Seat belts
Seat belts
ä
Introduction Fig. 79
Driver wearing seat belt
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision 79
Fastening and unfastening seat belts 80
Belt tensioners 80
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an ac-
cident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival in the
event of a major accident.
Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated posi-
tion » Fig. 80 on page 79.
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable ex-
tent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well result in
severe injuries.
The occupants of a vehicle who have fastened and correctly adjusted their seat
belt, profit to a major extent from the fact that the kinetic energy is optimally ab-
sorbed by the belts. The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other pas-
sive safety measures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to reducing the
kinetic energy. The energy produced is thus absorbed and there is less risk of in-
jury.
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the ve-
hicle » page 87, Transporting children safely . WARNING
■ Fasten your seat belt before each journey – even when driving in town! This
also applies to the people seated at the rear – risk of injury!
■ Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of
ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child » page 80.
■ Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in
minor accidents. ■ The maximum protection which seat belts can offer is only achieved if you
are correctly seated » page 75, Correct seated position .
■ The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
■ The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twisted,
or chafe against any sharp edges.
■ A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then sud-
denly held firm by the belt.
■ The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, keys etc.) as this may be a cause of injuries.
■ No two persons (also not children) should ever use a single seat belt togeth-
er.
■ The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to pro-
tect and the risk of injury increases.
■ The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked by paper or similar objects
otherwise the belt tongue will not lock in place properly.
■ Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jacket)
do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of the
seat belts. ■ It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
■ The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably when
the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 40, Folding the
rear seat backrest forwards. ■ The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 103, Seat belts.
■ The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not attempt
to repair the seat belts yourself. £
78 Safety
Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introductory information
The operational readiness of the airbag system is monitored electronically. The
airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds each time the ignition is
switched on »
page 18.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed to offer additional
protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system (according to vehicle equipment) consists of: › an electronic control unit;
› Front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger
» page 83;
› side airbags Head-Thorax » page 84;
› an airbag warning light in the instrument cluster
» page 18, Airbag system ;
› a key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
» page 86;
› an warning light in the middle of the dash panel to indicate the front seat pas-
senger airbag is switched off » Fig. 86 on page 86 - .
A fault in the airbag system exists if:
› the warning light
does not illuminate when the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
does not go out 3 seconds after the ignition is switched on;
› the warning light
comes on when driving;
› the warning light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag in the middle
of the dash panel flashes;
› the warning light showing a switched-off front passenger airbag in the middle
of the dash panel flashes together with the warning light
. WARNING
■ The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept. Please note that an airbag can only
offer you optimal protection in combination with a seat belt which is fas-
tened.
■ To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size »
page 75, Correct seated position .
■ If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk
of injury in the event of an accident.
■ If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a ŠKODA
specialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in
the event of an accident. ■ No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel)
must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■ It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■ The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed. ■ The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.
■ If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the
new owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of de-
activating the front passenger airbag must be included!
■ When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to
comply with the national legal requirements. Ð When are the airbags deployed?
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on.
In special accident situations, both the front and the side airbags may be trig-
gered at the same time.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover. £
82 Safety
The airbag allows the gas to flow out of the inflated airbag in a controlled manner
(depending on the load of the particular car occupant) in order to cushion head
and chest areas. The airbag then deflates subsequently to such an extent, after
an accident, to again provide a clear view forward.
WARNING
■ For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 84. Not maintain-
ing this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – hazard! The front seats must always also be correctly
adjusted to match the body size of the occupant.
■ The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to in-
juries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■ There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. ■ Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a prop-
er restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!
■ It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when attach-
ing a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of travel » page 86, Key switch for the front
seat passenger airbag . If this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering
severe or even fatal injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed. When
transporting a child on the front passenger seat, pay attention to any relevant
national regulations regarding the use of child safety seats.
■ The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or modi-
fied in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth that is
dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile
phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or
be located within their immediate vicinity.
■ Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module in
the dash panel. Ð Side airbags Head-Thorax
Fig. 85
Place of installation of the side airbag/deployment area of the side
airbag
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system
Head-Thorax pro-
vides additional protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of pas-
sengers in the vehicle.
The side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front
seats » Fig. 85 – .
When the side airbags » Fig. 85 - are triggered, the belt tensioner is also de-
ployed automatically on the relevant side.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-
bag and the risk of injury to the head and upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis)
is reduced on the side facing the door. WARNING
■ Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 88, Child safety and side airbag .
■ There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No ac-
cessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors. £
84 Safety
WARNING (Continued)
■ If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 87, Child seat.
■ The airbag control unit operates with pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and
door panels (e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages
can have a negative affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on
the front doors and their panels must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA special-
ist garage.
■ In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if
the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors, be-
cause the air can escape through large, non-sealed openings in the door pan-
el. ■Never drive with removed inner door panels.
■ Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
■ Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■ Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts are installed in the inner door pan-
els. ■ Always have work completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner or a competent
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing.
■ Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.
The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■ Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger
seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by
ŠKODA. In view of the
fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of non-ap-
proved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective
function of the side airbag.
■ Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module
must be repaired without delay by your
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage, cracks
or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open the mod-
ules. Ð Switching off the airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if: › using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying)
» page 87, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 86.
We recommend that you ask a
ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag warning light
lights up for 3 seconds each time the ignition is
switched on and then flashes after that for about 12 seconds.
