2012 SKODA RAPID maintenance

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

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 124.
Your vehicle can only be operated with
diesel fuel, which complies with the
standard EN
590 (standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in
Austria, GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia).
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the winter, only use diesel fuel, which complies with the standard EN 590
(standard DIN 51628 in Germany, standard ÖNORM C 1590 in Austria,
GOST R 52368-2005/EN 590:2004 in Russia). “Winter-grade diesel fuel” will still
operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels
available have a different temperature characteristic. The ŠKODA Service Partners
and filling stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with infor-
mation regarding the diesel fuels available.
Preheating fuel
The vehicle is fitted with a fuel filter preheating system. This secures operation of
a vehicle using diesel fuel down to an environmental temperature of -25 °C.
Fuel additives
Fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar products) must not
be added to the diesel fuel. CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!
■ If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that the
fuel system is cleaned by a

ŠKODA Service Partner.
■ Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
■ Your vehicle is not adapted for use of biofuel (RME), therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel (RME) can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system. Ð
ä Engine compartment
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet 128
Engine compartment overview 128
Checking the engine oil level 129
Replenishing the engine oil 129
Changing engine oil 130
Coolant 130
Checking the coolant level 130
Replenishing the coolant 131
Radiator fan 131
Checking the brake fluid 132
Brake fluid change 132
Windscreen washer system 132
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the en-
gine compartment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. For this
reason, it is essential to comply with the warning instructions stated below and
with the general applicable rules of safety. The vehicle's engine compartment is
a hazardous area . WARNING
■ Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
■ Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P .
■ Firmly apply the handbrake.
■ Allow the engine to cool.
■ For safety reasons, the bonnet must always be properly closed when driving.
This is why after closing the bonnet, the lock must always be checked to en-
sure it has engaged properly. £
126 General Maintenance

Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 96
Bonnet/radiator grille release lever: Release lever Fig. 97
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
Opening
›
Open the front left door.
› Pull the release lever under the dash panel 1
» Fig. 96
in the direction of the
arrow.
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam-
aged.
› Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow 2
» Fig. 96
and the bonnet
is unlocked.
› Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
ä ›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 97 and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support
in the opening 4
in the bonnet.
Closing
› Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Press the bonnet sup-
port into the holder 3
designed to hold it.
› Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .
› Check that the bonnet is closed properly. Ð Engine compartment overview
Fig. 98
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI petrol engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
Coolant expansion reservoir 130
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir 132
Engine oil filler opening 129
Engine oil dipstick 129
Brake fluid reservoir 132
Vehicle battery 133
£
ä 1
2
3
4
5
6
128
General Maintenance

Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The engine oil must be changed at the intervals stated in the Service schedule or
according to the service interval indicator
» page 10, Service Interval Display.CAUTION
Additives must not be added to the engine oil – risk of causing considerable dam-
age to parts of the engine! Damage, which results from such product, are exclu-
ded from the warranty. Note
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly. ÐCoolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The cooling system is filled with a coolant in the factory.
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive of 40 %.
This mixture provides antifreeze protection down to -25
°C and also protects the
cooling and heating system from corrosion. It also prevents the formation of scale
and significantly increases the boiling point of the coolant.
The concentration of coolant must therefore not be reduced by adding water dur-
ing the summer months or in countries with a warm climate. The concentration of
coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to 60 % (antifreeze protection down
to approx. -40 °C). The antifreeze protection tails off above that concentration.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled with a
coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50 %.
When refilling, we only recommend you use the same antifreeze written on the
antifreeze expansion tank » Fig. 100 on page 130.
ä
ä Coolant capacity
Petrol engines Capacities (in litres)
1.2 ltr./55 kW MPI 4.2
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI 7.0
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 7.0
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI 7.0 Diesel engine
Capacities (in litres)
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR 6.5 CAUTION
■ Other coolant additives that do not comply with the correct specifications can
above all significantly reduce the anticorrosion effect.
■ Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage! Ð Checking the coolant level
Fig. 100
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 128.
› Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
» Fig. 100. The cool-
ant level when the engine is cold must lie between the B
(MIN) and A
(MAX)
markings. The level may also rise slightly above the A
(MAX) marking when the
engine is warm. £
ä
130 General Maintenance

Checking the brake fluid
Fig. 101
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 128.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 101. The level must be be-
tween the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
When driving, a slight drop in the fluid level is caused by the wear-and-tear and
automatic adjustment of the brake pads, and is therefore perfectly normal.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking. If
the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light  lighting up
in the instrument cluster » page 17, Brake system . WARNING
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking,  do not continue your
journey – risk of accident! Seek help from a
ŠKODA specialist garage.ÐBrake fluid change
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.ä
ä Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment. Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in
the brake system. The water content also lowers the boiling point of the brake
fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:
› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4. WARNING
Using old brake fluid can result in severe stress on the brakes because of the
formation of vapour bubbles in the brake system. This greatly impairs the
braking efficiency and thus also the safety of your vehicle. CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle. Ð Windscreen washer system
Fig. 102
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 126.
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 capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4

litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system. £
ä
132 General Maintenance

WARNING (Continued)
■ Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If acid was
swallowed, seek immediate medical attention.
■ Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■ When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive gas
mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling over
during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is on. ■ Bridging of the poles will create a short circuit (e.g. through metal objects,
cables). Possible consequences of a short circuit: Melting of lead struts, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■ It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light, to smoke or to carry
out any activities which produce sparks. Avoid creating sparks when working
with cables and electrical devices. Strong sparking represents a risk of injury. ■ Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all of the electrical components and disconnect the negative
terminal
(-) on the battery. If you wish to replace a bulb it suffices to switch off
the relevant light.
■ Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
caustic burns! Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■ Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low –
risk of explosion and caustic burns.
■ Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion! Replace a damaged
vehicle battery immediately. CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all dis-
connect the negative terminal

(-) of the battery. Then disconnect the positive ter-
minal (+).
■ When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first connect the positive
terminal (+) of the battery. Then connect the negative terminal
(-). Under no cir-
cumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a cable fire.
■ Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk of
damage to the paintwork.
■ Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle battery
housing from the effects of ultra-violet light. ■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity (e.

g.
control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by discon-
necting the battery's negative terminal or continuously charging the battery with
a very low charging current.
■ If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery will
not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge. For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations. Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years. Ð Battery cover
Fig. 103
Vehicle battery: Open up the
cover
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 133.
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
› Push the lid in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 103.
› The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place in
the reverse order. Ð
ä
134 General Maintenance

“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

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