
START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Starting/shutting down the engine
115
Operating conditions for the system
115
Manually activating/deactivating the system
116
Information messages
116
The START-STOP system helps you to save fuel while at the same time reducing
harmful exhaust emissions and CO 2 emissions.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
In the start-stop mode, the engine automatically switches to the vehicle's idle phase, e.g. when stopped at traffic lights. The engine restarts automatically
where necessary.
The system can work only if the following basic conditions are met. The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt. The bonnet is closed.The driving speed exceeded 4 km/h after the last stop.
No trailer is coupled.
WARNING■ The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.■
Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.
CAUTION
Always deactivate the START-STOP system before driving through wa-
ter » page 108 .Note■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than 30 seconds or the driver's door
is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started manually.■
After manually starting the engine, automatic engine shut down is not possible
until the vehicle has travelled the required minimum distance for START-STOP mode.
■
Changes to the outdoor temperature can have an effect on the internal temper-
ature of the vehicle battery even after several hours. If the vehicle remains out-
doors for a long time in minus temperatures or in direct sunlight, it can take sev-
eral hours until the internal temperature of the vehicle battery reaches a suitable
temperature for proper operation of the START STOP system.
■
If Climatronic is running in automatic mode, the engine may not switch off auto-
matically under certain conditions.
Starting/shutting down the engine
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 115.
›
Stop the vehicle (where necessary, apply the handbrake).
›
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shut down (STOP phase) runs. The
warning symbol appears
in the instrument cluster display.
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The new start procedure runs (START phase). The
warning symbol goes out.
Operating conditions for the system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 115.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to check without servicing.
No engine shut down runs
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down runs in the following situations.
115Assist systems

In certain accident situations, the several airbags may be deployed simultaneous-
ly.
The airbags are not deployed in the case of minor frontal and side collisions, rear-
end collisions, tilting of the vehicle and vehicle rollover.
Deployment factors
It is not possible to generally determine which deployment conditions apply to the airbag system in every situation. An important role is played by factors such as the type of object that the vehicle hits (hard/soft), the impact angle, vehicle
speed etc.
A decisive factor for the deployment of the airbags is the deceleration which oc- curs. The control unit analyses the nature of the collision and activates the rele-
vant restraint system.
If the vehicle deceleration which occurs and is measured during the collision re-
mains below the prescribed reference values specified in the control unit, the air-
bags are not deployed although the vehicle may well suffer severe damage to thebodywork as a consequence of the accident.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe frontal collision.
› Driver’s front airbag.
› Front passenger airbag.
The following airbags will be deployed in the event of a severe side collision.
› Front side airbag on the side of the accident.
› Head airbags on the side of the accident.
In the event of an accident in which the airbags are deployed:
› the interior lighting comes on (if the switch for the interior light is in the door
contact position),
› the hazard warning light is switched on;
› all the doors are unlocked;
› the fuel supply to the engine is interrupted.
Airbag overview
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front airbags
134
Side airbags
135
Head airbags
136
133Airbag system

General Maintenance
Car care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
144
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
145
Variable service interval QI6
145
Information about the ŠKODA service
145
The Service Interval Display in the instrument cluster will remind you to have ev- ery service specified by the manufacturer at the right time so that you never for- get a service.
A timely and adequate performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of possible warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified through the confirmed service certifi-
cation and the corresponding receipts.
The service intervals are appropriate for normal operating conditions.
It will be necessary to have some servicing work performed before the date of the next service or between the service intervals stated if operating conditions are
severe. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air filter in-
sert in regions with heavy dust pollution and to inspection and replacement of
the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filter which can stress
the engine oil more intensely.
These severe conditions are:
› fuel containing sulphur;
› frequent short trips;
› longer idling mode of the engine (e.g. taxi vehicles);
› operation in areas with heavy dust pollution;
› frequent trailer towing;
›
predominantly stop-and-go traffic as tends to occur in city driving, for example;
› operation predominantly during winter.
A service consultant at the specialist garage will tell you whether your vehicle's operating conditions make it necessary for such work to be carried out between
the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply, depending on the scope of operations re-
quired as well as the model, features and condition of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or topping up the operating fluid, even during the warranty period, un- less the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements state otherwise.■
You will be informed about the scope of the service with regard to a particular
service event by the specialist garage.
Overview of service intervals
Fig. 124
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 144.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the data stick-
er » Fig. 124 which is under the luggage compartment floor covering.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle: › Fixed service interval QI1;
› Fixed service interval QI2;
› Fixed service interval QI3;
› Fixed service interval QI4;
› Variable service interval QI6.
144General Maintenance

