2012 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres is carried out by a ŠKODA
Service Partner. ■ We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from
ŠKODA Original Accessories. ÐService life of tyres
Fig. 125
Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler flap with a table de-
tailing the tyre size and tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed.
These wear indicators are located multiple times depending on the make and are
evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre » Fig. 125 - . Markings on
the walls of the tyres through the letters

“TWI”, triangular symbols or other sym-
bols identify the position of the wear indicators.
The life of your tyres very much depends on the following points:
Tyre pressure
The working life of tyres will be shortened considerably if the tyres are insuffi-
ciently or over-inflated and this will have an adverse effect on the handling of
your vehicle. Therefore check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel,
at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
ä The tyre inflation pressures for
summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap » Fig. 125

- . The inflation pressures for winter tyres are 20 kPa
(0.2 bar) higher than those for summer tyres.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure of warm tyres. If the load varies greatly, adjust the tyre inflation
pressure accordingly.
Tyre inflation pressure - Tyre size 185/55 R15
The same inflation pressure values apply to tyres of the tyre size 195/55 R15 as to
tyres of the tyre size 185/55 R15 which are intended to be used with snow chains.
The tyres of the tyre size 185/55 R15, which are intended to be used with snow
chains and are fitted on the Fabia Estate Scout, have the following inflation pres-
sure values in kPa.
Engine Half payload Full payload
1.2/63 kW TSI
220/230220/290
1.4/63 kW 220/290
1.2/77 kW TSI 230/300
1.6/77 kW 230/300
1.2/55 kW TDI CR 230/300
1.6/66 kW TDI CR 220/290
1.6/77 kW TDI CR 220/290 Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. There are a wide range of influences
when driving which may result in an imbalance and which makes themselves felt
through vibration in the steering.
Have the wheels rebalanced after replacing the tyres.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front and rear will not only increase wear-and-
tear on the tyres but will also has an adverse effect on vehicle safety. In the
event of any unusual tyre wear, seek assistance from a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
Tyre damage
Drive over curbs on the side of the road and other such obstacles slowly and,
where possible, at a right angle in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel
trims. £
151
Wheels and Tyres

We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures, cuts,
splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies from the tyre
profile.
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of tyre
damage.
If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately reduce your
speed and stop! Check the tyres for signs of damage (bulges, splits, etc.). If no ex-
ternal damage is evident, drive slowly and carefully to the nearest
ŠKODA special-
ist garage to have the vehicle checked. ÐHandling wheels and tyres
Fig. 126
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Changing wheels around
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend chang-
ing the front wheels around with the rear wheels as shown in the dia-
gram » Fig. 126. You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the tyres.
We recommend that you change the wheels around every 10

000 km in order to
achieve even wear on all wheels and to obtain optimal tyre life.
Storing tyres
Mark wheels before removing them so that their previous direction of running can
be maintained when mounted them again.
Always store wheels or tyres which been removed in a cool, dry and, where possi-
ble, dark place. Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored up-
right. Ð
ä New wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
Only fit tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and the same tread
pattern on one axle on all 4

wheels.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indicated in
your vehicle documents.
Proper knowledge of the tyre data makes it easier for you to select the correct
type of tyre. Tyres, for example, have the following inscription on their walls. 185/65 R 14 86 T
What this means is:
185 Tyre width in mm
65 Height/width ratio in %
R Code letter for the type of tyre - Radial
14 Diameter of wheel in inches
86 Load index
T Speed symbol The following speed restrictions apply to tyres.
Speed symbol Permissible maximum speed
Q 160 km/h
R 170 km/h
S 180 km/h
T 190 km/h
U 200 km/h
H 210 km/h
V 240 km/h
W 270 km/h The date of manufacture
is also stated on the tyre wall (possibly only on the in-
side of wheel ): e.g.
DOT ... 20

12...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 20th week of 2012. £
ä
152 General Maintenance

The following must be observed if only one temporary spare wheel is availa-
ble » page 153.
ÐUnidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre
.
The so specified running direction must absolutely be complied with. Only then
are the tyres able to provide the optimal properties in terms of grip, low noise,
wear-and-tear and aquaplaning.
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre with-
out a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive carefully
as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in this situa-
tion. ÐSpare wheel
Fig. 127
Boot: Spare wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt
» Fig. 127.
Before removing the spare wheel, the box containing the vehicle tool kit must be
removed.
It is important to check the inflation pressure in the spare wheel (preferably every
time the tyre air pressure is checked - see sticker on the fuel filler flap »
page 151)
to ensure it is always ready to use.
ä
ä
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted » .
Replace it with a wheel having the appropriate mode and dimensions as soon as
possible
Temporary spare wheel
A warning label is displayed on the wheel rim of the spare wheel to indicate that
your vehicle is equipped with a temporary spare wheel.
Please observe the following when driving with a temporary spare wheel.
› The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Do not drive faster than 80

km/h with the temporary spare wheel and pay par-
ticular attention while driving. Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking
and fast cornering.
› The inflation pressure for this spare wheel is identical to the maximum inflation
pressure of the standard tyres.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage as it is not intended for continuous use. WARNING
■ Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
■ If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80
km/h (or 50 mph). Avoid accelerating at
full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering. CAUTION
Observe the instructions on the sticker on the temporary spare wheel. Note
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. Ð
153
Wheels and Tyres

