2011 SKODA SUPERB warning

Petrol enginesCapacity2.0 l/147 kW TSI8.63.6 l/191 kW FSI9.0Diesel enginesCapacity1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/103 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/125 kW TDI CR8.4
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 167
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 191 first.
The coolant expansion reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 167 .
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 167
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
If the coolant level is above the mark
A,
no coolant may be topped up.
If the coolant level is below the mark
B,
the coolant must be topped up.
Checking the level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle. » Fig. 167.
Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold.
ABIf the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark A » Fig. 167 .
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light 
illuminating in the instrument cluster » page 36, 
Cool-
ant . We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir
from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 191 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 191, in section Introduction .
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully un-
screw the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
■ Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use only water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
193
Changing
193

192General Maintenance

WARNING■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.■

Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 168 on page 193 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 168
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
Read and observe and on page 193 first.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 168.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 168.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear-and-tear
and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark- ing.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
 » page 35 , 
Brake system illuminating in the instrument cluster.
Changing
Read and observe
and on page 193 first.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake
system.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
195
Checking the battery electrolyte level
195
Charging
196
Replacing
196
Disconnecting or reconnecting
196
Automatic load deactivation
197
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection. 193Inspecting and replenishing

SymbolMeaningKeep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to com-
ply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well as the warning in-
structions outlined below.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a
face shield – risk of blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, skin cracks).
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected
eye immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swal-
low battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
WARNING■ It is prohibited to work with naked flames or lights.■It is prohibited to smoke or carry out any activities that produce sparks.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
WARNING (Continued)■Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
chemical burns!■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
WARNING■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal ob-
ject or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk
of explosion, battery fire and acid splashes.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage. We recommend having
all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, and then the positive ter-
minal (+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, and then the negative terminal (-). Under
no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a
cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light. 
194General Maintenance

CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Disconnect both battery cables (“negative” first, then “positive”) only when“rapid charging” the battery.
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the
charger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the battery cables if you are recharging the
vehicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer
to the charger manufacturer's instructions .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
Both cables must be disconnected before charging the battery with high
amperages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.CAUTIONOn 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 » page 212, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START STOP system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a special-
ist garage.
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting or reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
The following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to oper-
ate faultlessly after the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnec-
ted.
FunctionOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 64Panoramic sliding roof (operational faults)» page 218Enter the radio/navigation system code
number» User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion systemSetting the clock» page 32Data in the multifunction display are de-
leted.» page 44 196General Maintenance

NoteWe recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to
ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 194 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This may be no-
ticed from the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
198
Unidirectional tyres
199
Spare and temporary spare wheel
200
Full wheel trim
200
Wheel bolts
201
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your mod-
el of vehicle.
WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident occur-
ring. 
197Wheels

WARNING (Continued)■You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.■
Worn tyres impair necessary adhesion to the road surface, particularly at
high speeds on wet roads. This could lead to “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
vehicle movement – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
WARNING■ Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre will have to overcome a higher
rolling resistance. This will cause a significant increase in the temperature
of the tyre, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation
and a tyre blowout.
■
In the event of very fast tyre inflation pressure loss, such as a sudden tyre
failure, an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop
without sudden steering movements and without any hard braking.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 200, Spare and temporary spare wheel .■
The tyres must be protected from contact with substances such as oil,
grease and fuel, which could damage them. If the tyres come into contact with
these substances, then we recommend you have this checked out in a special-
ist workshop.
■
If, in the case of puncture occurring, the spare tyre with a non-bound direc-
tion or an opposite direction of rotation must be mounted, then drive carefully.
The best properties of the tyre are no longer present in this situation.
For the sake of the environment
■ Old and unserviceable tyres are classified in a special environmentally haz-
ardous category. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legis-
lation.■
Tyres that are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow
chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Service life of tyresFig. 171
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre sizes and tyre inflation pressures
Fig. 172
Replacing wheels
Read and observe and on page 197 first.
The service life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style and
other circumstances.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a
month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 171 –
.
The tyre pressure for the spare wheel should correspond to the highest pres-
sure specified for your vehicle.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres. 
198General Maintenance

Spare and temporary spare wheelFig. 173
Fixing the spare or temporary
spare wheel
Read and observe and on page 197 first.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 173.
Taking the wheel out
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 100.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut » Fig. 173 anti-clockwise.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stowing the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing down-
ward.
›
Screw on the nut » Fig. 173 clockwise until the wheel is safely secured.
›
Replace the box with the tool kit into the spare wheel and secure it with the
tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the boot lid.
Fit a wheel in the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to
the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly
in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is
adopted »
.
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel.
› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be particularly observant when driving.
› The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle » Fig. 171 on page 198 .
› The tyre inflation pressure of the spare wheel R 18 is 420 kPa.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
since it is not intended for permanent use.WARNING■ Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Only use the temporary spare wheel when absolutely necessary.■
Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
fitted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sticker on the temporary spare
wheel.
Full wheel trim
Read and observe
and on page 197 first.
Before removing the wheel bolts, remove the wheel cover.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 205 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim.
Fitting
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks
correctly in place. 
200General Maintenance

Superb N1MotorisationTyresizeMinimal
Load indexMinimal Speed icon
3.6 l/191 kW FSI
205/50 R1793W225/45 R1794W225/40 R1892Y
Winter operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
203
Snow chains
203
Winter tyres
Summer tyres have less grip on ice, snow and at temperatures below 7 °C. This
is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed tyres .
Fitting winter tyres will significantly improve the handling of your vehicle when
driving in wintry road conditions.
To get best possible handling, winter tyres must be fitted to all four wheels.
The minimum tread depth must be 4 mm.
Winter tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol) of a lower speed
category can be used provided that the permissible maximum speed of these
tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum speed of the vehicle is
higher.
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle.
The speed limit for winter tyres can be set in the MAXI DOT display in the Win-
ter tyres menu item » page 47.
For the sake of the environmentRe-fit the summer tyres at an appropriate time as they provide better handling
properties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear
on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C.
The fuel consumption is also lower.
Snow chains
When driving in wintry road conditions, snow chains improve not only traction,
but also the braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 9 mm.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the follow-
ing wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth DTyre size7J x 16 a)45 mm205/55 R166J x 16 a)50 mm205/55 R166J x 1745 mm205/50 R17a)
Not valid for vehicles with 3.6 l/191 kW FSI engine.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains » page 200.
WARNINGObserve the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains.
CAUTION
The chains are to be removed when driving on snow-free paths. They would
otherwise cause loss of performance and damage the tyres.203Wheels