2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK handbrake

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

WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
■
On vehicles with automatic transmission, shift the selector lever into the
P position.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant
is escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep all people, especially children, away from the engine compartment.■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
Pay particular attention to moving engine parts, e.g. V-ribbed belt, gener-
ator, radiator fan - danger to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system – particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery,
tie back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any
work.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid
containers.■
Keep the working fluids in sealed original containers and safe from peo-
ple who are not completely independent, e.g. children.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car
jack is not sufficient – risk of injury!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend
that fluids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 121
Bonnet release lever / release lever 
132General Maintenance

›Move the gear shift lever into
Neutral or move the selector lever for the au-
tomatic gearbox into position P.›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 150 and the spare wheel » page 146 from
the boot.
Full wheel trim
Read and observe
on page 151 first.
Removing
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 150into 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 open-
ing » .
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks
correctly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim! The
cover could be damaged.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the
valve area.
■
If wheel trims are fitted, it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is
assured to cool the brake system. We recommend that you use child seats
from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheel boltsFig. 138
Remove the cap
Read and observe on page 151 first.
Removing
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 150sufficiently far onto the cap until the in-
ner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap.
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 138.
Installing
›
Push the cap onto the wheel bolt up to the stop.
The wheel bolt caps are housed in a plastic box in the spare wheel or in the
storage space for the spare wheel.
Changing a wheel
Read and observe
on page 151 first.
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel bolts.
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground.
›
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.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps. 
152Do-it-yourself

Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Button for releasing the tyre pressure
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
ON and OFF switch
Tyre inflater bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 2
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 155 first.
Always change a wheel on a level surface as far as possible.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the break-
down kit.
›
Have all of the occupants get out of the vehicle. While changing a tyre, the
occupants of the vehicle should not stand on the road (they should instead
remain behind a crash barrier).
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Move the gear shift lever into Neutral or move the selector lever for the au-
tomatic gearbox into position P.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 155.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 143 on page 155 on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
›
Do not remove the foreign body, e.g. screw or nail, from the tyre.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
2
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean
surface (rag, paper, etc.).
34567891011Sealing and inflating the tyre
Read and observe
on page 155 first.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflater bottle
10
» Fig. 143 on page 155 back and
forth several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
in a clock-
wise direction. The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflater bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflater bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
2
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose
7
» Fig. 143 on page 155 of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
6
into 12 Volt socket » page 71, 12-Volt power outlet .
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes »
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0–2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this
means the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit »
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
7
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0–2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey
at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
Check the tyre inflation pressure after driving for 10 minutes » page 157.
156Do-it-yourself

Unlocking the tailgateFig. 150
Emergency unlocking of the boot
lid
The luggage compartment lid can be unlocked manually if there is a fault in
the central locking system.
Unlocking
›
Fold the rear seat backrest forward » page 67.
›
Insert the vehicle key into the slot in the trim panel as far as it
goes » Fig. 150 .
›
Unlock the lid by moving it in the direction of the arrow.
›
Open the boot lid.
Selector lever-emergency unlocking
Fig. 151
Selector lever-emergency un-
locking
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Carefully pull up the front left and right cover.
›
Pull up rear cover.
›
Press the yellow plastic part in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 151 using your
finger.
›
At the same time, press the locking button in the selector lever and move the selector lever to position N.
If the selector lever is moved again to position P, it is once again blocked.
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades
162
Replacing the rear window glass wiper blades
163WARNINGReplace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
Replacing the front windscreen wiper blades
Fig. 152
Windscreen wiper blade
Read and observe on page 162 first.
Before replacing the windscreen wiper blade, put the windscreen wiper arms
into the service position.
Service position for changing wiper blades
›
Close the bonnet.
›
Switch the ignition off and on again.
›
Place the operating lever in position
4
» Fig. 46 on page 61 .
Move the windscreen wiper arms into the service position.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Lift the wiper arm from the window in the direction of
1
» Fig. 152 .
›
Tilt the wiper blade to the stop in the same direction.
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of
arrow
2
. 
162Do-it-yourself

