lifting jack by selecting the jacking point which is closest to the wheel
to be removed
⇒ fig. 138 . 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. 139 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. 139 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 172. 171
Breakdown assistance Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assis-
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●
when driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre,
● if the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed. 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.
● Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the traffic flow. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
● A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.
● Do not drive faster than 80 km/h, 50 mph.
● Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
● Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving 10 minutes.
● Sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin. For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac-
cordance with environmental protection regulations. Note
● Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the tyre repair kit.
● You can purchase a new bottle of sealant from the range of the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories.
● Change the wheel that was repaired using the tyre repair kit or consult a spe-
cialist garage about possibilities for getting repairs done. Components of the tyre repair kit
Fig. 141 Components of the tyre repair kit
The tyre repair kit is made up of the following parts:
Valve remover
Sticker with speed designation
“max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph”
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector ⇒ page 64
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 1 has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
This is the only way in which you can remove and re-install the valve core from the
tyre valve. The same also applies to the replacement valve core 11 .

Preparing to use the tyre repair kit Before using the tyre repair kit, carry out the following preparatory work:
–
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the traffic flow. Park on as flat
and firm a surface as possible. £
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11 173
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