2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK warning

Fig. 114
Fit the lock cap
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 110 on page 112 by pulling
it downwards.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 113.
›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 113and insert into the mounting recess un-
til it audibly clicks into place » .
The hand wheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the hand wheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed
padlock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the hand wheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 114 arrow.
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 114.
WARNING■
Do not hold the hand wheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the
mounting recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the hand wheel lock – risk
of lock getting dirty.NoteStore the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 115
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Correctly secured ball head » Fig. 115
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The hand wheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap.
The hand wheel is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!114Driving

Removing the ball headFig. 116
Removing the lock cover/releasing the lock
Fig. 117
Release tow bar
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
›
Remover the cover
A
from the hand wheel lock in the direction of the
1
» Fig. 116 arrow.
›
Insert the key
B
into the lock.
›
Unlock the hand wheel lock by turning the key
B
left as far as the stop in
the direction of the arrow
2
- the arrow on the key points towards the “pad-
lock open” icon.
›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 117and with the other hand, pull the hand
wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
3
accordingly.
›
Turn the hand wheel in the direction of the arrow
4
to the stop, and hold in
this position.
›
Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direc-
tion of the arrow
5
.
At the same time, the tow bar latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›Attach the cover for the mounting recess 4
» Fig. 110 on page 112 .WARNING■
Never allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could
cause damage on sudden braking and could put the safety of the occu-
pants at risk!■
Never remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
■ If the hand wheel is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to
its initial position when the tow bar is removed and will rest on the tow bar
and not engage into the ready position. The tow bar will then need to be
brought into this position before the next time it is fitted.■
The mounting recess must be closed with the cover following removal. This
prevents foreign bodies from getting into the mounting recess.
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before re-
moving the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Use and care
Read and observe
and on page 112 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in.
Always check the tow bar before hitching a trailer. Apply suitable grease
where necessary.
Use the protective cover when stowing away the tow bar, in order to stop the
boot from getting dirty.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.115Hitch and trailer

Trailer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
116
Driving with a trailer
116
Anti-theft alarm system
117WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
Loading a trailer
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced. Whereby the maximum per-missible draw bar load must be utilised. If the draw bar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving
with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 143,
Service life of tyres .
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 172 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1,000 metres above
mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the vehicle's climbing
power. Therefore, for every additional 1,000 m in height (or part), the maximum
permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and draw bar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice is merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and draw bar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer -
risk of accident and serious injuries!■
A sliding cargo can adversely affect stability and driving safety significant-
ly - there is a risk of accident!
Driving with a trailer
Fig. 118
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
Read and observe on page 116 first.
Before starting off
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 118 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 110 on page 112 towards the top.
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out against the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 118.
›
Place the protective cover
5
» Fig. 110 on page 112 on the ball head. 
116Driving

Safety eyelet
The safety eyelet B» Fig. 118 serves 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.) sag .
Exterior mirrors
You can 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 54.
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
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
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 warning light lights up and/or starts to
blink in the instrument » page 32cluster. Wait a few minutes and check the
level of coolant » page 137.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 32.
The coolant temperature level 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
situation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electrical installations can energise the
trailer and cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system
as well as accidents and severe injuries.
■
Works on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources.
■
After coupling the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that
the rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.
Note
■ If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in
the dash panel » page 164.■
Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in
mechanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not
impair the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is
excluded from the warranty coverage.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected
between service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.
Anti-theft alarm system
Read and observe
on page 116 first.
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 49 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket. 
117Hitch and trailer

General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Statutory checks
119
ŠKODA Service Partners
120
ŠKODA Original parts
120
ŠKODA Original accessories
120
Spoiler
121
Airbags
121
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
121
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and
helps keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifi-
cations, repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German
road transport regulations (StVZO).
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 120before buying accessories or
parts, or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations
to your vehicle.
WARNING■ Works on your vehicle, which have been carried out unprofessionally, can
cause operational faults – risk of accident!■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected
systems because of the networking of the electronic components. The op-
erational safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to in-
creased wear of parts.
For the sake of the environmentTechnical documents regarding alterations carried out on the vehicle must be
kept by the vehicle user in order to be handed over to the recyclers at a later
date. This ensures that the vehicle is recycled in an environmentally sound
manner.
Note
■ We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.■
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of
the manufacturer is excluded from the warranty » Service schedule .
■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no liability for products that have not been ap-
proved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with an op-
erational approval or that have been approved by a government testing insti-
tute.
■
We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.
■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased from
ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the pur-
chased parts.
Statutory checks
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and roadworthiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific
intervals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that
have been legally authorised for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and
will prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required,
or will be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can
carry out the specified tests directly, if required by the customer, if they are
authorised to do so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for
prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you
consult the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand. 
119Care and maintenance

NoteThe accessories authorised by the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered
by the ŠKODA Partners in all countries where the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s.
has a sales and after-sales service network. This will usually be in the form of a
printed catalogue of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories, in the form of separate prin-
ted brochures or in the form of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA
Partner websites.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, then the following instruc-
tions must be adhered to.
› For safety reasons, the vehicle must only be fitted with a spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the luggage compart-
ment lid.
› This kind of spoiler cannot be left on the front bumper either on its own, in
combination with another spoiler not on the luggage compartment lid or in
combination with an unsuitable spoiler on the luggage compartment lid.
› We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs
to or replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle's spoilers is not carried out properly, this can lead
to operational faults - risk of accident and serious injuries!■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – risk of accident!
Airbags
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
The system components of the airbag system can be situated in the front
bumper, doors, front seats, roof lining or body.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system, including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel), must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Modifications, repairs and technical alterations that have been carried out
unprofessionally can cause damage and operational faults, and can also se-
riously impair the effectiveness of the airbag system – risk of accident and
fatal injury!
■
The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
Airbag modules cannot be repaired.
WARNINGInformation on the use of 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 may 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 tyre combinations, can alter the functioning of the air-
bag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
Read and observe
on page 119 first.
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to
protecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODAvehi-
cles can be recycled by up to 95 % and can always 1)
be returned free of charge. 
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
121Care and maintenance

In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you
can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a
confirmation documenting the recycling in accordance with environmental reg-
ulations.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Washing vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
122
Automatic car wash systems
122
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
123
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences
is frequent washing.
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, ac-
centuate this caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end
of the winter.
WARNINGWhen washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
CAUTION
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk
of damaging the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.Washing by hand
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
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.
For stubborn dirt, agents specifically intended for this purpose are to be used. 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
leather.
WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased. 
122General Maintenance

CAUTIONFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior mirrors -
always use the electric controls.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pres-
sure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft mate-
rials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
CAUTION
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner,
ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short pe-
riods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
Note
Also refer to "Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er" » page 124 .
Cleaning vehicle exterior

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle paint work
123
Plastic parts
124
Rubber seals
124
Chrome parts
124
Decorative films
124
Windows and external mirrors
125
Headlight glasses
125
Door closing cylinder
125Cavity protection125Wheels126
Under-body protection
126
Wiper blades
126
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed.
WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according
to the instructions.■
Always keep the vehicle care products safe from people who are not com-
pletely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when clean-
ing the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims –
risk of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning
products – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Cleaners that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal
regulations.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential
problems with the cleaning and care of your vehicle's exterior, we recommend
that the cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
Vehicle paint work
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
Preserving the vehicle paintwork
A thorough wax treatment provides the vehicle's paintwork with highly effec-
tive protection against harmful environmental influences. 
123Care and maintenance