General Maintenance
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle
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Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing the vehicle 128
Automatic car wash systems 128
Washing by hand 128
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner 128
Preserving and polishing the vehicle paintwork 129
Chrome parts 129
Paint damage 129
Plastic parts 129
De-icing windows and exterior mirrors 130
Radio reception and aerial 130
Headlight lenses 130
Rubber seals 130
Door lock cylinders 130
Wheels 131
Underbody protection 131
Protection of hollow spaces 131
Artificial leather and materials 132
Fabric covers on electrically heated seats 132
Natural leather 132
Seat belts 133
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat-
ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using care products from
ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Service Partners. The instructions for use on the package
must be observed. WARNING
■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.
■ Always store care products in a safe place, out of the reach of children - risk
of poisoning! ■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system
can affect the braking efficiency - risk of accident! ■ Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off - risk of accident!
■ Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims - risk of
cuts!
■ Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high. CAUTION
■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.
■ Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■ Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight - risk of paint damage.
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints - risk of freezing!
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts - risk of damaging the surface of paintwork.
■ Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, in the vicinity of the
heating elements or near the window aerial. These may get damaged. With re-
gard to the antenna, they may interfere with the radio or navigation system. ■ Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents - risk of damaging the heating elements or window
aerial.
■ Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard - risk of damage to
the dashboard.
■ To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■ Do not clean the roof trim with a brush - risk of damage to the trim surface. £
127
Taking care of and cleaning the vehicle
Artificial leather and materials
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
The artificial leather can be cleaned using a damp cloth. If this does not prove to
be adequate, these parts can only be treated with special
solvent-free plastic
cleaning and care products .
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. using
specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam. Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially
available microfibre cloth. Use a cloth and a specific cleaning agent to clean the
roof trim.
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do, in part, not have sufficient col-
our fastness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat cov-
ers (fabric or leather) even when used correctly. This particularly applies to light
seat covers (fabric or leather). This is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor col-
our fastness of the clothing textiles. ÐFabric covers on electrically heated seats
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
Do not clean the seat covers
using moisture as this can damage the seat heating
system.
Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers. ÐNatural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 127.
Depending on the amount of wear-and-tear, the leather should be cleaned on a
regular basis.
Normal cleaning
Clean soiled areas of the leather with slightly moistened cotton or woollen cloth.
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Severe soiling
Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point and that no water gets
into the stitching of the seams.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Removing stains
Remove fresh water-based stains (e.g., coffee, tea, juices, blood) with an absorb-
ent cloth or household cleaning paper. A specific cleaning agent is required for
dried-on stains.
Remove fresh grease-based stains (e.g. butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc.) with
an absorbent cloth, household cleaning paper, or use a suitable cleaner if the
stain has not yet penetrated into the surface.
Use a grease solvent for grease stains which have dried in .
Remove specific stains (e.g. ball-point pens, marker pen, nail varnish, dispersion
paint, shoe polish, etc.) with a special stain remover suitable for leather.
Leather care
Treat the leather roughly every six months with a suitable leather care product.
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
Dry off the leather with a soft, dry cloth. CAUTION
■ Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■ Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface.
■ The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel. Note
■ Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis
and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection. ■ Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months, remove any fresh stains as they occur. £
132 General Maintenance
Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling 134
Unleaded petrol 135
Diesel fuel 136
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. 112 on page 134 - . 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. 112
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 134.
Open fuel filler flap
›
Open the fuel filler flap with one hand
» Fig. 112 - .
› 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. 112 - .
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 filler cap. 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. £
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134 General Maintenance
Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 134.
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 138
Engine compartment overview 138
Checking the engine oil level 139
Replenishing the engine oil 139
Changing engine oil 140
Coolant 140
Checking the coolant level 141
Replenishing the coolant 141
Radiator fan 142
Checking the brake fluid 142
Changing the brake fluid 142
Windscreen washer system 143
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. £
136 General Maintenance
Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
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 136.
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. 117 on page 141.
