2013 SKODA FABIA brakes

Table of Contents
Materials defect liability and ŠKODA warranty for
new cars5
Mobility warranty and ŠKODA extended
warranty
6
Abbreviations
Using the system
Cockpit
9
Overview
8
Instruments and Indicator Lights
10
Instrument cluster
10
Multifunction display (MFD)
13
Service Interval Display
16
MAXI DOT display
18
Warning lights
20
Unlocking and locking
28
Unlocking and locking
28
Central locking system
31
Remote control
34
Anti-theft alarm system
35
Tailgate
37
Electrical power windows
38
Electric sliding/tilting roof
40
Lights and visibility
43
Lights
43
Interior lights
48
Visibility
49
Windscreen wipers and washers
50
Rear window
53Seats and storage54Front seats54
Rear seats
56
Head restraints
57
Boot
58
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Fabia Estate)
62
Net partition (Fabia Estate)
64
Bicycle carrier in the luggage compartment
65
Roof rack system
67
Useful equipment
69
Storage compartments
72
Heating and air conditioning
77
Heating, ventilation, cooling
77
Heating
78
Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
80
Climatronic (automatic air conditioningsystem)
83
Communication and multimedia
86
Universal telephone preinstallation GSM II
86
Voice control
91
Multimedia
92
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
95
Steering
95
Starting and stopping the engine
96
Brakes
98
Manual gear shifting and pedals
99
Automatic transmission
100
Running in
103
Economical driving and respect the
environment
104
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
108
Driving abroad
109Assist systems111Brake assist systems111
Parking aid
113
Cruise control system
114
START-STOP
116
Towing a trailer
118
Towing device
118
Trailer
121
Safety
Passive Safety
124
General information
124
Correct seated position
125
Seat belts
128
Wearing seat belts
128
Inertia reel and belt pretensioners
131
Airbag system
133
Description of the airbag system
133
Airbag overview
134
Deactivating airbags
137
Transporting children safely
140
Child seat
140
Fastening systems
143
General Maintenance
Car care
145
Service intervals
145
Services, modifications and technical
alterations
147
Washing the car
150
Vehicle exterior care
151
Care of the interior
1553Table of Contents

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 168 .
Further information » page 98, Brakes .WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 47.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 160, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 24 ,  Antilock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – there is a risk of accident.

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out once the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belt.
A steady warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and the 
flashes if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts.
The warning signal is switched off and the 
indicator light is permanently lit if
the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Further information » page 128.

 Alternator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light lights up 
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a specialist garage. The electrical system requires checking.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 47 .
CAUTION
 Do not continue driving if the  warning light (coolant system fault) lights up
in addition to the  warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine - there is
a risk of engine damage.
 Door open
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 47 .

  Engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off! Read manual. 
21Instruments and Indicator Lights

Seats and storage
Front seats
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Adjusting the front seats - Version 1
55
Adjusting the front seats - Variant 2
55
Front seat heating
55
The driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the pedals can be fully
pressed to the floor with slightly bent legs.
The seat backrest on the driver's seat should be adjusted in such a way that the
upper point of the steering wheel can be easily reached with slightly bent arms.
Correct adjustment of the seats is particularly important:
› for reaching the controls safely and quickly;
› for a relaxed, fatigue-free body position;
› for achieving maximum protection from the seat belts and the airbag system.
WARNINGGeneral information■Caution when adjusting the seat! You may suffer injuries or bruises as a re-
sult of adjusting the seat without paying proper attention.■
The seat backrests must not be reclined too far when driving otherwise this
will affect proper operation of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of
injury.
■
Never carry more people than the number of seats in the vehicle.
■
Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 140, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
■
The front seats and head restraints must be adjusted to match the body
size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to provide the most effective levels of protection to the passengers.
■
Do not transport any objects on the front passenger seat other than objects
(e.g. child safety seat) intended for this purpose – there is the risk of an acci-
dent.
WARNINGInformation for the driver■Only adjust the driver's seat when the vehicle is stationary – there is the risk
of an accident.■
Keep a distance of at least 25 cm from the steering wheel. Not keeping to
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – risk of death.
■
Ensure that there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get
caught behind the pedals while you are driving or under braking. You would
then no longer be able to operate the clutch, brake or accelerate.
WARNINGInformation for the front seat passenger■Maintain a distance of at least 25 cm from the dash panel. Not maintaining
this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you - there is a risk that you could be killed.■
Always keep your feet in the footwell when the car is being driven - never
place your feet on the instrument panel, out of the window or on the seats.
You will be exposed to increased risk of injury if it becomes necessary to apply
the brakes or in the event of an accident. You may suffer fatal injuries when
an airbag is deployed if you have adopted an incorrect seating position.
Note
After a certain time, play can develop within the adjustment mechanism of the
backrest angle.
54Using the system

Useful equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Cupholders
69
Ashtray
69
Cigarette lighter
70
12-volt power outlet
70
Clothes hook
71
Car park ticket holder
71WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down while you are driving (under acceleration or when cornering) and could
distract you from the traffic - there is a risk of an accident.■
Make sure that no objects from the centre console or from other storage
compartments can get into the driver's footwell while you are driving. You
would then no longer be able to apply the brakes or operate the clutch or ac-
celerator pedal – there is a risk of an accident.
■
Ash and cigarette or cigar stubs must only be discarded in ashtrays.

