2011 SKODA YETI warning

Downhill Drive Support
Operating principle
The Downhill Drive Support maintains a constant speed on a steep downhill sec-
tion when driving forwards and backwards by automatically intervening in the
brake system of all wheels. It prevents the wheels locking because the ABS re-
mains active. The warning light  in the instrument cluster indicates that the
Downhill Drive Support is available ⇒ page 30.
The vehicle speed, which is maintained by the Assist System, is selected by the
driver while driving on a downhill section as of the moment the first intervention
of the Assist System is performed or else, while driving on a downhill section, the
driver must control the vehicle speed until the Assist System intervenes for the
first time. When the Assist System actively intervenes, this is indicated by the
warning light flashing or by a pulsating movement of the brake pedal, similar to
the intervention of the ABS.
You can increase or reduce the speed, even when no gear is engaged, by operat-
ing the accelerator or brake pedal. Thus the function is always interrupted and is
reactivated afterwards.
The Downhill Drive Support is activated automatically if the following conditions
are met:
● the Off-road mode is switched on and the warning light  lights up in the in-
strument cluster,
● the engine of the vehicle is running and either the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear, the re-
verse gear or no gear is engaged,
● the engine of the vehicle is running, the selector lever of the automatic gear-
box is in the position R, N, D, S or Tiptronic,
● the speed is less than 30 km/h,
● the downhill gradient is at least 10 % (when driving over sleepers the limit can
briefly drop to 8 %),
● neither the accelerator nor the brake pedal is operated.
It is however a requirement that the vehicle has sufficient grip on the soil. The
Downhill Drive Support cannot properly fulfil its function on slushy soil due to
physical reasons (ice or mud).
The Downhill Drive Support is deactivated when braking or accelerating or if the
downhill gradient is less than 8 %. Manual gearbox
The vehicle speed is steadily regulated by the Assist System depending on the
type of gearbox or engine:
● 1. gear - approx. 8 1)
- 30 km/h
● 2. gear - approx. 13 1 )
- 30 km/h
● 3. gear - approx. 22 1 )
- 30 km/h
● Reverse gear - approx. 9 1 )
- 30 km/h
● Neutral for driving forwards - as well as driving backwards - approx. 2 1 )
- 30
km/h
Automatic gearbox
● Selector lever in the position D, S or Tiptronic (for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gear) for
driving forwards - approx. 2 - 30
km/h
● Selector lever in the position R for driving backwards - approx. 2 - 30 km/h
● Selector lever in the position N for driving forwards as well as backwards - ap-
prox. 2 - 30
km/h Note
● During an intervention of the Downhill Drive Support, the brake lights do not
light up.
● Do not switch off the Off-road mode during an intervention of the Assist Sys-
tem. 1)
The indicated values represent the average of the lower speed limits if a gear is engaged (depending
on the type of gearbox or engine). 161
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–
For vehicles with petrol engine only refuel with unleaded petrol ⇒  page 186,
Fuel.
– Never run the fuel tank completely empty.
– Do not switch off the ignition while you are driving the vehicle.
– Do not pour too much oil into the engine ⇒
 page 192, Replenishing engine oil.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. WARNING
● In view of the high temperatures which may be produced in the catalytic
converter, one should always park a vehicle in such a way that the catalytic
converter cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials below the
vehicle - a risk of fire!
● Never use additional underbody protection or corrosion-protection agents
for the exhaust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. Such substances
might ignite when driving - risk of fire! CAUTION
● On vehicles fitted with a catalytic converter, never let the fuel tank run com-
pletely empty. An irregular fuel supply can result in poor ignition or misfiring. Un-
burnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage the catalytic converter.
● Filling the tank even only once with leaded petrol will result in the catalytic
converter being destroyed.
● If you detect misfiring, a drop in performance or irregular engine running when
driving, reduce your speed immediately and have the vehicle inspected by the
nearest specialist garage. The symptoms described may be caused by a fault in
the ignition system. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system and damage
the catalytic converter. For the sake of the environment
Even if the exhaust system is operating properly, a sulphur-like exhaust odour
may be produced under certain operating conditions of the engine. This depends
on the sulphur content of the fuel. It is often sufficient to refuel with unleaded
premium-grade petrol of a different brand or at a different filling station. Driving in an economical and environmentally
conscious manner
General Your personal style of driving is a major factor.
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
● your personal style of driving,
● the conditions under which your vehicle is operated,
● technical aspects.
