2013 SKODA FABIA warning

WARNING“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
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 189, Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP
system .
Note
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be rapid charged by a specialist
garage.
Disconnecting or reconnecting
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
The following functions are initially deactivated or are no longer able to operate
faultlessly after the vehicle battery has been disconnected and reconnected.
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 40Enter the radio/navigation system code num-
ber» User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion systemSetting the clock» page 12Data in the multifunction display are deleted.» page 13
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage to ensure the
full functionality of all electrical systems.
Replacing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
When replacing a battery, the new vehicle battery must have the same capacity,
voltage, amperage and be the same size. Suitable vehicle batteries can be pur-
chased from a specialist dealer.
We recommend that the battery is replaced by a specialist garage, where the new
vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be disposed
of in accordance with national regulations.

Automatic load deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from discharg-
ing when the battery is subjected to heavy loads. This may be noticed from the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or shut off completely if necessary.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the vehi-
cle 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 longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery to
discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not disrupted by any shutting off of consumers. Often the driv-
er is not aware of it having taken place.
172General Maintenance

Wheels
Tyres and rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tyre service life
174
New tyres
175
Unidirectional tyres
176
Tyre pressure monitor
176
Spare wheel
177
Full wheel trim
178
Wheel bolts
178
Hubcaps
178
Wheel bolts
179WARNING■ National legal requirements must be observed for the use of tyres.■Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.WARNINGThe following instructions for the use of tyres must be observed.■During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropri-
ate care should therefore be taken when driving – there is the risk of an acci-
dent.■
On all four wheels, use only radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling cir-
cumference) and the same tread pattern.
■
For safety reasons, do no replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of the tyres
fitted – there is the risk of an accident.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed of the tyres fitted – there is
the risk of an accident.
WARNING (Continued)■ Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – there is the
risk of an accident.■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
■
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction will adversely affect
the road safety of your vehicle – there is the risk of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding tyre damage and wear.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres do not provide the necessary grip particularly at high speeds on
wet roads. “Aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swim- ming” on a wet road surface) could be the result.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre pressure at regular
intervals.■
Pressures that are too low or too high impair handling – there is the risk of
an accident.
■
If the pressure is too low, the tyre must overcome a greater rolling resist-
ance. This will heat the tyre up, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation and a tyre blowout. 
173Wheels

WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never apply grease or
oil.■
The specified tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■
If the wheel bolts are insufficiently tightened, the rim can come loose when
the car is moving – there is the risk of an accident. A tightening torque which
is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent
deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
The wheel can loosen when the car is moving if the wheel bolts are not han-
dled correctly – there is the risk of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the spare wheel.■Only use the spare wheel while absolutely necessary.■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel fitted.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 177, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost dust caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or the opposite running direction, drive carefully as the optimum characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres which are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres is carried out by a special-
ist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Tyre service lifeFig. 132
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre sizes and tyre pressures
Fig. 133
Swapping wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
The life of tyres depends on the pressure, driving style, and other circumstances.
Following the advice below can extend the service life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 132 –
.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. 
174General Maintenance

530 kg
545 kg
615 kg
630 kg
650 kg
Speed symbol
This indicates the maximum permissible speed for a vehicle fitted with tyres in
the category concerned.
170 km/h
180 km/h
190 km/h
200 km/h
210 km/h
240 km/h
270 km/h
CAUTION
The information about the load index and the speed symbol for your vehicle are
listed in your vehicle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 173.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
The direction of rotation indicated must be complied with to obtain the best ben- efits from the characteristics of these tyres.
These characteristics are principally the following.
› Increased driving stability.
› Reduced risk of aquaplaning.
› Reduced tyre noise and reduced tyre wear.
8687919293RSTUHVWTyre pressure monitorFig. 134
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
System settings
A system configuration must be run as follows after adjusting the tyre pressure,
after changing one or more wheels, changing the position of a wheel on the vehi- cle (e.g. swapping the wheels between the axles) or when the warning light lights
up while driving.
›
Inflate all the tyres to the specified pressure » page 26, 
Tyre pressure .
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the 
» Fig. 134 button for more than 2 seconds.
There is a fault in the system if the 
warning light comes on and does not go
out after the system configuration.
There is a system fault if the 
warning light flashes.
Tyre pressure indicator
The 
warning light comes on in any of the following cases.
› The tyre pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are fitted.
› The spare wheel is fitted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.

