–
Unscrew the fuel filler cap anti-clockwise and place the fuel filler cap from
above on the fuel filler flap ⇒ fig. 150 - right.
Closing fuel filler cap
– Screw on the cap by turning it to the right until it is heard to lock.
– Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn-
ing the vehicle key to the right (only valid for vehicles which do not have auto-
matic locking of the fuel filler flap).
– Close the fuel filler flap until it locks.
The correct grade of fuel for your vehicle as well as the tyre size and inflation
pressures are stated on a sticker affixed to the inside of the fuel filler flap. Further
information on fuel ⇒
page 186.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 60 litres. WARNING
Pay attention to any legal requirements if you do carry a spare canister in the
vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehicle for
safety reasons. The canister can be damaged in the event of an accident and
fuel may leak out. CAUTION
● Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system
(auxiliary heating and ventilation).
● Remove any fuel which has spilled onto the paintwork of your vehicle immedi-
ately - risk of paint damage!
● On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run com-
pletely empty. An irregular supply of fuel to the engine can result in misfiring and
unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system, which may result in overheating
and damage to the catalytic converter.
● The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue refuelling -
otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 60 litres, containing a reserve of 10.5
litres.188
Fuel
Inspecting and Replenishing
Engine compartment
Bonnet remote release Fig. 151 Bonnet release lever
Bonnet remote release
– Pull the unlocking lever below the dash panel on the left-hand side ⇒ fig. 151.
The bonnet jumps out of its lock as a result of the spring force.
Opening and closing the bonnet. Fig. 152 Radiator grille: Locking lever/securing the bonnet with the bonnet support
Opening the bonnet
–
Unlock the bonnet ⇒
fig. 151. –
Ensure that the arms of the windshield wipers are correctly in place against
the windshield before opening the bonnet, otherwise damage could occur to
the paintwork.
– Pressing on the locking lever in direction of arrow 1 ⇒
fig. 152 will unlock the
bonnet.
– Grasp the front part of the bonnet under the chrome trim.
– Take the bonnet support out of its holder in direction of arrow 2 and secure
the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support in the opening 3 de-
signed for it ⇒ fig. 152.
Closing the bonnet
– Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder designed to hold it.
– Allow the bonnet to drop from a height of about 20 cm into the lock - bonnet
do not press down on it!
– Check whether the bonnet is properly closed. WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driv-
ing. One should therefore check that the lock has in fact engaged properly af-
ter closing the bonnet.
● Stop your vehicle immediately while driving if you notice that the lock is
not properly engaged and close the bonnet properly - risk of an accident! 189
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Working in the engine compartment
Particular care is required when carrying out any work in the en-
gine compartment!
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The engine compartment of your car
is a hazardous area ⇒
.
WARNING
● Never open the bonnet if you see that steam or coolant is flowing out of
the engine compartment - risk of scalding! Wait long enough until the steam
or coolant has stopped escaping.
● Switch off the engine and pull out the ignition key.
● Apply the handbrake firmly.
● If your vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever in-
to Neutral, or if it is fitted with automatic gearbox, move the selector lever in-
to position
P.
● Allow the engine to cool down.
● Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
● Do not touch any hot engine parts - risk of burns!
● Never spill oil and other fluids over the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the an-
tifreeze contained in the coolant) may ignite!
● Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the battery.
● Never place your hand into the radiator fan as long as the engine is still
warm. The fan might suddenly start running!
● Never open the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir so long as the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
● Cover over the cap of the reservoir with a large cloth when opening it as
protection for your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot coolant.
● Do not let objects, such as e.g cleaning cloth or tools lie in the engine com-
partment. WARNING (Continued)
● If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from
rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this - risk of injury!
● In cases where it be necessary to carry out inspection work when the en-
gine is running there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. the V-ribbed
belt, alternator, radiator fan) and from the high-voltage ignition system.
Please observe in addition the following:
–Never touch the electrical cables of the ignition system.
– Absolutely avoid any jewellery, loose items of clothing or long hair from
getting into the rotating parts of the engine - Hazard! Therefore remove
any jewellery beforehand, tie up your hair and wear tight fitting clothing.
● Please also comply with the warning instructions stated below when car-
rying out any essential work on the fuel system or on the electrical system:
–Always separate the car battery from the electrical system.
– Do not smoke.
– Never carry out any work close to naked flames.
– Always keep a working fire extinguisher at hand. CAUTION
When replenishing fluids in the engine, always ensure that the fluids are on no ac-
count mixed up. This may result in major operating problems and also vehicle
damage! 190
Inspecting and Replenishing
Overview of the engine compartment
The main inspection points.
