2012 SKODA RAPID brakes

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit 7
Overview 6
Instruments and Indicator Lights 8
Instrument cluster 8
Multifunction display (onboard computer) 11
MAXI DOT (information display) 14
Warning lights 16
Unlocking and locking 24
Vehicle key 24
Central locking system 25
Remote control 27
Anti-theft alarm system 29
Interior monitor and towing protection 29
Emergency locking of the doors 30
Boot lid 30
Electrical power windows 31
Lights and visibility 34
Lights 34
Interior light 38
Visibility 39
Windscreen wipers and washers 39
Rear window 42
Seats and Stowage 44
Front seats 44
Head restraints 46
Rear seats 47
Boot 48
Roof rack system 51Cup holder 52
Cup holder in the centre console 52
Cup holder in the rear armrest 53
Ashtray 53
Cigarette lighter, 12-volt power socket 53
Storage compartments 54
Clothes hooks 58
Parking ticket holder 58
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Heating and air conditioning system 59
Air outlet vents 60
Heating 60
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system) 62
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning
system) 65
Starting-off and Driving 68
Starting and stopping the engine 68
Brakes and brake assist systems 70
Shifting 74
pedals 74
Parking aid 74
Cruise control system (CCS) 75
START/STOP 77
Automatic gearbox 79
Automatic gearbox 79
Communication 84
Mobile phones and two-way radio systems 84
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II 84
Voice control 87
Multimedia 89
Safety
Passive Safety 91
General information 91
Correct seated position 92Seat belts 95
Seat belts 95
Airbag system 99
Description of the airbag system 99
Front airbags 100
Side airbags 101
Head airbags 102
Deactivating airbags 103
Transporting children safely 105
Child seat 105
Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment 109
The first 1 500 km 109
Catalytic converter 109
Economical and environmentally friendly
driving 110
Environmental compatibility 112
Driving abroad 113
Avoiding damage to your vehicle 113
Driving through water on the street 114
Towing a trailer 115
Towing a trailer 115
General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle 117
Taking care of your vehicle 117
Inspecting and replenishing 124
Fuel 124
Engine compartment 126
Vehicle battery 133
3
Table of Contents

WARNING
■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down when driving and may distract you from concentrating on the traffic –
risk of accident!
■ When driving, ensure that no objects from the centre console or from other
storage compartments can get into the driver's footwell. You would then no
longer be able to apply the brakes, operate the clutch or accelerator – risk of
accident! ÐStorage compartment on the front passenger side
Fig. 48
Dash panel: Storage compartment on the front passenger side
Open/close
› Pull the handle of the flap in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 48 –  and fold
down the flap.
› Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
light
› When opening the flap of the storage compartment on the front passenger
side the lighting in the storage compartment comes on.
› The light switches on automatically when the parking light is switched on and
goes out when the flap is closed.
Cooling
Use the rotary switch » Fig. 48 – 

to open/close the air supply.
Opening the air supply when the air conditioning system is switched on allows
cooled air to flow into the storage compartment. Opening the air inlet when the air conditioning system is on causes fresh or inte-
rior air to flow into the storage compartment.
We recommend closing the air supply if it is operated in heating mode or the cool-
ing system for the storage compartment is not being used. WARNING
The storage compartment must always be closed when driving for safety rea-
sons. Note
A 1 litre bottle (max. capacity) can be stored in the storage compartment on the
front passenger's side. Ð Storage box for safety vest
Fig. 49
Front passenger seat: Stowage
compartment
A storage box » Fig. 49 for the safety vest is located under the front passenger
seat. WARNING
Do not store any other objects here. They could fall out of the storage box –
risk of obstruction or limitation in operating the pedals. CAUTION
Do not store any other objects here – this could cause damage to the storage
box. Ð
55
Seats and Stowage

