2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK headlights

Cold range
If the pointer is still in the left area of the scale, this indicates that the engine
has not yet reached its operating temperature. Avoid high speeds, full throttle
and high engine loads. This prevents possible damage to the engine.
The operating range
The engine has reached its operating temperature as soon as the pointer
moves into the mid-range of the scale. At very high ambient temperatures or
heavy engine loads, the pointer may move even further to the right.
High temperature range
If the pointer reaches the red area of the scale, the coolant temperature is too high. Further information » page 32, 

Coolant .
CAUTION
■
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.
Fuel gauge
Fig. 22
Fuel gauge
Read and observe
on page 26 first.
The display provides information on the fuel level in the container.
Fuel gauge types » Fig. 22
Indication in the instrument cluster with the MAXI DOT display
Indication in the display of the instrument cluster with the Segment Dis-
play
The display only works if the ignition is switched on.
The fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres.
The warning light lights up when the amount of fuel reaches the reserve zone
 » page 35 .
The reserve zone is indicated by the red area of the scale » Fig. 22 - 
or by
displaying only the last two segments of the scale » Fig. 22 - 
in the magnify-
ing glass.
CAUTION
Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring. This can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.
Note
■ After filling up, it can occur that during dynamic driving (e.g. numerous
curves, braking, driving downhill and climbing a steep hill) the fuel gauge indi-
cates approx. a fraction less. When stopping or during less dynamic driving, the
fuel gauge displays the correct fuel level again. This is not a fault.■
The arrow 
next to the icon 
within the fuel gauge displays the installation
location of the fuel filler on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Counter for distance driven
Fig. 23
Display: Segment display / MAXI
DOT display
Read and observe on page 26 first.
Display » Fig. 23
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
Odometer
Counter for distance travelled (trip)
The counter indicates the distance you have driven since it was last reset - in
steps of 100 metres or 1/10 of a mile. 
AB28Using the system

›Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the engine oil lev-
el » page 135 .
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 sec-
onds 
. If no engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on
again after driving about 100 km.
The warning light 
flashes (engine oil level sensor faulty)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Oil sensor: Workshop!
If the engine oil level sensor is faulty, the warning light 
flashes several
times and an audible signal sounds when the ignition is turned on.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
  Coolant
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
remains illuminated , until the engine reaches operating
temperature 1)
. Avoid high speeds, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the warning light 
illuminates or flashes , either the coolant temperature is
too high or the coolant level is too low.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check engine coolant! Log book!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine and check the coolant lev-
el » page 137 .
›
If the coolant level is too low, add coolant to the reservoir » page 137.
If the warning light 
does not illuminate , after adding coolant and switching
on the ignition, you may continue your journey.
If the coolant level is within the specified range and the indicator light  is still
illuminated , then there may be a malfunction of the cooling fan.
›
Check the fuse for the radiator fan, replace if necessary » page 165, Fuses in
the engine compartment .
If the coolant level and fan fuse are both OK but the indicator light  is never-
theless still illuminated,

do not continue your journey!
Seek help from a specialist garage.WARNING■
Carefully open the coolant expansion bottle. If the engine is hot, the cool-
ing system is pressurized – risk of scalding! It is therefore best to allow the
engine to cool down before removing the cap.■
Do not touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may switch itself on auto-
matically even if the ignition is off.
CAUTION
■ 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.
 Power steering
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the power steering sys-
tem.
The power steering operates with reduced steering assist or does not function
at all.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.
 Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
flashes , to show that the ESC is currently operating.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the ESC.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
or Error: Traction control (ASR)
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. 
1)
Applies to vehicles with a segment display.
32Using the system

Lights and visibility
Lights
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Parking light and low beam
53
Daytime running lights(DAY LIGHT)
54
Turn signal and main beam
55
Automatic driving lamp control
55
Fog lights
56
Fog lights with CORNER function
56
Rear fog light
56
COMING HOME / LEAVING HOME
57
Hazard warning light system
57
Parking light
58
Driving abroad
58
Unless otherwise stated, the lights only work when the ignition is switched
on.
The arrangement of the controls right-hand drive models may differ from the
layout shown in » Fig. 36 on page 53 . The symbols which mark the positions
of the controls are identical.
WARNING■ The activation of the lights should only be undertaken in accordance with
national legal requirements.■
The driver is always responsible for the correct settings and use of the
lights.
WARNING (Continued)■ The automatic driving lamp control  only operates as a support and
does not release the driver from his responsibility to check the light and, if
necessary, to switch on the light depending on the given light conditions.
The light sensor cannot, for example, detect rain or snow. Under these con-
ditions we recommend switching on the low beam or fog lights!■
Never drive with only the side lights on! The side lights are not bright
enough to light up the road sufficiently in front of you or to be seen by oth-
er oncoming traffic. Therefore always switch on the low beam when it is
dark or if visibility is poor.
Note
The headlights may mist up temporarily. When the driving lights are switched
on, the light outlet surfaces are free from mist after a short period, although
the headlight lenses may still be misted up in the peripheral areas. This mist
has no influence on the life of the lighting system.
Parking light and low beam
Fig. 36
Light switch and control dial for
headlight range adjustment
Read and observe on page 53 first.
Light switch positions - turning the switch
A
» Fig. 36
Switching off lights (except daytime running lights) Automatic switching lights on and off » page 55
Switching on the parking light or parking lights 1)
» page 58
Turn on the low beam 1)

