2013 SKODA RAPID wheel bolts

Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
176
New tyres
177
Unidirectional tyres
178
Tyre pressure monitor
178
Spare wheel
179
Full wheel trim
180
Wheel bolts
180
Wheel bolts
180WARNING■ The national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.■Observe the national legal regulations relating to the use of snow chains
and the maximum vehicle speed with snow chains.WARNINGThe following instructions for the use of tyres must be observed.■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and appro-
priate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
Only use radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity for fitted
tyres – risk of accident!
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for fitted tyres – risk of acci-
dent!
■
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling – risk of acci-
dent!
WARNING (Continued)■ Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly and
carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.■
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your
model of vehicle. Failure to observe this instruction may impair the road safety
of your vehicle – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding tyre damage and wear.■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident!
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.
■
Worn tyres impair necessary adhesion to the road surface, particularly at
high speeds on wet roads. This could lead to “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled ve- hicle movement – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the tyre inflation pressure.■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility to
ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pressure at
regular intervals.■
Insufficient or excessive inflation pressure impairs handling – risk of acci-
dent!
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre will have to overcome a higher
rolling resistance. This will cause a significant increase in the temperature of
the tyre, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation and a
tyre blowout. 
175Wheels

WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the wheel bolts.■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never apply grease or
oil.■
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.
■
If the wheel bolts are tightened to an insufficient tightening torque, the
rims may come loose when the car is moving – risk of accident! A tightening
torque which is too high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result
in permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.
■
If the wheel bolts are handled incorrectly, the wheel may come loose when
the car is moving – risk of accident!
WARNINGObserve the following information regarding the spare wheel.■Only use the spare wheel for as long as is necessary.■
Never drive with more than one spare wheel attached.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the spare wheel.
CAUTION
■ If a spare wheel is used that is not identical to the fitted tyres, the following
must be observed » page 179, Spare wheel .■
Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.
■
Replace lost valve caps.
■
If, in the event of a puncture, it is necessary to fit a spare wheel with a tyre
without a dedicated running direction or with the opposite direction of rotation,
drive carefully as the optimal characteristics of the tyre are no longer applicable in
this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres that are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow chains
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.

Service life of tyresFig. 141
Principle sketch: Tyre tread with wear indicators/open fuel filler
flap with a table detailing the tyre sizes and tyre inflation pressures
Fig. 142
Replacing wheels
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 175.
The service life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style and other
circumstances. Following the advice below can extend the service life of your
tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The tyre pressures for tyres are shown on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 141 -
 .
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle at
all times. 
176General Maintenance

Full wheel trimFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 175.
Extracting
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit into the reinforced edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off the
wheel trim.
Installing
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening.
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks cor- rectly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. Avoid
heavy impacts when the trim has not yet been inserted into the wheel rim. This
could cause damage to the guide and centring elements of the trim.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the valve
area » page 186 , Securing wheels against theft .
■
If wheel trims are retrofitted it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system.

Wheel bolts
Fig. 145
Remove the capFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 175.
Extracting
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 183 sufficiently far onto the cap until the in-
ner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap » Fig. 145.
›
Remove the cap.
Installing
›
Push the caps onto the wheel bolts up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the stor-
age space for the spare wheel.

Wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 175.
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. Each time
you fit other wheels rims, e.g. light alloy wheel rims or wheels with winter tyres,
you must also use the matching wheel bolts with the correct length and dome
shape. This is a prerequisite for ensuring that wheels are attached correctly.

Winter operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
181
Snow chains
181
180General Maintenance

fire extinguisherFig. 148
Fire extinguisher
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 182.
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driver's
seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar- row » Fig. 148 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
Follow these steps in the reverse order for attachment.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguish-
er.
The fire extinguisher must be checked by an authorised person once a year. The
national legal requirements must be observed.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision which could
cause injuries to occupants.
Note
■ The fire extinguisher must comply with national legal requirements.■Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. Proper functioning
of the fire extinguisher is not assured once it has passed its expiry date.■
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.

Vehicle tool kitFig. 149
Vehicle tool kit
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 182.
The vehicle tool kit and the lifting jack are housed in a plastic box in the spare
wheel or in the storage space for the spare wheel. There is also space here for
the removable ball rod for the trailer towing device. The box is attached with a
strap on the spare wheel.
The components of the vehicle tool kit (depending on vehicle equip-
ment) » Fig. 149 .
Screwdriver
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Car jack
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
Screw the car jack back into its initial position after use in order to store it back in the box with the vehicle tool kit. 
12345678183Emergency equipment and self-help

WARNING■The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances use it to lift heavier vehicles or other loads – risk of
injury!■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.

Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
184
Changing a wheel
185
Follow-up work
185
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
185
Raising the vehicle
186
Securing wheels against theft
186WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system and
set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national legal re-
quirements must be observed.■
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on as
flat and firm a surface as possible.
■
The following instructions must be followed if the vehicle is subsequently
fitted with tyres or rims that differ from the factory-fitted ones » page 177,
New tyres .
WARNINGObserve the following instructions for lifting the vehicle.■If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpectedly
rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent pos-
sible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always necessary to
place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth, such as cobbled
stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle, while
the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
Never start the engine when the vehicle is raised – risk of injury.
CAUTION
■ The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light alloy
wheels is 120 Nm.■
If the wheel bolts are fastened too tightly, this can cause damage to the anti-
theft wheel bolt or the adapter.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preliminary work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following steps must be carried out before actually changing the wheel:
›
Have all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the oc-
cupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead remain
behind a crash barrier). 
184Do-it-yourself

›Switch off the engine.›Move the gearshift lever into
Neutral or move the selector lever for the auto-
matic gearbox into position P .›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 183 and the spare wheel » page 179 from
the boot.

Changing a wheel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 184.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 180 or caps » page 180 .
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel
bolts » page 185 .
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground » page 186 .
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Alternately tighten wheel bolts opposite (diagonally) with the wheel wrench.
Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last » page 185.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
Note
■
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.■Under no circumstances grease or oil the wheel bolts!■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 178 .

Follow-up work
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 184.
The following steps must also be performed after changing the wheel.
› Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
bolt » page 179 , Spare wheel .›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque wrench
as soon as possible.
›
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair options.
Note
■ If it is determined that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to turn when
changing the wheel, the bolts must be replaced before checking the tightening
torque.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque has
been checked.

Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
Fig. 150
Changing a wheel: Loosening
the wheel bolts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 184.
Release
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1)
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt about one turn in the direction of
the arrow » Fig. 150.
Tightening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1)
. 

1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts
» page 186.
185Emergency equipment and self-help

›Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt against the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 150 until it is tight.WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) provided that the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come off and fall down – risk of injury!
Note
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end of the
wrench with your foodt. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and make sure
you keep your footing.
Raising the vehicle
Fig. 151
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack
Fig. 152
Attach lifting jack
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 184.
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point closest to the faulty
wheel » Fig. 151 . The jacking point is located directly below the engraving in the
lower sill.
›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point with the crank and move it up until its claw is positioned below the vertical web of the lower sill.
›
Align the lifting jack so that its claw grasps the web » Fig. 152 -  .
›
Support the base plate of the lifting jack with its entire surface resting on level
ground and ensure that the lever is positioned vertically to the point at which the claw grasps the web » Fig. 152 -  .
›
Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the ground.
WARNING■
Only raise the vehicle at the attachment points.■Choose a flat and firm surface for jacking the vehicle.

Securing wheels against theft
Fig. 153
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 184.
The anti-theft wheel bolts can only be removed/tightened with the aid of the
adapter » page 183 .
›
Remove the cover from the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Insert the adapter
B
» Fig. 153 with its toothed side fully into the inner tooth-
ing of the anti-theft wheel bolt
A
until the stop so that only the outer hexagon
is jutting out. 

186Do-it-yourself

›Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter B up to the stop.›Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt
» page 185.›
After removing the adapter, replace the cap on the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Have the tightening torque checked with a torque wrench as soon as possible.
Note
■
Make a note of the code number hammered into the rear side of the adapter or
the rear side of the anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used to purchase a
replacement adapter from ŠKODA Genuine Parts if required.■
We recommend that you always carry the adapter for the wheel bolts with you
in the vehicle. It should be stowed in the vehicle tool kit.
■
The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA Part-
ner.

Tyre repair
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Breakdown kit
188
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
188
Sealing and inflating the tyre
188
Check after 10 minutes' driving
189
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies or
a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4 mm.
A repair made using the breakdown kit is never intended to replace a permanent
repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist garage.
The wheel must not be removed during repair.Do not remove foreign bodies , e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances. › There is damage to the rim.
› The outside temperature is less than -20 °C.
› The tears or punctures are greater than 4 mm in size.
› There is damage to the tyre wall.
› Driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre.
› If the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed.
WARNING■
A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a standard
tyre.■
Do not travel faster than 80 km/h.
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
Check the tyre pressure after driving for 10 minutes.
■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into con-
tact with the skin.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in ac- cordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.■A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or con-
sult a specialist garage about repair options.

187Emergency equipment and self-help