Brakes and parking
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
99
Handbrake
100
Parking
100WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 104, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 99 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several
times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage.
Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 31,
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
99Starting-off and Driving
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
Index
A
abroad lead-free petrol
130
Abroad Headlights
58
ABS Function
106
Warning light33
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles121
Accessories119
Adjusting Belt height
13
Exterior mirror63
head restraints65
Interior mirror62
Seat64
Steering wheel8
Adjusting the seats7
Adjustment Beam range
53
Air-conditioning system Air outlet vents
85
Airbag14
Deactivating18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag18
Deployment14
Front airbag15
Head airbag17
Indicator light35
Modifications and damage to the airbag system 121
Side airbag
16
Airbag system14
Air conditioning84
Air distribution control85
Climatronic87
manual air conditioning86
Air distribution control85
Air outlet vents85
Alarm Switching off
49
Triggering49
Alcantara cleaning
128
Anti-lock Braking System106
Anti-theft alarm system Activating/deactivating
50
Trailer117
Armrest Front
67
Rear67
artificial leather128
Ashtray71
ASR Warning light
33
Assist system ABS
106
Assist systems106
ABS33
ASR33
Cruise Control System108
EDL107
ESC32, 106
HBA107
HHC107
Parking aid107
START-STOP109
TCS106
Auto Check Control29
Automatic driving lamp control55
Automatic gearbox101
Manual shifting of gears103
Selector lever-emergency unlocking162
Selector lever lock102
Starting-off and driving103
Tiptronic103
Using the selector lever102
Automatic gearbox modes102
Automatic load deactivation141
automatic transmission selector lever lock defect
103
Automatic transmission Kickdown
103
Selector lever lock103
AUX96
B
Ball head Check fitting
114
Fitting113
Ready position113
Removing115
Battery In the remote control key
161
Belts10
Belt tensioners13
Bonnet Closing
132
Opening132
Boot Class N1 vehicles
79
Double-sided floor covering79
Hooks77
See Boot lid51
Storage compartments in the boot78
Boot cover Parking position
78
Boot lid automatic locking
51
Closing51
Opening51
Brake Warning light
31
Brake booster99
brake fluid specification
138
180Index