2013 SKODA FABIA wheel

Airbag system
Description of the airbag system
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
System description
133
Airbag deployment
133WARNING■ An airbag can only offer you optimal protection in combination with a fas-
tened seat belt.■
The airbag is not a substitute for the seat belt, but instead forms part of the
complete passive vehicle safety concept.
■
To ensure passengers are protected with the greatest possible effect when
the airbag is deployed, the front seats must be correctly adjusted to match
the body size » page 125, Correct seated position .
■
If you do not fasten the seat belts when driving, lean too far forward or
adopt an incorrect seated position, you are exposing yourself to increased risk of injury in the event of an accident.
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for the airbag system.■If there is a fault, the airbag system must be checked by a specialist garage
immediately. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
■
Any work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or bodywork.
■
It is prohibited to tamper with individual parts of the airbag system as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.
■
The protective function of the airbag system is sufficient for only one acci-
dent. The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been de-
ployed.

System description
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 133.
The functional status of the airbag system is indicated by the  indicator light in
the instrument cluster » page 26.
When the airbags are deployed they fill with gas and inflate.
A grey white or red, non-harmful gas is released when the airbag is inflated. This
is perfectly normal and is not an indication of a fire in the vehicle.
The airbag system consists – depending on the vehicle equipment – of thefollowing modules.
› Electronic control unit.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger
» page 135.
› Side airbags
» page 136.
› Head airbags
» page 137.
› Airbag indicator light in the instrument cluster
» page 26.
› Key switch for the front passenger airbag
» page 138.
› Warning light for front passenger airbag deactivation in dash panel cen-
tre » page 138 .
Note
■
The airbag system needs no maintenance during its working life.■If you sell your vehicle, provide the complete vehicle documentation to the new
owner. Please note that the information relating to the possibility of deactivating
the front passenger airbag must be included!■
When disposing of vehicle or parts of the airbag system, it is important to com-
ply with the national legal requirements.

Airbag deployment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 133.
The airbags inflate in fractions of a second and at a high speed in order to be able
to offer that additional protection in the event of an accident.
The airbag system is only functional when the ignition is switched on. 
133Airbag system

Front airbagsFig. 112
Driver airbag in the steering wheel/front passenger airbag in the
dash panel
Fig. 113
Safe distance to steering wheel/inflated airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 134.
In the event of a severe frontal collision, the front airbag system offers additional protection for the head and chest area of the driver and front passenger.
The front airbag for the driver is housed in the steering wheel » Fig. 112 - 
.
The front airbag for the front seat passenger is located in the dash panel above
the glove compartment » Fig. 112 - 
.
The airbags inflate in front of the driver and front passenger when they are de- ployed » Fig. 113 -
 . The forward movement of the driver and of the front pas-
senger is cushioned when they make contact with the fully inflated airbag and
the risk of injury to head and chest is thus reduced.
WARNINGCorrect seated position■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance of
at least 25 cm from the steering wheel or dashboard A
» Fig. 113 . Not keeping
to this minimum distance will mean that the airbag system will not be able to
properly protect you – risk of death. The front seats and the head restraints
must always also be correctly adjusted to match the body size of the occu-
pant.
■
The airbag develops enormous forces when triggered, which can lead to in-
juries if the sitting position or seated position is not correct.
■
There must not by any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the front seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag.
WARNINGFront airbag and transporting children■Never transport children on the front seat of a vehicle without using a prop-
er restraint system. If airbags are deployed in the event of an accident, the
child might suffer severe or even fatal injuries!■
It is essential to switch off the front passenger airbag if you are using a child
seat on the front passenger seat in which the child is carried with its back fac-
ing the direction of travel » page 137, Deactivating airbags . If this is not done,
there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal injuries if the front
passenger airbag is deployed. When transporting a child on the front passen-
ger seat, pay attention to any relevant national regulations regarding the use
of child safety seats.
WARNINGGeneral■The steering wheel and the surface of the airbag module in the dash panel
on the passenger side must not have stickers attached, be covered or modi-
fied in any other way. These parts should only be cleaned with a cloth that is
dry or has been moistened with water. No objects such as cup holders, mobile
phone mounts, etc. must be attached to the covers of the airbag modules or
be located within their immediate vicinity.■
Never place objects on the surface of the front passenger airbag module in
the dash panel.