You can easily improve your fuel economy by 10 - 15 percent by driving in an eco-
nomical way with foresight. This section is intended to provide you with a number
of tips on how to protect the environment and at the same time save money.
The fuel consumption can naturally also be influenced by factors which are be-
yond the driver's control. It is, for example, normal for the fuel consumption to in-
crease in winter and under worsened conditions such as poor road conditions,
towing a trailer, etc.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. Special attention has
been given to minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary to
take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to avoid
a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle. 
Looking ahead when driving A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs it accelerates.
Avoid accelerating and braking unnecessarily. If you drive with foresight you will
not need to brake so often and will also then not have to accelerate so much. Let
your vehicle coast to a stop, for example, if this is possible, when you see that the
next set of traffic lights is at red.  163
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WARNING
● Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance - risk of accident!
● Avoid sudden and severe braking manoeuvres immediately after driving
through bodies of water.
● After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and
dried as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for
the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions per-
mit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy. CAUTION
● When driving through bodies of water, parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, catalytic converter, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
● Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissi-
ble water level for your vehicle.
● Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
● Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Immediately
rinse all the parts of the vehicle, which came into contact with the salt water, with
fresh water. Note
After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked
by a specialist garage. 
Off-road driving Important information WARNING
● Never drive too fast, particularly not around curves, and never undertake
extreme driving manoeuvres.
● Always adjust your speed and adapt your style of driving to suit road, off-
road, traffic and weather conditions. WARNING (Continued)
● In case the vehicle is stationary on a hillside at a steep angle, do not exit
the vehicle when it is facing downhill. Through this the overall centre of gravi-
ty can shift in such a way that the vehicle tilts and rolls down the hillside -
hazard! Always carefully exit your vehicle on the side facing uphill
⇒ page 174
.
● A lack of experience and knowledge when driving off-road can lead to criti-
cal situations and serious injuries.
● Never choose a dangerous route and never take a risk which could jeop-
ardize your safety and that of your passengers. If you cannot go on or if you
doubt the safety of the route, turn back and choose another way. Even a ter-
rain, which looks harmless, can be difficult and dangerous, and may bring you
and your passengers into a critical situation.
● If you have not fastened your seat belt correctly or you are not wearing
your seat belt at all, or you are holding the steering wheel incorrectly when
driving off-road, the risk of severe or even fatal injuries increases. Correctly
fastened seat belts reduce serious injuries in case of sudden braking manoeu-
vers and accidents. As long as the vehicle is in motion, always have your seat
belt and those of your passengers correctly fastened. Take your thumbs off
the steering wheel when driving off-road. Should resistance build up in front
of the wheels, the steering wheel may suddenly and unexpectedly spin and
hurt you. Hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the outer edge in
the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock position.
● If you have not fastened your seat belt correctly or you are not wearing
your seat belt at all, or you are holding the steering wheel incorrectly when
driving off-road, the risk of severe or even fatal injuries increases.
● Correctly fastened seat belts reduce serious injuries in case of sudden
braking manoeuvres and accidents. Therefore you and your passengers must
always fasten your seat belts correctly as long as the vehicle is moving.
● Take your thumbs off the steering wheel when driving off-road. If the
wheels hit an obstacle, the steering wheel may suddenly and unexpectedly
spin and hurt you!
● Never use the cruise control system when driving off-road. The use of the
cruise control system when driving off-road is unsuitable and can even be
dangerous.
● Do not drive over embankments, ramps or hillsides at too high a speed.
This can lead to the wheels of the vehicle lifting off the ground so that you
can no longer steer and control the vehicle. £168
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WARNING (Continued)
● If the wheels lose contact with the ground, for example when the vehicle
rebounds while driving over corrugations, steer straight ahead. If the wheels
are turned when making the contact with the ground again, the vehicle can
roll over.
● There should never be any person in front or behind the vehicle when
rocks, scrub, wood pieces or other objects are placed under the wheels in or-
der to achieve traction on a sandy or slippery ground. Turning the wheels can
transform these objects into dangerous
“bullets” – hazard! 
Warning of a rollover Vehicles of this type have a higher centre of gravity than ordinary vehicles. This
increases the risk of vehicle rollover when driving on-road and off-road. Therefore,
you must always pay attention to the safety information which is stated in the
Owner's Manual.
WARNING
● In the event of a vehicle rollover, an occupant of the vehicle who is not
wearing a seat belt is exposed to a clearly higher risk of injury compared to an
occupant who is wearing a seat belt.
