2013 SKODA ROOMSTER brake fluid

Brake fluid167Vehicle battery168
Wheels
172
Tyres and wheel rims
172
Winter operation
178
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
179
Emergency equipment
179
Changing a wheel
180
Tyre repair
184
Jump-starting
186
Towing the vehicle
188
Fuses and light bulbs
191
Fuses
191
Bulbs
194
Technical data
Technical data
199
Vehicle data
199
Index
4Table of Contents

Note■Warning messages shown in the MAXI DOT display must be confirmed with but-
ton B » Fig. 7 on page 18 to call up the main menu.■
As long as the operational faults are not rectified, the symbols are always indi-
cated again. After they are displayed for the first time, the symbols continue to be
indicated without any extra messages for the driver.

Warning lights
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
 Handbrake
20
 Brake system
20
 Seat belt warning light
21

Alternator
21
 Door open
21
 
Engine oil
21
 
Coolant
22
 Power steering
23

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
23
 Traction Control System (ASR)
23
 Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
24
 Rear fog light
24
 Bulb failure
24
 Exhaust inspection system
24
 Glow plug system (diesel engine)
24
 ECU fault light (petrol engine)
25
 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
25
 Fuel reserve
25
 Airbag system
26

Tyre pressures
26
 Windscreen washer fluid level
26
 Traction control (TCS) switched off
26
 
Turn signal system
26
 Low beam
27 Fog lights27 Cruise control system27
 Selector lever lock
27
 Main beam
27
The warning lights show certain functions/faults and may be accompanied by au-
dible signals.
WARNING■ If illuminated warning lights and the corresponding descriptions and warn-
ing notes are not observed, this may result in severe injuries or major vehicle
damage.■
The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire when working in the engine compart-
ment, e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is essential to ob-
serve safety notes » page 159, Engine compartment .

 Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than
6 km/h.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!

 Brake system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on if the brake fluid level in the braking system is too
low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Read manual. 
20Operation

Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 167 .
Further information » page 98, Brakes .WARNING■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe dis-
tance from the traffic, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning
light system » page 45.■
The following guidelines should be observed when opening the bonnet and
checking the brake fluid level » page 159, Engine compartment .
■
If the warning light  is displayed simultaneously with warning light
 » page 24 ,  Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ,  do not continue your jour-
ney! Seek help from a specialist garage.
■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehicle's
braking distance – there is a risk of accident.

 Seat belt warning light
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 20.
The 
indicator light comes on after the ignition is switched on as a reminder for
the driver and front passenger to fasten their seat belt. The indicator light only
goes out once the driver and front passenger have fastened their seat belt.
A steady warning signal sounds at vehicle speeds greater than 20 km/h and the 
flashes if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts.
The warning signal is switched of and the 
indicator light is permanently lit if the
driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the next 90 seconds.
Further information » page 127.

 Alternator
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
If the warning light lights up 
when the engine is running, the vehicle battery is
not being charged.
Seek help from a specialist garage. The electrical system requires checking.WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 .
CAUTION
 Do not continue driving if the  warning light (coolant system fault) lights up
in addition to the  warning light while you are driving. Stop the engine - there is
a risk of engine damage.
 Door open
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 20.
The warning light 
comes on if one or several doors are opened or if the boot lid
is opened.
The warning light comes on even when the ignition is switched off. The warning
light lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
WARNINGIf you have to stop for technical reasons, park the vehicle at a safe distance
from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard warning lights
system » page 45 .

  Engine oil
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 20.
The warning light  lights up red (low oil pressure)
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Oil pressure: Engine off. Read manual. 
21Instruments and Indicator Lights

Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system. The
level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 20,  Brake system .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
Handbrake
Fig. 90
Handbrake
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 98.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 90 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which is
only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have
a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – there is a risk of an
accident.

Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
99
Pedals
100
Manual gear changing
Fig. 91
Shift pattern of the 5-speed
manual gearbox
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 99.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear on the clutch.
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 13.
Only engage reverse gear when the vehicle is stationary. Depress the clutch pedal
and hold it fully depressed. Wait a moment before reverse gear is engaged to
avoid any shift noises.
The reversing lights will come on once reverse gear is engaged, provided the igni- tion is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident! 99Starting-off and Driving

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

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

Engine compartment overviewFig. 128
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 159.
Coolant expansion reservoir
166
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
162
Engine oil filler opening
165
Engine oil dipstick
164
Brake fluid reservoir
167
Vehicle battery
168
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
123456Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 159.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled accord-
ing to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to oper-
ate for approx. 10 minutes.

Windscreen washer system
Fig. 129
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 159.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment and
contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen and rear window and for the head- light cleaning system.
The capacity of the container is about 3.5 litres and about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight washing system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and headlights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from the range
of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will remove any
stubborn dirt. 

1)
In some countries, 5.4 litres applies for both variants.
162General Maintenance

ReplenishingFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 165.
Only top up with new coolant.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Allow the engine to cool.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and carefully unscrew
the cap.
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available in an emergency. In this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of waterand coolant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
(max.) » Fig. 131 on page 166. Excess
coolant heats up and then is forced out of the cooling system through the pres-
sure relief valve in the cap.

Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
167
Changing
168WARNING■ 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 159.■
 Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 132 on page 167 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help from
a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTIONBrake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 132
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 167.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 132.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear and the automatic adjustment of the brake pads.
There may be an indication of a leak in the brake system, however, if the fluid lev-
el drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” marking.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the warning light 
lighting
up in the instrument cluster » page 20, 
Brake system .

167Inspecting and replenishing