Head airbags
Description of the head airbags The head airbag together with the side airbag offers enhanced oc-
cupant protection in the event of a side collision. Fig. 127 Installation position of the head
airbags
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of
the car ⇒ fig. 127. The installation positions of the head airbags are each marked
with the
“AIRBAG” logo.
The head airbag together with the three-point seat belts and the side airbags, of-
fers additional protection for the head and neck area of the occupants in the
event of a side collision of major severity ⇒ page 144.
Apart from their normal protective function, a further task of the seat belts is to
also hold the driver and the occupants in a correct seated position in the event of
a side collision so as to enable the head airbags to offer the maximum protection.
You should therefore always fasten the seat belts, not only because this is re-
quired by law, but also for safety reasons and for your own protection ⇒ page 132,
Why seat belts?.
Together with other elements (such as cross bars in the doors, stable vehicle
structure) the head airbags are the consequent further development of occupant
protection in the case of side collisions. Function of the head airbags The risk of injury to the head and neck area is reduced in the event
of a side collision by fully inflated head airbags. Fig. 128 Inflated head airbag
In the case of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag ⇒
fig. 128 and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which
the accident occurs.
If the system is deployed, the airbag is filled with propellant gas and covers the
entire area of the side window including the door pillars ⇒ fig. 128 .
The protection offered by the head airbags is thus available simultaneously both
to the front occupants of the car seated on the side on which the collision occurs,
as well as to the rear occupants. Any impact of the head against parts of the inte-
rior or objects outside of the car, is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The re-
duction in any impact to the head and the resultant minimizing of any movements
of the head additionally reduce the risk of injuries to the neck area. The head air-
bag also offers additional protection in the case of an offset impact by covering
the front door pillar.
In certain accident situations, the front, side and head airbag are simultaneously
deployed.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident. A grey white, non
harmful gas is released when airbag is inflated. This is perfectly normal and is not
an indication of a fire in the vehicle. 143
Airbag system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
●
The warning light for the airbag system lights up for 4 seconds after switching
on the ignition and then flashes for 12 seconds afterwards in 2 second intervals.
The following situation applies if the airbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag in the storage compartment:
● the airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster comes on for about 4 sec-
onds each time the ignition is switched on;
● switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the
lighting up of the yellow indicator light in display
⇒ fig. 129 . Note
Your authorised ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to advise you whether nation-
al legislation in your country allows airbags in your vehicle to be deactivated, and
which ones.
Switch for the front passenger front airbag Fig. 129 Storage compartment: Switch for the front passenger front airbag/warning light for
a switched off front seat passenger airbag
Only the front passenger front airbag is deactivated with the switch.
Deactivating an airbag
– Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position 2 (
OFF)
⇒ fig. 129 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display
in
the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is switched on
⇒ fig. 129 - right. Switching on an airbag
–
Switch off the ignition.
– Turn the slot of the airbag switch using the key in the position 1 (
ON)
⇒ fig. 129 .
– Check whether the airbag indicator light in the display
in
the middle of the dash panel lights up when the ignition is switched on
⇒ fig. 129 - right. The warning light goes out 65 seconds after the ignition
is switched on.
The airbag should only be switched off under exceptional circumstances
⇒ page 144.
Indicator light in display (airbag switched off)
The airbag indicator light is located in the middle of the dash panel ⇒ fig. 129 -
right.
If the front passenger front airbag is switched off, the warning light comes on
about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault present in the airbag switch off ⇒ if the indicator light
flashes. Please have the car inspected immediately by a specialist garage. WARNING
● The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.
● Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for the airbag deactivation.
● If the yellow indicator light in display
(airbag switched
off) flashes:
–Front passenger airbag is not deployed in the event of an accident!
– It is also important to have the system inspected without delay by a
specialist garage. 145
Airbag system Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
WARNING (Continued)
● Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat if the airbag system deploys in the event of an accident.
This can result in severe or even fatal injuries.
● It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed if the seat belts are
to offer their maximum protection ⇒
page 134, How are seat belts correctly
fastened?. Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manu-
facturer of the child safety seat regarding correct routing of the belt. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents.
● Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly.
One should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
● It is essential to always switch off the front passenger front airbag when
attaching a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is
seated with its back facing in direction of travel ⇒ page 145
. If this is not done,
there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger front airbag is deployed. When transporting a child on the front
passenger seat, please comply with the appropriate national regulations re-
garding the use of child safety seats.
Use of child safety seats on the front passenger seat Child safety seats should always be attached to the rear seats.