135Airbag 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

We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle. ŠKODA
AUTO a.s. offers a warranty on the reliability, safety and suitability for your partic-
ular vehicle of these accessories. Although we constantly monitor the market, we
are not able to assess or offer a warranty on other products even though in some
instances such products may have a type approval or may have been approved by
a nationally recognised approval authority.
All accessory products go through a fastidious process of technical development(technical tests) and quality inspection (customer tests), and only if all tests are positive does the product become a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory.
Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also provides expert advice and profes-
sional fitting if requested by the customer.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with materials defectliability legislation, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract or in any
other agreements. You should keep the confirmed warranty certificate and the
receipt for these accessories for this period, so that the commencement of the
warranty term may be verified.
In addition, ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care prod-
ucts as well as those parts which are subject to natural wear and tear, such as
tyres, batteries, bulbs and wiper blades.
Note
The accessories authorized by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered by the ŠKODA
Partners in all countries where ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a sales and service network.
This will usually be in the form of a printed catalogue of Original ŠKODA Accesso-
ries, in the form of separate printed brochures or in the form of offers for ŠKODA
Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA Partner's website.
Spoiler
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 147.
The following instructions shall be observed if your new vehicle is equipped with
a spoiler fitted to the front bumper in combination with the spoiler on the tail-
gate.
› For safety reasons the vehicle must only ever be equipped with a spoiler on the
front bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the tailgate.
› A spoiler cannot be fitted alone on the front bumper nor in combination without
a spoiler on the tailgate or in combination with an inappropriate spoiler on the
tailgate.
› We recommend that you consult a ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs, re-
placement, fitting or removal of spoilers.
WARNINGWork not properly performed on the spoilers on your vehicle can result in faults - there is a risk of an accident and serious injury.

Airbags
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 147.
The system components for the airbag system may be found in the front bumper,
doors, front seats, the roof lining or in the bodywork.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Adjustments, repairs and modifications which have been carried out unpro-
fessionally can cause damage, operational faults, and can also seriously impair
the effectiveness of airbag system – there is the risk of an accident and fatal
injury.
■
The airbag system must be replaced if an airbag has been deployed. Airbag
modules cannot be repaired. 
149Car care

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

We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must be
observed.WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the in-
structions.■
Always store vehicle care products in a safe place, out of the reach of chil-
dren – there is a risk of poisoning.
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – there is
a risk of cuts.
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, kitchen scrubbers or similar cleaning products –
there is a risk of damaging the paintwork finish.■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legislation.
Note
Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential
problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we recom-
mend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
Caring for vehicle paintwork
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 151.
Treat minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or chips immediately, if possi-
ble, with paint pens or sprays.
Preserving the vehicle paintwork
Thorough wax treatment is an effective way of protecting the paintwork from
harmful environmental influences.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,
when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body-
work after it has dried thoroughly.
Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat the
paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year with hard wax.
Polishing
Polishing is necessary if the vehicle's paintwork has become unattractive and if it
is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservatives.
If the polish does not contain any preserving elements, the paint must be treatedwith a preservative afterwards.
CAUTION
■ Never apply wax to the windows.■Mat painted or plastic parts must not be treated with polishing products or hard
waxes.■
Do not polish the paintwork in a dusty environment - there is a risk of scratch-
ing the paintwork.
■
Do not apply polish to door seals or window guides.
■
If possible, do not apply any polish to body surfaces that come into contact with
door seals and window guides.

Plastic parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 151.
Clean plastic parts with a damp cloth.
If this method does not clean plastic parts completely, use a specific plastic care product.
CAUTION
Do not use polish on plastic parts.
152General Maintenance

■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