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
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!
Wheels
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular basis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be
corroded.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly, treat the wheel rims with a protective product for
light alloy wheels. Products which cause abrasion must not be used to treat
the wheel rims.
CAUTION
■ Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediate-
ly.■
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend having the protective coating underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.WARNINGNever use additional under-body protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
When the engine reaches its operating temperature, these substances may
ignite - risk of fire!
Wiper blades
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
Clean the wiper blades regularly with a glass cleaner. The wiper blades shouldbe cleaned with a sponge or cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues,
for example.
The wiper blades can become soiled with wax residues after washing in auto-
matic vehicle wash systems for example » page 122.
Interior care
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
127
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
128
Seat covers
128
Safety belts
128
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.
126General Maintenance
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 124
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 131 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 124 .
The cleaning fluid is provided for the cleaning of the front and rear window as
well as the headlight.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with anti-freeze in winter), which
will remove any stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with anti-freeze even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with anti-freeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The anti-freeze protection at this concen-
tration is sufficient only to -5 °C.
CAUTION■ Under no circumstances must radiator anti-freeze or other additives be add-
ed to the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning prod-
ucts which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be
added to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
filling, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system,
leading in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
135
Checking the oil level
135
Replenishing
136
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use
throughout the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the in- formation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publica-
tion.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manu-
facturer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The engine oil should be changed after specified service intervals » page 43.
WARNINGThe 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 131. 1)
In some countries, 5.4 l. applies for both variants.
134General Maintenance
›Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
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 km.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals.
In case of low oil level, the display of the instrument cluster shows a check
mark
as well as the relevant notification » page 31. Check the oil level using
the dipstick as soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the range A» Fig. 125 - risk of damage to
the motor as well as the exhaust system!■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the engine oil!
Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 125 ,
do not continue to drive! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 134 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 123 on page 133 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 135 .
›
Check the oil level » page 135.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
137
Replenishing
137
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive content in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 126 on page 137 .WARNINGThe 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 131.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION
■ 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 as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
136General Maintenance
■Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
. » Fig. 126 on page 137
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 126
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 136 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 126
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-
isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 126.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 126 .
ABIn case of low coolant level, the control symbol is displayed in the instrument
cluster as well as the relevant notification » page 32. We still recommend in-
specting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 136 first.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenishing the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
■
Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant 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
138
Specification
138
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 127 on
page 138 .
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 131.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
137Inspecting and replenishing
CAUTION■Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 127 on page 138 , do not continue to drive - risk of accidents!
Seek help from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 127
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
Read and observe and on page 137 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 127.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light lighting up in the
instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification being dis-
played » page 31 ,
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications:› VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
139
Checking the battery electrolyte level
140
Charging
140
Replacing
141
Disconnecting and reconnecting
141
Automatic load deactivation
141
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection!Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection!Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery!When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced!Keep children away from the vehicle battery! 138General Maintenance
Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 129
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 139 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, » Fig. 129the
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist garage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures
just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Note■ The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part
of the inspection service.■
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.
A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
140General Maintenance
CAUTION■Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Service life of tyres
143
New tyres
144
Unidirectional tyres
145WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate 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 of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any suspicion that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce 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 will adversely affect the
road safety of your vehicle.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres.
■
Immediately replace damaged wheel rims or tyres.
142General Maintenance