The menu item Vehicle status is shown in the main menu of the MAXI DOT dis-
play whenever at least one fault message exists. After selecting this menu, the
first of the error messages is displayed. Several error messages are shown on the
display under the message e.g. 1/3. This indicates that the first of a total of three
error messages is being displayed.
Warning symbols in the MAXI DOT displayEngine oil pressure too low» page 16Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot» page 14Check engine oil level,
engine oil sensor faulty» page 18Thickness of brake pads» page 21Problem with engine oil pressure» page 14
Problem with the engine oil pressure
If the
symbol is shown in the MAXI DOT display, you must have your vehicle
checked immediately by a specialist garage. The information about the maximum
permissible engine speed is displayed together with this symbol.
Clutches of the automatic gearbox are too hot
A
symbol in the MAXI DOT display indicates that the temperature of the auto-
matic gearbox clutches is too high.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Gearbox overheated. Stop! Log book!
do not continue to drive! Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and wait until
the
icon goes out – risk of gearbox damage! You can continue your journey as
soon as the symbol disappears.
WARNINGIf 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 56.Note■
If the MAXI DOT display shows warning messages, these messages must be
confirmed in order to access the main menu » page 23 .■
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
15
Brake system
15
Seat belt warning light
15
Generator
16
Open door
16
Engine oil pressure
16
Coolant
16
Bonnet
17
Boot lid
17
Power steering/steering lock (KESSY system)
17
Engine oil level
18
Traction Control System (ASR)
18
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
18
Antilock brake system (ABS)
19
The rear fog light
19
Bulb failure
19
Adaptive headlights
19
Exhaust inspection system
19
Glow plug system (diesel engine)
19
EPC fault light (petrol engine)
20
Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)
20
Fuel reserve
20
Airbag system
21
Tyre pressure
21
14Using the system
Airbag systemFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the airbag system.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is monitored electronically even if one of
the airbags is switched off.
If a front, side or head airbag or belt tensioner has been switched off using the
vehicle system tester:
› The indicator light
lights up for around 4 seconds after the ignition is switch-
ed on and then flashes for around 12 seconds.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated.
If the air bag was switched off using the key-operated switch on the side of the
dash panel on the passenger side:
› The indicator light
comes on for around 4 seconds after the ignition has been
switched on.
› The deactivated air bag is indicated by the illumination of the warning
light » page 184
in the middle of the dash panel .
WARNINGIf there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a specialist
garage. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the
event of an accident.
Tyre pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
The indicator light
lights up, if there is a substantial drop in inflation pressure
in one of the tyres. Check and adjust the pressure in all tyres » page 221, Service
life of tyres .
If the indicator light lights up, there is a fault in the system.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Further information » page 223, Tyre pressure monitor .
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the indicator light illuminates after the
ignition is switched on. The indicator light must go out after driving a short dis-
tance.
Windscreen washer fluid level
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the indicator light
comes on.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 209, Windscreen washer system .
Pads
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 14.
If the indicator light
is slit, the brake pads are worn.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Check brake wear!
Seek help from a specialist garage.
Turn signal system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 14.
Either the left
or right
indicator light flashes depending on the position of
the turn signal lever.
21Instruments and Indicator Lights
›Distribute loads as evenly as possible.›Place heavy objects as far forward as possible.›
Attach the items of luggage to the lashing eyes or using the nets
» page 86.
In the event of an accident, even small and light objects gain so much kinetic en-
ergy that they can cause severe injuries.
The magnitude of the kinetic energy is dependent on the speed at which the ve-
hicle is travelling and the weight of the object.
Example: In the event of a frontal collision at a speed of 50 km/h, an object with a
weight of 4.5 kg produces an energy, which corresponds to 20 times its own
weight. This means that it results in a weight of approx. 90 kg “ ”.
Luggage compartment light
The light switches on/off when the luggage compartment lid is opened or closed.
If the boot lid is open and the ignition switched off, the light will extinguish auto-
matically after around 10 minutes.
Boot light for Superb Combi vehicles » page 90.
WARNING■
Store the objects in the boot and attach them to the lashing eyes.■Loose objects can be thrown forward during a sudden manoeuvre or in case
of an accident and can injure the occupants or other road users.■
Loose objects could hit a deployed airbag and injure occupants – danger of
death!
■
Please note that transporting heavy objects alters the handling properties
of the vehicle due to the displacement of the centre of gravity – risk of acci-
dent! The speed and style of driving must be adjusted accordingly.
