2012 SKODA ROOMSTER warning

Transporting children safely
Child seat
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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat 115
Child safety and side airbag 116
Classification of child seats 116
Suitability of child seats 117
Child seats with the ISOFIX system 117
Child seat with the TOP TETHER system 118
Children are generally safer on the rear seats than on the front passenger seat.
In contrast to adults, the muscles and bone structure of children are not yet fully
developed. Thus children are exposed to increased risk of injury.
Children should be transported in accordance with the relevant statutory provi-
sions.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R
44 standard must be used. The ECE-R
Norm stands for: Economic Commission for Europe - Regulation.
Child seats that comply with the ECE-R 44 standard have a test seal that cannot
be removed: a large E within a circle with the test number below. WARNING
■ The national legal requirements must be observed when using child seats.
■ One should never carry children, and also not babies! - on one's lap.
■ Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Certain outside climatic con-
ditions can cause life-threatening temperatures in the vehicle.
■ Under no circumstances allow children to be transported without the use of
a suitable restraint system. In the event of an accident the child will be
thrown through the vehicle and may as a result suffer fatal injuries, and also
injure other occupants. WARNING (Continued)
■ Children are exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an acci-
dent if they lean forward or adopt an incorrect seated position when the vehi-
cle is moving. This particularly applies to children who are transported on the
front passenger seat as they can suffer severe, or even fatal injuries if the air-
bag system is deployed!
■ Pay particular attention to the information provided by the manufacturer of
the child safety seat regarding the correct routing of the belt. Seat belts
which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even in minor
accidents.
■ Safety belts must be checked to ensure that they are running properly. One
should also ensure that the belt is not damaged by sharp-edged fittings.
■ It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if using a child seat in
which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel on the
front passenger seat. Further information » page 115, Use of a child seat on
the front passenger seat. Note
We recommend that you use child seats from ŠKODA Original Accessories. These
child seats were developed and also tested for use in
ŠKODA vehicles. They fulfil
the ECE-R 44 standard. Ð Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat
Fig. 104
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats
whenever possible. £
ä
115
Transporting children safely

The following guidelines must be observed when using a child safety seat in
which the child is seated with its back facing the direction of travel on the front
passenger seat.
›
Switch off the front passenger airbag
» page 113, Deactivating airbags .
› Slide the front passenger seat all the way back.
› Move the front passenger seat backrest into the vertical position.
› Set the height-adjustable front passenger seat as high up as possible.
› Set the front passenger seat belt as high up as possible.
› Place and fasten the child seat on the seat and the child in the child seat ac-
cording to the specifications in the manufacturer's user manual of the child
seat . WARNING
■ It is essential to always switch off the front passenger airbag when attach-
ing a child safety seat to the front passenger seat where the child is seated
with its back facing in direction of travel » page 113 , Deactivating airbags.
■ Never use a child safety seat in which the child is seated with its back facing
the direction of travel on the front passenger seat if the airbag is switched on.
This child safety seat is positioned in the deployment area of the front pas-
senger airbag. The airbag may cause the child severe, or even fatal injuries, in
the event of it being deployed. ■ This is also clearly stated on the sticker which is located on the B column on
the front passenger side » Fig. 104 or on the front passenger's sun visor.
■ If a child safety seat in which the child faces in the direction of travel is used
on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat must be moved back
and to the top fully. Move the backrest into the vertical position.
■ The front passenger airbag must be reactivated as soon as you no longer
use a child seat on the front passenger seat. Ð Child safety and side airbag
Fig. 105
Incorrect seated position of a child who is not properly secured -
risk from the side airbag/Child properly protected by safety seat
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air-
bag » Fig. 105
-  . There must be sufficient room between the child and the de-
ployment area of the side airbag so that the airbag can provide as much protec-
tion as possible » Fig. 105 - . WARNING
■ Children must never be seated with their head in the deployment area of
the side airbag - risk of injury!
■ Do not place any objects within the deployment area of the side airbags -
risk of injury! Ð Classification of child seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
Child safety seats are classified in 5 groups:
Group Weight of the child Approximate age
0 0-10 kg up to 9 months
0+ up to 13 kg up to 18 months£ ä
ä
116 Safety

