2013 SKODA RAPID warning

WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!

Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
101
Pedals
101
Manual gear changing
Fig. 92
Gearshift pattern of 5 gear or
6 gear manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 101.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear to
the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gearshift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gearshift mecha-nism to wear excessively.
Pedals
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 101.
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances!
In the driver's footwell, only a footmat, which is attached to the two correspond- ing attachment points, may be used.
Only use factory-supplied footmats or footmats from the range of ŠKODAOriginal Accessories, which are fitted to two attachment points.
WARNINGNo objects may be placed in the driver's footwell – risk due to obstruction or
limitation of pedal operation!

Automatic transmission
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Modes and use of selector lever
102
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
103
Starting-off and driving
103
Malfunction
104

101Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■Do not depress the accelerator if changing the forward driving mode – risk
of accident!■
Never move the selector lever to mode R or P when driving – risk of acci-
dent!
■
When the vehicle is stationary and the engine is running, the vehicle must
be held in mode D, S or R with the brake pedal. Even when the engine is
idling, the power transmission is never completely interrupted – the vehicle
crawls.
CAUTION
■ If the selector lever is moved to mode N while driving, the accelerator pedal
must be released and you will need to wait until the engine has reached its idling speed before moving the selector lever to a forward driving mode again.■
At temperatures below -10 °C the engine can only be started in the selector lev-
er position P.
■
When stopping on a slope, never try to hold the vehicle using the accelerator
pedal – this may lead to gear damage.
Note
After the ignition is switched off, the ignition key can only be withdrawn if the se-
lector lever is in the position P.
Modes and use of selector lever
Fig. 93
Selector lever/display
Fig. 94
Shiftlock button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
When the ignition is switched on, the gearbox mode and the currently selected
gear are indicated in the display » Fig. 93.
The following modes can be selected with the selector lever » Fig. 93.
P
– Parking mode
The driven wheels are locked mechanically in this mode.
Parking mode must only be selected when the vehicle is stationary.
R
– Reverse gear
Reverse gear can only be engaged when the vehicle is stationary and the engine
is at idling speed.
Before moving into mode R from mode P or N, depress the brake pedal while si-
multaneously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
N
– Neutral
The power transmission to the drive wheels is interrupted in this mode.
D
- Mode for forwards travel (normal programme)
In mode D, the forward gears are automatically changed according to the engine
load, accelerator pedal actuation and driving speed.
S
- Mode for forwards travel (sports programme)
In mode S, the forward gears are shifted automatically up and down at higher en-
gine speeds than in mode D.
Before changing to mode S from mode D, press the lock button » Fig. 94. 
102Driving

Releasing selector lever from mode P or N (selector lever lock)The selector lever is locked in modes P and N to prevent the forwards travel
mode from being selected accidentally and setting the vehicle in motion. The warning light  illuminates in the instrument cluster » page 21.
The selector lever is released by depressing the brake pedal while while simulta-
neously pressing the lock button » Fig. 94.
The selector lever is not locked when quickly moving via position N (e.g. from R to
D ). This, for example, helps to rock out a vehicle that is stuck, e.g. in a bank of
snow. The selector lever lock will engage if the lever is in position N for more than
approx. 2 seconds without the brake pedal being depressed.
The selector lever is locked only when the vehicle is stationary and at speeds up to 5 km/h.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa, move
the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being accidentally se-
lected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever: Manual shifting of
gears
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 101.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever.
This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 93 on page 102.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 24.
Switching to manual shifting›Push the gear selector from position D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no riskof the engine overrevving.
Note
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual shifting
of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and hence the
wear on the brakes » page 100, Information on braking .
Starting-off and driving
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 101.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press and hold the lock button » Fig. 94 on page 102.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 102 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stop
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Parking
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake. 
103Starting-off and Driving

›Press and hold the lock button
» Fig. 94 on page 102.›Move the selector lever into position P and then release the locking button.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of your
vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activated
in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has reached
its maximum revolutions for this gear range.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!

Malfunction
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 101.
Emergency programme
The transmission switches to the emergency programme, if there is a fault in the
automatic gearbox system.
Indications of an activated emergency programme include the following.
› Only certain gears are selected.
› The reverse gear
R cannot be used.
› Shifting gears in Tiptronic mode is not possible.
Gearbox overheating
The gearbox may become too hot due to frequent repeated starting or stop-and-
go traffic, for example. Overheating is indicated by the warning light » page 13, 
Clutches of the automatic gearbox DSG are too hot .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner, and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 195.
NoteIf the gearbox has switched to the emergency programme, visit a specialist ga-
rage.
Running in
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
New engine
104
New tyres
105
New brake pads
105
New engine
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres.
Up to 1 000 kilometres
›
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.
›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale of the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period. 
104Driving

NoteYou can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information
109
Driving through water on streets
109
General information
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 109.
Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and exhaust,particularly in the following situations.
› When driving on poorly maintained roads and paths.
› When driving over kerbs.
› When driving on steep ramps etc.
Particular attention must be paid for vehicles with sport suspension and when the vehicle is fully laden.