■
If the items of luggage or objects are attached to the lashing eyes with un-
suitable or damaged lashing straps, injuries can occur in the event of braking manoeuvres or accidents. To prevent items of luggage from moving around,
always use suitable lashing straps which must be firmly attached to the lash-
ing eyes.
■
The transported items must be stowed in such a way that no objects are
able to slip forward on sudden driving or braking manoeuvres – risk of injury!
■
When transporting objects in the luggage compartment that has been en-
larged by folding the rear seats forward, ensure the safety of the passengers transported on the other rear seats » page 171.
WARNING (Continued)■
If the rear seat next to the folded forward seat is occupied, ensure maxi-
mum safety, e.g. by placing the goods to be transported in such a way that the
seat is prevented from folding back in case of a rear collision.■
Do not drive with the luggage compartment lid fully opened or slightly ajar
otherwise exhaust gases may get into the interior of the vehicle – risk of poi-
soning!
■
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle – risk of accident!
■
Do not transport people in the boot!
CAUTION
Make sure that transported objects with sharp edges do not damage the follow-
ing:■
heating elements in the rear window;
■
elements of the aerial integrated in the rear window;
■
Aerial filaments integrated in the rear side windows (Superb Combi).
Note
Tyre pressure must be adjusted to the load » page 221.
Class N1 vehicles
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 84.
On class N1 vehicles, which are not fitted with a protective grille, a lashing set
which complies with the standard EN 12195 (1 - 4) must be used for fastening the
load.
85Seats and useful equipment
Up to 1 000 kilometres›Do not drive faster than 3/4 of the maximum speed of the gear in use, i.e. 3/4 of
the maximum permissible engine speed.›
No full throttle.
›
Avoid high engine speeds.
›
Do not tow a trailer.
From 1 000 up to 1 500 kilometres
Gradually increase the power output of the engine up to the full speed of the
gear engaged, i.e. up to the maximum permissible engine speed.
The red scale of the rev counter indicates the range in which the system beginsto limit the engine speed.
During the first operating hours the engine has higher internal friction than later until all of the moving parts have harmonized. The driving style which you adopt
during the first approx.1 500 kilometres plays a decisive part in the success of
running in your car.
Never drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds even after the running-in period.
On vehicles fitted with a manual gearbox, at the very latest shift up into the next
gear when the red area is reached. Observe the recommended gear » page 24,
Gear recommendation . Very high engine speeds when accelerating (accelerator)
are automatically restricted »
.
In vehicles with manual transmission, do not drive at unnecessarily low engine
speeds. Shift down a gear when the engine is no longer running smoothly. Ob-
serve the recommended gear » page 24, Gear recommendation .
CAUTION
■
The engine is not protected from excessive engine revs caused by shifting
down at the wrong time. This can result in a sudden increase in revs beyond the
permissible maximum rpm, thereby causing engine damage.■
Never rev up a cold engine when the vehicle is stationary or when driving in in-
dividual gears.
For the sake of the environment
Do not drive at unnecessarily high engine speeds. Shifting up sooner helps save
fuel, reduces engine noise and protects the environment.
New tyres
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 142.
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first. There-fore, drive especially carefully for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 142.
New brake pads do not initially provide optimal braking performance. They firstneed to be “run in”. Therefore, drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or so.
Economical driving and environmental sustainability
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Looking ahead
144
Economical gear changing
144
Avoiding full throttle
145
Reducing idling
145
Avoiding short distances
145
Checking tyre inflation pressure
145
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
146
Regular maintenance
146
Saving electrical energy
146
Environmental compatibility
146
The technical requirements for low fuel usage and economic efficiency of the ve-
hicle have already been built into the vehicle at the works. ŠKODA places a partic-
ular emphasis on minimising negative effects on the environment.
It is necessary to take note of the guidelines given in this chapter in order tomake best use of these characteristics and to maintain their effectiveness.
143Starting-off and Driving
Avoiding full throttleFig. 127
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in litres/100 km. and speed
in km/h.
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 143.
Driving more slowly saves fuel.
Sensitive use of the accelerator will not only significantly reduce fuel consump-
tion but also positively influence environmental pollution and wear of your vehi-
cle.
The maximum speed of your vehicle should, as far possible, never be used. Fuel
consumption, pollutant emissions and vehicle noises increase disproportionally at
high speeds.
The » Fig. 127 shows the ratio of fuel consumption to the speed of your vehicle.
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of the possible
top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 143.
Idling also costs fuel.
In vehicles not equipped with the START-STOP system, turn off the engine when
in a traffic jam, at a level crossing or traffic lights with longer wait times.
