Note
Observe the recommended gear » page 10, Recommended gear .ÐAvoiding full throttle
Fig. 92
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
Driving more slowly means saving fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump-
tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 92 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption will be halved if only three-quarters of the possible top speed
of your vehicle is used. ÐReducing idling
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the
START-STOP system, turn off the engine when
in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times. Even af-
ter just 30 – 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed when
you start the engine up again. If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started, whereby high engine speeds should be avoided.
Ð Regular servicing
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a ŠKODA
specialist garage, you
create the conditions needed for driving economically. The maintenance state of
your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than
normal.
Also check the oil level when refuelling. Oil consumption is dependent to a con-
siderable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil consumption could be
as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of a
new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about
5 000 km. For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.
■ Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
ŠKODA specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
floor. Note
We recommend that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner. Ð
93
Driving and the Environment
Driving through water on the street
Fig. 94
Driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads):
› Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water. The water level must fit around the strut on the side member as a maxi-
mum » Fig. 94;
› Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed. At a higher speed, a water
wave can form in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into
the air induction system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle;
› Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off;
› Deactivate the
START-STOP system before driving through water » page 65,
START/STOP. WARNING
■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■ 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 pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit 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, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
■ Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
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. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. Note
After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked
by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð
96 Driving Tips
The fuel tank is full when the compressor of the refuelling system automatically
switches off. To stop the refuelling operation prematurely, press the
“Stop ” but-
ton of the refuelling system.
Closing the filler cap
› Check that the sealing ring 3
» Fig. 96
has remained in the gas filler tube. If it
has slipped onto the filling coupling, reinsert it into the gas filler tube.
› Plug the cap 1
onto the gas filler tube.
› Close the filler cap.
In the following situation, it is possible that the tank cannot be fully filled with
natural gas.
› At very high ambient temperatures. The natural gas refuelling systems have
overheating protection. When the ambient temperature reaches a predefined
value, the refuelling system automatically switches off.
› If the refuelling system has been in operation for a longer period, the filling
pressure of the natural gas refuelling system slightly drops. WARNING
■ Stop the engine before refuelling.
■ Always switch off your mobile phone, do not smoke and do not use open
flames when refuelling with natural gas – risk of explosion!
■ When refuelling, never get into the vehicle. If you have to get into your vehi-
cle in exceptional cases, close the door and touch a metal surface before you
touch the filling coupling again. This will avoid electrostatic discharges, which
may generate sparks. Sparks can cause a fire during refuelling. ■ Natural gas is highly explosive and flammable. Incorrect refuelling or improp-
er handling of natural gas can cause a fire, an explosion and injuries. Note
■ The natural gas system of your vehicle is suitable both for fuelling from small
compressors (slow fuelling) and for fuelling from natural gas stations with large
compressors (quick fuelling). ■ Noises that occur during refuelling represent no risk.
■ If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time immediately after refuelling,
the situation may arise in which the pointer of the fuel tank gauge does not indi-
cate exactly the same level as was the case immediately after refuelling when the
engine is restarted. This is not due to any system leakages but a drop in pressure
in the natural gas fuel tank due to technical reasons after a cooling phase directly
after refuelling. ■
For frequent short-haul traffic, especially at low outside temperatures, the vehi-
cle is driven more frequently in petrol mode than in natural gas mode. This is why
the petrol tank runs empty faster than the natural gas tank.
■ The capacity of the natural gas tank is about 11 kg, of which about 1.5
kg are a
reserve.
■ The capacity of the petrol tank is about 10 l, of which about 5 l
are a reserve.Ð Automatically switching over from CNG mode to petrol mode
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
The vehicle automatically switches over from CNG mode to petrol mode when the
following conditions are met:
› when starting the engine, if the coolant temperature is below 15 °C,
› when the natural gas tank is empty,
› after refuelling with natural gas. Ð Natural gas as fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Natural gas is an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. Its main component is meth-
ane (CH 4). The rest is carbon dioxide and lower hydrocarbons.
The strict legal requirements for exhaust emissions of motor vehicles are decisive
for the current significance of natural gas. In direct comparison to all other fossil
fuels, natural gas is one of the fuels which cause the lowest emissions.
