2013 SKODA RAPID trailer

Fitting the ball headFig. 107
Insert the ball bar/lock the lock and remove the key
Fig. 108
Fit the lock cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 104 on page 119 in a down-
wards direction.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 120.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 107 and insert into the mounting recess
until it audibly clicks into place » .
The handwheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the handwheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed pad-
lock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the handwheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 108 .
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 121.
WARNING■
Do not hold the handwheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the mounting
recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the handwheel lock – risk of
lock getting dirty.
Note
Store the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 109
Check that the tow bar is attach-
ed properly
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Check the following points. The green marking
A
» Fig. 109 on the handwheel points to the white mark-
ing on the tow bar.
The handwheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap. 
121Towing a trailer

The handwheel is locked and the key is removed.
The cap B
is on the handwheel.
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!

Removing the ball head
Fig. 110
Removing the lock cover/releasing the lock
Fig. 111
Release ball bar
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 119.
›
Remover the cover
A
from the handwheel lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 110 .
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock.

›
Unlock the handwheel lock by turning the key B left as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow2 - the arrow on the key points towards the “padlock
open” icon.›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 111 and with the other hand pull the hand-
wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Turn the handwheel in the direction of the arrow
4
to the stop, and hold in this
position.
›
Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direction
of the arrow
5
.
At the same time, the tow bar latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Attach the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 104 on page 119.
WARNING■
Never allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage on sudden braking, and could put the safety of the occupants at risk!■
Never remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If the handwheel is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to its
initial position when the tow bar is removed, and will rest on the tow bar and not
engage into the ready position. The tow bar will then need to be brought into this position before the next time it is fitted.■
The mounting recess must be closed with the cover following removal. This pre-
vents foreign bodies from getting into the mounting recess.
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing
the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the vehi-
cle tool kit.

Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 119.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in. 
122Driving

Always check the tow bar before hitching a trailer. Apply suitable grease where
necessary.
Use the protective cover when stowing away the tow bar, in order to stop the
boot from getting dirty.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not re-
move any grease.
Trailer
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
123
Driving with a trailer
124
Anti-theft alarm system
125WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.

Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 123.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this
combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 176,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 207 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the vehicle's climbing pow-
er. Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle
and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device is
merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are detailed
in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury!■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury!

123Towing a trailer

Driving with a trailerFig. 112
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 123.
Before the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 112 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 104 on page 119.
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing in the opposite direction to
the arrow » Fig. 112.
›
Place the protective cover
5
» Fig. 104 on page 119 onto the tow bar.
Safety eyelet
The purpose of the safety eyelet
B
» Fig. 112 is to attach the breakaway cable of
the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eyelet, it must sag freely
against the vehicle in all trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 41.
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the indicator light 
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash » page 16. Wait a few minutes and check the level of cool-
ant » page 169 .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 16.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Never use the safety eyelet for towing!■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources.
Note
■ After coupling the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that the rear
lights on the trailer are working correctly.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in the
dash panel » page 197. 
124Driving

■Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in me-
chanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not impair
the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is excluded from the warranty coverage.■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.

Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 123.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection
to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 36 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing de-
vice.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer sock-
et.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is
activated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the an-
ti-theft alarm system.
125Towing a trailer

General Maintenance
Vehicle care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
147
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
148
Variable service interval QI6
148
Information about the ŠKODA service
148
The service interval display in the instrument cluster will remind you to carry out every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time in order to prevent you from forgetting any.
Timely and proper performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of potential warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified by the validated service certificate and the corresponding receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some service
work performed before the date of the next service or between the specified
service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air
filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing
the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filters, which can put
greater strain on the engine oil.
These difficult conditions are: › Fuel with sulphur content;
› Frequent short trips;
› Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis);
› Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› Frequent trailer operation;
›
Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is often the case in city driving, for exam-
ple;
› Operation predominantly during winter.
A service consultant at the specialist garage will tell you whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried
out between the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply from the particular scope of work required,
depending on the vehicle type and equipment and the status of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless stated otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the current service scopes for the particular service
work by the specialist garage.

Overview of service intervals
Fig. 129
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 147.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle data sticker » Fig. 129 under the floor covering in the boot.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.

147Vehicle care

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

545 kg
615 kg
630 kg
650 kg
690 kg
Speed symbol
This indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed with fitted tyres in each
category.
170 km/h
180 km/h
190 km/h
200 km/h
210 km/h
240 km/h
270 km/h
CAUTION
The information about the load index and the speed symbol is listed in your vehi-
cle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 175.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the tyre.
The indicated direction of rotation must be adhered to in order to ensure the op- timal characteristics of these tyres.
These characteristics mainly relate to the following: › Increased driving stability.
› Reduced risk of aquaplaning.
› Reduced tyre noise and tyre wear.
8791929395RSTUHVWTyre pressure monitorFig. 143
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 175.
System settings
After changing the tyre inflation pressure, after changing one or several wheels or changing the position of a wheel on the vehicle (e.g. replacing the wheels be- tween the axles) or if the indicator light illuminates while driving, a system con-
figuration must be carried out as follows.
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 176.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 143 for longer than 2 seconds.
If the warning light 
lights up and does not go out after the system configura-
tion, this indicates a system fault.
If the warning light flashes 
, there is a system fault.
Tyre pressure indicator
The warning light 
lights up in any of the following cases.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.

178General Maintenance