2012 SKODA FABIA wheel bolts

Wheels and Tyres
Tyres
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres 151
Handling wheels and tyres 152
New wheels and tyres 152
Unidirectional tyres 153
Spare wheel 153
Full wheel trim 154
Wheel bolts 154
Wheel trim caps 154
Tyre control display 155
Wheel bolts 156
Winter tyres 156
Snow chains 156
WARNING
■ During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving - risk of accident!
■ Never drive with damaged tyres - risk of accident!
■ Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle - risk of accident!
■ The maximum permissible speed for your tyres must not be exceeded under
any circumstances - risk of an accident resulting from tyre damage and loss of
control of the vehicle.
■ If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a higher rolling re-
sistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout. WARNING (Continued)
■ Do not, where possible, replace individual tyres but at least replace them on
both wheels of a given axle at the same time. Always fit the tyres with the
deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
■ Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
■ You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■ Worn tyres do not provide the necessary adhesion to the road surface at
high speeds on wet roads. One could experience
“aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
movements of the vehicle - “swimming” on a wet road surface).
■ Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■ Do not use summer or winter tyres that are older than 6 years or 4 years re-
spectively.
■ The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. However, they must
never be treated with grease or oil.
■ If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
come loose when the car is moving - risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■ In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving - risk of accident!
■ Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of tyres and snow
chains. CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 153, Spare wheel.
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■ Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■ Replace any lost valve caps immediately. For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption. £
150 General Maintenance

Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the
wheel trim.
› Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Install
› First press the full wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
Then press the full wheel trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference
locks correctly in place. CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand, do not knock the full wheel trim! Heavy knocks
mainly on the points where the full wheel trim has not been inserted into the
wheel, can result in damage to the guide and centring elements of the full wheel
trim.
■ First of all check that the theft-deterrent wheel bolt is located in the hole near
the valve before fitting the full wheel trim onto a steel wheel which is attached
with a theft-deterrent wheel bolt » page 162, Securing wheels against theft .
■ If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system. ÐWheel bolts
Fig. 128
Remove the cap
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Pulling off
›
Push the plastic clip sufficiently far onto the cap until the inner catches of the
clip are positioned at the collar of the cap and detach the cap » Fig. 128.
Install
› Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel. Ð Wheel trim caps
Fig. 129
Pull off the wheel trim cap on
light alloy wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Pulling off
›
Carefully remove the wheel trim cap using the wire clamp from the vehicle tool
kit » Fig. 129. Ð
ä
ä
154 General Maintenance

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Wheels and
wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres, you must
therefore also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
spherical cap. This is essential to ensure that the wheels are tightly fitted and
that the brake system operates properly. ÐWinter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres do not offer the same grip on ice, snow
and at temperatures below 7 °C because of their construction (width, rubber
blend, tread pattern). This particularly applies to vehicles which are equipped with
low-profile tyres
or high-speed tyres (code index H or V on wall of tyre).
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all 4 wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4
mm and tyres must be no older
than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher. For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling prop-
erties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on roads
which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7

°C. The fuel
consumption is also lower. ÐSnow chains
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.ä
ä
ä Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following
wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel size Depth (D)Tyre size
5J x 14 35 mm 165/70
6J x 14 37 mm185/60
6J x 15 43 mm 185/55 Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than
12
mm.
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.
Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains and the
maximum vehicle speed with snow chains. CAUTION
The chains must be removed when driving on roads which are free of snow. They
adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rapidly
destroyed. Ð156
General Maintenance

Do-it-yourself
Do-it-yourself
First-aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 131
Placing of the warning triangle
A warning triangle with the maximum dimensions 39 x 68 x 450 mm can be at-
tached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber straps » Fig. 131.WARNING
The first-aid kit and warning triangle must always be secured safely so that
they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle
collision which could cause injuries to occupants. Note
■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the first-aid kit.
■ We recommend using a first-aid box from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐFire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached with straps in a holder under the driver seat.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er. The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person on an annual ba-
sis (the national legal provisions must be observed). WARNING
The fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come
loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants. Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with the relevant applicable national legal re-
quirements. ■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is no longer assured.
■ The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only. Ð Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 132
Boot: Storage compartment for
vehicle too kit
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack with sticker are housed in a plastic box in
the spare wheel » Fig. 132 or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is
also space here for the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is
attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
The vehicle tool kit contains the following parts (depending on equipment fitted):
› wire clamps for removing the full wheel trims;
› wheel wrench;
› towing eye;
› Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts;
› Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps;
£
158 Do-it-yourself

