2013 SKODA RAPID ESP

›After switching on the ignition, check whether the warning light 3
  is not
illuminated in writing      is not illuminated in the centre panel.WARNING■
The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the   warning light is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in an accident! Have the airbag system checked by a specialist ga-
rage immediately.

141Airbag system

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

In order to operate a vehicle with a variable service interval, it must only be fil-
led and topped up with the prescribed engine oil.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 167.■A specialist garage can perform the changeover from the variable service inter-
val to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable
service interval.

Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 147.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
After the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!NoteFor diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed every
7500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 147.
The service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is driven and
the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is sub-
jected to different loads when driven over short distances than when driven over
long distances. The service intervals are therefore variable.
InspectionAfter the first 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30,000 km
or every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 yearsa)
(whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!

Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 147.
You have access to an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners for
the maintenance of your vehicle. 
148General Maintenance

Tests required by lawFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 149.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and roadwor- thiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific inter-
vals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that have
been legally authorized for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and will
prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required, or will
be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can carry out
the specified tests directly if required by the customer if they are authorised to do
so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you consult
the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
Based on their appraisal, the service consultant will tell you which areas you
should focus on in order to ensure that your vehicle will pass the technical test
without any problems. This allows you to avoid additional expenses resulting
from a possible subsequent test.

ŠKODA Service Partners
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 149.
ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip- ment. Here, trained specialists have access to a comprehensive range of ŠKODA
Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories for carrying out modifications, re- pairs and technical alterations.
All ŠKODA service partners operate according to the most recent guidelines and instructions from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore carried
out on time and at the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions and
guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicle
and to provide quality work. We therefore advise you to have all modifications, re-
pairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 149.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, as these parts
are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.. They correspond precisely to the ŠKODA AUTO
a.s. regulations with regard to design, dimensional accuracy and material, and are
identical to the components used in series production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. is able to vouch for the safety, suitability and long service life ofthese products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine
Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genuine
Parts - not only while the model is still in production but for at least 15 years after the end of series production for wear parts and at least 10 years after the end of
series production for all other vehicle parts.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a
period of 2 years after sale in accordance with the materials defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement. You should keep the approved war-ranty certificate and the invoices for these components for this period of time, so
that the commencement of the term can be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed such that if any damage occurs to the body, it is on- ly necessary to replace those parts that are actually damaged.
However, before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, you shouldfirst of all contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not the parts
can also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.

150General Maintenance

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

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

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

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 140
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 171.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the so-called
magic eye » Fig. 140, the electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the
change in colour.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist ga-
rage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tempera-
tures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary, re-
charged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte lev- el cannot be checked.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 171.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
›
Switch off the ignition and all of the electrical components.
›
Only when performing a “quick-charge”, disconnect both battery cables (first
“negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red = “posi- tive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove themains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables of the battery if you recharge the ve-
hicle battery using low amperages (for example from a mini-charger). Refer to the
instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or lower) must be used until full charging is achieved.
It is necessary to disconnect both cables before charging the battery with high
amperages, known as “ rapid charging”.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging. 
173Inspecting and replenishing