We recommend, for safety reasons, that you always mount a child restraint sys-
tems on the rear seats whenever possible. If you still decide, however, to use a
child safety seat on the front passenger seat then you must pay attention to the
following warnings in connection with the use of the airbag system on the front
passenger seat. WARNING
● Warning - particular hazard! Never use a child safety seat on the front pas-
senger seat in which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of
travel. This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front
passenger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal injuries,
in the event of it being deployed.
● This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the sun visor
on the passenger side.
● It is essential to always switch off the front passenger front airbag when a
child safety seat is nevertheless attached to the front passenger seat where
the child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel ⇒
page 144, Deac-
tivating an airbag. If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering se-
vere or even fatal injuries if the front passenger front airbag is deployed.
When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with the
appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
● If the front passenger front airbag has been switched off by a specialist
garage using the vehicle system tester, the side and head passenger airbag
remains switched on. Please comply with any differing national legal regula-
tions regarding the use of child safety seats.
● If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is
used on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved
back and to the top fully. Move the seat backrest into the vertical position.
● You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat. 147
Transporting children safely Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Children who are more than 1.50 m in height or who weigh more than 36 kg can
use normal seat belts without a seat bolster.
Use of child safety seats An overview of the usefulness of child seats on each of the seats according to the
ECE-R 44 standard: Child seat
of the group Front passenger
seat Rear seat
outside Rear seat
middle 0 U
+ U
+
T U
0+ U
+ U
+
T U
1 U
+ U
+
T U
2 and 3 U U U
Universal category - seat is suitable for all approved types of child safety
seats.
The seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the
“ISOFIX ”system.
The divided rear seat - seat can be fitted with fixing eyes for the system “ Top
Tether” ⇒ page 152, Attaching child seat using the “Top Tether” system.
Child seats of group 0/0+ Fig. 131 Child seats of group 0/0+
The optimal solution for babies of up to about 9 months old weighing up to 10 kg
or children up to about 18 months old weighing up to 13 kg is a child safety seat
which is fastened in the opposite direction of travel ⇒
fig. 131.
U +
T Child seats in which the child is facing with its back towards the direction of
travel should not be used on the front passenger seat when the vehicle is fitted
with a front passenger airbag
⇒
page 147, Use of child safety seats on the front
passenger seat. WARNING
● It is essential to always switch off the front passenger front airbag at a
specialist garage or with the switch for front passenger airbag when attaching
in exceptional circumstances a child safety seat on the front passenger seat
where the child is seated with its back facing in direction of travel ⇒
page 145,
Switch for the front passenger front airbag.
● Please comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
● If this is not done, a child seated on the front passenger seat may suffer
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag or airbags are de-
ployed.
● You should have the front passenger airbag (or airbags) reactivated just as
soon as you no longer use a child safety seat on the front passenger seat.
Child safety seats in Group 1 Fig. 132 Child seat with padded table in
Group 1 installed on rear seat bench fac-
ing the direction of travel
Child seats in Group 1 are for babies and small children up to 4 years of age with a
weight of between 9 and 18 kilograms. It is best for children in the lower range of
this group, to use a child seat which allows the child to sit with its back to the di-
rection of travel. It is best for children in the upper range of the Group 0+, to use a
child seat which allows the child to sit ⇒ fig. 132 in the direction of travel. £ 149
Transporting children safely Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
WARNING
● When transporting a child on the front passenger seat, please comply with
the appropriate national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
Switch off the front passenger airbag if necessary at a specialist garage or
switch it off with the switch for front passenger airbag ⇒
page 145, Switch for
the front passenger front airbag.
● The shoulder part of the seat belt must run approximately across the mid-
dle of the shoulder and fit snugly against the chest. It must on no account run
across the neck. The lap part of the seat belt must run across the pelvis and
fits snugly; it must not run over the belly. Tighten the belt webbing over your
hip if necessary.
● Please comply with any differing national legal regulations regarding the
use of child safety seats.
Attaching a child seat using the “ISOFIX” system Fig. 135 Locking eyes (ISOFIX system)/the ISOFIX child seat is pushed into the mounting fun-
nels
There are two fixing eyes between the seat backrest and the seat cushion of the
front passenger seat for fixing the
“ISOFIX” system child seat in place. The locking
eyes on the rear outside seats are located below the upholstery. The places are
marked with signs with the logo “ISOFIX” ⇒ fig. 135 - left.
Install child seat
– Insert the mounting funnels A onto the locking eyes
B between the seat
backrest and the seat cushion ⇒
fig. 135.