Cupholders
Fig. 61
Cup holder
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 69.
Two beverage containers can be placed into the recesses
A
» Fig. 61 .
One beverage container can be placed into the recess
B
.
WARNING■ Never put hot cups in the cup holder. They may spill as the vehicle moves –
there is a risk of scalding.■
No objects should be placed in the holders that might endanger the vehi-
cle's occupants if the vehicle brakes suddenly or the vehicle is in collision.
■
Do not use any cups or beakers which are made of brittle material (e.g. glass,
porcelain). This could lead to injuries in the event of an accident.
CAUTION
Do not leave open beverage containers in the cup holder during the journey.
There is a risk of spilling e.g. when braking which may cause damage to the elec-
trical components or seat upholstery.
Ashtray
Fig. 62
Centre console: Ashtray at the front/rear
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 69.
The ashtray can be used for discarding ash, cigarettes, cigars and the like » .

69Seats and storage

Storage compartments
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storage compartments on the front passenger side
72
Cooling the storage compartment on the front passenger side
73
Storage compartment on the driver's side
73
Map pockets in the front seats
73
Glasses storage box
74
Stowage compartment in centre console
74
Stowage compartment underneath the front passenger seat
74
Front armrest with storage compartment
75
Storage compartments in the doors
75
Storage compartments in the boot
75
Flexible storage compartment
76WARNING■ Do not place anything on the dash panel. These objects might slide or fall
down while you are driving (under acceleration or when cornering) and could
distract you from the traffic - there is a risk of an accident.■
Make sure that no objects from the centre console or from other storage
compartments can get into the driver's footwell while you are driving. You
would then no longer be able to apply the brakes or operate the clutch or ac-
celerator pedal – there is a risk of an accident.

Storage compartments on the front passenger sideFig. 66
Dash panel: Storage compart-
ments on the front passenger
side
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 72.
Open/close
›
Pull the cover handle in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 66 and fold down the
cover.
›
Lift the lid upwards until it clicks into place.
A pin holder is located inside the lower flap.
WARNINGThe storage compartments must always be closed when driving for safety
reasons.

72Using the system

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key to position
3
to the stop and release immediately the engine has
started – do not depress the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.

Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 96.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key to position
1
» Fig. 86 on
page 97.

Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information for braking
98
Handbrake
99WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – there is the risk of an accident.■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. If you fail to do so, the functionality of the brake servo can be impaired – there is the risk of an
accident.WARNING (Continued)■ If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must be
ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced. The front
brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the functioning of
the braking system – there is a risk of an accident.■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle might then move off – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.

Information for braking
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 98.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance down a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be comple-
ted intermittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted. 
98Driving

Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between services.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will not know how great the damage is.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 20, 
Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 87
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 98.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 87 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light  lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have
a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a risk of an
accident.

Manual gear shifting and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
100
Pedals
100
99Starting-off and Driving

Manual gear shifting (Tiptronic)Fig. 90
Selector lever/multi-function steering wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 100.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears with the selector lever or
multifunction steering wheel. This mode can be selected both while halted and
while driving.
The gear currently selected is indicated in the display
1
» Fig. 89 on page 101.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 13.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Press the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 90 .
›
Pull the right-hand paddle +
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Shifting down gears
›
Press the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 90 .
›
Pull the left-hand paddle -
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel.
Temporarily switching to manual gear shifting in mode D or S
›
Pull one of the -/+ paddles
» Fig. 90 briefly towards the steering wheel .
Manual gear shifting is deactivated if more than 1 minute passes after either of
the -
/+ paddles was pulled. The temporary switch to manual gear shifting can
also be deactivated by pulling the right-hand + paddle towards the steering
wheel for more than 1 second.
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just
before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be advantageous to use manual gear shifting when driving downhill, for
example. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence brake wear » page 98 , Information for braking .
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 100.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 101 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Fully depress and hold the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Press and hold the shiftlock button on the selector lever grip.
›
Move the selector lever to the P position and then release the shiftlock button.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve maximum acceleration by your vehi-
cle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode. 
102Driving