2013 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK wipers

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

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

Turn signal and main beamFig. 37
Operating lever: Turn signal and
main beam operation
Read and observe on page 53 first.
Lever positions
ASwitch on right turn signalBSwitch on left turn signalCSwitch on high beam (spring-loaded position)D Switching off main beam / switching on headlamp flasher (spring-
loaded position)
Main beam
The main beam can only be switched on when the low beam lights are on.
When the high beam or headlight flasher is on, the warning light  lights up in
the instrument cluster.
Flashing
When the left flashing light is switched on, the warning light  flashes in the
instrument cluster.
When the right flashing light is switched on, the warning light  flashes in the
instrument cluster.
The flashing light is turned on even before the upper and lower pressure point.
This is advantageous in some manoeuvres. For example, when changing lanes
hold the control lever of each pressure point.
The turn signal light switches itself off automatically when driving around a
curve or after making a turn.
The warning light flashes at twice its normal rate if a bulb for the turn signal
light fails.
“Convenience turn signal”
If you only wish to flash three times, briefly push the lever to the upper or low-
er pressure point and release again.WARNINGOnly turn on the main beam or the headlight flasher if other road users will
not be dazzled.
Note
The headlight flasher can be operated even if the ignition is switched off.
Automatic driving lamp control
Fig. 38
Light switch: AUTO position
Read and observe on page 53 first.
If the light switch is in position 
» Fig. 38 , the parking lights, low beam and
number plate lights are switched on or off automatically.
Switching on/off of the light is regulated on the basis of data gathered by the
sensor fitted in the holder of the rear-view mirror below the windscreen.
If the light switch is in position 
, the lettering 
illuminates next to the
light switch. If the light is switched on automatically, the symbol 
next to the
light switch also lights up.
Automatic driving light control during rain
The daytime running lights are switched on automatically if the following con-
ditions are met.
The light switch is in position 
» Fig. 38 .
Automatic wiping with rain - position
1
or wiping - position
2
or
3
is
turned on » page 61, Activating the windscreen wipers and washers .
The windscreen wipers are on for more than 15 s. 
55Lights and visibility

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

Front sun visorsFig. 44
Fold down the cover / swivel cover to the door and slide the mir-
ror cover
The sun visors protect you from the blazing sun.
Operation of the sun visor » Fig. 44
Fold down the cover
Swivel cover towards the door
Make-up mirror with cover
Slide mirror cover
WARNINGThe sun visors must not be swivelled towards the side windows in the de-
ployment area of the head airbags if any objects are attached to them. Ini-
tiation of the head airbags may cause injury.
Sun screen of the panoramic roof
Fig. 45
Open sun screen
The sunshade protects against the blazing sun.
12ABThe sunshade can be opened or closed manually » Fig. 45.WARNINGWhen operating the sun blind, proceed with caution to avoid causing crush-
ing injuries – risk of injury!
Windscreen wipers and washers
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
61
Headlight cleaning system
62
The wiper and washer system provide a good view through the windscreen or
rear window.
The windshield wipers and the windshield washer system only operate if the
ignition is switched on.
Top up with windscreen wiper fluid » page 134.
WARNING■
Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving » page 162.■
Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. Otherwise the window cleaner could
freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
■
Automatic wiping in rain only operates as a support. The driver is not re-
leased from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers
manually depending on the visibility conditions. 
60Using the system

CAUTION■If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on,
the windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the igni-
tion is turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold tempera-
tures between the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned
back on again.■
In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or be-
fore switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windscreen. If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are fro-
zen to the windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wip-
er motor!
■
Carefully peel frozen wiper blades off the windscreen.
■
Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■
Do not switch on the ignition if the front wiper arms are retracted. The wiper
blades would move back into their rest position and while doing so damage
the paintwork of the bonnet.
■
If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to
the windscreen.
Note
■ To avoid streaking, the wiper blades must be kept clean » page 126.■The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10 °C.
Activating the windscreen wipers and washers
Fig. 46
Operating lever: Windscreen
wipers and washer settings
Read and observe and on page 60 first.
Lever positions
0Wipers off1Periodic windscreen wiping/automatic wiping in rain2Slow windscreen wiping3Rapid windscreen wiping4 Flick windscreen wiping, service position of the wiper
arms » page 162 , (spring-loaded position)5Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen (spring-tensioned position)6Wiping the rear window pane (the windscreen wiper wipes at regu-
lar intervals after a few seconds)7Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window (spring-tensioned posi-
tion)ASwitch for setting the desired break between the individual wiper
passes or the speed of the automatic wiping in rain (operating lever
in position 1
)
Interval windscreen wiping 
The wiping intervals are also speed-dependent regulated.
Automatic windscreen wiping in rain 
The wiping intervals are controlled depending on the rain intensity.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen 
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wipers wipe some-
what later.
Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to
stop and the wipers to continue for another 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on
the spraying duration).
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window 
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wiper wipes some-
what later.
Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to
stop and the wiper to continue for another 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on
the spraying duration). The operating lever remains in position
6
.
Note
The rear window is wiped once automatically if the windscreen wipers are on
when reverse gear is selected.61Lights and visibility

In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you
can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a
confirmation documenting the recycling in accordance with environmental reg-
ulations.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Washing vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
122
Automatic car wash systems
122
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
123
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences
is frequent washing.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust,
tar, soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to
the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect
can be. High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, ac-
centuate this caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end
of the winter.
WARNINGWhen washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
CAUTION
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk
of damaging the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.Washing by hand
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush.
Work from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
For stubborn dirt, agents specifically intended for this purpose are to be used. Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.
WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 122 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased. 
122General Maintenance

Fig. 122
Securing the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Open flap
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the ar-
row
1
» Fig. 121 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers
are correctly in place against the windscreen, otherwise the paintwork on the
flap could be damaged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
and the flap is un-
locked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
›
Take the bonnet support out of its holder
3
in the direction of the ar-
row » Fig. 122 and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the sup-
port in the opening
4
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in !
WARNING■
Check that the bonnet is closed properly.■If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!■
Make sure that when closing the boot lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTIONNever open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 121.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 123
Principle illustration: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 123
Coolant expansion reservoir
137
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
134
Engine oil filler opening
136
Engine oil dipstick
135
Brake fluid reservoir
138
Vehicle battery
138
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant. 
123456133Inspecting and replenishing