– Push the notched arms of the child seat into the locking eyes in direction of
arrow 1 , until they are heard to lock in place
⇒ fig. 135. –
Pull on both sides of the child seat!
One can mount a child safety seat using the
“ISOFIX” system quickly, easily and
reliably. Please pay close attention to instructions from the manufacturer of the
child safety seat when installing and removing the seat.
Child seats fitted with the “ISOFIX” system can only be mounted and fixed in a ve-
hicle fitted with an “ISOFIX” system when these child seats have been released
for this type of vehicle according to the ECE-R 44 standard.
Child safety seats with the fixing system “ISOFIX” can be obtained from ŠKODA
Original Accessories.
Complete installation instructions are enclosed with the child safety seat. WARNING
● The locking eyes have just been developed for child safety seats which use
the
“ISOFIX” system. You should therefore never attach other child safety
seats, seat belts or objects to the locking eyes - hazard!
● Before using a child seat with an “ISOFIX” system that you bought for an-
other vehicle, it is recommended that you consult an authorised
ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner whether the child seat is suitable for your vehicle.
● Certain child seats which use the “ISOFIX” system can be attached with
standard three-point seat belts. Please pay close attention to instructions
from the manufacturer of the child safety seat when installing and removing
the seat. Note
● Child seats which use the
“ISOFIX” system are currently available for children
weighing up to about 18 kg. This corresponds to an age range up to 4 years.
● The child seats can also be fitted with the “Top Tether” system ⇒
page 152. 151
Transporting children safely Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Driving Tips
Intelligent technology Electronic stability programme (ESP)
General Fig. 137 ESP system: Switch for TCS
The ESP aids you in maintaining control of your vehicle in situations in which the
vehicle is driving at its dynamic limits, such as entering a curve fast. The risk of
skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability depending on
the conditions of the road surface. The system operates at all speeds.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stability programme:
● Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),
● Traction control system (TCS),
● active driver-steering recommendation (DSR),
● Antilock brake system (ABS),
● Brake Assist,
● Uphill Start Assist.
The ESP system cannot be switched off with the
⇒ fig. 137 button; only the TCS
system is switched off, the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up. Operating principle
The ESP switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts
a self-test. The ESP control unit processes data from the individual systems. It al-
so processes additional measurement data which are supplied by highly sensitive
sensors: the rotational velocity of the vehicle about its vertical axis, the lateral ac-
celeration of the vehicle, the braking pressure and the steering angle.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual be-
haviour of the vehicle. If differences exist, such as the car beginning to skid, the
ESP will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
The car is stabilised again by the forces which take effect when the wheel is
braked. Intervention into the brake system takes place primarily on the outer front
wheel of a vehicle which tends to oversteer (tendency for the rear of the vehicle
to break away) while occurs this is on the inner rear wheel of a vehicle which
tends to understeer (tendency to shift out of the curve). This braking control cycle
is accompanied by noises.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster ⇒
page 27.
The ESP operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 157, Antilock brake system
(ABS). If there is a fault in the ABS system, the ESP also does not operate.
The ESP warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the ESP ⇒ page 27. WARNING
It is also not possible for the ESP to overcome the physical limits of the vehi-
cle. Even if a vehicle fitted with ESP you should still always adapt your style of
driving to the condition of the road surface and the traffic situation. This par-
ticularly applies when driving on slippery and wet roads. The increased safety
offered must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an
accident! £ 153
Intelligent technology Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Operating principle
The TCS switches on automatically when the engine is started and then conducts
a self-test. The system monitors the speeds of the driven wheels with the aid of
the ABS sensors. If the wheels are spinning, the force transmitted to the road sur-
face is automatically adapted by reducing the engine speed. The system operates
at all speeds.
The TCS operates in combination with the ABS ⇒ page 157,
Antilock brake system
(ABS). The TCS will not function if a fault exists in the ABS system.
The TCS warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when there is a fault on
the TCS ⇒ page 27.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light flashes in the in-
strument cluster ⇒ page 27.
Switching off
You can also switch off the TCS system by pressing the ⇒ fig. 138 button, or, in ve-
hicles with ESP, by pressing the ⇒ fig. 137 button. The TCS warning light lights up
in the instrument cluster when the TCS is switched off .
The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be good practice in certain
exceptional cases, such as when you wish to have wheel slip, to switch off the
system.
Examples:
● when driving with snow chains,
● when driving in deep snow or on a loose surface,
● when it is necessary to rock a car free when it has become stuck.
then you should switch on the TCS again.
TCS Off-road
After switching on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 160
, TCS Off-road is activated.
