2012 SKODA FABIA Headlight

Boot light
The light comes on automatically when the boot lid is opened. If the lid remains
open for more than about 10
minutes, the boot light switches off automatically. ÐVisibility
Rear window heater
Fig. 29
Switch for rear window heater
› The rear window heater is switched on or off by pressing the switch
 »
Fig. 29
the warning light in the switch comes on or goes out.
The rear window heater only operates when the engine is running.
The rear window heater switches off automatically after 7 minutes. For the sake of the environment
The heating should be switched off as soon as the window is de-iced or free from
mist. The reduced current consumption will have a favourable effect on fuel econ-
omy »

page 124 , Saving electricity .Note
If the on-board voltage drops, the rear window heater switches off automatically,
in order to provide sufficient electrical energy for the engine control »

page 149,
Automatic load deactivation . Ð Sun visors
Fig. 30
Sun visor: swivelling out
The sun visor for the driver or front passenger can be pulled out of the fixture and
swivelled towards the door in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 30.
The vanity mirrors in the sun visors are provided with covers. Push the cover in
the direction of the arrow 2
.
The purpose of the strap A
is to store small, light objects, such as a notepad, etc.
WARNING
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the deploy-
ment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc. are
attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head air-
bag is deployed. Ð Windscreen wipers and washers
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers 45
Headlight cleaning system 46
Replacing the windscreen wiper blades 46
Replacing the rear window wiper blade - Version 1 46
Replacing the rear window wiper blade - Version 2 47
The windshield wipers and the windshield washer system only operate if the igni-
tion is switched on. £
44 Using the system

The rear window is wiped once if the windscreen wipers are on when reverse
gear is selected.
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid
» page 145.WARNING
■ Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visibility
and safe driving » page 46. ■ 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.Note
■ The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10

°C.
■ The content of the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is 3.5 litres. On vehicles
fitted with the headlight cleaning system, the volume is around 5.4
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. 31
Windscreen wiper lever
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 44.
Flick wipe
›
If you only wish to wipe the windscreen
briefly, push the lever into the spring-
tensioned position 4
» Fig. 31.
Periodic wiping
› Position the lever upwards into position 1
» Fig. 31.
› Set the desired break between the individual wiper strokes with the switch A
.
Slow wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 2
» Fig. 31.
Fast wipe
› Position the lever upwards into position 3
» Fig. 31.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen
› Pull the lever towards the steering wheel into the spring-tensioned position 5
» Fig. 31, the wash system and the windshield 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
windscreen).
Wiping the rear window pane
› Push the lever away from the steering wheel into position 6
» Fig. 31
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. 31, the windshield wiper and wash system will operate.
£
ä
45
Lights and visibility

›
Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wiper continues for anoth-
er 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on the duration of the spraying process). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it 6
.
Switching windscreen wipers off
› Move the lever back into the home position 0
» Fig. 31.
ÐHeadlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 44.
When the low beam or main beam are switched on, and the windscreen wiper
lever is pulled into the position
5
» Fig. 31 on page 45, the headlights are sprayed
briefly. To clean the headlights, the windshield is also sprayed after every five
squirts.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 132, Headlight lenses .
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand - risk of
damage! ÐReplacing the windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 32
Windscreen wiper blade
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 44.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen.
› Press the locking button 1
» Fig. 32 to unlock the wiper blade and pull off in
the direction of the arrow 2
.
Attaching the wiper blade
› Push the windscreen wiper blade until the stop and it locks in place.
› Check that the wiper blade is correctly attached.
› Fold the wiper arms back to the windscreen.
Windshield wiper blades in proper condition are essential to obtain good visibility.
Wiper blades should not be allowed to become dirtied by dust, insect remains and
preserving wax.
Juddering or smearing of the wiper blades could then be due to wax residues left
on the windshield by vehicle washing in automatic vehicle wash systems. It is
therefore important to degrease the lips of the windshield wiper blades after ev-
ery pass through an automatic vehicle wash system .Ð Replacing the rear window wiper blade - Version 1
Fig. 33
Rear window wiper blade
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 44.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Fold the windscreen wiper arm away from the windscreen and position the
wiper blade at a right angle to the wiper arm » Fig. 33.
› Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end with one hand.
£
ä
ä
46 Using the system