Brake fluid137
Checking138
Information messages31
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) indicator light
36
brakes Driving in
104
Brakes Brake booster
99
Brake fluid138
Braking and stabilisation systems106
Handbrake100
Information messages31
Brakes and parking99
Braking Information on braking
99
Breakdown kit155
bulb rear lamp
170
Bulbs Replacing
166
Buttons in the driver's door Electric power windows
51
C
Car computer See multifunction display
39
Care and maintenance119
Car park ticket holder69
Carrier83
Cavity protection125
Central locking45
Central locking button48
Change Engine oil
134
Changing Front turn signal bulb
168
Wheels151
Changing a wheel Follow-up work153
Preliminary work151
Removing and attaching a wheel152
Charging a vehicle battery140
Check Fit ball head properly
114
Checking Battery electrolyte level
140
Brake fluid138
Coolant137
Engine oil135
Oil level135
Windscreen washer fluid134
Checks Statutory checks
119
Children and safety20
Child safety Side airbag
21
Child safety lock48
Child seat Classification
22
ISOFIX22
on the front passenger seat20
TOP TETHER23
Use of child seats22
Use of ISOFIX child seats23
Chrome parts see vehicle care
124
Cigarette lighter70
cleaning chrome parts
124
Cleaning Alcantara
128
and maintaining belts128
artificial leather128
headlight glasses125
materials128
natural leather127
plastic parts124
seats covers of the electrically heated seats128
wheels126
Cleaning safety belt
128
Cleaning seat covers
128
Cleaning the interior artificial leather
128
Seat covers128
Cleaning the outside of the vehicle Decorative films
124
Cleaning the vehicle exterior Cavity protection
125
Door locking cylinder125
Headlight glasses125
Under-body protection126
wheels126
Windows and external mirrors125
Cleaning vehicle122
Cleaning vehicle exterior123
Plastic parts124
Rubber seals124
Vehicle paint work123
Wiper blades126
Clean interior Safety belt
128
clean outside of vehicle chrome parts
124
Climatronic air distribution control
85
Operating elements87
Clothes hook74
Cockpit 12-Volt power outlet
71
Ashtray71
Cigarette lighter70
General view25
Lights58
storage compartments68
useful equipment68
181Index

Emergency equipmentFire extinguisher150
First aid kit149
Jack150
Vehicle tool kit150
Warning triangle149
emergency wheel146
Emissions173
Engine Switching off the engine
98
Engine compartment131
Brake fluid138
Overview133
Vehicle battery138
Engine number172
engine oil specification
135
Engine oil134
change134
Checking135
Information messages31
Replenishing136
Warning light31
Environment104
EPC Warning light
34
ESC Function
106
Warning light32
Exhaust inspection system Warning light
34
F
Fastening elements
76
Films124
Fire extinguisher150
First aid kit149
Flashing55
Flexible storage compartment79
Fog lights56
Warning light36
Fog lights with CORNER function56
Footmats101
refer to footmats101
Force limit Power windows
52
Front airbag15
Front interior light58
fuel lead-free petrol
130
Fuel129
Diesel131
Fuel gauge28
refer to Fuel129
Refuelling129
Fuel consumption104, 173
Fuel reserve Warning light
35
Fuses Assignment
163
Assignment of fuses in the dash panel164
Colour coding163
Fuse assignment in the engine compartment166
Replacing163
Fuses in the engine compartment Assignment
166
G
Gearbox Warning messages
29
Gear change Gear recommendation
38
Information on the selected gear38
Gear changing Gear stick
101
gears spare
147
General viewCockpit25
Generator Indicator light
31
Genuine parts120
Glasses compartment73
Glow plug system Warning light
34
GSM89
H
Handbrake
100
Warning light30
Hazard warning light system57
HBA107
Head airbag17
Headlight cleaning system Headlight cleaning system
62
Headlights Bulb arrangement
167
Driving abroad58
Headlight cleaning system62
Headrest removing and installing
65
Head restraints65
Adjust height65
Heating84
Air distribution control85
Control elements86
Exterior mirror63
Rear window59
Seats66
Heating rear window59
HHC107
Hill Hold Control (HHC)107
Hitch112
Drawback load112
Hooks77
Horn25
183Index