2012 SKODA SUPERB Owner's Manual

Side airbags
Fig. 144
Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat/gas-filled side air-
bags
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides additional
protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in the ve-
hicle.
The front side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the
front seats » Fig. 144 -  .
The rear side airbags are located between the entrance area and the seat back-
rest.
When the side airbags » Fig. 144 -  are deployed, the head airbag and belt ten-
sioner are also automatically deployed on the relevant side.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-
bag and the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) is
reduced on the side facing the door. WARNING
■ Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap-
plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitable
child safety seat » page 155, Child safety and side airbag .
■ There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No ac-
cessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors. WARNING (Continued)
■ If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 154, Child seat.
■ The airbag control unit operates with pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and
door panels (e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages
can have a negative affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on
the front doors and their panels must only be carried out by a
ŠKODA special-
ist garage.
■ In the event of a side collision, the side airbags will not function properly, if
the sensors cannot measure the increasing air pressure inside the doors, be-
cause the air can escape through large, non-sealed openings in the door pan-
el. ■ Never drive with removed inner door panels.
■ Never drive, if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
remaining openings have not been properly sealed.
■ Never drive, if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, only if
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■ Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled, if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts are installed in the inner door pan-
els.
■ Always have work completed by a

ŠKODA Service Partner or a competent
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing.
■ Ensure that there are no excessive forces, such as violent knocks, kicks etc.,
impact on the backrests of the seats otherwise the system may be damaged.
The side airbags would not be deployed in such a case!
■ Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passenger
seats must only be of the type expressly authorized by
ŠKODA. In view of the
fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use of non-ap-
proved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the protective
function of the side airbag. ■ Any damage to the original seat covers in the area of the side airbag module
must be repaired without delay by your
ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ The airbag modules in the front seats must not display any damage, cracks
or deep scratches. It is not permissible to use force in order to open the mod-
ules. Ð
151
Airbag system

Head airbags
Fig. 145
Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
In the event of a severe side collision, the head airbag system offers additional
protection for the head and neck area of passengers.
The head airbags are positioned above the doors on both sides in the interior of
the car » Fig. 145 - .
In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the belt tensioner on the side of the car on which the acci-
dent occurs.
When deployed, the airbags cover the side window and door pillar »
Fig. 145 -  .
Any impact of the head against parts of the interior or objects outside of the car,
is cushioned by the inflated head airbag. The reduction in any impact to the head
and the resultant minimizing of any movements of the head additionally reduce
the risk of injuries to the neck area. The head airbag also offers additional protec-
tion in the case of an offset impact by covering the middle door pillar. WARNING
■ There must not be any objects in the deployment area of the head airbags
which might prevent the airbags from inflating properly.
■ Only hang light items of clothing on the hooks fitted in the vehicle. Never
leave any heavy or sharp-edged objects in the pockets of the items of cloth-
ing. Additionally, clothes hangers must not be used to hang up items of cloth-
ing. WARNING (Continued)
■ The airbag control unit operates with sensors located in the front doors. For
this reason no adjustments must be carried out to the doors and door panels
(e.g. additional installation of loudspeakers). Resulting damages can have a
negative affect on the operation of the airbag system. All work on the front
doors and their panels must only be carried out by a

ŠKODA specialist garage.
■ There must no other persons (e.g. children) or animals between the passen-
ger and the deployment area of the head airbag. In addition, none of the occu-
pants should lean their head out of the window when driving, or extend their
arms and hands out of the window.
■ The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens, etc.
are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if the head
airbag is deployed.
■ The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head air-
bags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in the
event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated, parts of
the fitted accessories could be thrown into the interior of the car and injure
the occupants » page 194, Accessories, changes and replacement of parts .Ð Deactivating airbags
Deactivating airbags
Deactivation of airbags is envisaged only for particular instances, such as if:
› using a child seat on the front passenger seat, in which the child has its back to
the vehicle's direction of travel (in some countries this must be in the direction
of travel due to different legal regulations applying) » page 154, Transporting
children safely ;
› not being able to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle of
the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjusted;
› special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of a
physical disability;
› other seats have been installed (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » Fig. 146 on page 153.
We recommend that you ask a

ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags. £
152 Safety

Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one
airbag has been switched off.
If the airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment:
› The airbag indicator light  illuminates for around 4
seconds after the ignition
is switched on and then flashes approximately another 12 seconds in 2 second
intervals.
The following applies if the airbag has been switched off using the key switch
in the storage compartment: › The airbag indicator light  comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on;
› Switched off airbags are indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the indica-
tor light  in the display     coming on » Fig. 146 on page 153. Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.
■ A ŠKODA Service Partner will be able to inform you which airbags in your vehicle
can/must be deactivated. ÐKey switch for the front seat passenger airbag
Fig. 146
Storage compartment: Switch for the front passenger airbag/indi-
cator light for the deactivated front seat passenger airbag
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Deactivating an airbag › Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 2
» Fig. 146 OFF.›
Check that the airbag indicator light
 in the display      in the
middle of the dash panel lights up 3
» Fig. 146
when the ignition is turned on.
Activating an airbag
› Switch off the ignition.
› Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch into position 1
» Fig. 146 ON
.
› Check that the airbag indicator light
 in the display 
    in the
middle of the dash panel does not light up 3
» Fig. 146 when the ignition is
turned on.
Indicator light in the display 
    (front passenger airbag switched
off)
If the front passenger airbag is switched off, the indicator light comes on for
about 4 seconds after the ignition is switched on.
There is a system fault in the deactivated airbag » if the airbag indicator light
flashes. Immediately visit a ŠKODA specialist garage. WARNING
■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.
■ Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag. ■ If the airbag indicator light  in the display 
    flashes, the
front passenger airbag will not be deployed in the event of an accident! Have
the airbag system checked by a ŠKODA specialist garage immediately. Ð 153
Airbag system

Transporting children safely
Child seat
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Use of a child seat on the front passenger seat 154
Child safety and side airbag 155
Classification of child seats 155
Suitability of child seats 156
Child seats with the ISOFIX system 156
Child seat with the TOP TETHER system 156
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 154, 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. 147
Sticker on the B column on the
front passenger side.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 154.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you install child seats on the rear seats
whenever possible. £
ä
154 Safety

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 152, 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.
› Adjust the seat belt for the front passenger seat so that it is as high as possible
(not suitable for a child seat fastened with the
ISOFIX system).
› 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 152, 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. 147. The sticker is visible upon opening the
front passenger door. For some countries, the sticker is also affixed to the sun
visor of the front passenger.
■ 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. 148
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 154.
The child must not be positioned in the deployment area of the side air-
bag » Fig. 148 -  . 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. 148 - . 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 154.
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
155
Transporting children safely

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 154.
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 U
T
Universal category – a child seat with the word UNIVERSAL, which is de-
signed for fastening on the seat with the seat belt.
ISOFIX
– a child seat which is designed for fastening on the seat with eyelets
for the ISOFIX system is provided » page 156, Child seats with the ISOFIX
system.
ISOFIX – a child seat which is designed for fastening on the seat with an eye-
let for the TOP TETHER system is provided » page 156 , Child seat with the
TOP TETHER system. ÐChild seats with the ISOFIX system
Fig. 149
Rear seat: ISOFIX
ä U
+
T First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 154.
There are two fixing eyes between the seat backrest and the seat cushion of the
front passenger seat for fixing the
ISOFIX system child seat in place.
On the rear outside seats, the fixing eyes are located below the upholstery. The
places are marked with labels with the ISOFIX logo » Fig. 149.
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 Child seat with the TOP TETHER system
Fig. 150
Rear seat: TOP TETHER
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 154.
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. 150. £
ä
ä
156 Safety

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
157
Transporting children safely

Driving Tips
Driving and the Environment
The first 1 500 km
New engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres › Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
› No full throttle.
› Avoid high engine speeds.
› Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1
500 kilometres
› Gradually
increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later
until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1

500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period
is complete. The maximum permissible engine speed is marked by the start of the
red scale area of the revolutions counter. On vehicles fitted with a manual gear-
box, at the very latest shift up into the next gear when the red area is reached.
During acceleration (depressing the accelerator) exceptionally high engine
speeds are automatically reduced, yet the engine is not protected against too
high engine speeds which are caused by incorrectly shifting down the gears re-
sulting in a sudden increase of the engine speeds above the permitted maximum
revolutions which can lead to engine damage.
For a vehicle fitted with a manual gearbox the converse situation also applies: Do
not drive at an engine speed that is too low. Shift down a gear when the engine
is no longer running smoothly. Observe the recommended gear » page 11, Recom-
mended gear . CAUTION
All the speed and engine revolution figures apply only when the engine is at its
normal operating temperature. Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is
stationary or when driving in individual gears. For the sake of the environment
Not driving at unnecessarily high engine revolutions and shifting to a higher gear
as early as possible are ways to minimise fuel consumption and operating noise
levels and protects the environment. Ð New tyres
New tyres have to be “
run in” since they do not offer optimal grip at first. Drive
especially carefully for the first 500 km or so. Ð New brake pads
New brake pads initially do not provide full braking efficiency. The brake pads
must initially be “run in

”. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so. Ð Catalytic converter
Proper operation of the emission control system (catalytic converter) is of major
significance for driving your vehicle in an environmentally conscious way.
The following guidelines must be observed: › Vehicles fitted with a petrol engine must always be refueled with unleaded pet-
rol » page 175, Unleaded petrol ;
› Do not pour too much oil into the engine
» page 178, Checking the engine oil
level ;
› Do not switch off the ignition while driving.
If you drive your vehicle in a country in which unleaded petrol is not available, you
must have the catalytic converter replaced later when driving the vehicle into a
country in which use of a catalytic converter is mandatory. £
158 Driving Tips