2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK towing

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

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

FunctionFig. 106
Range of sensors
Read and observe and on page 107 first.
Approximate range of sensors
Range » Fig. 106Distance behind the vehicle (in cm)A160B60
Acoustic signals and display
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on, do not continue reversing!
Description of the indications in the radio or navigation system display, » the
radio instruction manual, navigation system user guide.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 107 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging the reverse gear. This is
confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Displaying an error
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
NoteFor vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the system cannot be activa-
ted when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
108
Operating Description
109
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed without you having to
actuate the accelerator pedal.
The status where the CCS maintains the speed is referred to hereinafter as the
control .
WARNING■
The CCS only serves as an assistance and does not relieve the driver of
the responsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Always adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 108 first.
Basic requirements for starting the control The CCS is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher must
be engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever must be in
the D, S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed must be higher than 20 km/hr.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine. 
108Driving

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
112
Adjusting the ready position
113
Fitting the ball head
113
Check proper fitting
114
Removing the ball head
115
Use and care
115
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal regulations for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin
connector , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the tow bar if it is not correctly inserted and secured in the
mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing device if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care when handling the tow bar so as to avoid damaging the paintwork
on the bumper.
Note
Tow the vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 160.DescriptionFig. 110
Carrier for the towing device / tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 112 first.
The tow bar can be removed and is located in the spare wheel compartment or
in a compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 150.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 110
13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Protective cap
Ball head
Locking ball
Centring
Green marking on the hand wheel
Hand wheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the hand wheel
White marking on ball head
Note
On the bottom of the key is a code number. If you lose a key, please contact a
specialist garage which will be able to use this code number to provide you
with a new one.1234567891011121314112Driving

Fig. 114
Fit the lock cap
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
›
Remove the cover for the mounting recess
4
» Fig. 110 on page 112 by pulling
it downwards.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 113.
›
Grip the tow bar from below » Fig. 113and insert into the mounting recess un-
til it audibly clicks into place » .
The hand wheel
A
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
›
Lock the hand wheel lock by turning the key
B
right as far as the stop in the
direction of the arrow
1
- the arrow on the key points towards the “closed
padlock” icon.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
C
on the hand wheel lock in the direction of the arrow
3
» Fig. 114 arrow.
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 114.
WARNING■
Do not hold the hand wheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.
■
The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the
mounting recess.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the hand wheel lock – risk
of lock getting dirty.NoteStore the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 115
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 112 first.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Correctly secured ball head » Fig. 115
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The hand wheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap.
The hand wheel is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the hand wheel.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!114Driving