Even after just 30 - 40 seconds you will have saved more fuel than that is needed
when you start the engine up again.
If an engine is only idling it takes much longer for it to reach its normal operating
temperature. Wear-and-tear and pollutant emissions, though, are particularly
high in the warming-up phase. Therefore, start driving as soon as the engine has
started, In this case high engine speeds should be avoided.
Avoiding short distances
Fig. 128
Principle sketch: Fuel consump-
tion in l/100 km at different tem-
peratures
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 143.
Short distances result in an above-average high fuel consumption. We therefore recommend avoiding distances of less than 4 km if the engine is cold.
A cold engine consumes the most fuel immediately after the start. Fuel consump-tion drops to 10 litres/100 km after just 1 kilometre. The consumption stabilises once the engine and catalytic converter have reached their operating tempera-
ture.
An important factor in this connection is also the ambient temperature. The im-
age » Fig. 128 shows the different levels of fuel consumption after driving a cer-
tain distance at a temperature of +20 °C and a temperature of -10 °C.
The vehicle has a higher fuel consumption in winter than in summer.
Checking tyre inflation pressure
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 143.
Tyres which are correctly inflated save fuel.
145Starting-off and Driving
Always ensure the tyre inflation pressure is correct. If the inflation pressure is too
low, the tyres will have to overcome a higher rolling resistance. This will not only increase fuel consumption but also tyre wear and the driving behaviour will wor-
sen.
Always check the tyre inflation pressure when the tyres are cold.
Avoiding unnecessary ballast
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 143.
Transporting ballast costs fuel.
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore, we rec-
ommend to carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the ve-
hicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule of
thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an increase
in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
At a speed of 100 - 120 km/h, your vehicle that is fitted with a roof rack crossmember without a load will use use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the
increased aerodynamic drag.
Regular maintenance
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 143.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create theconditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is de-
pendent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil con-
sumption could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style of driv-
ing.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and rea-
ches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consumption of a
new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving about
5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthetic
high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by a
specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA serv- ice partner.
Saving electrical energy
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 143.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electrical pow-
er. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on, more
fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend switching off
electrical components if these are no longer required.
Environmental compatibility
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 143.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, material selection
and production of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed on the
following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation 260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
146Driving
CAUTION■If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will go
back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into the ready position.
The tow bar will then need to be brought into this position before the next time it is fitted.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box. When
doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards – there is a
risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not step
on it).
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing
the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the vehi-
cle tool kit.
Use and care
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 162.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in.
Always check the tow bar before hitching a trailer. Apply suitable grease where
necessary.
Use the protective cover when stowing away the tow bar, in order to stop the
boot from getting dirty.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not re-
move any grease.
Trailer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
165
Driving with a trailer
166
Trailer stabilisation
167
Anti-theft alarm system
167WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
Loading a trailer
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 165.
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum permis-
sible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeopardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the trail-
er is laden. Maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot avoid driving with this combination.
Tyre pressure
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on your vehicle for a “full load” » page 221,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 252 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1 000 metres above mean
sea level.
165Towing a trailer
Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Safety equipment
169
Before setting off
169
What influences the driving safety?
170
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the subject
of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for exam- ple, 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 travel-
ling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This ap-
plies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Safety equipment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 169.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiter for front and outer rear seats.
› Belt tensioner for front and outer rear seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
›
Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
› Front side airbags.
› Rear side airbags.
› Head airbags.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the ISOFIX system.
› Anchoring points for child seats using the TOP TETHER system.
› Head restraints adjustable for height.
› Adjustable steering column.
The specified safety equipment works together, in order to optimally protect you
and those travelling with you in accident situations.
The safety equipment does not protect you or the people travelling with you, if
you or your occupants adopt an incorrect seated position or the equipment is not correctly adjusted or used.
If the seat belt is not fastened properly, this may result in injuries if an airbag is
activated in the event of an accident.
Before setting off
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 169.
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 properly.
› Check the tyre inflation pressure.
› Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
› Secure all items of luggage
» page 84, Luggage compartment .
› Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
› Adjust the mirrors, the front seat and head restraint to your body size.
› Advise your passengers to adjust the head restraints to their body size.
› Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 186 , Transporting children safely .
› Adopt the correct seated position
» page 170, Correct seated position . Tell your
passengers to assume the correct seated position.
› Correctly fasten the seat belt. Also inform passengers to fasten the seat belt
correctly » page 173 .
169Passive Safety