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

Tyre control display
Fig. 130
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 150.
The tyre control display compares the speed and thus the rolling circumference of
the individual wheels with the help of the ABS sensors. If the rolling circumfer-
ence of a wheel is changed, the warning light
 in the instrument clus-
ter » page 23, Tyre control display  and an audible signal sounds.
The rolling circumference of the tyre can change if: › the tyre inflation pressure is too low;
› the structure of the tyre is damaged;
› the vehicle is loaded on one side;
› the wheels of an axle are loaded heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or when
driving uphill or downhill);
› snow chains are mounted;
› the temporary spare wheel is mounted;
› one wheel per axle was changed.
Basic setting of the system
After changing the tyre inflation pressure, after changing one or several wheels,
the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. exchanging the wheels between the
axles) or when the warning light lights up while driving, a basic setting of the sys-
tem must be carried out as follows:
› Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure
» page 151, Service life
of tyres .
› Switch on the ignition.
ä
›
Press and hold the button

  » Fig. 130 for longer than 2
seconds. While
pressing the button, the warning light  illuminates. At the same time the sys-
tem memory is erased and the new calibration is started, which is confirmed
with an audible signal and then the warning light  goes out.
› If the warning light
 does not go out after the basic setting, this indicates a
system fault. Seek help from a ŠKODA specialist garage.
The warning light  is lit
If the tyre inflation pressure of at least one wheel is insufficiently inflated in com-
parison to the stored basic value, the warning light  » lights up.
The warning light  flashes
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Seek help from a

ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage to correct the fault. WARNING
■ When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.
■ Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  can be delayed or does not light up at all.
■ The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. For this reason, the tyre inflation
pressure must be checked regularly. Note
■ The tyre control display does therefore not replace the regular tyre inflation
pressure control, as the system cannot detect an even loss of pressure. ■ The tyre control display cannot provide a warning in the event of very rapid tyre
inflation pressure loss, e.g. in the case of sudden tyre damage. In this case care-
fully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden steering movements or
sharp braking.
■ To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to re-
peat the basic setting every 10 000 km or once a year. Ð
155
Wheels and Tyres

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

Accessories, changes and replacement of
parts Introductory information
If you want to retrofit the vehicle with accessories, if a vehicle part is to be re-
placed with a new one, or when needing to make technical changes, the follow-
ing instructions must be observed.
› Always seek advice from a
ŠKODA Service Partner before purchasing any acces-
sories or parts and before making any technical changes » .
› The guidelines and instructions issued by

ŠKODA must be observed when mak-
ing technical changes.
Adhering to the prescribed procedures will prevent any kind of damage to the ve-
hicle, and its travelling and operating safety will be maintained. The vehicle also
complies with German road transport regulations (StVZO). More information is
available from a ŠKODA Service Partner who can also perform the necessary work
correctly.
Vehicles with special built-on types
Technical documents regarding changes carried out on the vehicle must be kept
by the vehicle user, in order to hand over later to the old car user. This ensures
the recycling in accordance with environmental regulations.
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to opera-
tional faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected systems be-
cause of the networking of the electronic components. In other words, the vehi-
cle's roadworthiness may be put at risk and increased wear on parts may arise.
Any damage caused by technical changes made without consent by ŠKODA is ex-
cluded from the warranty – see the warranty certificate. WARNING
■ Work or modifications on your vehicle, which have been carried out unpro-
fessionally, can cause operational faults - risk of accident!
■ We advise you, in your own interest, to only use ŠKODA Original Accessories
and ŠKODA Original Parts which have been expressly approved for use on
your vehicle. Reliability, safety and suitability have been established for
ŠKODA Original Accessories and

ŠKODA Original Parts.
■ Although we constantly monitor the market, we are not able to assess or
warrant the parts even though in some instances such parts may have a type
approval or may have been approved by a nationally recognised testing labo-
ratory. Note
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased from
ŠKODA
Service Partners who will also professionally undertake the assembly of
the purchased parts. Ð Changes and impairments of the airbag system
Repairs and technical modifications must comply with
ŠKODA guidelines.
We recommend that any modifications and repairs to the front bumper, doors,
front seats, headliner or bodywork be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
These vehicle parts may include system components for the airbag system. WARNING
■ Airbag modules can not be repaired, but must be replaced.
■ Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed from
old cars or have been recycled. ■ A modification to the suspension of the vehicle including the use of non-ap-
proved rim-tyre combinations can alter the functioning of the airbag and in-
crease the risk of serious or fatal injuries in an accident.
■ Parts of the airbag system may be damaged when working on the airbag
system or removing and installing system parts due to other repairs. This may
mean that the airbags will not deploy properly or not at all in the event of an
accident. Ð
157
Accessories, changes and replacement of parts

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