Changing engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
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 169.
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 %. 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. 143 on page 174.
ä
ä
Coolant capacity
Petrol engines Capacities (in litres)
1.2 ltr./77 kW TSI 7.7
1.4 ltr./90 kW TSI 7.7
1.8 ltr./112 kW TSI 8.6
1.8 ltr./118 kW TSI 8.6 Diesel engines
Capacities (in litres)
1.6 ltr./77 kW TDI CR 8.4
2.0 ltr./81 kW TDI CR 8.4
2.0 ltr./103 kW TDI CR 8.4
2.0 ltr./125 kW TDI CR 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
173
Inspecting and replenishing
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 143
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 171.
› Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle
» Fig. 143. 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.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the indicator light lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 20, Coolant tem-
perature/coolant level . We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly
at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
ŠKODA spe-
cialist garage immediately. CAUTION
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a ŠKODA Service
Partner immediately, otherwise serious engine damage may occur. Ð
ä Replenishing the coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Allow the engine to cool.
› Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 143 on
page 174 and unscrew the cap carefully.
› Replenish the coolant.
› Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an
emergency. In this case, just use water and have the correct mixing ratio of water
and the coolant additive restored by a ŠKODA
specialist garage as soon as possi-
ble.
Only use new coolant to top up the system.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark A
(max.)
» Fig. 143 on page 174! Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap. WARNING
■ The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
Avoid contact with the coolant. Coolant vapours are also harmful to health.
Therefore always safely store the coolant additive in its original container out
of the reach of children - risk of poisoning!
■ If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■ You should also consult a doctor without delay if you have inadvertently
swallowed coolant. CAUTION
Do not continue your journey, if it is not possible to top up the coolant under
the prevailing conditions . Contact a
ŠKODA Service Partner to avoid the risk of
serious engine. Ð
ä
174 General Maintenance
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The radiator fan is driven by an electric motor and controlled according to the
coolant temperature.
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan can intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
ÐChecking the brake fluid
Fig. 144
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
› Open the bonnet
» page 171.
› Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir
» Fig. 144. 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 indicator light lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 19, Brake system .
ä
ä 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.Ð Changing the brake fluid
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
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
ä
175
Inspecting and replenishing
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 145
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
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 filling level of the container is about 3
litres and about 5.5 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
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.
ä 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. Ð Vehicle battery
ä
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Battery cover 178
Checking the battery electrolyte level 178
Operation in winter 178
Charging a vehicle battery 179
Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery 179
Replacing the vehicle battery 179
Automatic load deactivation 180
Warning 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.
£1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
176 General Maintenance
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. ■ 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. WARNING (Continued)
■ 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
177
Inspecting and replenishing
Battery cover
Fig. 146
Engine compartment: Polyester cover of the vehicle battery/plastic
cover of the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
The battery is located in the engine compartment in a polyester cover
1
» Fig. 146 or in a plastic cover 2
» Fig. 146.
› Open the battery cover in the direction of the arrow 1
or press the interlock on
the side of the battery cover in the direction of the arrow 2
» Fig. 146
, fold the
cover up and remove.
› The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
When working on the battery, the edge of the polyester battery cover 1
» Fig. 146 is inserted between the battery and the side wall of the battery cov-
er. ÐChecking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 147
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
ä
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a ŠKODA specialist ga-
rage from time to time, especially in the following cases.
› High outside temperatures.
› Long daily drives
› After each charge
» page 179.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 147, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check. › Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced. Note
■ The battery electrolyte level is periodically checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner
as part of the Inspection Service. ■ For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked. ■ Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start. Ð Operation in winter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
At low temperatures, the vehicle battery only has part of the initial power output
that it has at normal temperatures.
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just below 0
°C.
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a ŠKODA Service Partner before the start of the winter. Ð
ä
ä
178 General Maintenance
Charging a vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
› Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
› Only for “quick-charging”: Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”,
then “positive”).
› Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“posi-
tive
”, black = “negative”).
› Only now plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch
on the device.
› When charging is completed: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
› Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
› Reconnect the cables to the battery, if necessary (first of all
“positive”, then
“negative
”).
It is not normally necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you re-
charge the vehicle battery using low amperages (as for example from a mini-
charger). Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower)
must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is, however, necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery
with high amperages, so-called “ quick-charging”.
“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 198, Jump-starting in vehicles with the
START-STOP
system . Ð
ä Disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
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
Electrical power window (operational faults) » page 36
Panoramic sliding roof (operational faults) » page 38
Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber » User manual of the radio
or »
user manual of the navigation
system
Setting the clock » page 11
Data in the multifunction display are deleted. » page 12 Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a ŠKODA Service Partner to ensure
the full functionality of all electrical systems. Ð Replacing the vehicle battery
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
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.
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
ä
ä
179
Inspecting and replenishing
Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 176.
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. Ðä
180 General Maintenance