2012 SKODA RAPID fuel pressure

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

START/STOP
Fig. 69
Dash panel: Button for the
START-STOP system
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle
phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights.
Information regarding the current state of the
START-STOP system is indicated in
the display of the instrument cluster.
Automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
› Take the vehicle out of gear.
› Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic renewed engine restart (start phase).
› Depress the clutch pedal.
Switching the
START-STOP system on and off
The START/STOP system can be switched on/off by pressing the button  » Fig. 69
.
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
If the vehicle is in the stop phase when manually switching off the system, the
engine starts immediately.
The

START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to
check without servicing. The general conditions for the proper functioning of the
START-STOP system are listed in the following overview. Conditions for the automatic engine shut down (stop phase)
› The gearshift lever is in Neutral.
› The clutch pedal is not depressed.
› The driver has fastened the seat belt.
› The driver's door is closed.
› The bonnet is closed.
› The vehicle is at a standstill.
› The factory-fitted towing device is not electrically connected to a trailer.
› The engine is at operating temperature.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is sufficient.
› The stationary vehicle is not on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The engine speed is less than 1

200 rpm.
› The temperature of the vehicle battery is not too low or too high.
› There is sufficient pressure in the braking system.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
not too great.
› The vehicle speed since the last time the engine was switched off was greater
than 3 km/h.
› No cleaning of the diesel particle filter takes place
» page 21.
› The front wheels are not turned excessively (the steering angle is less than 3/4
of a steering wheel revolution).
Conditions for an automatic restart (start phase) › The clutch is depressed.
› The max./min. temperature is set.
› The defrost function for the windscreen is switched on.
› A high blower stage has been selected.
› The START STOP button is pressed.
Conditions for an automatic restart without driver intervention
› The vehicle moves at a speed of more than 3 km/h.
› The difference between the outdoor- and the set temperature in the interior is
too great.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is not sufficient.
› There is insufficient pressure in the braking system.
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door is
opened during stop mode, the engine must be started manually with the key. The
following messages in the instrument cluster display must be observed. £
77
Starting-off and Driving

Avoid short distances
Fig. 93
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore
recommend avoiding distances of less than 4
km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-
tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises
once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 93 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a certain
distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C. Your vehicle has
a higher fuel consumption in the winter than in the summer. ÐChecking tyre inflation pressures
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. The rolling resistance will be
increased if the tyre filling pressure is too low. This will not only increase fuel con-
sumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will worsen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. ÐAvoid unnecessary ballast
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. It is worth checking
the boot to avoid transporting any unnecessary ballast. It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase
in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, your vehicle that is fitted with a roof rack cross
member without a load will use use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the
increased aerodynamic drag.
Ð Saving electricity
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required. Ð Environmental compatibility
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, selection of mate-
rials and manufacture of your new

ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points:
Design measures
› Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials › Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium.
› No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture › Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer. £
112 Driving Tips

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling 124
Unleaded petrol 125
Diesel fuel 126
The correct type of fuel for your vehicle and the tyre size and inflation pressure
are specified on the inside of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 95 on page 124 – .
A scraper » Fig. 95 on page 124 –  to remove snow and ice from the windows
and mirrors is located on the inside of the fuel filler flap »
page 120, De-icing win-
dows and exterior mirrors .WARNING
The national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. In the event of an accident, the canister might be dam-
aged and fuel may leak out – 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. ■ Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork – risk
of paint damage! Ð Refuelling
Fig. 95
Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel filler flap/fuel filler flap with cap
unscrewed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 124.
Open fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow 1
» Fig. 95
.
› Open the flap manually in the direction of the arrow 2
.
› Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and unlock it by
moving it to the left with the vehicle key.
› Unscrew the filler cap by turning it to the left and place the cap onto the top of
the fuel filler flap » Fig. 95 – .
Closing the filler cap
› Turn the filler cap to the right until it clicks into place.
› Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn-
ing the vehicle key to the right and remove the key.
› Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
› Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly. CAUTION
■ Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation).
■ The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the
fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. £
ä
124 General Maintenance

Wheels and Tyres
Tyres
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres 138
Handling wheels and tyres 139
New wheels and tyres 139
Unidirectional tyres 140
Spare wheel 140
Full wheel trim 141
Wheel bolts 141
Tyre control display 141
Wheel bolts 142
Winter tyres 142
Snow chains 143
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.
■ 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. WARNING (Continued)
■ 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 140, 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. 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. Ð
137
Wheels and Tyres

Service life of tyres
Fig. 105
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 137.
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. 105 – . 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.
The tyre inflation pressures for summer tyres are indicated on the inside of the
fuel filler flap » Fig. 105 – . 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.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
ä
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.
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. Ð
138 General Maintenance

Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. 107
Boot: Spare wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. 107.
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 138) 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
140 General Maintenance

›
Use the valve remover 1
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean sur-
face (rag, paper, etc.). ÐSealing and inflating tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 149.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflator bottle 10
» Fig. 116 on page 150 several times.
› Firmly screw the inflation hose 3
onto the tyre inflator bottle 10
in a clockwise
direction. The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
› Remove the plug from the inflation hose 3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
› Hold the bottle 10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
› Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
› Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover 1
.
Inflating
› Screw the tyre inflation hose 5
» Fig. 116 on page 150 of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
› Check that the air release valve 7
is closed.
› Start the engine and run it in idle.
› Plug the connector 9
into 12 Volt socket »
page 54, 12-volt power socket.
› Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch 8
.
› Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes » !
› Switch off the air compressor.
› If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose 5
from the tyre valve.
› Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent to
“distribute” in the tyre.
› Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose 5
back onto the tyre valve and repeat the
inflation process.
› If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this means
the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit » .
› Switch off the air compressor.
› Remove the tyre inflation hose 5
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0

– 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey at
a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). ä
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes
» page 151. WARNING
■ During inflation, the tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot- risk
of injury! ■ Do not place the hot tyre inflation hose or hot air compressor on flammable
materials – risk of fire!
■ If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage sus-
tained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. 
Do not drive the vehicle. Get professional assistance! CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – danger of
overheating! Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching it
on again. Ð Check after driving for 10 minutes
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 149.
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes!
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or less:
›

Do not drive the vehicle! You cannot properly seal with tyre with the break-
down kit.
› Get professional assistance.
If the tyre inflation pressure is 1.3 bar or more:
› Adjust the tyre inflation pressure to the correct value (see inside of fuel filler
cap).
› Continue driving carefully to the nearest ŠKODA specialist garage at a maxi-
mum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Ð
ä
151
Do-it-yourself