2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK tow

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

SettingFig. 132
Button for setting the tyre infla-
tion pressure control value
Read and observe and on page 145 first.
›
Inflate all of the tyres to the specified inflation pressure » page 143.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol button

» Fig. 132 for longer than 2 seconds.
If the warning light in the instrument cluster lights up and does not go out
after the system configuration, this indicates a system fault.
If there is a blinking light in the instrument cluster, then there is a system
fault.
Display
Read and observe
and on page 145 first.
The control light in the instrument cluster lights up when any of the follow-
ing conditions are met.
› The tyre inflation pressure is low.
› The structure of the tyre is damaged.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› The spare wheel is mounted.
› One wheel per axle was changed.
WARNING■
When illuminated control lights light up in the instrument cluster lights,
immediately reduce speed and avoid violent steering and brake manoeu-
vres. Stop the vehicle as soon as possible and inspect the tyres and their
inflation pressure.■
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or un-
paved roads) the warning light 
in the instrument cluster may be delayed
or not light up at all.
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Change
147
Spare wheel
147
Fit a wheel in the appropriate dimensions and design as soon as possible.
WARNING■ 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 lon-
ger applicable in this situation.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
146General Maintenance

ChangeFig. 133
Fixing the spare or temporary
spare wheel
Read and observe on page 146 first.
The spare or temporary spare wheel is located in a well under the floor cover-
ing in the boot and is fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 133.
Take out the wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Remove the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut » Fig. 133anti-clockwise.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing down-
ward.
›
Screw the nut » Fig. 133clockwise until the wheel is safely secured.
›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with
the tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the boot lid.
Spare wheel
Read and observe
on page 146 first.
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be particularly observant when driving.
› The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle » Fig. 130 on page 143 .
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
as it is not intended for long-term use.WARNING■ Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Only use the temporary spare wheel when absolutely necessary.■
Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
fitted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Winter operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
147
Snow chains
148
Winter tyres
Fitting winter tyres will significantly improve the handling of your vehicle when
driving in wintry road conditions. Summer tyres have less grip on ice, snow and
at temperatures below 7 °C. This is especially true of vehicles fitted with wide
tyres or high-speed tyres .
In order to achieve the best possible handling properties, winter tyres must be
fitted on all four wheels, the minimum tread depth must be 4 mm and tyres
must be no older than 4 years.
Winter tyres of a lower speed category can be used provided that the permissi-
ble maximum speed of these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maxi-
mum speed of the vehicle is higher.
The speed limit for winter tyres can be set in the MAXI DOT display in the
menu item Winter tyres » page 42 . 
147Wheels

fire extinguisherFig. 136
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 136 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
Follow these steps in the reverse order for attachment.
Please read carefully the instructions which are attached to the fire extin-
guisher.
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 function-
ing 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. 137
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit and the jack with sticker 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 attach-
ed with a strap on the spare wheel.
Depending on the equipment, not all the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Possible components of the on-board tool kit » Fig. 137
Screwdriver
Spanner for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eyelet
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. 
123456789150Do-it-yourself

WARNING■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
correct » page 145 .
Follow-up work
Read and observe
on page 151 first.
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 146 .
›
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 op-
tions.
WARNING■ If it is established when changing a wheel that the wheel bolts are corro-
ded and difficult to move, then these must be replaced.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque
has been checked.
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
Fig. 139
Changing a wheel: Loosening the
wheel bolts
Read and observe on page 151 first.
Loosening
›
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. 139.
Tightening
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the wheel bolt to the stop 1)
.
›
Grasp the end of the wrench and turn the bolt against the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 139 until it is tight.
WARNING■
Undo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) provided that the vehi-
cle has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could become loose
and fall off.■
If it proves difficult to undo the bolts, carefully apply pressure to the end
of the wrench with your foot. Keep hold of the vehicle when doing so, and
make sure you keep your footing.
Raise vehicle
Fig. 140
Jacking points for positioning
lifting jack 
1)
Use the appropriate adapter for undoing and tightening the anti-theft wheel bolts
» page 154.
153Emergency equipment and self-help

Fig. 141
Attach lifting jack
Read and observe
on page 151 first.
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point closest to the faulty
wheel » Fig. 140 .
The mounting points are located on the metal bar of the lower sill on the un-
derside of your vehicle » Fig. 140.
›
Support the base plate of the jack with its full area resting on level ground
and ensure that the jack is located in a vertical position at the jacking
point » Fig. 141 -
 .
›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point with the crank and move it up
until its claw encloses the web » Fig. 141 -
 .
›
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 theftFig. 142
Principle illustration: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
Read and observe on page 151 first.
The anti-theft wheel bolts can only be removed/tightened with the aid of the
adapter » page 150 .
›
Remove the cover from the anti-theft wheel bolt.
›
Insert the adapter
B
» Fig. 142 with its toothed side fully into the inner
toothing of the anti-theft wheel bolt
A
until the stop so that only the outer
hexagon is jutting out.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 153.
›
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 possi-
ble.
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 pur-
chase 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
Partner.
154Do-it-yourself