Ignition lock
Fig. 63
Positions of the vehicle key in
the ignition lock
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Petrol engines
Ignition switched off, engine off, the steering can be locked
Ignition switched on
Starting engine
Diesel engines Fuel supply interrupted, ignition switched off, engine switched off, the steer-
ing can be locked.
Heating glow plugs on, ignition switched on
Starting engine
To lock the steering , with the ignition key withdrawn, turn the steering wheel
until the steering locking pin engages audibly.
If the steering is locked and the key cannot or can only be turned with difficulty
into the position 2
» Fig. 63, move the steering wheel back and forth and the
steering lock will unlock. ÐStarting engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Vehicles with a diesel engine are equipped with a glow plug system. The pre-
glow warning light  comes on after the ignition has been switched on. The en-
gine should be started immediately after the preglow warning light goes out.
ä 1
2
3
1
2
3
ä You should not switch on any major electrical components during the heating
period otherwise the vehicle battery will be drained unnecessarily.
Procedure for starting the engine
› Before starting the engine, place the gearshift lever into neutral or place the se-
lector lever in the position P or N and firmly put on the handbrake.
› Fully depress and hold the clutch pedal, switch on the ignition 2
» Fig. 63 on
page 70 and start 3
– do not operate the accelerator. Depress the clutch pedal
until the engine starts.
› Let go of the key as soon as the engine starts. After letting go, the vehicle key
will return to position 2
.
› If the engine does not start within 10
seconds, abort the start-up process and
turn the key to position 1
. Repeat the start-up process after approx. half a mi-
nute.
› Release the handbrake before starting off. Ð Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 68.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position 1
» Fig. 63 on
page 70. Ð Brakes and brake assist systems
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking 71
Handbrake 72
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 72
Antilock brake system (ABS) 73
Traction control (ASR) 73
Electronic differential lock (EDL) 73
£
ä
70 Using the system

WARNING
■ The brake booster only operates when the engine is running. Greater physi-
cal effort for braking is required when the engine is switched off – risk of acci-
dent!
■ Depress the clutch pedal when stopping or braking a vehicle with a petrol
engine and manual transmission in the low rev range. If you fail to do so, the
functionality of the brake booster can be impaired – risk of accident! ■ 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! CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 109.
■ 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 144 , Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .
■ If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL also do not work. A
warning light  » page 20 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 70.
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
fairly high speed. £
ä
71
Starting-off and Driving

Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the
brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty. Visit a
ŠKODA specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically
» page 17, Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running. ÐHandbrake
Fig. 64
Centre console: Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
Apply
› Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Loosening
› Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and
at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 64 .
› Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on. Ð
ä Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Fig. 65
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
The ESC helps to maintain control of the vehicle in situations where it is being op-
erated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of travel.
The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving stability
depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering
angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as if the car starts to
skid, the ESC automatically brakes the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light  flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the electronic stabilisation control
(ESC):
› Antilock brake system (ABS),
› Traction control (TCS),
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
› Brake assistant (HBA)
› Hill hold control (HHC)
It is not possible to deactivate ESC. You can only use the button  » Fig. 65
to
switch off ASR. The TCS warning light  lights up in the instrument cluster when
the TCS is switched off. £
ä
72 Using the system

The TCS should normally always be switched on. It may be advisable to switch off
the system in certain exceptional circumstances, such as:
›
when driving with snow chains;
› when driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface;
› when it is necessary to
“rock a vehicle free” when it has got stuck.
Ensure the TCS is switched on again afterwards.
Hydraulic brake assist (HBA)
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. It increases
the braking effect and helps to shorten the braking distance. To achieve the
shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied firmly and
held in this position until the vehicle has come to a complete standstill.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the
brake assist system.
The brake assist function is automatically switched off when the brake pedal is
released.
Hill hold control (HHC)
The HHC makes it easier to start off on steep hills. The system holds the brake
pressure produced by the activation of the brake pedal for approx. 2 seconds af-
ter the brake pedal is released. The driver can therefore move his foot from the
brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and start off on the slope, without having to
actuate the handbrake. The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate
the accelerator pedal. If the vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts
to roll back.
The HHC is active as of a 5 % slope, if the driver door is closed. It is always active
on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it is inac-
tive. ÐAntilock brake system (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
ä The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the
pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
Do not reduce the pressure on the brake pedal during the intervention of the
ABS. The ABS deactivates if the brake pedal is released. Never interrupt the appli-
cation of the brakes during the intervention of the ABS! Ð Traction control (ASR)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of
the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light 1)
flashes in the in-
strument cluster. Ð Electronic differential lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 70.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and
transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically if unusually severe stresses exist in order to
avoid excessive heat generation in the disc brake on the wheel which is being
braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven and has the same characteristics as
a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL switches on again automatically as soon as
the brake has cooled down. Ð
ä
ä
1)
Valid for vehicles without Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
73
Starting-off and Driving

