START-STOPSystem
» page 19
Fuel gauge and fuel reserve indicator
» page 9WARNING
■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.
■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes »
page 108, Engine compartment . ÐHandbrake
The warning light comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3
seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h. ÐBrake system
The warning light illuminates if the brake fluid level is too low or there is a
fault in the ABS.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 113.
Further information » page 58, Brakes and brake assist systems. WARNING
■ If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31.
■ The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 108, Engine compartment . WARNING (Continued)
■ If the warning light is displayed simultaneously with warning light
» page 17, Antilock brake system (ABS) , do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ A fault to the braking system can increase the vehicle's braking distance! Ð Seat belt warning light
The warning light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten the seat belt. The warning light only
goes out if the driver or front passenger has fastened his seat belt.
If the seat belt has not been fastened by the driver or front passenger, a perma-
nent warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 25
km/h and simulta-
neously the warning light flashes.
If the seat belt is not fastened by the driver or front passenger during the next
90 seconds, the warning signal is deactivated and the warning light lights up
permanently.
Further information » page 78, Seat belts. Ð Dynamo
If the warning light lights up when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a ŠKODA
specialist garage. The electrical system requires check-
ing. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31. CAUTION
If the warning light (cooling system fault) comes on in addition to the warning
light in the display when driving, stop the vehicle immediately and switch the
engine off – risk of engine damage! Ð
15
Instruments and warning lights
Engine oil pressure
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off if the warning light does not go off
after the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top
up with engine oil if necessary » page 111, Checking the engine oil level .
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up the
engine oil under the prevailing conditions. Serious engine damage is possible.
Therefore, switch the engine off and seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
Even if the oil level is correct, do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31, Switches for the hazard warning light system .CAUTION
The red oil pressure light is not an oil level indicator! One should therefore
check the oil level at regular intervals, preferably after every refuelling stop. ÐCoolant temperature/coolant level
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
An audible signal sounds as a warning tone.
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, check the level of the coolant » page 112,
and refill the coolant if necessary » page 113. Do not continue your journey
if for some reason it is not possible to top up the
coolant under the prevailing conditions. Serious engine damage is possible.
Therefore, switch the engine off and seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be
caused by an operating problem at the radiator fan. Check the fuse for the radia-
tor fan, replace if necessary » page 140, Fuses in the engine compartment .
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off even though the
coolant level is correct and the fuse for the fan is in working order!
Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 31. Ð Electromechanical power steering
The warning light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched
on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up con-
tinuously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.
› If the
yellow warning light lights up , this indicates a partial failure of the
power steering and the steering forces can be greater.
› If the
red warning light lights up , this indicates a complete failure of the pow-
er steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering
forces).
Further information » page 57. Note
■ If the yellow warning light goes out when you restart the engine and drive for
a short distance, it is not necessary to visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the yellow warn-
ing light comes on after switching on the ignition. The warning light should go
out after driving a short distance. Ð
16 Using the system
WARNING
■ Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 35.
■ Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front. CAUTION
■ In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or before
switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the windscreen.
If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are frozen to the
windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wiper motor!
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on, the
windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the ignition is
turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold temperatures be-
tween the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned back on again.
■ Carefully detach frozen wiper blades from the front or rear window.
■ Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■ If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to the
windscreen.
■ Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety reasons.
These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ The ignition must not be switched on if the front windscreen wiper arms are fol-
ded out. The wiper blades would move back into their rest position and while do-
ing so damage the paintwork of the bonnet. Note
■ Periodic wiping is dependent on the driving speed. The faster the driver is go-
ing, the more frequent the wiper action. ■ If there is an obstacle on the windscreen, the wiper will try to push away the
obstacle. If the wiper is blocked by an obstruction, the wiper will remain station-
ary. Remove the the obstacle and switch the wiper on again. ■ The capacity of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is approximately 3 litres.
■ The wiper blades should be cleaned on a regular basis with a windscreen clean-
er to avoid any smears. The wiper blades should be cleaned with a sponge or
cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues, for example. Ð Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 30
Activating the windscreen wipers/rear window wiper
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 33.
Flick wipe
›
If you only wish to wipe the windscreen
briefly, push the lever into the spring-
tensioned position 4
» Fig. 30.
Periodic wiping
› Position the lever upwards into position 1
» Fig. 30.
Slow wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 2
» Fig. 30.
Fast wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 3
» Fig. 30.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 5
» Fig. 30, the wash system and the windscreen wipers will operate.