Fig. 153 Petrol engine 1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI
Engine coolant expansion reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Windshield washer fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Engine oil filler opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Brake fluid reservoir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Battery (below a cover) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and die-
sel engines is practically identical.
1 2
3
4
5
6 Engine oil
Check engine oil level The dipstick indicates the level of oil in the engine.
Fig. 154 Dipstick
Checking the oil level
– Ensure that the vehicle is positioned on a level surface and the engine has
reached its operating temperature.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ in Working in the engine compartment on page 190.
– Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil sump. Take out
the dipstick.
– Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again fully.
– Then withdraw the dipstick again and read off the oil level.
Oil level within range A –
You must not top up the oil.
Oil level within range B –
You may top up the oil. It is possible that the oil level may then be within
range A after doing this.
Oil level within range C –
You must top up the oil ⇒ page 192. It is sufficient, once this is done, to keep
the oil level within range B .
£ 191
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
It is normal for the engine to consume oil. The oil consumption may be as much as
0.5 l/1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. The oil consumption may be slightly higher than this
during the first 5 000 kilometres.
One should therefore check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably every time
after the fuel tank is filled or after driving for long stretches.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A - but not above this
,
if the engine has been operating at high loads, for example during a lengthy mo-
torway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high
mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low ⇒ page 25. In this case, check the oil level as soon as possible. Top up with
an appropriate quantity of oil. CAUTION
● The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A . Danger of dam-
aging the catalytic converter.
● Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the
conditions prevailing to top up with oil. Switch the engine off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. Note
Engine oil specifications ⇒ page 228, Technical data.
Replenishing engine oil –
Inspecting the engine oil level ⇒
page 191.
– Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
– Pour in a suitable grade of oil in portions of 0.5 litres ⇒ page 231, Engine oil
specifications.
– Inspect the oil level ⇒ page 191
.
– Carefully screw on the cap of the filler opening and push the dipstick in fully. WARNING
● Avoid dripping oil onto hot parts of the engine when topping up will oil - a
risk of fire!
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒
page 190, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment. For the sake of the environment
The oil level must on no account extend beyond the range A ⇒
page 191. Oil will
otherwise be drawn in through the crankcase ventilation and may pass through
the exhaust system to atmosphere. The oil may combust in the catalytic converter
and damage it.
Changing engine oil The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator
⇒ page 12, Service reminder indicator
. WARNING
● Only carry out the engine oil change, if you have the required professional
knowledge!
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒
page 190, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● First of all, let the engine cool down, wear an eye protection and gloves -
risk of caustic burns due to hot oil. CAUTION
You must not pour any additives into the engine oil - risk of engine damage! Dam-
age, which results from such product, are excluded from the warranty. For the sake of the environment
● You must on no account pour oil into the ground or into the sewage system.
● In view of the problems involved in properly disposing of old oil, the necessary
special tools and the knowledge required for such work, we recommend that you
have the oil and oil filter change carried out by an authorised
ŠKODA Service Part-
ner. £192
Inspecting and Replenishing
Note
After your skin has come in contact with the oil, you must thoroughly wash your
skin.
Cooling system
Coolant The job of the coolant is to cool the engine.
The cooling system does not require any maintenance under normal operating
conditions. The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive
of 40 %. This mixture not only provides antifreeze protection down to -25 °C but
also protects the cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the
formation of scale and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
You must therefore not reduce the concentration of antifreeze agent in the cool-
ant by adding water, also not during the summer months or in countries with a
warm climate. The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must be at
least 40 %.
You can increase the amount of antifreeze in the coolant if a higher concentration
of antifreeze is necessary for climatic reasons but only up to 60 % (antifreeze pro-
tection down to approx. -40 °C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that con-
centration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate (e.g. Sweden, Norway, Finland)
are already factory-filled with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down
to about -35 °C. In these countries the concentration of coolant additive should be
at least 50 %.
Coolant
The cooling system is factory-filled with coolant (purple in colour), which complies
with the specification TL-VW
774 G.
When refilling, we only recommend you use the same antifreeze described on the
antifreeze expansion tank.
Please contact an authorised ŠKODA Service Partner if you have any questions re-
garding the coolant or if you wish to fill up with a different coolant.
An authorised ŠKODA Service Partner can also supply you with the correct coolant
additives. Coolant capacity Petrol engines Capacities (in litres)
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI - EU 5 7.7
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI - EU5 7.7
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI - EU5, EU2
(1.8 ltr./112 kW TSI - EU5)
8.6
Diesel engines Capacities (in litres)
1.6 l/77 kW TDI CR - EU5 8.4
2.0 ltr./81 kW TDI CR - EU 5 8.6
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR - EU 5 8.7
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR - EU 5 8.4
CAUTION
● Other coolant additives may cause operational problems which, in particular,
involves significantly reducing the anticorrosion effect.
