2013 SKODA FABIA wheel bolts

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

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

Wheel boltsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 173.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Whenever
you change the wheels fitted, e.g. light alloy wheels or wheels with winter tyres,
you must also use the matching wheel bolts of the correct length and shape of
bolt head. Correct fastening of the wheels depends on this.

Winter use
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
179
Snow chains
179
Winter tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 179.
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on wintry
roads if you fit winter tyres. Summer tyres have less grip on ice, snow and at tem- peratures below 7 °C. This is especially true of low-profile tyres or high-speed
tyres .
To achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be fitted on
all four wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres must be no
older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissible
maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum
speed of the vehicle is higher.
The speed limit for winter tyres can be set in the MAXI DOT display in the Winter
tyres menu item » page 18.
For the sake of the environmentRe-fit the summer tyres at an appropriate time as they provide better handling
properties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear on
roads which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C. The
fuel consumption is also lower.
Snow chains
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 179.
When driving on wintry roads, snow chains improve not only traction, but also the
braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the following wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeDepth (D)Tyre size5J x 1435 mm165/706J x 1437 mm185/606J x 1543 mm185/55
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 12 mm.
CAUTION
■
The chains must be removed when driving on roads which are free of snow.
They adversely affect the handling of your vehicle, damage the tyres and are rap-
idly destroyed.■
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains.

179Wheels

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

Subsequent stepsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special screw » page 177 , Spare wheel .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the strap.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Change the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair possibili-
ties.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
Fig. 141
Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel boltsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 181.
Undoing
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt as far as the stop 1)
.
›
Grip the wrench at its end and turn the bolt about one turn in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 141.
Tightening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt as far as the stop 1)
.
›
Grip the wrench at its end and turn the bolt against the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 141 until it is tight.
WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) until the vehicle has been
jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come off and fall down – there is a risk
of injury.
Note
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end of the
wrench with your foodt. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and make sure
you keep your footing.

1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts » page 184.
183Emergency equipment, and self-help

Raising the vehicleFig. 142
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack
Fig. 143
Attach lifting jack
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 181.
Position the car jack below the jacking point closest to the flat tyre » Fig. 142. The
jacking point is located directly below the engraving in the lower sill.
›
Wind the jack below the jacking point with the crank up until its claw is posi- tioned below the vertical web of the lower sill.
›
Offer the jack up so that its claw encloses the web » Fig. 143 - 
.
›
Support the base plate of the jack with its full area resting on level ground and
ensure that the jack is located in a vertical position at the point where the claw
encloses the web » Fig. 143 -
 .
›
Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground.
WARNING■
Only raise the vehicle at the jacking points.■Choose a flat and firm surface for jacking the vehicle.

Securing wheels against theft
Fig. 144
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 181.
The anti-theft wheel bolts can only be removed/tightened with the aid of the
adapter » page 181 , Vehicle tool kit .
›
Pull off the full wheel trim from the wheel rim or the cap from the anti-theft
wheel bolt.
›
Insert adapter
B
» Fig. 144 with its toothed end fully into the inner toothing of
the anti-theft wheel bolt
A
to the stop so that only the outer hexagon
projects.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 183.
›
After removing the adapter, refit the solid wheel trim or push the cap onto the
anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible. 
184Do-it-yourself