›
The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA
meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to pro-
tecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODA vehicles
can be utilized up to 95 % and always 1)
be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient
trade-in networks have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After
you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in
accordance with environmental regulations. Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐDriving abroad
Introductory information
In certain countries it is also possible that the
ŠKODA Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be
able to make limited repairs. ŠKODA in the Czech Republic and its importers are
happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required
maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done. ÐUnleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 137 , Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of filling sta-
tions that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile asso-
ciations. Ð Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of
the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the road
than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights must be
adjusted by a

ŠKODA Service Partner. Note
Further information on adjusting the headlights is available from a ŠKODA Service
Partner. Ð Avoiding damage to your vehicle
To prevent damage to your vehicle, pay special attention: › When driving on poorly maintained roads and lanes
› When driving over kerb stones
› When driving up steep ramps
› So that any low-slung parts, such as the spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the
ground and get damaged
This particularly applies to models with a sport suspension and also when your
vehicle is fully laden. Ð1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
125
Driving and the Environment

Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 158, Vehicle tool kit.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a

“full load” » page 151,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 177 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 41, Headlight beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
127
Towing a trailer

General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle 130
Automatic car wash systems 130
Washing by hand 130
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner 130
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork 131
Chrome parts 131
Paint damage 131
Plastic parts 131
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors 132
Radio reception and aerial 132
Headlight lenses 132
Rubber seals 132
Door lock cylinders 132
Wheels 133
Underbody protection 133
Protection of hollow spaces 133
Artificial leather and materials 134
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats 134
Natural leather 134
Seat belts 135
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat-
ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from
ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Service Partners. The instructions for use on the package
must be observed. WARNING
■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.
■ Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children - risk
of poisoning! ■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system
can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident! ■ Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off - risk of accident!
■ Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of
cuts!
■ Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high. CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.
■ Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■ Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints - risk of freezing!
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts - risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■ Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged. With regard to the antenna, they may in-
terfere with the radio or navigation system.
■ Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents - risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■ Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard - risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■ To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10
cm must be observed.
■ Do not clean the roof trim with a brush - risk of damage to the trim surface. £
129
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle

De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 129.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility. CAUTION
■ Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water - risk of for-
mation of cracks in the glass!
■ When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■ Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors - risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors. ÐRadio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 129.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even
causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation systems, the aerial for the radio recep-
tion can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the inside of the rear side windows;
› on the inside of the windscreen;
› on the roof. Ð
ä
ä Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 129.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.
■ Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights - risk of damaging the headlight lenses. Ð Rubber seals
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 129.
The rubber seals on doors, the sliding roof and other windows remain smoother
and last longer if the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care prod-
uct. This helps to prevent leakages and premature wear of the seals. Rubber
seals which are well cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Ð Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 129.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
Note
■ When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders. ■ We recommend that suitable materials from ŠKODA Original Accessories are
used for maintaining the door lock cylinders. Ð
ä
ä
ä
132 General Maintenance

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 122
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 138.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir contains the cleaning fluid for the wind-
screen or rear window and for the headlight cleaning system. The windscreen
washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
The filling level of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We therefore recommend using clean water with a screen cleaner (including anti-
freeze in the winter) that is able to remove stubborn dirt.
Antifreeze should always be added to the cleaning water in the winter even if the
vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15
%. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C. CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
ä Note
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when replen-
ishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be contamina-
ted, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction. Ð Vehicle battery
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover 147
Checking the battery electrolyte level 147
Operation in winter 147
Charging a vehicle battery 148
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery 148
Replacing the vehicle battery 148
Automatic load deactivation 149
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery Symbol Importance
 Always wear eye protection.
 Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion.
 Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.
 When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.
 Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
£1)
In some countries, 5.4 ltr. applies for both variants.
145
Inspecting and replenishing