A vehicle must only be filled and topped up with the specified engine oil if it is
to be operated with a variable service interval.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service inter-
val. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 163.■A specialist workshop is able to change the vehicle over from the variable serv-
ice interval to the fixed service interval, or from the fixed service interval to the variable service interval.
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 144.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
First after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30
000 km or every 1 year a)
.Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
(applies to Rus-
sia).
Oil change service
QI1Every 5000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15,000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
change First change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.NoteThe engine oil change interval for operation using diesel fuels with a high sulphur
content will be every 7500 km. Please ask your specialist garage for information
on the countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 144.
The service intervals depend on how the vehicle is driven and the local conditions
in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is subjected to different
loads when driven over short distances than long distances. The service intervals
are also variable.
InspectionFirst after 30,000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30 000 km or
every 1 year a)
.Oil change serviceAccording to the service interval display (at the latest after
30,000 km or every 2 years a)
).Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
(Whichever comes first).
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then every
2 years. When the brake fluid becomes too old, vapour bubbles may form in
the brake system under heavy braking. The efficiency of the brakes could be
seriously affected – there is a risk of an accident.
Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 144.
There is an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners at your dis-
posal to look after your vehicle.
145Car care

Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
157
Unleaded petrol
158
Diesel fuel
159
The correct grades of fuel for your vehicle are stated on a sticker affixed to the
inside of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 125 on page 157 -
.
WARNINGThe national legal requirements must be observed if carrying a spare canister
in the vehicle. We do not recommend carrying any fuel canisters in your vehi-
cle for safety reasons. in the event of an accident, these canisters can become damaged and fuel may escape – risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! The irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in considerable damage to parts of the en-
gine and the exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork – risk
of paint damage!
■
If the vehicle was not purchased in the country in which it was intended to be
operated, you should check whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is of-
fered in the country where the vehicle will be operated. You should also perhaps
check whether the manufacturer has recommended a different fuel for operation
of the vehicle in the country concerned. Is this not the case, then you must check
whether the manufacturer permits operation of the vehicle with another fuel
type.
RefuellingFig. 125
Right rear side of the vehicle: Fuel filler flap/fuel filler flap with cap
unscrewed
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
Open fuel filler flap
›
Open the fuel filler flap with one hand » Fig. 125 -
.
›
Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and unlock it by
moving it to the left with the vehicle key.
›
Unscrew the filler cap by turning it anticlockwise and clip the cap on the top ofthe fuel filler flap » Fig. 125 -
.
Closing the filler cap
›
Turn the filler cap to the right until it clicks into place.
›
Hold the fuel filler cap on the fuel filler tube with one hand and lock it by turn- ing the vehicle key to the right and remove the key.
›
Close the filler cap.
CAUTION
■ Before refuelling it is necessary to switch off the auxiliary heating system (aux-
iliary heating and ventilation).■
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first
time, provided the nozzle has been operated properly. Do not continue filling the fuel tank otherwise the expansion volume is filled up. 157Inspecting and replenishing

NoteThe fuel tank has a capacity of about 55 litres, containing a reserve of approx.
7 litres .
Unleaded petrol
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 157.
Your vehicle can only be operated with unleaded petrol complying with EN 2281)
.
All petrol engines can be operated using petrol with a maximum of 10% bioetha-
nol (E10) .
Specified fuel - unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON. Unleaded petrol with the oc-
tane ratings 91, 92 or 93 RON can also be used, but may result in a slight loss in
performance.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol min. 95 RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 95 RON or higher.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 95 RON is not availa-
ble, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91, 92 or 93 RON »
.
Prescribed fuel - unleaded petrol 98/(95) RON
Use unleaded fuel with an octane rating of 98 RON or higher. Unleaded petrol
95 RON can also be used but results in a slight loss in performance.
In an emergency, if unleaded petrol with an octane rating of 98 RON or 95 RON is
not available, you may refuel with petrol with an octane rating of 91 or 92 or 93
RON »
.
Fuel additives
Unleaded petrol complying with EN 228 1)
meets all the conditions for a smooth-
running engine. We therefore recommend that no fuel additives are used. This
can result in considerable damage to parts of the engine or the exhaust system.
CAUTION■ Even filling the tank with leaded petrol that does not meet the standard once
can lead to serious damage to parts of the exhaust system.■
Do not start the engine or switch on the engine if you have refuelled in error
with a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the standards referred to
above (e.g. leaded petrol). Engine parts could be significantly damaged. We rec-
ommend that you have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ If, in an emergency, the vehicle has to be refuelled with petrol of a lower octane
number than the one prescribed, the journey must only be continued at medium
engine speeds and a low engine load. Driving at high engine revs or a high engine
load can severely damage the engine! Refuel using petrol of the prescribed oc-
tane number as soon as possible.■
Engine parts can be damaged if petrol with a lower octane number than the one
prescribed is used.
■
Petrol of an octane rating lower than 91 RON must not be used, even in the
event of an emergency, otherwise the engine could be severely damaged.
CAUTION
■ In no case may fuel additives with metal components be used, especially not
with manganese and iron content. LRP(lead replacement petrol) fuels with metal-
lic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing considerable damage
to parts of the engine or exhaust system.■
Fuels with metallic constituents may not be used. There is a risk of causing con-
siderable damage to parts of the engine or exhaust system.
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or
E5 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 98.
158General Maintenance

Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the en-
gine can be used without limitations.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON in does not result in
either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in vehicles for
which unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
On vehicles using prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of petrol
with a higher octane number than 95 RON can increase the power and reduce
fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 157.
Your vehicle can only be operated with diesel fuel that meets the EN 5901)
stand-
ard.
All diesel engines can be operated using diesel fuel with a maximum of 7% bio-
diesel (B7)2)
.
Operation in winter - Winter-grade diesel fuel
In the cold season, only use “winter-grade diesel fuel” which will still operate
properly even at a temperature of -20 °C.
It is often the case in countries with different climatic conditions that diesel fuelsavailable have a different temperature characteristic. ŠKODA Partners and filling
stations in the relevant country will be able to provide you with information re-
garding the diesel fuels available.
Diesel fuel additives
Additives, so-called “flow improvers ” (petrol and similar agents) should not be mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust
system parts.
CAUTION■ Just filling the tank once with diesel fuel that does not comply with the stand-
ard, can cause severe damage to parts of the engine, the fuel and exhaust sys-
tem!■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. petrol) is used by mistake do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition! Extensive damage to engine parts can occur! We recommend that you
have the fuel system cleaned by a specialist garage.
■
Water which has collected in the fuel filter can cause engine faults.
CAUTION
■ Your vehicle cannot be operated with RME biofuel; you must therefore not fill
your vehicle or attempt to drive it with this fuel. The use of biofuel RME can cause
considerable damage to parts of the engine or fuel system.■
Additives, so-called “flow improvers” (petrol and similar agents) should not be
mixed with the diesel fuel. This can cause serious damage to engine or exhaust system parts.
Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
161
Engine compartment overview
162
Radiator fan
162
Windscreen washer system
162WARNINGInjuries or scolding or risks of accident or fire may occur when working in the
engine compartment. For this reason, it is essential to comply with the warn- ing instructions outlined below and with the general applicable safety rules.
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area! 1)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
2)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
159Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed before starting work in the en-
gine compartment:■
Turn off the engine and withdraw the ignition key.
■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
If the vehicle is fitted with a manual gearbox, move the gearshift lever into
Neutral, or if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox, move the selec-
tor lever into position P.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant escaping from the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until no more steam or coolant is escaping.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed when working in the engine com-
partment.■
Keep children clear of the engine compartment.
■
Never touch the radiator fan while the engine is still warm. The fan might
suddenly start running!
■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
The coolant additive and thus all of the coolant is harmful to your health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the en-
gine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurized!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot cool-
ant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes with
clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always store the coolant additive securely in its original container, and in
particular out of the reach of children – risk of poisoning!
■
Consult a doctor immediately if coolant is swallowed.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cleaning cloths or tools) in the engine compart-
ment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed at all times when work-
ing in the engine compartment while the engine is running.■
Pay particular attention to rotating engine parts (e.g. V-ribbed belt, genera-
tor, radiator fan) and the high-voltage ignition system – risk to life!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system - particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
■
Always make sure that no jewellery, loose clothing or long hair can get
caught in rotating engine parts – risk to life! Always remove any jewellery, tie
back long hair and wear tight fitting clothing before completing any work.
WARNINGThe following warning instructions must be observed if work has to be carried
out on the fuel or electrical systems.■
Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.
■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
WARNING■ Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid con-
tainers.■
Keep fluids in their original containers and keep securely out of the reach of
children!
■
If you intend to work underneath the vehicle, you must secure the vehicle
from rolling away and support it with suitable supporting blocks; the car jack
is not sufficient – risk of injury!
■
Never cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cover)
– risk of fire!
■
The bonnet must always be properly closed when driving. Therefore, the
lock must always be checked after closing the bonnet in order to ensure that
it has engaged properly.
■
If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the ve-
hicle immediately and close the bonnet – risk of accident!
160General Maintenance