Inspecting and replenishing
Fuel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Refuelling
196
Unleaded petrol
197
Diesel fuel
198
The correct grades of fuel for your vehicle are stated on a sticker affixed to the
inside of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 155 on page 196 -
.
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 where it was intended to be op-
erated, 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 corresponding country. Is this not the case, then you must
check whether it is permitted by the manufacturer to operate the vehicle with an-
other fuel type.
RefuellingFig. 155
Open tank lid / tank cap
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 196.
Before refuelling, switch off the auxiliary heating system (auxiliary heating and ventilation) » page 98.
Vehicles with lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the flap in the range
1
» Fig. 155 -
and open the tank lid in the ar-
row direction.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 155 -
.
›
Place the filler cap onto the top of the fuel filler flap » Fig. 155 -
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full just as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time »
.
›
Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler tube and put it back in the pump.
›
Place the filler cap onto the fuel filler neck and turn it in the opposite direction
to the arrow until it securely engages » Fig. 155 -
.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Check that the fuel filler flap is closed properly.
Vehicles without lockable fuel filler flap
›
Press on the flap in the range
1
» Fig. 155 -
and open the tank lid in the ar-
row direction.
›
Hold the filler cap with your hand and unlock by turning the key in the direction
of the arrow » Fig. 155 -
.
›
Unscrew the filler cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 155 -
.
›
Place the filler cap onto the top of the fuel filler flap
» Fig. 155 -
.
196General Maintenance
Engine compartment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
200
Engine compartment overview
201
Radiator fan
201
Windscreen washer system
201WARNINGInjuries 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!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine 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.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine room■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 is harmful to health.
WARNING (Continued)■ 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!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
■
Never spill fluids on the hot engine. Such fluids (e.g. the antifreeze con-
tained in the coolant) may ignite!
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine 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.
WARNINGInformation for working on the fuel system or the electrical system■Always disconnect the vehicle battery from the electrical system.■
Do not smoke.
■
Never work near open flames.
■
Always have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby.
199Inspecting and replenishing
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!
CAUTION
Always top up using the correct specification of fluids. This may result in major
operating problems and also vehicle damage!
For the sake of the environment
In view of the requirements for the environmentally friendly disposal of fluids and the special tools and knowledge required for such work, we recommend that flu-
ids be changed by a specialist garage.
Note
■ Please consult a specialist garage for any questions relating to fluids.■Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Original
Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.
Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 156
Bonnet release lever/release lever
Fig. 157
Securing the bonnet
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 199.
Opening
›
Open the front door.
›
Pull the release lever underneath the dash panel in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 156 .
Before opening the bonnet, ensure that the arms of the windscreen wipers are
correctly in place against the windscreen otherwise the paintwork could be dam- aged.
›
Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow
2
and the bonnet is un-
locked.
›
Grab hold of the bonnet and lift.
200General Maintenance
›Take the bonnet support out of its holder 3
» Fig. 157 in the direction of the
arrow and secure the opened bonnet by inserting the end of the support into the opening 4
.
Closing
›
Lift the bonnet slightly and unhook the bonnet support. Insert the bonnet sup-
port into the holder
3
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 .
WARNINGCheck that the bonnet is closed properly.
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet using the release lever » Fig. 156.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 158
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings
on page 199.
Explanation of graphic » Fig. 158
Coolant expansion reservoir
205
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
20112Engine oil dipstick203Engine oil filler opening204
Brake fluid reservoir
206
Battery (below a cover)
207
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 199.
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. 159
Engine compartment: Wind-
screen washer fluid reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn- ings on page 199.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 159 .
3456201Inspecting and replenishing
This contains the cleaning fluid for the windscreen or rear window and for the
headlight cleaning system.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 5.5 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning 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.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if the
vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no screen
cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated spirits must
not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration is sufficient
only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator antifreeze or other additives be added to
the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning products
which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be added
to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when refill-
ing, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system, leading
in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.
Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specifications and capacity
203
Checking the oil level
203
Replenishing
204
Changing
204The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use through-
out the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the infor-
mation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publication.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manufac-
turer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a ŠKODA
Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sepa-
rately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The oil capacities include oil filter change. Check the oil level when filling; do not
over fill. The oil level must be between the markings » page 203.WARNING■
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 199.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top
up the engine oil. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
■
If the oil level is above level
A
» Fig. 160 on page 203, do not continue to
drive! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the en-
gine parts!
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you engine
oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If oil comes into contact with your skin, the affected area must be washed thor-
oughly.
1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
202General Maintenance
WARNING■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 199.■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to fill
with coolant under the current circumstances. Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under 40%.■Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protection
and cooling effect.■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can sig-
nificantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can conse-
quently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 161 on page 205.
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist ga-
rage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
Capacity
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 204.
Coolant capacity (in litres) 1)
Petrol enginesFilling level1.2 ltr/77 kW TSI7.71.4 ltr/90 kW TSI7.71.8 l/112, 118 kW TSI8.6Diesel enginesFilling level1.6 ltr/77 kW TDI CR8.42.0 l/81, 103, 125 kW TDI CR8.4
Checking the coolant levelFig. 161
Engine compartment: Coolant
expansion reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 204.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 161.
Inspecting the coolant level
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle » Fig. 161.
Coolant level above mark
A
No coolant may be added.
The level may also rise slightly above the
A
marking when the engine is hot.
Coolant level between markings
A
and
B
Coolant may be added.
The coolant level must lie between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
Coolant level below mark
B
Coolant must be added.
Top up the coolant level to between the
A
and
B
markings when the engine is
cold.
1)
The coolant capacity is approximately 1 l greater on vehicles that are fitted with an auxiliary heater
(auxiliary heating and ventilation).
205Inspecting and replenishing
If the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank is too low, this is indicated by
the warning light lighting up in the instrument cluster » page 16, Coolant .
We still recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from
time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the system. Do
not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a specialist
garage.
Replenishing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 204.
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 unscrew the cap carefully .
›
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.
Brake fluid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
206
Changing
207WARNING■ 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 199.■
If the fluid level has dropped below the MIN marking » Fig. 162 on page 206,
do not continue your journey - risk of 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!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 162
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 206.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 162.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 162.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
206General Maintenance
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-tear
and 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 indicator light » page 15 , Brake system lighting up in the instrument cluster.
Changing
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 206.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from the
environment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake sys-
tem.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
The brake fluid must comply with the following standards or specifications: › VW 50114;
› FMVSS 116 DOT4.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
208
Checking the battery electrolyte level
209
Charging
209
Replacing
210
Disconnecting and reconnecting
210
Automatic load deactivation
210Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolImportanceAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye protec- tion.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the ve-
hicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. The general applicable
safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without exception.■
Keep children away from the vehicle battery.
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the bat-
tery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a face
shield – risk of blindness!
■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling the
vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled with
the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivitis
and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected eye
immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor imme-
diately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swallow
battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
207Inspecting and replenishing