2013 SKODA RAPID suspension

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

WARNINGObserve the following instructions for handling the airbag system.■It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed from
old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never install damaged airbag parts in the vehicle. The airbags may then not
be deployed properly or even at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tire combinations, can alter the functioning of the airbag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.

Washing your car
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
152
Automatic car wash systems
153
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
153
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is frequent washing.
How often the vehicle should be washed depends on factors such as: › Frequency of use.
› Parking situation (garage, under trees etc.).
› Season.
› Weather conditions.
› Environmental influences.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust, tar,
soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to the
paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect can be.
High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 152.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush . Work
from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such
areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois leath- er. 
152General Maintenance

Technical data
Technical data
Vehicle data
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle identification data
207
Dimensions
208
Vehicle-specific details per engine type
209
Multi-purpose vehicles (AF)
211
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The listed performance values were determined without performance-reducing
equipment, e.g. air conditioning system.

Vehicle identification data
Fig. 183
Vehicle data sticker/type plate
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 207.
Vehicle data sticker
The vehicle data sticker » Fig. 183 -  is located underneath the floor covering in
the boot.
The vehicle data sticker contains the following data: Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Vehicle type
Gearbox code/paint number/interior equipment/engine output/engine code Partial vehicle description
Operating weight (in kg)
Fuel consumption (in ltr./100 km) - intra-urban/extra-urban/combined
CO 2 emission levels - combined (in g/km)
The indicated positions
5
,
6
and
7
on the vehicle data sticker are only valid for
some countries.
Type plate
The type plate » Fig. 183 - 
is located at the bottom of the B-pillar on the driver's
side.
The type plate lists the following weights: Maximum permissible gross weight
Maximum permissible towed weight (towing vehicle and trailer)
Maximum permissible front axle load
Maximum permissible rear axle load
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
The vehicle identification number - VIN (vehicle body number) is stamped into the
engine compartment on the right hand suspension strut dome. This number is al-so located on a sign on the lower left hand edge below the windscreen (together
with a VIN bar code).
Engine number
The engine number (three-digit identifier and serial number) is stamped on the
engine block.
Operating weight
The specified operating weight is for orientation purposes only. This value repre- sents the minimum operating weight without additional weight-increasing equip-
ment such as air conditioning system, spare wheel, or trailer hitch. 

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