2013 SKODA FABIA light

Side airbagsFig. 114
Location of the side airbag in the driver's seat/gas-filled side airbag
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 134.
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 side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front
seats » Fig. 114 – 
.
The head airbag and belt tensioner on the relevant side are also automatically de-
ployed when the side airbags » Fig. 114 - 
are deployed.
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.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the correct seated position.■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 142, Child safety and side airbag .WARNING (Continued)■
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.■
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 140, Child seat .
WARNING■
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 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.

136Safety

Head airbagsFig. 115
Location of the head airbag/gas-filled head airbag
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 134.
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 ofthe car » Fig. 115 - 
.
In the event of a side collision the head airbag is deployed together with the rele-
vant side airbag and the front seat belt tensioner on the side of the car on which
the accident occurs.
The airbag covers the windows of the front and rear doors, as well as the door
pillar when it is deployed » Fig. 115 - 
.
Head impact with interior parts is reduced by the inflated head airbag. The reduc- tion 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.
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.
■
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 accessories fitted could be thrown into the interior of the car and injure
the occupants » page 147.
■
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.
■
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 theirarms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
138
Switching off the front passenger airbag
138
137Airbag system

Deactivating airbagsFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 137.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered only in the following cases, for
example.
› When 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 140,
Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible 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 adjus-
ted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If 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 » page 138 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA Service Partner to switch off any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
Airbag was switched off using diagnostic equipment
› The

warning light lights up for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag switched off with the key switch in the storage com- partment
› The

warning light comes on for about 3 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The



3
» Fig. 116 on page 138 warning light comes on when the ignition is
switched on.
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.

Switching off the front passenger airbag
Fig. 116
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag/warning light
for front seat passenger airbag deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 137.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
2
» Fig. 116 OFF .
›
Check whether the
3

 1)
warning light in the 




message
in the centre of the dash panel lights up after the ignition has been switched
on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch to position
1
» Fig. 116 ON .
›
Check whether the
3


warning light in the 




message in
the centre of the dash panel does not light up after the ignition is switched on. 

1)
The
  airbag warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition is switched on, goes out
for about 1 second and then comes on again.
138Safety

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   warning light flashes, the front passenger airbag will not be de-
ployed in the event of an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a spe-
cialist garage immediately.

139Airbag system

WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the airbag system.■It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed from
old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never fit damaged airbag parts to a vehicle. The airbags may then not be
triggered properly or not at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change in the suspension of the vehicle including the use of non-approved
wheels and tyre combinations can alter the functioning of the airbag system -
there is a risk of accident and fatal injury.■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.

Washing the car
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
150
Automatic car wash systems
151
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
151
The best protection for your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is
frequent washing.
How often the vehicle should be washed depends, for example, on the following
factors.
› Frequency of use.
› Parking situation (garage, under trees, etc.).
› Season of the year.
› Weather conditions.
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.WARNING■ Washing your vehicle in the winter: water and ice in the brake system can
affect the braking efficiency – there is the risk of an accident.■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – there is the risk of
an accident.
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – there is a risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 150.
Soften the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as much as you can of this off.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom - starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath- er. 
150General Maintenance

CAUTION■When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the undertray, exhaust system, the inside of the
wheel housings or the wheel trims etc.) - there is a risk of cutting yourself.■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.

Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 150.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows including the sliding/tilt-
ing roof, etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular mounted parts, such as a spoiler, roof
rack, two-way radio aerial – it is best to consult the operator of the car wash sys-
tem beforehand.
The lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers must be cleaned and degreased with
cleaning agents especially formulated for the task after an automatic wash with
wax.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system.

Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 150.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■ Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure
cleaner – there is a risk of freezing.■
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.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – there
is a risk of damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing a vehicle with decorative film trim using a high-pressure
cleaner » page 153 .

Vehicle exterior care

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Caring for vehicle paintwork
152
Plastic parts
152
Rubber seals
153
Chrome parts
153
Decorative films
153
Windows and exterior mirrors
153
Headlight lenses
154
Door lock cylinders
154
Underbody waxing
154
Wheels
154
Underbody protection
154
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. 
151Car care

■When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating elements or
window aerial.

Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 151.
Clean the plastic headlight lenses with clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe the headlights dry.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, this may damage the
protective lacquer and consequently cause the cracking on the headlight lenses.■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – there is a risk of damaging the headlight lenses.

Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Underbody waxing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
Wax protection does not require to be inspected or re-treated.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petroleum cleaner.WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – there is a risk of fire.

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba- sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake dust otherwise the rim material will be attacked.
Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediately.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat the
wheel rims.
CAUTION
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This may
show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the steering
wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of the steering.
This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Underbody protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 151.
The underside of your vehicle is protected for life against chemical and mechani-
cal influences. 
154General Maintenance

We recommend that you remove dust at regular short intervals with a cloth or
vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a cotton or woollen cloth lightly moistened
with water and then dry with a clean dry cloth »
.
Clean more severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2
tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of water).
Use a cleaning agent specially developed for the purpose to remove stains.
Treat the leather with a suitable leather care product at suitable regular intervals.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that the leather is not soaked through at any point during cleaning and
that no water gets into the stitching of the seams. The leather would then be-
come brittle and cracked.■
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. Damage of this nature cannot later be recognized as a
justified complaint.
■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel.
■
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.
■
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers even
when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured upholstery. This
is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the clothing textiles.
Note
During the life of the vehicle, minor visible changes can occur on the leather parts
of the covers (e. g wrinkles or creases as a result of the stress of the covers).
Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara ®
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 155.
Synthetic leather
Clean the synthetic leather with a damp cloth.
If the synthetic leather does not come completely clean with this method, a mild soap solution or specific cleaning agent must be used.
Fabrics
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 special detergent to clean the headlining.
Remove pilling and residues on upholstery with a brush.Remove stubborn hair with a “cleaning glove”.
Alcantara ®
Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage
the surface.
If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the Al-
cantara ®
seat upholstery from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.
CAUTION
■ Do not use leather cleaners on Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.■Do not use solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover or similar agents on
Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to prevent the
fabrics from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the fabrics against direct sunlight by covering them.
■
Some clothing materials, such as dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers even when treated correctly. This is particularly true for light-coloured upholstery. This
is not a defect in the seat cover, but poor colour fastness of the clothing textiles.

156General Maintenance