176General Maintenance

WARNING■When the warning light  illuminates, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvres. Stop the vehicle as soon as
possible and inspect the tyres and their inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the  warning light can be delayed or does not light up at all.
CAUTION
■
The tyre control display does therefore not replace the regular tyre inflation
pressure control, as the system cannot detect an even loss of pressure.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid loss of tyre pressure, e.g. in the
event of a sudden puncture. In this case carefully bring the vehicle to a standstill without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.
■
The basic setting must be repeated every 10,000 km or once a year to ensure
proper functioning of the tyre pressure monitor.

Spare wheel
Fig. 135
Boot: Spare wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the luggage com-
partment and held by a special nut » Fig. 135.
Taking the wheel out
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut » Fig. 135 anticlockwise.
›Take out the wheel.
Stowing the wheel›
Stow the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well with the rim facing down.
›
Screw on the nut » Fig. 135 clockwise until the wheel is safely secured.
›
Replace the box with the tool kit into the spare wheel and secure it with the
tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the tailgate.
Install a wheel of the appropriate version and dimensions as soon as possible.
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted to the
vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used briefly in the
event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of driving is adop-
ted »
.
Temporary spare wheel
A yellow warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be specially attentive when driving.
› The pressure for the temporary spare wheel is identical to the maximum pres-
sure of the standard tyres.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage
since it is not intended for permanent use.
WARNING■ Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.■If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the fit-
ted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
CAUTION
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare wheel.
177Wheels

Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment, and self-help
Emergency equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
First aid kit and warning triangle
180
Fire extinguisher
180
Vehicle tool kit
181
First aid kit and warning triangle
Fig. 138
Placing of the warning triangle
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 180.
A warning triangle with the maximum dimensions 39 x 68 x 450 mm can be at-
tached to the trim panel of the rear wall with rubber straps » Fig. 138.
WARNINGThe first-aid kit and warning triangle must always be secured safely so that
they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle
collision which could cause injuries to occupants.Note■ Pay attention to the expiration date of the first-aid kit.■We recommend using a first-aid box from ŠKODA Original Accessories available
from a ŠKODA Partner.

Fire extinguisher
Fig. 139
Fire extinguisher
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 180.
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a bracket under the driver's
seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar- row » Fig. 139 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
It is attached in the reverse order.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person once a year. Na-
tional legal requirements must be observed.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come
loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants. 180Do-it-yourself

Note■The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. Proper functioning
of the fire extinguisher is not assured once it has passed its expiry date.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.

Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 140
Vehicle tool kit
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 180.
The vehicle tool kit and the jack are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or
in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space here for the remova-
ble ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
The components of the vehicle tool kit (depending on equipment) » Fig. 140.
Screwdriver
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Wire tool for removing the full wheel trims
Car jack
Wheel brace
123456Tool for removing wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Screw the car jack back to its initial position after use to store it back in the box with the vehicle tool kit.WARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – there
is a risk of injury.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.

Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
182
Changing a wheel
182
Subsequent steps
183
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
183
Raising the vehicle
184
Securing wheels against theft
184WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights and set up
the warning triangle at the prescribed distance. National legal requirements
must be observed.■
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
■
If the vehicle has been retrofitted with tyres which are different from those
it was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 175, New tyres .
78181Emergency equipment, and self-help

WARNINGObserve the following instructions for raising the vehicle.■If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the
lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a
non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Never start the engine with the vehicle sitting on the raised jack – there is a
risk of injury.
CAUTION
■ The tightening torque specified for the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are fastened too tightly, this can cause damage to the anti-
theft wheel bolt or the adapter.
Note
■ The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.■
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.

Preparation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
› Have
all the occupants get out. The passengers should not stand on the road
(instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while the wheel is being changed.›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P.
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Uncouple any trailer.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 181 and the spare wheel » page 177 , Spare
wheel from the boot.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 178 or caps » page 178 .
›
In the case of light alloy wheel rims remove the wheel trim cap » page 178.
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 183 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 184 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the opposite wheel bolts alternately (cross-wise) with the wheel
wrench. Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 183.
›
Reinstall the wheel trim/wheel trim cap or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 176 , Unidirectional tyres .

182Do-it-yourself