Natural gas is odourless and lighter than air. For safety reasons, it is saturated
with odorous substances, so that is perceived even in very small amounts. Ð
ä
ä
107
Inspecting and replenishing
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
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal
(-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
■ When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first connect the positive
terminal (+) of the battery. Then connect the negative terminal
(-). Under no cir-
cumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■ Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■ Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■ If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.
g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal or continuously charging the battery with
a very low charging current.
■ If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge. For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations. Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years. Ð Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 104
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 117.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 104 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced. Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a
ŠKODA Service Partner
as part of the Inspection Service. ■ For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked. ■ Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. Ð
ä
116 General Maintenance
Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0
°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Service Partner before the start of the winter.
ÐCharging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
› Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then “positive”).
› Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“posi-
tive
”, black = “negative”).
› Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
› When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
› Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
› Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all
“positive”, then
“negative
”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you re-
charge the vehicle battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger). Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
ä
ä “Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is
dangerous
and requires a special charger
and specialist knowledge. We therefore recommend having the quick charging of
vehicle batteries undertaken by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 136, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP
system . Ð Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
Operation Operating measure
Enter radio code number » Radio manual
Setting the clock » page 12
Data in the multifunction display are deleted. » page 11 Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner to ensure
the full functionality of all electrical systems. Ð Replacing the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a
ŠKODA Service Partner. £
ä
ä
117
Inspecting and replenishing
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose 5
» Fig. 115 on page 133
of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
› Check that the air release valve 7
is closed.
› Start the engine and run it in idle.
› Plug the connector 9
into 12 Volt socket »
page 46, 12-volt power socket.
› Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch 8
.
› Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes » !
› Switch off the air compressor.
› If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose 5
from the tyre valve.
› Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
› Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose 5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.
› If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit » .
› Switch off the air compressor.
› Remove the tyre inflation hose 5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0
– 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 134.WARNING
■ During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot- risk
of injury!
■ Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – risk of fire! ■ If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.
Do not drive the vehicle. Get professional assistance! CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – danger of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching it
on again. Ð Check after driving for 10 minutes
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 132.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less:
›
Do not drive the vehicle!
You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
› Get professional assistance.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more:
› Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler
cap).
› Continue driving carefully to the nearest ŠKODA specialist garage at a maxi-
mum speed of 80 km/h (50
mph). Ð Jump-starting
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting 135
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system 136
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat. Jump-start cables are required for
this purpose.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the battery
supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of the dis-
charged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and in-
sulated terminal clamps. Observe the manufacturer's instructions.
Positive cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable – colour coding in the majority of cases is black. £
ä
134 Do-it-yourself
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 117
Engine compartment: Engine
earth
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 134.
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the jump-start cable of the charger
must never be connected directly to the negative pole of the vehicle battery, but
only to the engine earth
» Fig. 117. ÐTowing the vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye 137
Vehicles with manual transmission can be towed in with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automated transmission can be towed with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the automatic gear-
box is damaged!
A tow bar is the safest way of towing a vehicle and also minimises any shocks.
Only use a tow rope if a suitable tow bar is not available.
When towing, the following guidelines must be observed.
Driver of the tow vehicle
› Release the clutch particularly gently when starting off or depress the accelera-
tor particularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automated transmission.
ä
›
On vehicles with a manual transmission, only push down on the accelerator
pedal once the rope is taught.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
› Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not blocked and so that the
turn signal lights, horn, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be switched on.
› Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position
N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automated transmission.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the en-
gine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force is re-
quired to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught. CAUTION
■ Do not tow start the engine - danger of damaging the engine! On vehicles with
a catalytic converter, unburnt fuel may get into the catalytic converter where it
may ignite. This in turn may damage or destroy the catalytic converter. The bat-
tery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 134, Jump-start-
ing .
■ If the gearbox of your vehicle no longer contains any oil because of a defect,
your vehicle must only be towed in with the driven wheels raised clear of the
ground, or on a special vehicle transporter or trailer.
■ The vehicle must be transported on a special vehicle or trailer if it is not possible
to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing distance is greater than
50 km. ■ To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a simi-
larly elastic material.
■ One should be constantly vigilant not to allow impermissibly high towing forces
or jerky loadings. There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage result-
ing at the points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt
to tow a vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
■ Attach the tow rope or the tow bar only to the towing eye » page 137. £
136 Do-it-yourself