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Coolant capacity
Petrol engines Capacities (in litres)
1.2 l/51 kW 5.5
1.2 ltr./63 kW TSI 7.7
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 7.7
1.4 l/63 kW 5.5
1.6 l/77 kW 5.5 Diesel engines
Capacities (in litres)
1.2 ltr./55 kW TDI CR DPF 6.6
1.6 ltr./66 kW TDI CR DPF 8.4
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR DPF 8.4 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! Note
On vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater (auxiliary heating and ventila-
tion), the coolant capacity is approx. 1 l larger. 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 160.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflator bottle 10
» Fig. 134 on page 161 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. 134 on page 161 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 61, 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 162. 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 160.
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
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162 Do-it-yourself
Fuses in the dash panel
Fig. 139
Underside of the dash panel:
Distribution board cover. Fig. 140
Schematic representation of the fuse box for vehicles with left-
hand steering/right-hand steering
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 166.
The fuses are located on the left side of the dash panel behind a cover.
›
Carefully remove the cover in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 139.
› After the fuse has been replaced, replace the cover in the dash panel in the op-
posite direction of the arrow so that the guide lugs are guided into the open-
ings of the dash panel. Close the cover until it clicks into place.
Fuse assignment in the dash panel No. Power consumer
1 S-contact
2 START-STOP, air-conditioning system
3 Instrument cluster, headlamp beam adjustment ä No. Power consumer
4 Control unit for ABS, button for START STOP5 Petrol engine: Speed regulating system
6 Reversing light (manual gearbox) 7 Ignition, engine control unit, automatic gearbox
8 Brake pedal switch, clutch pedal switch
9 Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning sys-
tem, parking aid, control unit for cornering lights, radiator fan, washing
nozzles
10 Windscreen Wiper and Washer System 11 Mirror adjustment
12 Control unit for trailer detection
13 Control unit for automatic gearbox
14 Motor for halogen projector headlights with cornering light function 15 PDA navigation system
16 Electrohydraulic power steering 17 START-STOP (radio), daylight driving light
18 Mirror heater 19 S-contact
20 Alarm 21 Reversing light, fog lights with the function CORNER
22 Operating controls for the heating, control unit for air conditioning sys-
tem, parking aid, mobile phone, instrument cluster, steering angle
sender, ESC, vehicle voltage control unit, multifunction steering wheel
23 Interior lighting, storage compartment and luggage compartment, side
lights
24 Central control unit 25 Seat heaters
26 Rear window wiper 27 Telephone preinstallation
28 Petrol engine: AKF valve, Diesel engine: Control flap 29 Injection, coolant pump
30 Fuel pump, ignition, Cruise control system, operation of PTC relay 31 Lambda probe £ 167
Fuses and light bulbs
No. Power consumer
32 High pressure fuel pump, pressure valve
33 Engine control unit
34 Engine control unit, vacuum pump 35 Power supply of ignition lock
36 Main beam 37 Rear fog light, DC/DC converter START-STOP
38 Fog lights 39 Air blower for heating
40-41 Not assigned 42 Rear window heater
43 Horn
44 Windscreen wipers 45 Central control unit for convenience system
46 Engine control unit, fuel pump 47 Cigarette lighter, power socket in the luggage compartment
48 ABS, START-STOP (DC/DC) converter ESP 49 Turn signal lights, brake lights50 START-STOP (DC/DC) converter infotainment, radio 51 Electrical power window (front and rear) - left side
52 Electrical power window (front and rear) - right side
53 Parking light = left side, electrical sliding/tilting roof
54 START-STOP (instrument cluster), alarm 55 Control unit for automatic gearbox
56 Headlight cleaning system, parking light - right side 57 Left low beam, headlight range adjustment
58 Low beam on the right Ð Fuses in the engine compartment
Fig. 141
Vehicle battery: Distribution board cover. Fig. 142
Schematic representation of
fuse box in engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 166.
›
Press together the circlips in the fuse box cover at the same time in the direc-
tion of arrow A
» Fig. 141
and remove the cover in the direction of arrow B
.
› Release the fixtures in the openings C
using a flat screwdriver and fold the
cover upwards in direction of arrow D
.
Fuse assignment in engine compartment No. Power consumer
1 Generator
2 Not assigned
3 Interior
4 Electrical auxiliary heating system 5 Interior £ ä
168 Do-it-yourself