2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK tow

Table of Contents
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
6
General information
6
Correct and safe seated position
7
Seat belts
10
Using seat belts
10
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
13
Airbag system
14
Description of the airbag system
14
Airbag overview
15
Deactivating airbags
18
Transporting children safely
20
Child seat
20
Fastening systems
22
Using the system
Cockpit
25
Overview
24
Instruments and Indicator Lights
26
Instrument cluster
26
Indicator lights
30
Information system
37
Driver information system
37
Multifunction display (MFD)
39
MAXI DOT display
42
Service interval display
43
Unlocking and opening
45
Unlocking and locking
45
Anti-theft alarm system
49Luggage compartment lid50Electric power windows51
Lights and visibility
53
Lights
53
Interior lighting
58
Visibility
59
Windscreen wipers and washers
60
Rear mirror
62
Seats and head restraints
64
Seats and head restraints
64
Seat features
66
Transporting and practical equipment
68
Useful equipment
68
Luggage compartment
75
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
80
Roof rack system
83
Heating and air conditioning
84
Heating, ventilation, cooling
84
Communication and multimedia
89
Universal telephone installation GSM II
89
Voice control
93
Multimedia
94
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
97
Starting and turning off the engine
97
Brakes and parking
99
Manual gear changing and pedals
100
Automatic gearbox
101
Driving in an economical driving style
104
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
105Assist systems106Braking and stabilisation systems106
Parking aid
107
Cruise Control System
108
START-STOP
109
Hitch and trailer
112
Hitch
112
Trailer
116
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
119
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
119
Washing vehicle
122
Cleaning vehicle exterior
123
Interior care
126
Inspecting and replenishing
129
Fuel
129
Engine compartment
131
Engine oil
134
Coolant
136
Brake fluid
137
Vehicle battery
138
Wheels
142
Tyres and wheel rims
142
Tyre control display
145
Reserve and temporary spare wheel
146
Winter operation
147
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
149
Emergency equipment
149
Changing a wheel
151
Tyre repair
155
Jump-starting
157
Towing the vehicle
1583Table of Contents

Seat belts
Using seat belts
Introduction
Fig. 3
Driver wearing seat belt
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The physical principle of a frontal collision
11
Fastening and unfastening seat belts
12
Belt height adjustment on the front seats
13
Seat belts that are fastened correctly offer good protection in the event of an
accident. They reduce the risk of an injury and increase the chance of survival
in the event of a major accident.
Correctly fastened seat belts hold occupants of the car in the correct seated
position » Fig. 3.
The seat belts reduce the kinetic energy (energy of motion) to a considerable
extent. They also prevent uncontrolled movements which, in turn, may well re-
sult in severe injuries.
Occupants of a vehicle who have correctly fastened their seat belts have the
major benefit of the fact that the kinetic energy is absorbed as effectively as
possible by the belts.
The structure of the front end of the vehicle and other passive safety meas-
ures, such as the airbag system, also contribute to the kinetic energy being re-
duced as effectively as possible. The energy produced is thus absorbed and
there is less risk of injury.
Particular safety aspects must be observed when transporting children in the
vehicle » page 20 , Transporting children safely .
WARNING■
Fasten your seat belt before each journey – even when driving in town!
This also applies to the passengers seated at the rear – risk of injury!■
Expectant women must also always wear a seat belt. This is the only way
of ensuring optimal protection for the unborn child » page 12, Fastening
and unfastening seat belts .
■
Maximum seat belt protection is only achieved if you are correctly seat-
ed » page 7 , Correct and safe seated position .
■
The seat backrests of the front seats must not be tilted too far to the rear
otherwise the seatbelts can lose their effectiveness.
WARNINGInformation on the correct routing of the belt■Always ensure that the webbing of the seat belts is properly routed. Seat
belts which are not correctly adjusted can themselves cause injuries even
in minor accidents.■
Adjust the height of the belt in such a way that the shoulder part of the
belt is roughly positioned across the middle of your shoulder – on no ac-
count across your neck.
■
A seat belt which is hanging too loose can result in injuries as your body is
moved forward by the kinetic energy produced in an accident and is then
suddenly held firm by the belt.
■
The belt webbing must not run across solid or fragile objects (e.g. specta-
cles, ball-point pens, bunches of keys etc.). Such objects can cause injury.
WARNINGInformation on dealing with the safety belts■The belt webbing must not be jammed in-between at any point or twis-
ted, or chafe against any sharp edges.■
Make sure you do not catch the seat belt in the door when closing it.
WARNINGInformation on the proper use of the safety belts■Never use one seat belt to secure two persons (including children). The
seatbelt must not be placed over a child who is sitting on the lap of another
passenger. 10Safety

