Engine revolutions counter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The red scale of the rev counter 1
» Fig. 2 on page 8 indicates the range in which
the engine control unit begins to limit the engine speed. The engine control unit
restricts the engine speed to a steady limit.
You should shift into the next higher gear before the red scale of the revolution
counter is reached, or move the selector lever into position D if your car is fitted
with an automatic gearbox.
To maintain the optimum motor speed, observe the gearshift indica-
tor » page 11. For the sake of the environment
Shifting to a higher gear in good time helps to lower fuel consumption, minimises
operating noise levels, protects the environment and contributes to a longer life
and reliability of the engine. ÐFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 8.
Warning against excessive speeds
An audible warning signal will sound when the vehicle speed exceeds 120
km/h.
The audible warning signal is switched off when the vehicle speed falls below
this speed limit. Note
This function is only valid for some countries. ÐCoolant temperature gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The coolant temperature gauge 4
» Fig. 2 on page 8 operates only when the ig-
nition is switched on. ä
ä
ä The following guidelines regarding the temperature ranges must be observed to
avoid any damage to the engine.
Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale it means that the engine has not
yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high
engine loads.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves
into the mid-range of the scale, for a normal style of driving. The pointer may also
move further to the right at high engine loads and high outside temperatures. CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the fresh air in-
let impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant. There is then a risk of the engine
overheating at high outside temperatures and high engine loads »
page 19,
Coolant temperature/coolant level . Ð Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 8.
The fuel gauge 7
» Fig. 2 on page 8 only operates when the ignition is switched
on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The indicator light in the instru-
ment cluster lights up when the pointer reaches the reserve mark-
ing » page 21 . CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! An irregular supply of fuel can
lead to irregular engine running. Unburnt fuel may get into the exhaust system
and damage the catalytic converter. Note
On some vehicles, the fuel gauge is shown in the display of the instrument clus-
ter. Ð
ä
9
Instruments and Indicator Lights
Lights and visibility
Lights
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Switching lights on and off 34
Function DAY LIGHT (daytime running lights) 35
Fog lights 35
Rear fog light 35
Headlamp range adjustment 36
Turn signal and main beam lever 36
Parking light 37
Fog lights with the function CORNER 37
Switches for the hazard warning light system 37
On models fitted with right-hand steering the position of certain switches differs
from that shown in » Fig. 18 on page 34. The symbols which mark the switch po-
sitions are identical, however. WARNING
Never drive with only the side lights on! The side lights are not bright enough
to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by other oncom-
ing traffic. Therefore always switch on the low beam when it is dark or if visi-
bility is poor. CAUTION
■ The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with na-
tional legal requirements.
■ The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the lights. Note
■ If the light switch is in the position , the ignition key is removed and the driv-
er's door is open, an audible warning signal will sound. The audible warning signal
is switched off by means of the door contact when the driver's door is closed (ig-
nition off), however, the side lights remain on to illuminate the parked vehicle if
necessary. ■ In the event of cool or humid weather conditions, the headlights can be misted
up from inside. The temperature difference between interior and external area of
the headlight lenses is decisive. When the driving lights are switched on, the light
outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although the headlight
lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. It also concerns reverse light
and turn signal lights. This mist has no influence on the life of the lighting system. Ð Switching lights on and off
Fig. 18
Dash panel: Light switch/fuse box: Switch for daytime running lights
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 34.
Switching on the parking light
›
Turn the light switch
» Fig. 18 – to position .
Switching on the low beam
› Turn the light switch
» Fig. 18 – to position .
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights)
› Turn the light switch
» Fig. 18 – to position 0.Ð
ä
34 Using the system
›
Release the lever. The washer system stops and the wiper continues for anoth-
er 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on the duration of the spraying process). The
lever will stay in position after releasing it 6
.
Switching windscreen wipers off
› Move the lever back into the home position 0
» Fig. 28
. ÐHeadlight cleaning system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
When the low beam or main beam are switched on, and the windscreen wiper
lever is pulled into the position 5
» Fig. 28
on page
40, the headlights are
sprayed briefly. To clean the headlights, the windshield is also sprayed after every
ten squirts.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight len-
ses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guidelines
must be observed » page 120, Headlight lenses.
