2011 SKODA SUPERB brake fluid

General Maintenance
Car care173
Services, modifications and technical
alterations
173
Washing vehicle
176
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
177
Taking care of the interior
181
Inspecting and replenishing
183
Fuel
183
Engine compartment
186
Engine oil
189
Coolant
191
Brake fluid
192
Vehicle battery
193
Wheels
197
Tyres and wheel rims
197
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
201
Winter operation
203
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
204
Emergency equipment
204
Changing a wheel
205
Puncture set
209
Jump-starting
211
Towing the vehicle
213
Radio remote control
215
Emergency unlocking/locking
216
Emergency operation of the sliding/tilting
roof
217
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
218
Fuses and light bulbs
220
Fuses
220
Replacing bulbs
223Technical data
Technical data228
Vehicle data
228
Index
3Table of Contents

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wiper and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is affected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats.
› Belt tensioner for front and outer rear seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag. 

8Safety

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Owner's manual!
 do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the 
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the icon disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 42 .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
35
 Brake system
35
 Seat belt warning light
35
 Generator
35
 Door open
36
 Engine oil pressure
36
 Coolant
36
 Bonnet
36
 Boot lid
36
 
Power steering / steering lock (system KESSY)
36
 Engine oil level
37
 Traction Control System (ASR)
37
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
37 Anti lock brake system (ABS)38 Rear fog light38

Lamp failure
38
 Adaptive headlights (AHL)
38
 Exhaust inspection system
38
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
38

Engine performance check (petrol engine)
39
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
39
 Fuel reserve
39
 Airbag system
40
 Tyre inflation pressure
40
 Windscreen washer fluid level
40
 Brake linings
41

 Turn signal system
41
 Low beam
41
 Fog lights
41
 Cruise control system
41
 Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
41
 Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine. 
34Operation

WARNING■Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard
warning light system » page 72. The warning triangle must be set up at
the prescribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing
so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 186, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
 Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 193 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light  together with the warning light  » page 38 , 
Anti lock brake system (ABS) illuminates,  do not continue to drive! Seek
help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – there is a risk of accident.
■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet
and checking the brake fluid level » page 186, Engine compartment .
 Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
is illuminated as a reminder for the driver and front pas-
senger to fasten their seat belts.
The warning light 
goes out , after the respective seat belt has been fas-
tened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light 
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic warning signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the warning light 
remains perma-
nently illuminated if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their
seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
 Generator
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light 
is illuminated , when the engine is running, the vehicle
battery is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. The electrical system re-
quires checking.
CAUTION
 Do not continue driving if the  warning light (coolant system fault) illumi-
nates in addition to the  warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine
- there is a risk of engine damage. Seek help from a specialist garage.35Instruments and Indicator Lights

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 188, Windscreen washer system .
 Brake linings
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light 
is illuminated , the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check brake wear!
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
  Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Either the left  or the right
 warning light
flashes depending on the position
of the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
 Low beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when low beam is selected.
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the fog lamps are operating.
 Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the cruise control is active.
 Selector lever lock / starter (system KESSY)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light 
illuminates , operate the brake pedal. This is necessary
to move the selector lever from position P and N » page 146 or to start the en-
gine in vehicles with the KESSY system » page 142.
 Main beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is being operated.
41Instruments and Indicator Lights

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 35, 
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 137
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 143 first.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 137 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  illuminates when the handbrake is applied,
provided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a
risk of an accident.
CAUTION
After the vehicle has come to a standstill, always tighten the handbrake first
and then select the first gear (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or move the se-
lector lever to the P-position (vehicles with an automatic gearbox).
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
144
Pedals
145
Manual gear changing
Fig. 138
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 43.
144Driving

CAUTION■Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the
standard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and ex-
haust system!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Engine parts could be significantly damaged!
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must
not be filled in the tank and used for driving the vehicle. The use of biofuel
RME can cause considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents), into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the
engine or the exhaust system!
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
187
Engine compartment overview
188
Radiator fan
188
Windscreen washer system
188WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in
the engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the
warning instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety
rules. The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
WARNING (Continued)■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the
selector lever into position P.■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant
is escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, gen-
erator, radiator fan) and the high voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system. 
186General Maintenance

Engine compartment overviewFig. 164
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 186 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 164
Coolant expansion reservoir
192
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
188
Engine oil filler opening
191
Engine oil dipstick
190
Brake fluid reservoir
193
Battery (below a cover)
193
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 186 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
123456WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 165
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 186 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 165 .
This contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the
headlight cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 5.5 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will
remove any stubborn dirt.
The washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze in winter even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration
is sufficient only to -5 °C. 
1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
188General Maintenance