WARNING (Continued)■The installation of impermissible accessories in the vicinity of the head
airbags can considerably impair the protection offered by the head airbag in
the event of it being deployed. When the deployed head airbag is inflated,
parts of the accessories fitted could be thrown into the interior of the car
and injure the occupants » page 119.■
The sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the
deployment area of the head airbags if any objects, such as ball-point pens,
etc. are attached to them. This might result in injuries to the occupants if
the head airbag is deployed.
■
There must not be any further persons, animals or objects positioned be-
tween the seated occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. In ad-
dition, none of the occupants should lean their head out of the window
when driving, or extend their arms and hands out of the window.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the lettering  can be seen on the B column
cladding.
Deactivating airbags
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
18
Deactivating airbags
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below. › If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different
legal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing
child seat in some countries) » page 20, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
› If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 18 .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other airbags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, in-
cluding when one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag deactivated using diagnostic equipment › The warning light

lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition
is switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag deactivated using the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The warning light
 lights up for approximately 3 seconds after the ignition
is switched on.
› The warning light

 3

» Fig. 12 on page 18 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 12
Key switch for front passenger airbag/warning light for front pas-
senger airbag activation/deactivation
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch. 
18Safety

The display is shown in steps of 10 km. After lighting up of the indicator light 
the display is shown in steps of 5 km.
The fuel consumption over the last 50 km is used to calculate the information.
The range will increase if you drive in a more economical manner.
If the memory is set to zero (after disconnecting the battery), a fuel consump- tion of 10 l./100 km is calculated for the range; afterwards the value is updated
according to the style of driving.
Distance travelled
The distance travelled since the memory was last erased is displayed.
If you want to measure the distance travelled from a particular moment in
time, reset the memory to zero at that moment in time » page 39, Memory .
The maximum distance indicated in both memories is 1 999 km. ( ) and
9 999 km ( ). The indicator is set back to zero if this period is exceeded.
Average speed
The average speed since the memory was last erased is displayed in km/hour .
To determine the average speed over a certain period of time, set the memory
to zero at the start of the measurement » page 39, Memory .
After erasing the memory, no data will appear for the first 300 m driven.
The display is updated regularly while you are driving.
Current driving speed
The current speed displayed is identical to the display on the speedometer3
» Fig. 19 on page 26 .
Oil temperature
If the engine oil temperature is in the range of 80-110 °C, the engine operating
temperature has been reached.
If the oil temperature is lower than 80 °C or above 110 °C, avoid high engine
revs, full throttle and high engine loads.
If the oil temperature is lower than 50 °C or if a fault in the system for check-
ing the oil temperature is present, 
 .
 symbols are displayed instead of the oil
temperature.
Warning at excessive speeds
Set the speed limit, e.g. for the maximum permissible speed in
towns » page 41 , Warning at excessive speeds .
Warning at excessive speeds
Read and observe
and on page 39 first.
Adjust the speed limit while the vehicle is stationary
›
Select the menu item Speed warning ( 
) or 
( 
).
›
Activate the speed limit option by confirming this menu item 1)
.
›
Set the desired speed limit, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Store the speed limit by confirming the set value, or wait several seconds;
your settings will be saved automatically.
The speed limit can be adjusted from 30 km/h to 250 km/h in 5 km/h incre-
ments.
Adjusting the speed limit while the vehicle is moving
›
Select the menu item Speed warning (
 ) or
 (
).
›
Drive at the desired speed, e.g. 50 km/h.
›
Confirm the current speed as the speed limit.
If you wish to adjust the set speed limit, you can do so in 5 km/h intervals (e.g.
the accepted speed of 47 km/h increases to 50 km/h or decreases to 45 km/h).
›
Store the speed limit, or wait several seconds; your settings will be saved au-
tomatically.
Change or disable speed limit
›
Select the menu item Speed warning (
 ) or
 (
).
›
By confirming the stored value, the speed limit is disabled.
›
By reconfirming, the option to change the speed limit is activated.
If the set speed limit is exceeded, an audible signal will sound as a warning.
The menu item Speed warning (MAXI DOT display) or
 (Segment display) ap-
pears in the display at the same time as the set threshold.
The set speed limit value remains stored even after switching off the ignition.
1)
If no value is set the output value 30 km/h is automatically displayed.
41Information system