Fastening and unfastening seat belts
Fig. 79
Fastening/unfastening the seat belt Fig. 80
Routing of belt webbing over the shoulders and the lap belt/Rout-
ing of belt webbing for an expectant mother
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 95.
Fasten
› Correctly adjust the front seat and head restraint 1)
before fastening the seat
belt » page 46.
› Use the lock tongue to slowly pull the webbing over your chest and pelvis.
› Insert the lock tongue into the belt buckle
» Fig. 79 – 
that is part of the seat
until it clicks into place.
› Pull on the belt to check that it has engaged correctly in the lock.
ä A plastic knob in the belt webbing holds the belt tongue in a position which is
easy to get hold of.
It is important that the belt webbing is properly routed to ensure seat belts offer
the maximum protection. The shoulder part of the seat belt must never run
across the neck but must roughly run over the middle of the shoulder and fit
snugly against the chest. The lap part of the belt must run across the pelvis, must
not be positioned across the stomach and must always fit snugly
» Fig. 80 – .
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way of en-
suring optimal protection for the unborn child. On expectant mothers, the lap part
of the belt must be positioned as low as possible on the pelvis to avoid exerting
any pressure on the lower abdomen » Fig. 80 – .
Release
Release the seat belt only when the vehicle is stationary.
› Press the red button in the belt buckle
» Fig. 79 – , the lock tongue pops out.
› Manually guide the belt back so that it is easier to fully roll up the webbing, the
seat belt does not twist.
Belt inertia reel
Each seat belt is equipped with an inertia reel. This inertia reel offers you com-
plete freedom of movement if the belt is unreeled slowly. If the brakes are ap-
plied suddenly, the inertia reel will block. The belts also block when the car accel-
erates, when driving downhill and when cornering. CAUTION
When releasing the seatbelt ensure that the tongue of the lock does not damage
the door trim or other parts of the interior. Ð1)
Not valid for sports seat.
97
Seat belts

WARNING
■ In view of the high temperatures which can be produced in the catalytic con-
verter, the vehicle should be parked in such a way that the catalytic converter
cannot come into contact with easily flammable materials under the vehicle –
risk of fire!
■ Never use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields – risk of fire! CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and exhaust system. ■ Just filling the tank with leaded petrol once will damage the exhaust system! ÐEconomical and environmentally friendly driving
Introductory information
Your fuel consumption, any pollution of the environmental and the wear-and-tear
to the engine, brakes and tyres, depend essentially on three factors:
› your personal style of driving;
› the conditions under which your vehicle is operated;
› technical aspects.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10
-15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, the weather and driving style.
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment. It is necessary
to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order to make best use of
these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness. The optimal engine speed should be obtained when accelerating, in order to
avoid a high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle.
Ð Looking ahead when driving
A vehicle's highest fuel consumption occurs when accelerating, therefore unnec-
essary accelerating and braking should be avoided. If looking ahead when driving,
less braking and consequently less accelerating are required. If possible, let your
vehicle coast to a stop, or use the engine brake, if you can see that the next set
of traffic lights is on red, for example. Ð Shifting to save energy
Fig. 91
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km depending
on the selected gear
Shifting up early saves on fuel.
Manual gearbox › Drive no more than about one length of your vehicle in first gear.
› Shift up into the next gear at approx. 2

000 revolutions.
An effective way of achieving good fuel economy is to shift up early. Observe the
recommended gear » page 11, Recommended gear .
A suitably selected gear can have an effect on fuel consumption » Fig. 91.
Automatic gearbox › Slowly
apply the accelerator pedal. However, do not depress it to the kickdown
position.
› If the accelerator pedal is only depressed slowly on a vehicle fitted with an au-
tomatic gearbox, an economic driving programme is automatically selected.
£
110 Driving Tips