› Release the lever. The windscreen wash system stops and the wiper continues
for another 1-3 wiper strokes (depending on the period of spraying of the wind-
screen).
Wiping the rear window pane
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6
» Fig. 30 and the
windscreen wiper will operate every 6
seconds.
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 7
» Fig. 30, the windscreen wiper and wash system will operate.
£
ä
34 Using the system
WARNING (Continued)
■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. Other-
wise, the functionality of the brake system could be impaired – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Please note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating, which can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
might then move off – risk of accident!
■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then be without function – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety offered by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise – risk of an accident! ■ The normal braking system is still fully functional if there is an ABS fault.
Visit a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving
according to the damage to the ABS as you will not know how great the dam-
age is and the limitation it is placing on the braking efficiency. CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 91.
■ Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear. ■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly. Note
■ If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically. After the speed was reduced below around 10
km/h or the
vehicle was stopped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light
system switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatical-
ly after accelerating or driving off again. ■ Before negotiating a steep downhill section, reduce the speed, shift down into
the next lower gear (manual gearbox) or select a lower drive position (automatic
gearbox). As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed intermittently,
not continuously. ■ Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis or another combina-
tion of tyres and wheels) can influence the functionality of the brake assist sys-
tems »
page 125, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, TCS and EDL also do not work. A
warning light » page 17 comes on if a fault occurs in the ABS system. Ð Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 58.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving
style. The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in
towns and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. If
operated under severe conditions, the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage before the next service appointment.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads
may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. If the brake system is not used much or if there is corrosion on the sur-
face, we recommend cleaning the brake discs by firmly applying the brakes from a
high speed. £
ä
59
Starting-off and Driving
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres › Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1
500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area is reached.
During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine
speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too
high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears re-
sulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum
revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do
not drive at an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 10, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving in individual gears. For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear
as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð New tyres
New tyres have to be “
run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in
”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded
petrol » page 105, Unleaded petrol;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 111, Checking the engine oil
level ;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
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. £
91
Driving and the Environment
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
Seat belts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 97.
Keep the seat belts clean!
Clean dirty seat belts using a mild soapy solution and remove coarse dirt with a
soft brush!
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis.
Belt webbing which has become severely soiled may prevent the inertia reel from
reeling up the belt properly. WARNING
■ The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.
■ Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric. The seat belts must also not be allowed to come into con-
tact with corrosive liquids (such as acids etc.).
■ Seat belts which have damage to the webbing, connections, inertia reel or
lock should be replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Inertia reel belts must be completely dried before being reeled up. Ðä
103
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Regular inspections of gas systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Every two years, the following inspections must be carried out:
› Check solenoid valves on the gas tanks for proper function.
› Check natural gas tank and lines for leaks and fixing, if necessary look for dam-
ages.
› Check the condition of fuel filler cap, filler tube and sealing ring, clean sealing
ring if necessary. ÐSafe natural gas
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
The safety concept of the natural gas system ensures safe operation. It is equip-
ped with the following security features.
› At each natural gas tank, there is a solenoid valve that closes automatically af-
ter turning off the ignition or when running in petrol mode.
› A thermal fuse prevents uncontrolled rise in pressure in the natural gas tank in
case of fire.
› A flow limiter prevents sudden emptying of the natural gas tank in case the
pressure system is damaged.
› All the attachment points and materials are designed for maximum safety. ÐNatural gas quality and consumption
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 106.
Natural gas is divided into quality groups H-gas and L-gas. The two types of gas
are subdivided according to their calorific value and nitrogen and carbon dioxide
contents. H-gas has a higher calorific value and lower nitrogen or carbon dioxide
content than L-gas.ä
ä
ä The higher the calorific value of natural gas, the lower is the consumption. How-
ever, the calorific value and the nitrogen and carbon dioxide contents can vary
within a quality group. Therefore, the consumption of the vehicle may even vary
when driving with only one natural gas quality (either only H-gas or L-gas).
The engine control of your vehicle automatically adjusts to the different natural
gas qualities. Therefore both natural gas qualities can be mixed in the fuel tank. It
is therefore not necessary to run the natural gas tank completely empty to fill up
another quality. Ð Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 110
Engine compartment overview 110
Checking the engine oil level 111
Replenishing the engine oil 111
Changing engine oil 112
Coolant 112
Checking the coolant level 112
Replenishing the coolant 113
Radiator fan 113
Checking the brake fluid 113
Changing the brake fluid 114
Windscreen washer system 114
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . £
108 General Maintenance