Unlocking/locking with the keyFig. 29
Left side of the vehicle: Turning
the key for unlocking and locking
the vehicle
Read and observe and on page 45 first.
The key allows you to unlock and lock the vehicle via the lock cylinder in the
driver's door.
Unlocking / locking the vehicle with the key » Fig. 29
Unlocking
Locking
CAUTION
If at least one door has been opened, the vehicle cannot be locked.
Safe securing system
Read and observe
and on page 45 first.
The door locks are blocked automatically if the vehicle is locked from the out-
side. The vehicle cannot be opened from the inside any more.
This fact is pointed out by the following message on the display of the instru-
ment cluster after switching off the ignition.
Check SAFELOCK! Log book!
CHECK DEADLOCK
Switching off
The safe lock can be switched off in one of the following ways.
›
By locking twice within 2 seconds.
›
By disabling the interior monitoring » page 50, Interior monitor and towing
protection .
If the vehicle is locked and the safe securing system is switched off, the door
can be opened separately from the inside by a single pull on opening lever.
Switching on
The Safelock switches on automatically the next time the vehicle is locked and
unlocked.
Switch-off display
The indicator light in the driver door flashes for about 2 seconds fast, goes out
and starts to flash at longer intervals after about 30 seconds.
Switch-on display
The warning light flashes for around 2 seconds in quick succession, afterwards it begins to flash evenly at longer intervals.WARNINGIf the car is locked and the safe securing system activated, no people must
remain in the car as it will then not be possible to either unlock a door or
open a window from the inside. The locked doors make it more difficult for
rescuers to get into the vehicle in an emergency – risk to life!
Note
This function only applies to certain countries.
Individual settings
Read and observe
and on page 45 first.
Opening a single door
This function makes it possible to only unlock the driver's door. The other
doors remain locked and are only unlocked when the command is repeated.
Automatic locking/unlocking
All doors are locked from a speed of around 15 km/h. The button in the handle
of the boot lid is deactivated.
If the ignition key is withdrawn, the car is then automatically unlocked again.
In addition, it is possible for the driver or front passenger to unlock the car by
pressing the central locking button 
.
Locked doors prevent unwanted entry into the vehicle.
The vehicle doors can be unlocked and opened at any time by pulling once on
the door opening lever. 
47Unlocking and opening

Opening/closing a doorFig. 32
Door handle/door opening lever
Read and observe
and on page 45 first.
Opening from the outside
›
Unlock the vehicle and pull the door handle
A
» Fig. 32 of the respective
door.
Opening from the inside
›
Pull on door opening lever
B
of the respective door and push the door away
from you.
Closing from the inside
›
Grasp pull handle
C
and close the door.
WARNING■ Make sure that the door has closed correctly as it can open suddenly
while driving – risk of death!■
Only open and close the door when there is no one in the opening/closing
range – risk of injury!
■
An opened door can close automatically if there is a strong wind or the
vehicle is on an incline – risk of injury!
■
Never drive with the doors open - there is a risk of death!
Anti-theft alarm system
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating/deactivating
50
Interior monitor and towing protection
50
The anti-theft alarm system increases the level of protection against people
trying to break into the vehicle.
The alarm system triggers audible and visual signals if an attempt is made to
break into the vehicle (hereafter referred to only as alarm).
When is the alarm triggered? › Opening the bonnet.
› Opening the boot lid.
› Opening the doors.
› Manipulation of the ignition lock.
› Vehicle inclination
» page 50.
› Movement in the vehicle
» page 50.
› Sudden and significant voltage drop of the electrical system.
› Uncoupling the trailer
» page 116, Driving with a trailer .
› Unlocking the driver's door with the key using the lock cylinder (if subse-
quently within 15 s, the ignition is not turned on). For some countries that the
alarm is triggered immediately after unlocking.
Switching off the alarm
The alarm is switched off by unlocking the vehicle or switching on the ignition.
CAUTION
Before leaving the vehicle, check that the doors and windows are closed in or-
der to ensure that the alarm system is fully operational.
Note
The working life of the alarm siren is 5 years.49Unlocking and opening