● Luggage and other items, which are transported on the roof of the vehicle,
additionally raise the centre of gravity and thus increase the risk of a rollover.
● Avoid driving at an angle on a hillside ⇒ page 174
.
● Observe the important guidelines ⇒ page 168. 
Important information Off-road driving is not suitable for everyone. Small children, expectant mothers
and elderly or physically disabled persons are particularly at risk if the ride is rough
and help is far away.
The first priority should always be
safety.
Never overestimate your own capabilities and never underestimate the difficulties
of driving off-road.
We cannot discuss all the possible driving situations in this manual, because there
are so many types of terrains which may hide different risks and dangers. The ex-
amples listed in this manual are general rules for safe off-road driving. It is howev- er not possible to predict if these rules are valid for all the situations which may
occur. Before driving through unknown terrain, it is therefore important that you
know what lies ahead of you. This way you can estimate any possible danger in
advance. For the sake of the environment
When driving off-road, show respect and appreciation for the environment and its
preservation for future generations. 
Before driving off-road for the first time Before driving off-road, we recommend that you take part in an Off-road driver
training course. This is especially important if you have little or no experience of
driving off-road. In a driver training course, you learn how to use the vehicle in
many different off-road situations and how to handle the vehicle safely when
driving through rough terrain.
Driving off-road requires entirely different skills from the driver and a very differ-
ent behaviour than driving on the road. Your personal safety and that of your pas-
sengers depend on you, your capabilities and your cautiousness.
Do not drive off-road where it is not suitable for your vehicle or where the de-
mands on you are too high. Although your vehicle can handle off-road driving, it is
not designed for travels with expedition characteristics.
Before each journey off-road, make sure that the vehicle is appropriately equip-
ped for the planned journey ⇒

 page 170. The standard equipment of your vehicle
may not be sufficient for your journey. With the standard tyres you can drive with
your off-road vehicle through easy terrain, such as flat forest roads, meadows and
fields. Please note however, that driving the vehicle on a difficult, muddy and san-
dy ground is restricted and that the traction of the standard tyres is reduced when
driving off-road. If you have planned prolonged or difficult off-road trips, we rec-
ommend that you equip your vehicle with suitable off-road tyres. WARNING
Observe the important guidelines ⇒
 page 168. 
Rules of conduct for responsible off-road driving Observe the valid national legal requirements when driving off-road.
 169
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Explanation of technical terms
Fig. 146 Embankment angle/slope angle
Fig. 147 Ground clearance/ramp angle
The technical data
⇒
 page 230, Angle (in degree) refer to ideal conditions. These
values may differ depending on the load and composition of the soil and the envi-
ronment. The driver is responsible to decide whether a vehicle can overcome a
certain situation.
Embankment angle (front and rear) ATransition from the horizontal plane to an upward slope or from a downward
slope back to the plane. The angle indication determines the angle at which you
can drive the vehicle down the embankment, at a slow speed, without the bumper
or the underbody of the vehicle touching the ground. Slope angle
B The difference of altitude (upward slope) which is overcome on a stretch of road
of 100 m, is indicated in percentage or degrees, i.e the gradiant at which the vehi-
cle can climb a hill on its own (among other things, depending on the road surface
and the engine power).
Ground clearance
C The distance between the road surface and the deepest point of the vehicle un-
derbody.
Ramp angle D The angle indication determines the angle at which you can drive the vehicle over
a ramp, at a slow speed, without the underbody of the vehicle touching the ramp
edge.
WARNING
When exceeding the maximum value given in the table ⇒
 page 230, Angle (in
degree), this can result in serious injuries and/or vehicle damage. All of the da-
ta was determined on flat, firm and non-slip road surfaces as well as under dry
weather conditions. There are no ideal off-road conditions. Therefore, never
completely go according to the maximum values, but always leave a safety
margin. 
Useful utensils Many items can be very useful when driving off-road, for example:
● compass and maps,
● torch and spare batteries,
● mobile phone or CB radio,
● tow bar or tow rope with sufficient tear strength,
● electrically driven tyre pump for connecting to the 12-volt power outlet of the
vehicle,
● a blanket and rubber boots,
● snow chains,
● a timber plank which is approximately 4 cm thick and about 1 metre long can
be used as a traction aid when the vehicle is stuck or as a base for the lifting jack,
● additional tools and a folding yardstick or a measuring tape, £170
Driving and the environment

●
spare wheel and tyre repair kit,
● shovel. 