1)
On vehicles with a MAXI DOT display, the  symbol also lights up in the light switch.
53Lights and visibility

WARNINGSwitch on the hazard warning light system if, for example, the following oc-
curs.■
You encounter a traffic congestion.
■
The vehicle has broken down.
Parking light
Read and observe
on page 53 first.
The parking light is provided for a temporary lighting of the parked vehicle.
Parking light  switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Place the control lever into position
A
or
B
as far as it can go
» Fig. 37 on
page 55 - the parking light on the right/left-hand side of the vehicle is
switched on.
If the right or left turn signal light has been switched on and the ignition is
switched off, the parking light  is not automatically switched on.
Switching on the side light on both sides 
›
Turn the light switch
A
to position 
» Fig. 36 on page 53 and lock the vehi-
cle.
On vehicles with a MAXI DOT display, the symbol  in the light switch also
lights up when the two-sided parking light is switched on.
CAUTION
Turning on the parking light means the battery is heavily loaded, especially
over short distances.
Driving abroad
Read and observe
on page 53 first.
The low beam is set asymmetrically. It illuminates the side of the road on
which the vehicle is being driven to a greater extent.
When driving in countries with opposing traffic system (traffic on the left/
right), asymmetric headlight adjustment can dazzle oncoming traffic. In order
to avoid this, the headlights must be adjusted at a specialist garage.
NoteYou can find out more information on adjusting the headlights at a specialist
garage.
Interior lighting
Front interior light
Fig. 41
Front interior light - Version 1 / Version 2
Positions of sliding switch
A
» Fig. 41
Switching on
Switching off
Operating with the door contact switch
Switch for reading light
B
» Fig. 41
Switching left reading lamp on/off
Switching right reading lamp on/off
Conditions for the lighting operation with the door contact switch 
The system is turned on when any of the following is present.
› The vehicle is unlocked.
› One of the doors is opened.
› The ignition key is removed.
The system is turned off when any of the following is present.
› The vehicle is locked.
› The ignition is switched on.
› About 30 seconds after all the doors have been closed. 
58Using the system

Headlight cleaning systemRead and observe
and on page 60 first.
After the ignition is switched on, the headlights are always cleaned at the first
and after every tenth spray of the windscreen (setting
5
» Fig. 46 on page 61 ),
when the low beam or main beam is switched on.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight
lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guide-
lines must be observed » page 125, Headlight glasses .
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray.
CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand – risk of
damage!
Rear mirror
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Interior mirror
62
Exterior mirror
63WARNING■ Make sure that the mirror is not covered by ice, snow, mist or other ob-
jects.■
Convex (curved outward) or aspheric exterior mirrors increase the field of
vision. They do, however, make objects appear smaller in the mirror. These
mirrors are therefore only of limited use for estimating distances to the fol-
lowing vehicles.
■
Whenever possible use the interior mirror for estimating the distances to
the following vehicles.
■
The illuminated display of an external navigation unit can lead to opera-
tional faults to the automatic dimming interior mirror – risk of accident.
WARNINGThe mirrors with automatic dimming contain an electrolyte liquid which can
escape if mirror glass is broken.■
The leaking electrolytic fluid can irritate the skin, eyes and breath appara-
tus. Immediately seek out fresh air and leave the vehicle. If this is not pos-
sible, at least open the window.
■
If you swallow electrolytic fluid, seek medical assistance immediately.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes long with a lot of water.
Then consult a doctor immediately.
Interior mirror
Fig. 47
Interior mirror: manual dimming / auto-darkening / light sensor
Read and observe
on page 62 first.
Mirrors with manual dimming » Fig. 47
Basic position of the mirror
Mirror blackout
Mirror with automatic dimming » Fig. 47
Warning light - lights when dimming is activated
Switch for the activation of the automatic mirror dimming
Light sensor
Light sensor on the back of the mirror
If the automatic dimming is enabled, the mirror dims automatically depending
on the light falling on the sensors. 
12ABCD62Using the system

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

Windows and external mirrorsFig. 119
Fuel filler flap: Ice scraper
Read and observe and on page 123 first.
Removing snow and ice
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors.
The ice scraper can be found on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
›
Open the fuel filler flap.
›
Slide out the ice scraper in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 119.
Cleaning windows
Regularly clean windows from the inside with clean water.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
CAUTION
Instructions for removing snow and ice■The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of
damage to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
CAUTIONInformation for cleaning windows■Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corro-
sive and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating ele-
ments or window aerial.■
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window
leathers that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preserva-
tives in the window leather can make the window dirty and reduce visibility.
Headlight glasses
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■The headlights are never to be wiped dry - there is a risk of damaging the
protective lacquer and the headlight glass subsequently developing cracks.■
Do not use sharp objects to clean the glasses - there is a risk of damaging
the protective lacquer and the headlight glasses subsequently developing
cracks.
■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.
Door closing cylinder
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder when
washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
Cavity protection
Read and observe
and on page 123 first.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protectedfor life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not need to be inspected or re-applied. 
125Care and 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