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray. CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand – risk of
damage! ÐReplacing the front windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 29
Windscreen wiper blade
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 39.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms into
the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
› Closing the bonnet.
› Switch the ignition off and on again.
› Press the windscreen wiper lever into position 4
» Fig. 28
on page
40, the
windscreen wiper arms will move into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
› Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the
windscreen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow A
»
Fig. 29
.
› Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
› Unlock the locking button 1
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of ar-
row B
.
Attaching the wiper blade
› Push the windscreen wiper blade until the stop and it locks in place.
› Check that the wiper blade is correctly attached.
› Fold the wiper arm back to the windscreen.
› Turn on the ignition and press the windscreen wiper lever into position 4
» Fig. 28 on page 40
, the windscreen wiper arms move to the home position. Ð
ä
41
Lights and visibility
›
The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
ŠKODA
meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to pro-
tecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODA vehicles
can be utilized up to 95 % and always 1)
be returned. In a lot of countries sufficient
trade-in networks have been created, where you can trade-in your vehicle. After
you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a confirmation stating the recycling in
accordance with environmental regulations. Note
Detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old cars is available from
a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐDriving abroad
Introductory information
In certain countries it is also possible that the
ŠKODA Service Partner network is
limited or has not been established yet. This is the reason why procuring certain
spare parts may be somewhat complicated and specialist garages may only be
able to make limited repairs. ŠKODA in the Czech Republic and its importers are
happy to provide information about technical aspects of the vehicle, required
maintenance work and possibilities for getting repairs done. ÐUnleaded petrol
A vehicle fitted with a petrol engine must always be refuelled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 125, Unleaded petrol . Information regarding the locations of filling sta-
tions that offer unleaded petrol is, for example, provided by the automobile asso-
ciations. Ð Headlights
The low beam of your headlights is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of
the road on which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries in which the traffic drives on the other side of the road
than in your home country, the asymmetrical low beam may dazzle oncoming
drivers. To prevent oncoming traffic from being dazzled, the headlights must be
adjusted by a
ŠKODA Service Partner. Note
Further information on adjusting the headlights is available from a ŠKODA Service
Partner. Ð Avoiding damage to your vehicle
To prevent damage to your vehicle, pay special attention: › When driving on poorly maintained roads and lanes
› When driving over kerb stones
› When driving up steep ramps
› So that any low-slung parts, such as the spoiler and exhaust, do not touch the
ground and get damaged
This particularly applies to models with a sport suspension and also when your
vehicle is fully laden. Ð1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
113
Driving and the Environment
Towing a trailer
Towing a trailer
Technical requirements
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal provisions for towing a trailer.
On vehicles with a towing device, the ball rod is detachable and is stowed togeth-
er with separate operating instructions in the spare wheel well or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel within the boot » page 145, Vehicle tool kit .
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection be-
tween the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin connec-
tor, you can use a suitable adapter from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
If a towing device is retrofitted, it must be completed in accordance with the
manufacturer's specifications. Note
If you have any questions, please contact a ŠKODA Service Partner. ÐLoading a trailer
Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises
the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination. Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a
“full load” » page 138 ,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 164 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level. As the engine output drops at an increasing altitude due to the declin-
ing air pressure and therefore the climbing ability is also reduced, this means that
the maximum permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10 % for every fur-
ther increase of 1 000 m in height. The towed weight comprises the actual weight
of the (loaded) towing vehicle and the (loaded) trailer. Always drive particularly
carefully with the trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device
are merely test data for the towing device The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents. WARNING
■ If the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the maximum per-
missible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer are exceeded this
can cause accidents and serious injuries.
■ Slipping loads can significantly affect the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination, causing accidents and serious injuries. Ð Towing a trailer
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The headlight settings must be checked before starting a journey with a coupled
trailer. If necessary, adjust the settings with the headlight beam adjust-
ment » page 36 , Headlamp range adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
115
Towing a trailer
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.
Clean the windows from the inside on a regular basis.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can dirty the window and reduce visibility. CAUTION
■ Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
formation of cracks in the glass!
■ When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■ Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors – risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors. ÐRadio reception and aerial
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
Car parks, tunnels, tall buildings or mountains can disrupt the radio signal even
causing it to fail completely.