›
Replacement bulb set;
› Screwdriver.
Before placing the lifting jack back into its storage area, screw in the arm of the
lifting jack fully. WARNING
■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads - risk of
injury!
■ Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot. Note
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap. ÐChanging a wheel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work 159
Changing a wheel 160
Subsequent steps 160
Loosening and tightening wheel bolts 161
Raising the vehicle 161
Securing wheels against theft 162
WARNING
■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed. In this way you are not only protecting yourself
but other road users as well.
■ If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible. WARNING (Continued)
■ If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.
■ If the vehicle is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different to those it
was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines »
page 152, New wheels
and tyres.
■ Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■ Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack. ■ Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■ Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack - danger of
suffering injury.
■ Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose. CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■ If the anti-theft wheel bolt is fastened too tightly, it can cause damage to the
anti-theft wheel bolt and adapter. Note
■ The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a
ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner. ■ The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel. Ð Preliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
£
ä
159
Do-it-yourself

›
In the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far away as possible from the
flow of traffic. The place you choose should be level.
› Let all of the occupants get out.
While changing a tyre, the occupants of the
vehicle should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a crash
barrier).
› Switch off the engine and move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or move the
selector lever for the automatic gearbox into position P .
› Firmly apply the
handbrake.
› If a trailer is connected, remove it.
› Remove the vehicle tool kit
» page 158 and the spare wheel » page 153, Spare
wheel from the boot. ÐChanging a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
›
Remove the full wheel trim
» page 154
or caps » page 154.
› In the case of light alloy wheel rims remove the wheel trim cap
» page 154.
› First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 161.
› Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 161.
› Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
› Remove the wheel.
› Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
› Lower the vehicle.
› Alternately tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel
wrench (crosswise) and then tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt » page 161.
› Reinstall the wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps. Note
■ All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
■ Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!
■ When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect »
page 153, Unidirectional tyres . Ð
ä Subsequent steps
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
screw » page 153, Spare wheel.
› Stow the vehicle tool kit in the space provided.
› Check
the tyre pressure
on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
› Have the
tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
› Change the damaged wheel or consult a ŠKODA specialist garage about repair
possibilities. Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque. ■ Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked. Ð
ä
160 Do-it-yourself

Loosening and tightening wheel bolts
Fig. 133
Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
Loosening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt up to the stop 1)
.
› Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about
one turn to the
left » Fig. 133.
Tightening
› Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt up to the stop 1
)
.
› Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt to the right until it is tight. WARNING
Undo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle has
not yet been jacked up - risk of an accident! Note
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end of the
wrench with your foodt. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and make sure
you keep your footing. Ð
ä Raising the vehicle
Fig. 134
Changing a wheel: Jacking points
for positioning lifting jack Fig. 135
Attach lifting jack
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
Position the lifting jack by selecting the jacking point that is closest to the faulty
wheel
» Fig. 134. The jacking point is located directly below the engraving in the
lower sill.
› Position the lifting jack below the jacking point and move it up until its claw is
positioned directly below the vertical web of the lower sill.
› Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web
» Fig. 135 -
 below the
embossing in the side surface of the lower sill.
› Ensure that the entire surface of the lifting jack base plate rests on level
ground and is located in a vertical position to the area » Fig. 135

where the claw
grasps the web. £
ä
1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts » page 162.
161
Do-it-yourself

›
Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground. ÐSecuring wheels against theft
Fig. 136
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 159.
The anti-theft wheel bolts on vehicles fitted with them (one anti-theft wheel bolt
per wheel) can only be loosened or tighten up by using the adapter provided.
›
Pull off the full wheel trim from the wheel rim or the cap from the anti-theft
wheel bolt.
› Insert the adapter B
» Fig. 136
with its toothed side fully into the inner tooth-
ing of the safety wheel bolt A
until the stop so that only the outer hexagon is
jutting out.
› Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter B
up to the stop.
› Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt
» page 161.
› After removing the adapter, reinstall the full wheel trim or place the cap onto
the anti-theft wheel bolt.
› Have the
tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
It is advisable to make a note of the code number hammered into the rear side of
the adapter or the rear side of the anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used
to purchase a replacement adapter from a
ŠKODA Service Partner, if necessary.
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you in
the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit. Ð
ä Breakdown kit
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Components of the breakdown kit 163
Preparing to use the breakdown kit 163
Sealing and inflating tyres 164
Check after driving for 10 minutes 164
The breakdown kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the boot.
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or
a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4

mm. Do not remove foreign bodies, e.g.
screws or nails, from the tyre!
The repair can be undertaken on the vehicle immediately.
Repairs with the breakdown kit do not in any way replace a permanent repair of
the tyre, it only serves to reach the next ŠKODA specialist garage.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances:
› if there is damage to the wheels;
› in outside temperatures of less than -20 °C;
› with tears or punctures greater than 4 mm in size;
› if there is damage to the tyre wall;
› when driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre;
› if the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed. WARNING
■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed. In this way you are not only protecting yourself
but other road users as well.
■ If the wheel is damaged or in the event of a puncture, park the vehicle as far
away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as flat and firm a surface as
possible. ■ A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre. £
162 Do-it-yourself