2012 SKODA RAPID Owner's Manual

Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 104
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 135.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 104 , the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced. Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner
as part of the Inspection Service. ■ For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked. ■ Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. Ð
ä Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0
°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Service Partner before the start of the winter. Ð Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
› Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then
“positive”).
› Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“posi-
tive
”, black = “negative”).
› Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
› When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
› Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
› Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all
“positive”, then
“negative
”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you re-
charge the vehicle battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger). Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”. £
ä
ä
135
Inspecting and replenishing

“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is
dangerous and requires a special charger
and specialist knowledge. We therefore recommend having the quick charging of
vehicle batteries undertaken by a
ŠKODA specialist garage.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger must
not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only
to the engine earth » page 153, Jump-starting in vehicles with the

START-STOP
system . ÐDisconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
On disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery the following functions
are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate fault-free:
Operation Operating measure
Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber » User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion system
Setting the clock » page 11
Data in the multifunction display are deleted. » page 11Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner to ensure
the full functionality of all electrical systems. ÐReplacing the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable types of vehicle batteries can
be purchased from a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
ä
ä We recommend that the battery is replaced by a ŠKODA Service Partner, where
the new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Ð Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
An intelligent vehicle power management system automatically takes various
measures at high loads on the vehicle battery to prevent discharging of the bat-
tery: This manifests itself by the following:
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large consumers of power, e.g. seat heaters, rear window
heaters, voltage supply to the 12V power socket, have their power limited or in
case of emergency shut off completely. Note
Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehicle
battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on a long time
with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned on during lon-
ger parking. Driving comfort is not put at risk by any shutting off of consumers.
Often the driver is not aware of it having taken place. Ð ä
136 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

Handling wheels and tyres
Fig. 106
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. 106. 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. ÐNew wheels and tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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.
ä
ä 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.
195/55

R 15 85 H
What this means is:
195 Tyre width in mm
55 Height/width ratio in %
R Code letter for the type of tyre – Radial
15 Diameter of wheel in inches
85 Load index
H 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 ... 27

12...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the 27th week of 2012.
The following must be observed if only one temporary spare wheel is availa-
ble » page 140. Ð
139
Wheels and Tyres

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

Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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 149, 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. 108
Remove the cap
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. 108.
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 Tyre control display
Fig. 109
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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 22, 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.
£
ä
ä 141
Wheels and Tyres

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 138, Service life
of tyres.
› Switch on the ignition.
› Press and hold the button

 » Fig. 109
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 Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. Ð Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 137.
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. £
ä
ä
142 General Maintenance