● Any faults or problems resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant
and, as a consequence of this, result in major engine damage. Note
On vehicles which are fitted with an independent auxiliary heating and ventila-
tion, the volume of the coolant is greater by approx. 1 ltr.
Inspecting the coolant level Fig. 155 Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion bottle
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment on the right.
– Switch the engine off. £ 193
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
–
Open the bonnet ⇒ page 189 .
– Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle ⇒ fig. 155. When the
engine is cold, the coolant level must lie between the a and
b markings. The
level may also rise slightly above the a (MAX) marking when the engine is
warm.
If the coolant level in the reservoir is too low, this is indicated by the warning light
in the instrument cluster ⇒ page 26
, Coolant temperature/Coolant quantity . 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. You
should not merely top up the coolant in the reservoir. It is also important to have
the cooling system inspected without delay by a specialist garage.
Losses can only occur through the pressure relief in the cap of the coolant expan-
sion bottle which is completely free of leaks if the coolant boils as a result of over-
heating and is forced out of the cooling system. WARNING
Read and observe the warning notes ⇒ page 190
, Working in the engine com-
partment before working in the engine compartment. CAUTION
One should contact a specialist garage as soon as possible if the source of over-
heating itself cannot be determined and removed, since there may be grave dam-
age to the engine.
Replenishing the coolant –
Switch the engine off.
– Allow the engine to cool down.
– Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir ⇒
fig. 155 and un-
screw the cap carefully by turning it to the left ⇒ .
– Top up the coolant.
– Screw the cap tight until it is heard to lock. The coolant which you use for replenishing the system, must comply with one
specific specification ⇒ page 193. Do not use an alternative additive if the speci-
fied coolant additive is not available in exceptional cases. Just top up the system
with water and as soon as possible arrange adjustment to correct the mixing ratio
of water and coolant additive again by a specialist garage.
Only use fresh coolant for topping up the system.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark a (max.)
⇒ fig. 155 ! Excess coolant heats up
and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pressure relief valve in
the cap.
Wait until the engine has cooled down for a system which has suffered a major
loss of coolant before pouring in coolant. This is necessary to avoid engine dam-
age. WARNING
● The cooling system is pressurized! Do not open the cap of the coolant ex-
pansion bottle if the engine is still hot - risk of scalding!
● The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to the
health. It is important, therefore, to always safely store any coolant additive in
its original container out of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
● If any splashes of coolant get into your eyes, rinse out your eyes immedi-
ately with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
● You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant. CAUTION
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the con-
ditions prevailing to top up with coolant. Switch the engine off and obtain pro-
fessional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe en-
gine damage. For the sake of the environment
Do not re-use coolant if it is necessary to drain the coolant in the system. It should
be collected and disposed of in compliance with environmental protection regula-
tions. 194
Inspecting and Replenishing
Radiator fan
The radiator fan may switch on suddenly.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
The radiator fan may continue running for up to 10 minutes after the engine has
been switched off - even if the ignition is also off. It may also switch on suddenly
after a certain time, if
● the coolant temperature has risen because of an accumulation of heat or
● the warm engine compartment is heated up additionally by strong sunlight. WARNING
You must therefore be aware when working in the engine compartment that
the fan may switch on suddenly - risk of injury!
Brake fluid
Inspecting the brake fluid level Fig. 156 Engine compartment: Brake
fluid reservoir
The brake fluid reservoir is located on the left of the engine compartment. The
brake fluid reservoir on right-hand steering models is positioned on the other side
of the engine compartment.
– Switch the engine off.
– Open the bonnet ⇒ page 189 . –
Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir ⇒
fig. 156. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light lighting up in
the instrument cluster ⇒ page 29, Brake system . In this case stop immediately
and do not drive any further! Obtain professional assistance. WARNING
● Read and observe the warning notes ⇒
page 190, Working in the engine
compartment before working in the engine compartment.
● If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking, do not drive any fur-
ther - risk of accident! Contact a Škoda dealer to obtain professional assis-
tance.
Replacing brake fluid Brake fluid absorbs moisture. This causes the fluid to absorb moisture from the
surrounding air over a period of time. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be
the cause of corrosion in the brake system. The water content also lowers the
boiling point of the brake fluid.
Only new genuine brake fluid from
ŠKODA may be used. The brake fluid must
comply with one of the following standards or specifications:
● VW 50114,
● FMVSS 116 DOT4,
● DIN ISO 4925 CLASS 4
We recommend that you have the brake fluid replaced by an authorised
ŠKODA
Service Partner as part of an Inspection Service. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. £ 195
Inspecting and Replenishing Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data