2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK inflation pressure

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
6
Driving safety
6
Safety equipment
6
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 20 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 7, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 6 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags. 

6Safety

The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
 do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait
until the 
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your
journey as soon as the symbol disappears.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
Note
■ If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 37, Using the informa-
tion system .■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always in-
dicated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue
to be indicated without any extra messages for the driver.
Indicator lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
30
 Brake system
31
 Seat belt warning light
31
 Generator
31
 Door open
31
 
Engine oil
31
 
Coolant
32
 Power steering
32
 Stability Control (ESC)
32
 Traction control (ASR)
33

Antiblock brake system (ABS)
33
 Rear fog light
33
 Lamp failure
33 Exhaust inspection system34 Glow plug system (diesel engine)34

Engine performance check (petrol engine)
34
 Diesel particle filter (diesel engine)
34
 Fuel reserve
35
 Airbag system
35

Tyre inflation pressure
35
 Windscreeen washer fluid
36
 
Turn signal system
36
 Fog lights
36
 Cruise control system
36
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
36
 Main beam
36
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 57. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
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, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the handbrake is applied. 
30Using the system

CAUTION■As long as the warning light  lights up, you must reckon with an increased
fuel consumption and in certain circumstances a power reduction of the en-
gine.■
Using diesel fuel with increased sulphur content can significantly reduce the
service life of the diesel particle filter. A ŠKODA Partner will be able to tell you
which countries use diesel fuel with increased sulphur content.
Note
■ To assist the combustion process of the soot particles in the filter, we recom-
mend that regularly driving short distances be avoided.■
If the engine is turned off during the filter cleaning process or shortly after-
wards, the cooling fan may turn on automatically for a few minutes.
 Fuel reserve
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
illuminates , if the fuel level is less than approx. 7 litres.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Please refuel. Range: ...km
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
The text in the display goes out only after refuelling and driving a short dis-
tance.
 Airbag system
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
If the warning light 
illuminates , there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Airbag
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, in- cluding when one of the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using
the vehicle system tester:
› The warning light

lights up for approx. 4 seconds after the ignition has
been turned on and the flashes for approximately another 12 seconds.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Airbag / belt tensioner deactivated.
If the air bag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of
the dash panel on the passenger side:
› The warning light

lights up lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the
ignition is switched on;
› Switched off airbags are indicated by the indicator light

 in the




 logo lighting up in the middle of the dash panel
» Fig. 12 on
page 18 .WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized company.
 Tyre inflation pressure
Read and observe
on page 30 first.
The warning light 
lights up , if there is a substantial drop in inflation pres-
sure in one of the tyres.
›
Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 142.
If the warning light 
flashes , there may be a fault in the tyre pressure moni-
toring system.
›
Stop the car, turn the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light 
flashes again after re-starting the engine, then the help
of a professional service provider must be sought immediately.
Further information » page 146, Setting .
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the indica-
tor light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light 
does not go out after moving a short distance, this means there is an error in
the system. Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately.35Instruments and Indicator Lights

The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!
Driving in an economical driving style
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
104
Tips for economical driving
104
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During this peri- od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km ,we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use
a trailer.
In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Change gear in an energy saving and timely manner
Observe the recommended gear » page 38.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only 3/4 of the possible top
speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 143.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) should
only be turned on for as long as necessary.104Driving

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

WARNING (Continued)■You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.■
Worn tyres impair necessary adhesion to the road surface, particularly at
high speeds on wet roads. This could lead to “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled
vehicle movement – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
CAUTION
■ Protect the tyres from contact with oil, grease and fuel.■Replace lost valve caps.■
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 rota-
tion, drive carefully as the optimal characteristics of the tyre are no longer ap-
plicable in this situation.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres that are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
■ We recommend that any works on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a
specialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow
chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Service life of tyres
Fig. 130
Principle illustration: Replace tyre tread with wear indicators /
wheels
Fig. 131
Open the fuel filler flap with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pres-
sures / inflate tyres
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The service life of tyres depends on the inflation pressure, driving style and
other circumstances.
Sticker with prescribed tyre inflation pressure values » Fig. 131
Position of the CNG label
Standard filling for half load
Comfort inflation pressure for half load 1)
Standard filling pressure for a full load
Following the advice below can extend the service life of your tyres.
Tyre pressure
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a
month and also before setting off on a long journey.
The sticker with prescribed tyre inflation filling values is located on the inside
of the tank flap
A
» Fig. 131 .
In some vehicles, the tyre pressure can be adjusted to the comfort inflation
pressure value » Fig. 131
C
and a higher driving comfort can therefore be ach-
ieved.
With comfort inflation pressure, the fuel consumption can rise slightly.
The tyre pressure should be at the highest pressure specified for your vehicle
at all times. 
ABCD1)
Valid for some vehicles.
143Wheels

Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
With greater additional load, adjust the tyre inflation pressure accordingly.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Balancing wheels
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, there are a
range of factors that may result in an imbalance. This may become apparent by
a “vibration” in the steering.
Have the wheels re-balanced after replacing the tyres.
Wheel alignment errors
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear of the
tyres.
Tyre damage
Drive over kerbs and other such obstacles slowly and at right angles wherever
possible in order to avoid damage to tyres and wheel trims.
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures,
cuts, splits and bulges, etc.) on a regular basis. Remove foreign bodies (e.g.
small stones) from the tyre tread immediately.
Replacing wheels
If significantly greater wear is present on the front tyres, we recommend
swapping the front wheels with the rear wheels as shown in the dia-
gram » Fig. 130 -
 . You will then obtain approximately the same life for all the
tyres.
We recommend that you swap the tyres every 10,000 km in order to achieve
even wear on all tyres and to ensure optimal service life for the tyres.
Storing tyres
Identify disassembled tyres so that the previous direction of rotation can be maintained if the tyres are reassembled.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry place that is as dark as possible.
Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres has 1.6 mm high wear indicators installed.
These wear indicators are evenly spaced around the circumference of the tyre,
depending on the make » Fig. 130- 
. Markings on the walls of the tyres
through the letters “TWI”, triangular symbols or other symbols identify the po-
sition of the wear indicators.
Tyre age
Tyres age and lose their original characteristics, even if they are not being
used. Therefore, we recommend not using summer or winter tyres older than 6
or 4 years old respectively.
New tyres
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
Only use radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and tread
pattern on one axle on all four wheels.
The tyre/wheel combinations which are approved for your vehicle are indica-
ted in your vehicle documents.
Where possible, replace tyres by axle. Always fit the tyres with the deeper
tread depth to the front wheels.
Explanation of tyre markings
195/55 R 15 85 H
What this means is:
195Tyre width in mm » Fig. 131 on page 14365Height/width ratio in % » Fig. 131 on page 143RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial » Fig. 131 on page 14315Diameter of wheel in inches » Fig. 131 on page 14385Load index » HSpeed symbol »
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly on the inside). e.g.
DOT ... 11 14...
means, for example, that the tyre was manufactured in the week 11 of 2014. 
144General Maintenance

Load index
The load index indicates the maximum permissible load for each individual
tyre.Load index838485868791929395Load
(In kg)487500515530545615630650690
Speed symbol
The maximum speed symbol indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed
with fitted tyres in each category.
Speed iconRSTUHVWMaximum speed
(in km/h)170180190200210240270
CAUTION
The information about the load index and the speed symbol is listed in your
vehicle documents.
Unidirectional tyres
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre .
The indicated direction of rotation must be adhered to in order to ensure the
optimal characteristics of these tyres.
These characteristics mainly relate to the following.
› Increased driving stability.
› Reduced risk of aquaplaning.
› Reduced tyre noise and tyre wear.
Tyre control display

Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Setting
146
Display
146
Monitors the tyre pressure display and warns of a change in tyre pressure.
The system must be calibrated if one of the following is evident. › Change of tyre inflation pressure.
› Change one or more wheels.
› Change in position of a wheel on the vehicle.
› The warning light comes on while driving.
WARNINGInformation on tyre pressure■The tyre control display does not absolve the driver of the responsibility
to ensure the correct tyre inflation pressure. Check the tyre inflation pres-
sure at regular intervals.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre will have to overcome a higher
rolling resistance. This will cause a significant increase in the temperature
of the tyre, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation
and a tyre blow out.
■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss,
e.g. in case of sudden tyre damage. In this case, carefully bring the vehicle
to a standstill without sudden steering movements or sharp braking.
CAUTION
■ To ensure a proper functioning of the tyre control display, it is necessary to
repeat the basic setting every 10,000 km or once a year.■
The tyre pressure monitor does not replace the need to check tyre pressure
regularly.
145Wheels