2013 SKODA RAPID coolant level

Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and
high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or heavy en- gine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 16,   Coolant .
CAUTION
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet im-
pair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 5
Fuel gauge
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 10.
The instrument cluster can have one of the following types of fuel gauge » Fig. 5.
Instrument cluster with the MAXI DOT display
Instrument cluster with the segment display
The fuel gauge only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres. The warning light lights up when the amount of fuel reaches the reserve zone  » page 19 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 5 -  or by display-
ing only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 5 -  in the magnifying glass.
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine
and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous curves,
braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indicates ap-
prox. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow  next to the icon  within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right-hand side of the vehicle.

Counter for distance driven
Fig. 6
Segment display / MAXI DOT dis-
play
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 10.
Daily trip counter (trip)
The daily trip counter
A
» Fig. 6 indicates the distance driven since the counter
was last reset - in intervals of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile.
Reset daily trip counter
›
Press and hold the
6
» Fig. 2 on page 10 button. 
12Using the system

 do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until
the  icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as
soon as the symbol disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis- tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 22, Using the information
system .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.

Indicator lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
14
 Brake system
15
 Seat belt warning light
15
 Generator
15

Open door
15


Engine Oil
16
 
Coolant
16
 Power steering
17
 Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
17
 Traction Control System (ASR)
17

Antilock brake system (ABS)
18
 Rear fog light
18
 Bulb failure
18 Exhaust inspection system18 Glow plug system (diesel engine)18
 Engine performance check (petrol engine)
19
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
19

Fuel reserve
19
 Airbag system
20
 Tyre inflation pressure
20
 Windscreen washer fluid level
20
  Turn signal system
20
 Fog lights
21
 Cruise control system
21

Selector lever lock
21
 Main beam
21
The indicator lights show the current status of certain functions/faults and may
be accompanied by audible signals.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions in
the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or damage
to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning notes must be followed at all times when working in the engine com-
partment » page 162 , Engine compartment .

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The warning light 
comes on if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least 3
seconds while the handbrake is applied. 
14Using the system

WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.

  Engine Oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 14.
The warning light 
lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Log book!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine oil » page 167 .
Even if the oil level is correct, 
do not drive any further if the warning light is
flashing. Also do not leave the engine running at an idling speed.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The warning light 
lights up yellow (oil quantity too low)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check oil level!
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the engine
oil » page 167 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds.
If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after
driving about 100 km.
The warning light 
flashes yellow (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light flashes  several times
and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning
lights » page 44 . The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed dis-
tance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.

  Coolant
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 14.
The indicator light 
lights up until the engine reaches operating temperature 1)
.
Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light 
lights up or flashes, either the coolant temperature is too
high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
ENGINE COOLANT PLEASE CHECK Log book!
› Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant level
» page 169.
› If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir
» page 170.
› If the indicator light

disappears after adding coolant and switching on the ig-
nition, you may continue your journey.
› If the coolant level is within the specified range, but the indicator light

is still
illuminated, check the fuse for the radiator fan and replace it if necessa-
ry » page 199 , Fuses in the engine compartment .
› If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light

is still illu-
minated, 
do not continue your journey!
› Seek assistance from a specialist garage.

1)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
16Using the system

We recommend that you leave the air outlet vents 3 » Fig. 77 on page 76 in the
open position in all operating modes.
Note
If the air distribution is positioned only towards the windows, the total amount of
air is used to defrost the windows and thus no air will be fed to the footwell. This
can lead to restriction of the heating comfort.
Recirculated air mode
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 77.
Recirculated air mode prevents polluted air outside the vehicle from getting into
the vehicle, e.g. when driving through a tunnel or in a traffic jam.
Switching on/off
›
Press the symbol button 
.
The indicator light in the button lights up.
›
Press the symbol button 
again.
The indicator light in the button goes out.
Recirculated air mode is switched off automatically if the air distribution control
C
» Fig. 78 on page 78 is turned to position 
. Recirculated air mode can be
switched on again from this position by repeatedly pressing the symbol button
 .
WARNINGNever leave recirculated air mode switched on over a longer period of time, as
“stale air” can cause driver and passenger fatigue, reduce attention levels and also cause the windows to mist up. Increased risk of accident. Switch off recir-
culated air mode as soon as the windows start to mist up.

Air conditioning system (manual air conditioning
system)
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects: Control elements
80
Adjusting
81
Recirculated air mode
81
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on » page 80, Control elements .
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The blower switch is switched on (positions 1-4).
If the desired interior temperature can also be achieved without activating the cooling system, fresh air mode should be selected.
The cooling system is switched off at excessive coolant temperatures in order to guarantee a cooling effect when the engine is under a high load.
CAUTION
■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow out of
the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
Lengthy and uneven distribution of the air flow out of the vents (especially
around the feet) and large differences in temperature, for example, when getting
out of the vehicle, can cause susceptible individuals to catch a cold.
Note
We recommend that you have the air conditioning system cleaned by a specialist
garage once every year.79Heating and air-conditioning

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

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

WARNING■The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 162.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to fill with
coolant under the current circumstances . Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under 40%.■Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and cooling effect.■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 169.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.

Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
Coolant capacity (in litres)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 l/55 kW4.21.2 l/63, 77 kW TSI7.01.4 l/90 kW TSI7.01.6 l/77 kW4.5Diesel engineFilling level1.6 l/66, 77 kW TDI CR6.5

Checking the coolant levelFig. 137
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 168.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 137.
Coolant level above mark
A
No coolant may be added.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is hot.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant may be added.
The coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be added.
Top up the coolant level to between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the indicator light 
» page 16 , 

Coolant lighting up in the instrument cluster.
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time. 
169Inspecting and replenishing

Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 168.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
170
Changing
171WARNING■ The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. The following
warning instructions must be followed at all times when working in the en-
gine compartment » page 162.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 138 on page 170,
 do not continue your journey - risk of accident! Seek help from a specialist
garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 138
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 170.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 138.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings. 
170General Maintenance