Safe off-road driving Adopt a correct seated position and always fasten the seat belt correctly. Make
sure that your front passenger and your passengers seated on the rear seats al-
ways fasten their seat belts correctly.
When driving off-road, it is perhaps more useful to adopt a slightly different seat-
ed position. Depending on the terrain, an increased force may be required to turn
the steering wheel because the force is transferred from the front wheels to the
steering wheel. You must be seated in such a way that you have good front visibil-
ity, especially when driving uphill or downhill. You must never be seated in such a
way that the distance between your chest and the middle of the airbag cover is
less than 25 cm ⇒
 page 139.
Under no circumstances must you drive off-road with high heels, slippery or open
shoes. You should wear shoes which fit your feet well and allow you to get a feel
for the pedals. WARNING
Observe the important guidelines ⇒
 page 168. 
Before driving off-road ●
Make sure the tyres are suitable for the planned off-road journey. Before you
drive through difficult terrain, equip your vehicle with off-road tyres.
● Fill up your tank. The fuel consumption of the vehicle is much higher when
driving off-road than when driving on the road.
● Install the towing eye at the front or at the rear before driving off-road. It is
not always possible to install the towing eye if the vehicle got stuck.
● Always check the inflation pressure of all the tyres and if necessary correct it.
● Check the vehicle tool kit and supplement it according to your needs.
● Fill with engine oil up to the line A , so that the engine is sufficiently supplied
with engine oil when the vehicle is in a tilted position ⇒

 page 191, Check engine
oil level.
● Top up wash fluid.
● Stow your load as low as possible in the vehicle and attach all the items which
are loose. Off-road driving ●
Never be alone when driving off-road and be prepared to encounter unexpec-
ted situations. Travel together with at least two off-road vehicles. Equipment with
which you can call for help in an emergency is particularly useful.
● Drive slowly through unclear terrain.
● You must stop when encountering difficult passages and explore the continu-
ation of the route on foot. If you cannot go on or if you doubt the safety of the
route, turn back and choose another way.
● Drive slowly over hilltops. Make sure that the wheels of the vehicle do not lift
off the ground, as this could severely damage the vehicle and it may become disa-
bled.
● Drive slowly on difficult stretches of the route. When driving on a slippery
ground, shift up into the next higher gear and make sure that the vehicle always
stays in motion. Do not drive too fast so that you don't lose control over your vehi-
cle.
● If your vehicle got stuck in sand, snow or sludge, it may be more effective to
reverse the vehicle than trying to drive forwards.
● Place stones, footmats or pieces of wood under the spinning wheels in order
to achieve traction on a sandy or slippery ground.
● Do no drive through water before reading what you must take into account
⇒  page 167.
● Keep sufficient distance from other vehicles even at low speeds. When the
first vehicle suddenly gets stuck, the following vehicle can still stop in time with-
out getting stuck itself.
● Do not plan day trips which are too far in distance.
● Do not use the cruise control system when driving off-road. It is only intended
for driving on the road. WARNING
● The intelligent engineering of your vehicle cannot overcome the physical
limits of your vehicle.
● Be very alert and look ahead when driving off-road. Excessive speed or in-
correct driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the vehicle and lead to seri-
ous injuries.
● Observe the important guidelines ⇒ page 168. £ 171
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WARNING
Observe the important guidelines ⇒  page 168. CAUTION
● On no account drive over large objects (such as pieces of rock or tree stumps),
neither in the middle nor on one side. When driving over objects which are larger
than the ground clearance, the chassis and its components can get damaged. Your
vehicle could break down far away from any assistance.
● Even objects that are smaller than the existing ground clearance can come in-
to contact with the underbody of the vehicle and can lead to damage or failure of
the vehicle. This applies especially when there is a hollow or soft ground in front
or behind the object or if you drive too fast over the object and thus the vehicle is
deflected. For the sake of the environment
Leaking engine oil and brake fluid pollute the environment and contaminate the
bodies of water. The disposal e.g. of engine oil soaked soil can be costly. 
Crossing bodies of water Particular attention is required when driving through bodies of water
⇒
 page 167. 
Driving through snow-covered terrain –
Before you drive through snow-covered terrain, mount snow chains on the
front wheels or on the rear wheels ⇒ page 205, Snow chains in order to ach-
ieve the best possible traction.
– Switch on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 160
.
