2013 SKODA FABIA window

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

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

Rubber sealsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
All door seals and window guides are factory-treated with a colourless matt var- nish layer against a freezing to painted body parts and against road noise.
Do not treat the door seals or window guides with any cleaning agent.
CAUTION
An additional treatment of the seals can attack their protective coating and road
noise may be generated.
Chrome parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 151.
First clean the chrome parts with a damp cloth and then polish them with a soft,
dry cloth.
If this method does not completely clean chrome parts, use a specific chrome care product.
CAUTION
Do not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment - there is a risk of scratch-
ing the finish.
Decorative films
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
Wash the films with a mild soap solution and clean, warm water. Never use ag-
gressive cleaning products or chemical solvents, it could result in damage to the
films.
The following instructions must be observed for the high-pressure washing the
vehicle.
› The minimum distance between the nozzle and the vehicle body should be 50
cm.
› Keep the jet perpendicular to the film surface.
› The maximum water temperature is 50 °C.
› The maximum water pressure is 80 bar.
CAUTION
No ice scrapers should be used in the winter months to remove ice and snow
from the areas to which films have been applied. Do not remove frozen snow or
ice using other objects - there is a risk of damage to the film.
Windows and exterior mirrors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 151.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors.
Clean the windows regularly with clean water, inside and out.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
chamois leather can smear the windows and reduce visibility.
CAUTION
■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand, and
salt must not be removed from the window glass and mirrors – risk of damage to
the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Never remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – there is a
risk of cracking in glass. 
153Car 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

Damage to the protective coating cannot be excluded when the vehicle is driven.
We recommend that you have the protective coating under the body and on the chassis inspected - preferably before the beginning and at the end of the cold
season.WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields. These
substances could ignite when the engine reaches its operating temperature -
there is a risk of fire.

Care of the interior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
155
Synthetic leather, fabrics and Alcantara ®
156
Seat covers
157
Seat belts
157
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and
value of your vehicle.
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.
CAUTION■ Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe pol-
ish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possible.
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature in-
side the vehicle is high.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dash panel.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged.
■
Do not clean the headlining with a brush – risk of damage to the lining surface.
■
Cleaners containing solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used cans of vehicle care product represent hazardous waste that is harmful to
the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legisla-
tion.
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.
Natural leather
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 155.
Leather is a natural material with specific properties and requires regular cleaning
and maintenance.
The leather should be cleaned on a regular basis depending on the amount of
wear-and-tear.
Dust and dirt in pores and creases act as abrasives. This leads to severe abrasion
and the premature embrittlement of the leather surface. 
155Car care

Engine compartment overviewFig. 125
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 160.
Coolant expansion reservoir
167
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
163
Engine oil filler opening
166
Engine oil dipstick
165
Brake fluid reservoir
168
Vehicle battery
169
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 160.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGThe fan can intermittently continue to run for approximately 10 minutes after
the ignition is switched off.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 126
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 160.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen and rear window and for the head- light cleaning system.
The filling level of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We recommend using clean washing water together with the screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (in winter additionally with antifreeze)
which is capable of removing stubborn dirt. 

1)
In some countries, 5.4 ltr. applies for both variants.
163Inspecting and replenishing

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