With factory-fitted radios and navigation systems, the aerial for the radio recep-
tion can be installed at different locations in the vehicle:
› on the inside of the rear window along with the rear window heater;
› on the roof. Ð
ä
ä Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
Use soap and clean water to clean the plastic headlight lenses.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry and do not use any sharp objects to clean the
plastic lenses, this may damage the protective paintwork and consequently cause
the formation of cracks on the headlight lenses.
■ Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses. Ð Rubber seals
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
The rubber seals on doors and other windows remain smoother and last longer if
the seals are treated regularly with a suitable rubber care product. This helps to
prevent leakages and premature wear of the seals. Rubber seals which are well
cared for also do not stick together in cold winter weather.
Ð Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 117.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
Note
■ When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders. ■ We recommend that suitable materials from ŠKODA Original Accessories are
used for maintaining the door lock cylinders. Ð
ä
ä
ä
120 General Maintenance
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights.
We therefore recommend using clean water with a screen cleaner
(including anti-
freeze in the winter) that is able to remove stubborn dirt.
Antifreeze should always be added to the cleaning water in the winter even if the
vehicle is fitted with heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15
%. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C. CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.
■ If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid. Note
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when replen-
ishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be contamina-
ted, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction. ÐVehicle battery
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover 134
Checking the battery electrolyte level 135
Operation in winter 135
Charging a vehicle battery 135
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery 136
Replacing the vehicle battery 136
Automatic load deactivation 136Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
Symbol Importance
Always wear eye protection.
Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec-
tion.
Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.
When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.
Keep children away from the vehicle battery. Improper handling of the vehicle battery can cause damage. We therefore recom-
mend that any work on the vehicle battery is carried out by a
ŠKODA Service Part-
ner.
There is a risk of injuries, scalding, accidents and burns when carrying out any
work on the battery and on the electrical system. For this reason, it is essential to
comply with the warning instructions stated below and with the general applica-
ble rules of safety. WARNING
■ The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care. Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection
when handling the vehicle battery. Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air
passages and lead to conjunctivitis and inflammation of the air passages in
the lungs. They corrode tooth enamel. After contact with the skin, the acid
creates deep wounds which take a long time to heal. Repeated contact with
diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks). Acids
coming into contact with water are diluted accompanied by significant devel-
opment of heat.
■ Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect the eyes with safety glasses or a shield! There is
the danger of suffering blindness! If any battery electrolyte comes into con-
tact with your eyes, rinse the relevant eye immediately with clear water for
several minutes. Then consult a doctor immediately. £
133
Inspecting and replenishing
Note
Fuses 1 - 7 are replaced by a specialist ŠKODA garage. ÐReplacing the fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 124
Vehicle battery: Cover for the fuse box (variant 1) Fig. 125
Vehicle battery: Cover for the fuse box (variant 2)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 156.
›
Press together the interlocks of the cover simultaneously in the direction of the
arrow 1
» Fig. 124.
› Push the cover in the direction of the arrow 2
.
› Use a flat screwdriver to release the fixtures in the openings 3
.
› Lift the cover upwards in the direction of the arrow 4
.
Ð
ä Bulbs
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Headlights 160
Changing the bulb for the low beam 160
Changing the bulb for main beam, separate daytime running lights, and
parking light 161
Changing the bulb for the front turn signal light 161
Changing light bulbs for fog lights 162
Changing the bulb for the licence plate light 162
Tail lamp assembly 163
Replacing the bulbs in the tail lamp assembly 163
Some manual skills are required to change a bulb. For this reason, if uncertain, we
recommend that bulbs are replaced by a ŠKODA specialist garage or other expert
help is sought.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the lights before replacing a bulb.
› Faulty bulbs must only be replaced with the same type of bulbs. The designa-
tion is located on the light socket or the glass bulb.
› A stowage compartment for replacement bulbs is located in a plastic box in the
spare wheel or underneath the floor covering in the boot. WARNING
■ Accidents can be caused if the road in front of the vehicle is not sufficiently
illuminated and the vehicle cannot or can only be seen with difficulty by other
road users.
■ Always read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment »
page 126, Engine compartment .
■ Bulbs H7 and H15 are pressurised and may burst when changing the bulb -
risk of injury! We therefore recommended wearing gloves and safety glasses
when changing a bulb. £
159
Fuses and light bulbs