Even harmless looking sections of terrain can be dangerous. This applies in partic-
ular for sections where no ruts or other tracks are visible. WARNING
● Driving through snow-covered terrain poses special dangers. Never choose
a dangerous route and never take a risk which could jeopardize your safety
and that of your passengers. If you cannot go on or if you doubt the safety of
the route, turn back and choose another way.
● Potholes, troughs, trenches, precipices, sheets of ice or other obstructions
are often completely or partially obscured by snow.
● The hidden dangers of snow can cause an accident, serious injuries or your
vehicle to break down under extreme weather conditions. 
Driving over steep terrain Driving uphill and downhill
–
Stop the vehicle before driving uphill or downhill, exit the vehicle and explore
the situation.
– Walk a stretch and check the firmness of the soil and look for obstructions or
other hidden dangers.
– Check how the route continues beyond the slope.
– Switch on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 160
.
– Drive slowly and steadily straight uphill or downhill.
– Do not stop the vehicle on a hillside or attempt to turn around.
– You must prevent the engine from cutting out.
Driving uphill
– Check before driving over a hilltop, how it continues on the other side. If you
drive up a steep hill, the vehicle faces the sky and you cannot see what is di-
rectly in front of the vehicle.
– Switch on the Off-road mode
⇒ page 160

.
– Do not shift gears or release the clutch during the climbing phase.
– Depress the accelerator only as much as is necessary in order to handle the
slope.
If you can go no further on a slope
– Never attempt to make a turn with the vehicle on a hillside.
– If the engine cuts out, press the foot brake and restart the engine. £ 173
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–
Engage the reverse gear and carefully drive backwards in your own tracks.
– Press the foot brake in order to maintain a constant speed.
Downhill
– Switch on the Off-road mode ⇒ page 160 .
– Shift into first gear or select the first driving stage, while in the Tiptronic
mode, to drive downhill on steep hillsides in order to use the Downhill Drive
Support to its maximum.
– Press the foot brake gently, so you do not lose the control over your vehicle.
– If it is feasible and safe, drive straight down (maximum gradient).
– Do not release the clutch or shift into Neutral. WARNING
● Never attempt to drive uphill or downhill if it is too steep for your vehicle.
The vehicle could slip or roll over - risk of accident!
● Never attempt to make a turn on a hillside. The vehicle could tilt or roll
over. This can result in serious accidents.
● If the engine cuts out on a slope or you can no longer go on for whatever
other reason, then stop!
● Never let the vehicle roll down the hillside at idling speed. You can lose the
control over your vehicle.
● If the engine cuts out, press the foot brake and restart the engine. Engage
the reverse gear and carefully drive backwards in your own tracks. Use the en-
gine braking power and press the foot brake in order to maintain a slow and
constant speed.
● Observe the important guidelines ⇒ page 168. Driving at an angle on a hillside Fig. 149 Steer and maintain your trajectory/in direction to exit - facing uphill
Driving at an angle on a hillside is one of the most dangerous situations while
driving off-road. It may look harmless, but you must never underestimate the diffi-
culties and the dangers when driving at an angle on a hillside. Basically you should
avoid moving your vehicle into a sideways position on a hillside. Under certain cir-
cumstances, the vehicle can slide away uncontrollably or roll over.
Check before driving in a tilted position, whether there is a different and safer
route. If you have to drive in a tilted position, then the ground should be as firm
and even as possible. Note that the vehicle may slide sideways or sink in and roll
over when driving on slippery or soft ground. Make sure that the inclination is not
too steep when driving over surface irregularities. Otherwise, the vehicle can roll
over and then roll down the hillside.
If the vehicle is at a very steep angle, the wheels on the low side must not sink
deeply into the ground or into troughs and you must not drive over stones, tree
stumps or other obstructions with the alternate raised wheels.
If there is a risk your vehicle may tilt, steer immediately in direction of dip
⇒  fig. 149 and lightly depress the accelerator. The centre of gravity of the vehicle
should be as low as possible. Distribute the weight of all the occupants of the ve-
hicle evenly. Taller and heavier people should be seated on the raised side of the
vehicle. The luggage on the roof should be removed and secured, as the vehicle
could tilt by a sudden shifting of the luggage.
A passenger, seated at the rear, should always remain seated on the seat facing
up the hill during such a journey. In an extreme case, the passenger on the rele-
vant side must exit the vehicle until you have safely crossed the hillside. £174
Driving and the environment