Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
229
New tyres
230
Unidirectional tyres
231
Tyre control display
231
Spare wheel
232
Full wheel trim
233
Wheel bolts
233
Wheel bolts
233WARNING■ The 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 – risk of accident!■
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 for fitted
tyres – risk of accident!
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for fitted tyres – risk of acci-
dent!
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – risk of
accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ 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 – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding damage and wear of tyres.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of 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 adhesion to the road surface par-
ticularly at high speeds on wet roads. One could experience “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled movements of the vehicle – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre inflation pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling – risk of an accident!
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre must perform a greater rolling
resistance. At higher speeds the tyre will warm up as a result of this. This can
result in tread separation and a tyre blowout.
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them with
grease or oil. 228General Maintenance
WARNING (Continued)■The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim can
come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening torque
which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in per-
manent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving – risk of 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 mounted.
■
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 232, 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 be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Service life of tyresFig. 189
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/Open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre size and tyre inflation pressure
Fig. 190
Changing wheels around
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
The life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style, and other cir-
cumstances. 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. 189 -
.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at all times.
229Wheels
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 instructions on the warning sign of the emergency wheel.
Full wheel trim
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 228.
Extracting
›
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.
Installing
›
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 locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid
heavy knocks when the trim 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 240 , 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 boltsFig. 193
Remove the cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 228.
Extracting
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 236 sufficiently far onto the cap until the in-
ner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 193.
›
Remove the cap.
Installing
›
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.
Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 228.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels, 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 spherical cap. This is a prerequisite for ensuring that wheels are attached correctly.
233Wheels
Fire extinguisherFig. 196
Fire extinguisher
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 235.
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driver's
seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar- row » Fig. 196 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
Follow these steps in the reverse order for attachment.
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. The
national 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.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is not assured.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.
Vehicle tool kitFig. 197
Vehicle tool kit
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 235.
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting 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 removable 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 vehicle equip- ment) » Fig. 197 .
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Crank for the jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps Replacement bulb set
Screw the jack back into its home position after use to allow you to store it in the
box with the toolkit.
12345678910236Do-it-yourself
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 – risk of
injury!■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the luggage compart-
ment.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
237
Changing a wheel
238
Follow-up tasks
238
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
239
Raising the vehicle
239
Securing wheels against theft
240WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements 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 is subsequently fitted with tyres which are different from
those it was fitted with at the works, follow these guidelines » page 230, New
tyres .
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for lifting 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 – risk of in-
jury.
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 national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preparation
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
237Emergency equipment, and self-help
›Have
all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier).›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gearshift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 236 and the spare wheel » page 232 from
the luggage compartment.
Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 233 or caps » page 233 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 239 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 239 .
›
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 wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alternat-
ing crosswise). Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 239.
›
Replace the wheel trim 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 228 .
Follow-up tasks
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
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 bolt » page 232 .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
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.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
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.
238Do-it-yourself
Loosening/tightening wheel boltsFig. 198
Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 237.
Release
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1)
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 198.
Tightening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1 )
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt against the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 198 , until it is tight.
WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) as long as the vehicle has
not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come off and fall down –
risk of injury!
Note
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end of the
wrench with your foot. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and make sure
you keep your footing.
Raising the vehicleFig. 199
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack
Fig. 200
Attach lifting jack
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 237.
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point closest to the faulty wheel » Fig. 199 . The jacking point is located directly below the engraving in the
lower sill.
›
Insert the crank into the mount on the car jack » page 236.
›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point with the crank and move it up
until its claw is positioned below the vertical web of the lower sill.
›
Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web » Fig. 200 -
.
›
Support the base plate of the lifting jack with its entire surface resting on level
ground and ensure that the lever is positioned vertically to the point at which
the claw grasps the web » Fig. 200 -
.
1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts
» page 240.
239Emergency equipment, and self-help
›Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground.WARNING■
Only raise the vehicle at the attachment points.■Choose a flat and firm surface for jacking the vehicle.
Securing wheels against theft
Fig. 201
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 237.
The anti-theft wheel bolts can only be removed/tightended with the aid of theadapter » page 236 , Vehicle tool kit .
›
Remove the cover from the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Insert the adapter
B
» Fig. 201 with its toothed side fully into the inner tooth-
ing of the anti-theft wheel bolt
A
until the stop so that only the outer hexagon
is jutting out.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 239
.
›
After removing the adapter, replace the cap on the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Note■
Make a note of the code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter or
the rear side of the anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used to purchase a
replacement adapter from ŠKODA Genuine Parts if required.■
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you
in the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit.
■
The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.
Tyre repair
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Breakdown kit
241
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
241
Sealing and inflating the tyre
242
Check after 10 minutes' driving
242
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or
a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4 mm.
Performing a repair with the breakdown kit not at all intended to replace a per-
manent repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist ga-
rage.
The wheel must not be removed during repair.
Do not remove foreign bodies , e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances. › There is damage to the rim.
› The outside temperature is less than -20 °C.
› The tears or punctures are greater than 4 mm in size.
› There is damage to the tyre wall.
› Driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre.
› If the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed.
240Do-it-yourself