2013 SKODA RAPID Owner's Manual

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

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
160
Unleaded petrol
161
Diesel fuel
162
The correct fuel grades for your vehicle are specified on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 131 on page 160.
WARNINGThe national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. in the event of an accident, these canisters can become
damaged and fuel may escape – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork – risk
of paint damage!
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country where it was intended to be op-
erated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is of-
fered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also perhaps
check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for operation
of the vehicle in the corresponding country. Is this not the case, then you must
check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to operate the vehicle with an-
other fuel type.

RefuellingFig. 131
Fuel filler
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 160.
Vehicles without lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 131 .
›
Open the flap manually in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Hold the filler cap with your hand and unlock by turning the key in the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Place the filler cap onto the top of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler neck as far as it will go.
When the pump nozzle shuts off for the first time, the fuel tank is full »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler neck and put it back in the pump.
›
Screw in the filler cap in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
until it
audibly clicks into place.
›
Hold the filler cap with one hand, lock it by turning in the opposite direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
and remove the key.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Vehicles with lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 131 .
›
Open the flap manually in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 131 - 
.
›
Remove the filler cap and place the it into the hole on the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 131 - 
. 
160General Maintenance

›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

CAUTION■In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic components may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system!■
Fuels with metallic content may not be used. There is a risk of causing consider-
able damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system!
Note
■ Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticeable
power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.

Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 160.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
stand-
ard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with at most 7% biodiesel
(B7) 2)
.
Operation in winter – Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuels available have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners and filling
stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information re-
garding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
Additives, so-called “flow improvers ” (petrol and similar agents) should not be
mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust
system parts.
CAUTION
■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with biofuel RME, therefore this fuel must not
be refuelled and driven. The use of biofuel RME can cause considerable damage
to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Do not mix any fuel additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar
agents) into the diesel. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine or the exhaust system.

Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
164
Engine compartment overview
165
Radiator fan
165
Windscreen washer system
165

1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
162General Maintenance

WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment.■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
WARNING (Continued)■ Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children! 
163Inspecting and replenishing

WARNING (Continued)■If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car jack
is not sufficient – risk of injury!■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cover)
– risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. Therefore, the
lock must always be checked after closing the bonnet in order to ensure that
it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the correct specifications can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Ac-
cessories.

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 132
Bonnet release lever/release lever
Fig. 133
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 162.
Opening
›
Open the corresponding front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 132 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
» Fig. 132 to unlock the
bonnet.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift. 
164General Maintenance

›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