TCS Off-road provides a more effective acceleration of the vehicle on an unfirm
ground, as it allows higher traction between the slipping wheels and the ground.
The system operates when starting off or at low speeds. WARNING
You should always adjust your style of driving to the conditions of the road
surface and the traffic situation. The increased safety offered must not tempt
you to take greater risks than otherwise - risk of an accident! Note
● All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres in order to achieve prob-
lem-free operation of the TCS. Differing rolling circumferences of the tyres can
lead to an undesirable reduction in the engine output.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the TCS ⇒
page 207, Ac-
cessories, changes and replacement of parts.
Active driver-steering recommendation (DSR) This function indicates to the driver in critical situations a steering recommenda-
tion in order to stabilise the vehicle. The active driver-steering recommendation is
activated, for example, on the right and left vehicle side when braking sharply on
different road surfaces. WARNING
Even with this function the vehicle cannot steer itself! The driver is further-
more responsible for the steering of the vehicle!
Brakes What has a negative effect on braking efficiency?
Wear-and-tear
Wear-and-tear to the brake pads is greatly dependent on the operating conditions
of the vehicle and your style of driving. Particularly if you drive a great deal in
towns and over short distances or if you adopt a sporty style of driving, it may be
necessary to have the thickness of the brake pads inspected at a specialist garage
between the service inspections.
Wet roads or road salt
There may be a certain delay before the brakes take full effect under certain con-
ditions such as when driving through water, during heavy rain showers or after
the vehicle has been washed in an automatic vehicle wash, since the brake discs
and brake pads may be moist or even have a coating of ice on them in winter. You
should dry the brakes as soon as possible by applying and releasing the brakes
several times. £ 155
Intelligent technology Using the system Safety Driving Tips General Maintenance Breakdown assistance Technical data
Antilock brake system (ABS)
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking.
General
The ABS contributes significantly to enhancing the active safety of your vehicle.
Compared to a car not fitted with the ABS brake system, you are able to retain op-
timal steering ability even during a full brake application on a slippery road surface
because the wheels do not lock up.
You must not expect, however, that the braking distance will be shorter under all
circumstances as a result of the ABS. The braking distance for example on gravel
and fresh snow, when you should anyway be driving slowly and cautiously, will be
longer.
Operating principle
The brake pressure will be reduced on a wheel which is rotating at a speed which
is too low for the speed of the vehicle and tending to lock. This control cycle is
noticeable from a pulsating movement of the brake pedal which is accompanied
by noises. This is consciously intended to provide the driver with the information
that the wheels are tending to lock (ABS control range). You must always keep the
brake pedal depressed to enable the ABS to optimally control the brake applica-
tion in this braking range. Never interrupt the application of the brakes!
As soon as the vehicle speed has increased to about 20 km/hour an automatic
test procedure is conducted during which you will be able to hear a pumping noise
for about 1 second.
ABS Off-road
After switching on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 160, ABS Off-road is activated.
ABS Off-road increases the braking power of the vehicle on an unfirm ground, as it
keeps the wheels blocked for a longer period of time when the brake is applied
while sliding. The system is only available, if the front wheels are in the straight-
ahead position.
The system operates at speeds of up to 50
km/h. WARNING
● The ABS can also not overcome the physical limits of your vehicle. Please
do not forget this, particularly when driving on icy or wet road surfaces. If the
ABS is operating within the control range, adapt your speed immediately to
the conditions of the road surface and the traffic situation. The increased
safety offered by the ABS must not tempt you to take greater risks than oth-
erwise - risk of an accident!
● The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving according
to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the damage is and
the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. Note
● A warning light comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system ⇒
page 28.
● Changes to vehicle (e.g. on engine, on the brakes, on chassis or another combi-
nation of tyres and wheels) can influence the function of the ABS ⇒
page 207,
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts.
Brake Assist During a severe brake application (e.g. if a hazard exists), the Brake Assist increa-
ses the braking force and thus makes it possible to rapidly produce the pressure
required in the brake system.
The majority of drivers do apply the brakes in good time in dangerous situations,
but do not depress the brake pedal with sufficient pressure. Consequently, it is
not possible for the car to achieve its maximum deceleration and the car covers a
greater distance than necessary.
The Brake Assist is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In
such cases, a much greater braking pressure exists than during a normal brake ap-
plication. This makes it possible, even with a relatively low resistance of the brake
pedal, to produce an adequate pressure in the brake system in the shortest possi-
ble time, which is required for maximum deceleration of the car. You must apply
the brake pedal firmly and hold it in this position in order to achieve the shortest
possible braking distance. £ 157
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