Activating/deactivatingRead and observe
on page 49 first.
Activating
The alarm system is activated automatically approximately 30 seconds after
the vehicle is locked.
If the vehicle is unlocked and a door or the boot lid not opened within the next
30 seconds, the vehicle will lock again automatically and the safe securing sys-
tem or anti-theft alarm system will be switched back on. This function is inten-
ded to prevent the car being unlocked unintentionally.
Deactivating
The alarm system is deactivated automatically after the vehicle is unlocked. If
the vehicle is not opened within 30 seconds, the alarm system is automatically
activated again.
Interior monitor and towing protection
Fig. 33
Button for interior monitor and
towing protection
Read and observe on page 49 first.
The interior monitor detects movements inside the car and then triggers the
alarm.
The tow-away protection triggers the alarm if a vehicle is registered as being
on an inclination.
Activating
The interior monitor and the towing protection are activated automatically af-
ter the vehicle is locked.
Deactivating
›
Switch off the ignition.
› Open the driver door.›Press the symbol button
 » Fig. 33 on the B column of the driver's side. The
illumination of the symbol 
in the button changes from red to orange.›
Lock the vehicle within 30 seconds.
Deactivate the interior monitor and the towing protection if there is a possibili-
ty of the alarm being triggered by movements (e.g. by children or animals)
within the vehicle interior or if the vehicle has to be transported (e.g. by train
or ship) or towed.
CAUTION
■ The opened glasses storage compartment reduces the effectiveness of the
interior monitor. To ensure the full functionality of the interior monitor, the
glasses storage compartment must always be closed before locking the vehi-
cle.■
The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is locked, even if
the safe securing system is deactivated. The interior monitor is however not
activated.
Luggage compartment lid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening/closing
51
Delayed locking of the boot lid
51WARNING■ Ensure that the lock is properly engaged after closing the boot lid. Other-
wise, the lid might open suddenly while the vehicle is moving, even if the
lid was locked – risk of accident!■
Never drive with the boot lid open or unlatched, as otherwise exhaust
gases may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poisoning!
■
Do not press on the rear window when closing the luggage compartment
lid, as otherwise it could crack – risk of injury!
■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury! 
50Using the system

The light turns off about 4 minutes after turning off the wipers.
CAUTION
Do not attach any stickers or similar objects in front of the light sensor on the
windscreen to avoid impairing the function or its reliability.
Fog lights
Fig. 39
Light switch - Switch front and
rear fog light
Read and observe on page 53 first.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position 
or 
» Fig. 39 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
1
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
The warning light 
» page 30 lights up in the instrument cluster when the
fog lights are switched on.
Fog lights with CORNER function
Read and observe
on page 53 first.
The CORNER function lights the front fog lamp on each side of the vehicle to
illuminate the area around the vehicle when turning, parking, etc.
The CORNER function is switched on automatically if the following conditions
are met.
The turn signal is switched on or the front wheels are turned sharply to
the right or left 1)
.
The engine is running.
The vehicle is stopped or moves at a speed of no more than 40 km/h.
The low beam is switched on or the light switch is in the position 
and
the low beam is switched on.
The daytime running lights are not switched on.
The fog lights are not switched on.
Note
The two fog lights are switched on when you shift into the reverse gear.
Rear fog light
Read and observe
on page 53 first.
Switching on/off
›
Turn the light switch to position  or

» Fig. 39 on page 56 .
›
Pull the light switch to position
2
.
The rear fog light is switched off in the reverse order.
If the vehicle is not fitted with fog lights » page 56, the rear fog light is switch-
ed on by turning the light switch to the position  and is pulled out directly to
the position
2
. This switch can only be put into one position.
The warning light 
» page 30 lights up in the instrument cluster when the
rear fog light is switched on.
Only the rear fog light on the trailer lights up if the vehicle has a factory-fitted
towing device or a towing device from ŠKODA original accessories and it is
driven with a trailer.
1)
If both switch-on conditions are conflicting, for example, if the front wheels are turned to the left and
the right turn signal light is switched on, the turn signal light has the higher priority.
56Using the system