Driving through water on streets
Fig. 99
Driving through waterFirst read and observe the introductory information given on page 109.
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided
when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through.
The water level must not reach above the bar on the lower beam » Fig. 99.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can cause
water to penetrate into the engine's air induction system or other parts of the ve-
hicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
›
Deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through water » page 116,
START-STOP .
WARNING■
Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can impair the braking power and
increase the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and dried
as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only apply the brakes for the pur-
pose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the traffic conditions permit this.
Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
CAUTION
■ When driving through water, some parts of the vehicle such as the engine,
gearbox, chassis or electrics can be severely damaged.■
Oncoming vehicles can generate water waves which can exceed the permissible
water level for your vehicle.
■
Potholes, mud or rocks can be hidden under the water making it difficult or im-
possible to drive through the body of water.
■
Do not drive through salt water. The salt can lead to corrosion. Any vehicle parts
that have come into contact with salt water must be rinsed immediately with
fresh water. 
109Starting-off and Driving

Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
111
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
112
Traction Control System (TCS)
112
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
112
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
112
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
112WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 149.
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work. An
ABS fault is indicated by the warning light  » page 18 .

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 100
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 111.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. Depending on the conditions of the road surface, the risk of skidding is re-
duced, thereby improving the vehicle's driving stability .
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actualbehaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light 
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 112.
› Traction control (ASR)
» page 112.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 112.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 112.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 112.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The 
» Fig. 100 symbol button can only
be used to deactivate the ASR.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster when the ASR is deactiva-
ted. 
111Assist systems

The TCS should normally always be enabled. The system should be deactivated
only in the following situations, for example.
› When driving with snow chains.
› When driving in deep snow or on a very loose surface.
› When “rocking a car free” when it has become stuck.
Ensure the TCS is activated again afterwards.
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
ABS prevents the wheels locking when braking. Thus helping the driver to main-
tain control of the vehicle.
The intervention of the ABS is noticeable from the pulsating movements of the
brake pedal which is accompanied by noises.
When the ABS system is active, do not brake periodically or reduce the pressure
on the brake pedal.

Traction Control System (TCS)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
If the wheels are slipping, the TCS adapts the engine speed to the conditions of
the road surface. The TCS makes it much easier to start off, accelerate and climb
steep hills even if the conditions of the road surface are unfavourable.
The TCS function is activated automatically each time the ignition is switched on.
If your vehicle is fitted with the ESC system, the ASR is integrated into the ESC
system » page 111 .
During an intervention of the system, the TCS warning light 1)
flashes in the in-
strument cluster.

Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 111.
If one of the wheels starts to spin, the EDL system brakes the spinning wheel and transfers the driving force to the other wheels. This ensures the stability of the
vehicle and a quick journey.
The EDL switches off automatically in order to avoid excessive heat generation
on the brake of the wheel being braked. The vehicle can continue to be driven
and has the same characteristics as a vehicle not fitted with EDL. The EDL
switches on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled down.

Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 111.
The HBA increases the braking effect and helps to reduce the braking distance.
The HBA is activated by the very quick operation of the brake pedal. In order to
achieve the shortest possible braking distance, the brake pedal must be applied
firmly until the vehicle has come to a standstill.
The HBA function is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is released.
The ABS is activated faster and more effectively with the intervention of the HBA.

Hill Hold Control (HHC)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 111.
When driving on slopes, HHC allows you to move your foot from the brake pedal
to the accelerator pedal without having to use the handbrake.
The system holds the brake pressure produced by the activation of the brakepedal for approx. 2 seconds after the brake pedal is released. 

1)
Valid for vehicles without Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
112Driving

The brake pressure drops gradually the more you operate the accelerator pedal. Ifthe vehicle does not start off within 2 seconds, it starts to roll back.
The HHC is active from a 5% slope if the driver's door is closed. HHC is only ever active on slopes when in forward or reverse start off. When driving downhill, it isinactive.
Parking aid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Function
113
Activation/deactivation
114WARNING■ The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention and
it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the vehicle
or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small children
and animals as they may not be recognised by the system sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the system sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of cloth-
ing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people who wear
such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Under
adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recognised by
the system.
CAUTION
■ If a continuous tone sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Have the fault
rectified by a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the system to oper-
ate properly.
■ The system function may be limited under adverse weather conditions (heavy
rain, water vapour, very low or high temperatures etc.).■
Additionally installed modules such as bicycle carriers can impair the function of
the parking aid.

Function
Fig. 101
Range of sensors
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 113.
The parking aid (hereafter referred to solely as system) only works when the igni- tion is switched on.
The system supports the driver via audible signals and the display on the radio or
the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeuvring » Radio
user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the bumper
and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear bumper.
Explanation of graphic - range of sensors in the vicinity of the vehicle
Range » Fig. 101Range of sensors a)A160 cmB60 cma)
These are only the approximate ranges of sensors.
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is re- duced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger area.
From this moment on do not continue reversing! 
113Assist systems