2013 SKODA RAPID light

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
window leather can make the window dirty 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 or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of dam-
age to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
■
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 153.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■ Never wipe headlights with a dry cloth.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, as this may damage
the protective paintwork and consequently cause cracks to form on the headlight
lenses.■
Do not use any harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents to clean the head-
lights, as this could damage the headlight lenses.

Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTIONWhen washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
Cavity protection
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
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.
This wax protection does not need to be inspected or re-applied. If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, thesemust 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 – risk of fire!

Wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 153.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular ba-
sis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be cor-
roded.
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. 
156General Maintenance

Natural leatherFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
Leather is a natural material with specific properties, and requires regular clean-
ing and maintenance.
The leather should be cleaned on a regular basis depending on the amount of
wear-and-tear.
Dust and dirt in the pores and folds act as abrasive materials. This leads to severe corrosion and the premature brittleness of the leather surface.
We recommend that you remove dust regularly and at short intervals using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth and
then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 table-
spoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather regularly and at suitable intervals using a suitable leather care
product.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs of
rubbing on the surface. Such damage cannot be subsequently recognised as a
justified complaint.
■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface of
the steering wheel.
■ Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular basis
and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fastness.
This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers, even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat covers. This does
not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour fastness of the
clothing textiles.
Note
When using the vehicle, minor visible changes may occur to the leather parts of
the covers (e.g. wrinkles or creases) as a result of the stress applied to the covers.
Artificial leather, cloths and Alcantara ®
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 157.
Artificial leather
Clean artificial leather with a damp cloth.
If this method does not completely clean the artificial leather, use a mild soap sol- ution or cleaning products specially designed for this purpose.
Fabric
Clean upholstery cover materials and cloth trims on doors, boot cover, etc. using
specific cleaning agents, e.g., dry foam.
Use a soft sponge, brush, or commercially available microfibre cloth.
Use a cloth and a cleaning agent specifically designed for this purpose to clean
the roof trim.
Remove any lumps on the cover fabric and any fabric residue using a brush.
Remove stubborn hair using a “cleaning glove”.
Alcantara ®
Dust and fine dirt particles in pores, creases and seams may chafe and damage the surface.
If you leave your vehicle parked in the open for lengthy periods, protect the Al-
cantara ®
seat covers from the direct rays of the sun to prevent fading. 
158General Maintenance

Minor changes in colour caused by use are normal.
CAUTION
■Do not use any leather cleaners on Alcantara ®
seat covers.■For Alcantara ®
seat covers do not use any solvents, floor wax, shoe cream, stain
remover, or similar agents.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle in bright sunlight for long periods of time in order to
stop the fabric from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked outside for long periods of
time, cover the fabric to protect it from direct sunlight.
■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fastness.
This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers, even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat covers. This does
not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour fastness of the
clothing textiles.

Seat covers
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
Electrically heated seats
Do not clean the covers by moistening, as this can damage the seat heating sys-
tem.
Use a specific cleaning agent such as dry foam or similar to clean the covers.
Seats without seat heating
Thoroughly vacuum the seat covers with a vacuum cleaner before cleaning.
Clean the seat covers with a damp cloth or cleaning products specially designed for this purpose.
Indented points arising on the fabrics by everyday use, can be removed by brush- ing against the direction of hair with a damp brush.
Always clean all parts of the covers, so that there are no visible edges. Then allow the seat to dry completely.
CAUTION
■ Regularly remove dust from the seat covers using a vacuum cleaner.■Electrically heated seats must not be dried after cleaning by switching on the
heater.■ Do not sit on wet seats - risk of seat deformation.■Always clean the seats “from seam to seam”.

Seat belts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
The belt webbing must always be kept clean!
Wash dirty seat belts with mild soapy water.
Remove coarse dirt with a soft brush.
Dirty belt webbing may impair the correct functioning of the inertia reel.
WARNING■ The seat belts must not be removed for cleaning.■Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric.■
The seat belts must not be allowed to come into contact with corrosive liq-
uids (e.g. acids).
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage to
the belt webbing, seat belt connections, inertia reel or lock is detected, the seat belt must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■
The seat belts must be fully dried before being rolled up.

159Vehicle care

›Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the pump.
›
Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it in the opposite direction
to the arrow until it securely engages » Fig. 131 -  .
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
CAUTION
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the
fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up.
Note
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres, containing a reserve of approx. 7
litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 160.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol in compliance with the
EN 228 1)
standard.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol that contains at most 10% bioe-
thanol (E10).
Required fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON
Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol min. 95 RON Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 95 RON or higher.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if petrol with the octane rating 95 RON is not available » .
Prescribed fuel – unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON Use unleaded fuel with the octane rating 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In case of necessity, you can refuel with petrol with the octane ratings 91, 92 or
93 RON, if unleaded fuel with octane rating 98 RON or 95 RON is not availa-
ble »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol in accordance with the EN 228 standard 1 )
meets all the condi-
tions for a smooth-running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel addi-
tives are used. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or
the exhaust system.
CAUTION
■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standards once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system!■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is used by mistake, do not start the engine or
switch on the ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recom-
mend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Even in the event of an emergency, petrol of a lower octane number than 91
RON must not be used, otherwise the engine can be severely damaged! 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2
or E5 for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
161Inspecting and replenishing

›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 133 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening 4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the designated holder
3
» Fig. 133 .
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm – do
not push it in .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 132.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 134
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 162.
Coolant expansion reservoir
169
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
165
Engine oil filler opening
168123Engine oil dipstick167Brake fluid reservoir170
Vehicle battery
171
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 162.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 135
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 162.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the head-
lights. 
456165Inspecting and replenishing

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 water together with a screen cleaner from the range
of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will remove any
stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle 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 refill-
ing, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system, leading
in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.

Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
167
Checking the oil level
167
Replenishing
168
Changing
168
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation 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 the oil change be completed by a ŠKODA
Service 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 167.WARNING■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 162.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the engine oil ! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 136 on page 167,  do not continue to
drive! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
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.
■
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.
1)
In some countries, 5.4 l. applies for both variants.
166General Maintenance

Oil level within range CThe engine must be topped up with oil so that the oil level at least reaches the
range B
.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/
1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which you
operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during the
first 5 000 kilometres.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals. We recommend 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.
If the oil level is too low, this will be indicated by an indicator light in the instru- ment cluster » page 16, 

Engine Oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as
soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must not exceed level A » Fig. 136 - risk of damaging the exhaust
system!
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 166.
›
Check the oil level » page 167.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 134
on page 165.
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct specifi-
cations » page 167 .
›
Check the oil level » page 167.
›
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 166.
The engine oil must be changed according to prescribed service inter-
vals » page 147 or according to the service interval display » page 28, Service in-
terval display .

Coolant

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
169
Checking the coolant level
169
Replenishing
170
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees anti- freeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion and pre-
vents lime formation.
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 con-centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use antifreeze with the name specified on the coolant expan- sion tank » Fig. 137 on page 169. 
168General Maintenance

WARNING■The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 162.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to fill with
coolant under the current circumstances . Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under 40%.■Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and cooling effect.■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 169.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
Coolant capacity (in litres)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/55 kW4.21.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI7.01.4 l/90 kW TSI7.01.6 l/77 kW4.5Diesel engineFilling level1.6 l/66, 77 kW TDI CR6.5

Checking the coolant levelFig. 137
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 168.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 137.
Coolant level above mark
A
No coolant may be added.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is hot.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant may be added.
The coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be added.
Top up the coolant level to between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the indicator light 
» page 16 , 

Coolant lighting up in the instrument cluster.
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time. 
169Inspecting and replenishing