2013 SKODA RAPID brake pads

›Depress and hold the clutch pedal (vehicles with a manual gearbox) or brake
pedal (vehicles with an automatic gearbox) until the engine starts.›
Turn the key into position
3
to the stop and release immediately after the en-
gine has been started – do not apply the accelerator.
After letting go, the vehicle key will return to position
2
.
›
Release the handbrake.
If the engine does not start within 10 seconds, turn the key to position
1
. Repeat
the start-up process after approx. half a minute.
Vehicles with manual transmission
The engine will not start if the clutch pedal is not depressed.
The following message is shown in the information cluster display.
Depress clutch to start.
CLUTCH
Vehicles with automatic transmission
The engine will not start if the brake pedal is not depressed.
The warning light 
lights up in the instrument cluster and the following mes-
sage appears in the display.
Apply the brake to start.
BRAKE
CAUTION
If the engine does not start up after a second attempt, the fuse for the fuel pump may have a fault. Check the fuse and replace if necessary » page 197, Fuses in
the dash panel , or seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Switching off the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 97.
Switch off the engine by turning the ignition key into position
1
» Fig. 90 on
page 98.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if
the selector lever is in position P.
Brakes
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
100
Handbrake
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switched
off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with manual
transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise, the func-
tion of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. The children might, for ex-
ample, release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear. The vehicle
could then start to move – risk of accident!
WARNING■ In the event of damage occurring to the standard fitted front spoiler or the
retrofitting of another front spoiler, wheel hubs etc. » page 149, Service work,
adjustments and technical alterations , It must be ensured that the air supply
to the front brakes is not impaired. The front brakes may overheat, which can
have a negative impact on the functioning of the braking system – risk of acci-
dent!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 105.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not neces-
sary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking distance and excessive wear.

99Starting-off and Driving

Information on brakingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 99.
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system consid-
ers the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light flashes
automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stopped,
the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system switches on.
The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically after accelerating
or driving off again.
Before travelling a long distance at a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift into
the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used,
reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be completed in-
termittently, not continuously.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driving style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns and
over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter. The
brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriate-
ly, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 15,  Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 91
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 99.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock but-
ton » Fig. 91 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the hand-
brake applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
100Driving

›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

On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the nextgear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 24,
Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator)
are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 24, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond the
permissible maximum rpm, thereby causing engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first. There-fore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.

New brake pads
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 104.
New brake pads do not initially provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.

Economical driving and environmental sustainability
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
106
Economical gear changing
106
Avoiding full throttle
106
Reducing idling
106
Avoiding short distances
107
Checking tyre inflation pressure
107
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
107
Regular maintenance
107
Saving electrical energy
108
Environmental compatibility
108
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
Fuel consumption, environmental pollution and the wear to the engine, brakes
and tyres depend essentially on the following three factors:
› your personal driving style.
› operating conditions.
› technical requirements.
The fuel economy by can be improved by 10 -15 % by always looking ahead and
driving in an economical way.
Fuel consumption is also be influenced by external factors which are beyond the
driver's control. Consumption increases during the winter or under difficult condi-
tions, on poor roads, etc.
Fuel consumption can vary considerably from the manufacturer's data, as a result
of outside temperatures, weather and driving style.
Such an engine speed should be adhered to when accelerating, in order to avoid a
high fuel consumption and resonance of the vehicle. 
105Starting-off and Driving

A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light  » page 15 ,  Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.
Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 170.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.

Vehicle battery

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
172
Checking the battery electrolyte level
173
Charging
173
Replacing
174
Disconnecting and reconnecting
174
Automatic load deactivation
174Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec- tion.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is
produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to comply
with the general applicable safety rules as well as the warning instructions
outlined below.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a face
shield – risk of blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected eye
immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor imme-
diately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, consult a doctor immediately! 
171Inspecting and replenishing

Power outlet12 V60
Power steering97
Indicator light17
Practical features56
Meshed pockets on the front seat backrests64
Storage compartment in centre console58
Storage compartment on the passenger side63
Storage pockets on the front seats64
Waste container60
R
Radiator fan
165
Raise vehicle186
Rear fog light44
Indicator light18
Rear interior light46
Rear mirror49
Exterior mirror50
Interior mirror50
recirculated air mode Climatronic
83
Recirculated air mode Manual air conditioning
81
Refuelling160
Fuel160
Remote control Locking
33
Replacing the battery193
Synchronisation process194
Unlocking33
Remote control key Replacing the battery
193
Repairs and technical alterations149
Replacing Bulb for main beam, daytime running lights andparking light
202
Bulb for the fog light203
Bulb for the licence plate light203
Bulb in rear light (Rapid Spaceback)206
Bulb in rear light (Rapid)204
Bulbs200
Fuses197
Fuses in the dash panel197
Fuses in the engine compartment199
Low beam bulb201
Vehicle battery174
Windscreen wiper blades195
Wiper blades196
Replenishing Coolant
170
Engine oil168
Windscreen washer fluid165
Revolution counter11
Roof luggage rack Attachment points
74
Roof rack system74
Roof load75
Running-in The first 1500 km
104
Running in Brake pads
105
Engine104
Tyres105
S
SAFE See Safe securing system
33
SAFELOCK See Safe securing system
33
Safe securing system33
Safety126
Child safety142
Child safety seats142
Correct seated position127
Head restraints53
ISOFIX145
TOP TETHER146
Saving electrical energy105
Seals Taking care of your vehicle155
Seat Adjusting
53
Seat belt warning light
15
Seat belts130
Belt tensioners133
Cleaning159
fastening and unfastening132
Height adjustment133
Inertia reels133
The physical principle of a frontal collision131
Seat features54
Seats folding forward
55
Front armrest55
Head restraints53
Heating54
Rear armrest55
Seats and useful equipment52
Adjusting the seats52
see automatic gearbox Manual shifting of gears on the multifunction
steering wheel
103
Selector lever see Using the selector lever
102
Selector lever lock Indicator light
21
Service150
Service interval display28
Service intervals147
Setting Lower position of the variable loading floor
72
Upper position of the variable loading floor71
Setting the clock Clock
13
Shelves56
Shifting gears Driving and saving energy
106
217Index