2013 SKODA FABIA maintenance

The washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze in winter even if thevehicle has 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.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid otherwise the liquid transportation system can be conta-
minated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
164
Checking the oil level
165
Replenishing
166
Changing
166
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
Engine oils are the subject of continuous further development. Thus the informa- tion stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. We therefore recommend that you have the oil changed by a ŠKODA Serv-
ice Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 165.WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn-
ings » page 160 .■
 Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top
up the engine oil under the current conditions. Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
■
 Do not drive on if the oil level is above range
A
» Fig. 127 on page 165.
Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – there is a risk of serious engine
damage.
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
You must wash yourself thoroughly if your skin has come into contact with oil.

Specifications and capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 164.
Specifications and capacity (in l) for vehicles with flexible service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecificationCapacity1.2 litres/44 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 002.81.2 litres/51 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 002.81.4 litres/63 kWVW 503 00, VW 504 003.21.4 litres/132 kW TSIVW 504 003.61.2 litres/63 kW TSIVW 504 003.91.2 litres/77 kW TSIVW 504 003.9 164General Maintenance

The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend it be checked
after each time you refuel or prior to making a long journey.
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A
, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy motor-
way trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a high moun- tain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is too low » page 21 ,   Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as soon
as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ Always check the oil level on vehicles with the 1.2 l/44 kW engine when the en-
gine is cold. Otherwise the measuring result is incorrect und oil could be incor-
rectly replenished - risk of engine damage!■
The oil level must never be above the
A
range » Fig. 127 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system.
Note
Engine oil specifications » page 164.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 164.
›
Check the oil level » page 165.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 164 .
›
Check the oil level » page 165.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.

Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 164.
The engine oil must be changed at specified service intervals » page 145 or ac-
cording to the service interval display » page 16, Service Interval Display .

Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
167
Checking the coolant level
167
Replenishing
168
The coolant consists of water with a concentration of coolant additive. This mix-
ture guarantees antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system
against corrosion and prevents the formation of scale.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled with
a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In these coun-
tries the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40 %.
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 %.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the amount
of coolant additive can only be increased up to a maximum of 60 % (antifreeze
protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expansion vessel » Fig. 128 on page 167. 
166General Maintenance

If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light  lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 22,   Coolant .
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 specialist
garage.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 166.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully unscrew
the cap.
›
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 waterand the coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
(max.) » Fig. 128 on page 167. Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Level check
168
Changing
169WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. While working in
the engine compartment, be sure to observe the following warn- ings » page 160 .■
 Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 129 on page 168 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help from
a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – there is the risk of an accident.
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a prescribed inspection service.
Level check
Fig. 129
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 168.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 129.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. 
168General Maintenance

WARNING■It is prohibited to work with a naked flame and light.■Smoking or any activities which produce sparks are prohibited.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – there is a risk of explosion.
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – there is a risk of explo-
sion 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.
WARNING■ 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 the poles on the battery (e.g. with a metal object, cable) creates a
short circuit - there is a risk of melting the lead terminals, explosion, the bat- tery burning, of acid being ejected.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the engine,
the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative termi-
nal ( ) of the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage occurring. We recommend
having all work on the vehicle battery be undertaken by a specialist garage.
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 vehicle's electrical system, first
disconnect the negative terminal ( ), then the positive terminal ( ) of the battery.■
When connecting the battery to the vehicle's electrical system first connect the
positive terminal ( ), and only then the negative terminal ( ) of the battery. Un-
der no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a
cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – there
is a 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. Battery discharge can be prevented by discon- necting the negative terminal ( ) of the battery or by continuously charging the
battery charged with 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.
Open cover
Fig. 130
Vehicle battery: Open up the
cover
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 169.
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 130.
›
The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place in
the reverse order.

170General Maintenance

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

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

Full wheel trimFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 173.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Fitting
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the valve opening provided.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference latches cor-
rectly into position.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid strik-
ing the trim heavily when it is not yet inserted in the wheel rim. This could cause
damage to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the valve
area » page 184 , Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 136
Remove the capFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
Pulling off
›
Push the tool » page 181 onto the cap until the inner lugs of the tool are posi-
tioned on the cap collar » Fig. 136.
›
Remove the cap.
Fitting
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Hubcaps
Fig. 137
Pull off the wheel trim cap on
light alloy wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 173.
Pulling off
›
Carefully remove the wheel trim cap using the wire tool from the vehicle tool
kit » Fig. 137 .

178General Maintenance