If the airbag was switched off using the key switch on the side of the dash pan-
el:
› The airbag warning light
comes on for 3 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on;
› The deactivated airbag is indicated by the illumination of the warning light
in the middle of the dash panel » Fig. 86 on page 86 - . Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. Ð
85
Airbag system
Key switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 86
Key switch/ - warning light
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into the position (
OFF) » Fig. 86 -
.
› Check whether the warning light
in the middle of the dash
panel lights up when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 86 - .
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into the position (
ON) » Fig. 86 -
.
› Check that the warning light
in the middle of the dash pan-
el does not light up when the ignition is switched on » Fig. 86 - .
Warning light (front passenger airbag switched off)
In cases where the front passenger airbag is switched off the airbag warning
light comes on for a few seconds after switching on the ignition, goes out for
about a second and then comes on again.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag warning light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA 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 deactivating the airbag. ■ If the warning light
flashes, the front passenger airbag
will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have the airbag system
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately. Ð86
Safety
Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling 104
Unleaded petrol 105
Vehicles running on CNG (compressed natural gas) » page 106.
The correct type of fuel for your vehicle and the tyre size and inflation pressure
are specified on the inside of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 95 on page 104
.WARNING
The national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. In the event of an accident, the canister might be dam-
aged and fuel may leak out – risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork – risk
of paint damage! Ð Refuelling
Fig. 95
Filler flap with tank cap screwed
on
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 104.
Open fuel filler flap
›
Open the fuel filler flap with one hand
» Fig. 95.
› Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and unlock it by
moving it to the left with the vehicle key.
› Unscrew the filler cap by turning it to the left and place the cap onto the top of
the fuel filler flap » Fig. 95.
Closing the filler cap
› Turn the filler cap to the right until it clicks into place.
› 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 and remove the key.
› Close the filler cap. CAUTION
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 filling the
fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 35 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
4 litres. Ð
ä
104 General Maintenance
WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. ■ If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of an accident!
■ Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■ Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■ Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
■ Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■ Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running! ■ Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized! ■ When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■ Do not leave any items such as cloths or tools in the engine compartment.
■ If you wish to work under the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle from roll-
ing away and support it with suitable supporting blocks: the car jack is not
sufficient for this – risk of injury! WARNING (Continued)
■ If any inspection work has to be carried out when the engine is running,
there is an additional risk from rotating parts (e.g. V-belt, alternator, radiator
fan) and the high-voltage ignition system. The following must also be ob-
served: ■Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■ Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – hazard! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
■ Additionally, the following warning instructions must be observed if work
has to be carried out on the fuel or electrical system. ■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■ Do not smoke.
■ Never work near open flames.
■ Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby. CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage! For the sake of the environment
In view of the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids, the specials tools and
knowledge required for such work, we recommend that fluids are changed by a
Škoda
Service Partner as part of the inspection service. Note
■ If you have any questions regarding the fluids, visit a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories. Ð
109
Inspecting and replenishing
Rear windows
closing 27
opening 27
Recirculated air mode 55
Recommended gear 10
Refuelling 104
Fuel 104
Regulation Headlight beam 30
Remote control 23
Synchronisation process 24
Remote control key Replacing the battery 20
Replacement of parts 125
Replacing bulbs 141
Fuses 138
Vehicle battery 117
Windscreen wiper blade 35
Replenishing Coolant 113
Engine oil 111
Windscreen washer fluid 114
Rof rack system Attachment points 44
Roof rack system Roof load 45
Running in Brake pads 91
Engine 91
The first 1 500 km 91
Tyres 91
S
Safe securing system 22
Safety 74
Airbags 82
Child safety 87
Child safety seats 87
Head restraints 40ISOFIX 89
TOP TETHER 90
Save electrical energy 92
Seat Adjusting 38
Seat belt Warning light 19
Seat belts 78
Belt tensioners 80
Cleaning 103
fastening and unfastening 80
Warning light 15
Seats Folding forwards 40
Head restraints 40
Heating 39
Selector lever see selector lever positions 70
Selector lever positions 70
Service display 10
Setting Air conditioning system 55
Heating 53
Steering wheel 57
Setting the clock Clock 12
Shifting Diving economically 92
Gearshift lever 61
Side airbag 84
Sliding/tilting roof Closing 27
Opening and tilting 27
Operating 27
Snow chains 123
Spare wheel 122
Speedometer 9
START/STOP Function 65
Starting and stopping the engine 56Starting engine
Jump-starting 134
START STOP Jump-starting 136
Warning light 19
Steering force assistance 57
Steering wheel 57
Storage 47
Storage compartments 47
Sun visors 33
Switching lights on and off 29
Switching off the front seat passenger 85
T
Taking care of the vehicle Artificial leather 101
Material coverings 102
Materials 101
Natural leather 102
Seat belts 103
Taking care of your vehicle 97
Automatic car wash system 98
Chrome parts 99
Cleaning the wheels 101
Door lock cylinders 100
Headlight lenses 100
High-pressure cleaner 98
Plastic parts 99
Polishing the paintwork 99
Preservation 99
Rubber seals 100
Washing 98
Washing by hand 98
Wash system 98
TCS 61
Technical data 145
Tiptronic 69
see automatic gearbox 70
Tool 127
TOP TETHER 90
151
Index