Group
Weight of the child Approximate age
1 9-18 kg up to 4 years
2 15-25 kg up to 7 years
3 22-36 kg over 7 years Ð
Suitability of child seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
Overview of the suitability of child seats according to the standard ECE-R
44
Seat Child seat
type
Front passenger seat U
Rear seat outside U
+
T
Rear seat middle UF
Universal category – a child seat with the word UNIVERSAL, which is de-
signed for fastening on the seat with the seat belt.
Universal category - a child seat, fastened in the direction of travel, with the
word UNIVERSAL, which is designed for fastening on the seat using the seat
belt.
ISOFIX
– a child seat which is designed for fastening on the seat with eyelets
for the ISOFIX system is provided » page 117.
TOP TETHER – a child seat which is designed for fastening on the seat with
an eyelet for the TOP TETHER system is provided » page 118.Ð
ä U
UF
+
T Child seats with the ISOFIX system
Fig. 106
Rear seat: ISOFIX
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
There are two locking eyes between the rear exterior seats for fixing the
ISOFIX
system child seat in place. The places are marked with labels with the
ISOFIX
logo » Fig. 106.
A child seat fitted with the ISOFIX system can only be mounted in a vehicle fitted
with an ISOFIX system if the child seat has been approved for this type of vehicle.
Further information is available from a ŠKODA Service Partner. WARNING
■ Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat
when installing and removing a child seat with the

ISOFIX system.
■ Never attach other child seats, belts or objects to the locking eyes intended
for the installation of a child seat with the
ISOFIX system - hazard! Note
Child seats with the ISOFIX system can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories. Ð
ä
117
Transporting children safely

Child seat with the TOP TETHER system
Fig. 107
Rear seat: TOP TETHER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 115.
There are fixing eyes on the rear side of the rear seat backrests for attaching the
fixing belt for a child seat with the
TOP TETHER system » Fig. 107.WARNING
■ Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer of the child seat
when installing and removing a child seat with the

TOP TETHER system.
■ Only use child seats with the TOP TETHER system on the seats with the
locking eyes.
■ Only ever attach one belt from the child seat to a locking eye.
■ On no account should you equip your vehicle, e.g. mount screws or other an-
chorage points. Ð
ä
118 Safety

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. 108
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. 108.
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.
£
120 Driving Tips

Driving through water on the street
Fig. 111
Driving through water
The following must be observed to avoid damage to the vehicle when driving
through bodies of water (e.g. flooded roads):
› Therefore determine the depth of the water before driving through bodies of
water. The water level must fit around the strut on the side member as a maxi-
mum » Fig. 111;
› Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed. At a higher speed, a water
wave can form in front of the vehicle which can cause water to penetrate into
the air induction system of the engine or into other parts of the vehicle;
› Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off;
› Deactivate the
START-STOP system before driving through water » page 85,
START/STOP. WARNING
■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can reduce the braking power and
extend the braking distance - risk of accident!
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■ After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy. CAUTION
■ When driving through bodies of water, parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.
■ Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle. ■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water. ■ Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. Note
After driving through a body of water, we recommend that the vehicle is checked
by a
ŠKODA specialist garage. Ð124
Driving Tips

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 156, 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 149 ,
Service life of tyres.
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 176, 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 39 , Headlight beam adjustment .
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than the maximum permissible speed indi-
cated on the trailer. £
125
Towing a trailer

Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking. On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to
also use the engine as a brake.
Trailer is connected to the anti-theft alarm system.
› If the vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing de-
vice.
› If the trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the trail-
er socket.
› If the electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is fully functional.
› If the vehicle is locked with the car key and the anti-theft alarm system is acti-
vated.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated as soon as the electrical con-
nection to the trailer is interrupted.
Always deactivate the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is connected/dis-
connected. Otherwise, the anti-theft alarm system could accidentally be trig-
gered » page 30, Anti-theft alarm system .
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately. Stop and
switch off the engine if the warning light  in the instrument cluster starts to
flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion
bottle » page 141, Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 19, Coolant temperature/cool-
ant level   .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating. WARNING
■ Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.
■ Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■ Any work on the electrical system must be carried out only by ŠKODA spe-
cialist garages.
■ Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources. CAUTION
■ Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
■ When the ball rod is removed, the mounting shaft must be sealed with an ap-
propriate cover. This prevents foreign matter from penetrating into the mounting
shaft. See the fitting instructions for the towing device. Note
■ We recommend that you also have your vehicle inspected between service in-
tervals if you tow a trailer frequently. ■ The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be put on when coupling and decou-
pling the trailer.
■ For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system. Ð
126 Driving Tips