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General Maintenance
Vehicle care
Service intervals
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
182
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
183
Variable service interval QI6
183
Information about the ŠKODA service
183
The service interval display in the instrument cluster will remind you to carry out
every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time in order to prevent you from forgetting any.
Timely and proper performance of servicing works is one of the requirements for the settlement of potential warranty claims.
The completion of services can be verified by the validated service certificate andthe corresponding receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of difficult operating conditions, it is necessary to have some service
work performed before the date of the next service or between the specified
service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or the replacement of the air
filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as well as checking and replacing
the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with diesel particle filters, which can put
greater strain on the engine oil.
Difficult operating conditions
› Sulphur-containing diesel fuel.
› Frequent short trips.
› Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis).
› Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution.
› Frequent trailer operation.
›
Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is often the case in city driving, for exam-
ple.
› Operation predominantly during winter.
A service consultant at the specialist garage will tell you whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried
out between the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply from the particular scope of work required,
depending on the vehicle type and equipment and the status of your vehicle.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless stated otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO a.s. warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the current service scopes for the particular service
work by the specialist garage.
Overview of service intervals
Fig. 154
Vehicle data sticker: Service in-
terval
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 182.
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle data
sticker » Fig. 154 under the floor covering in the boot.
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.
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In order to operate a vehicle with a variable service interval, it must only be fil-
led and topped up with the prescribed engine oil.
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 203.■A specialist garage can perform the changeover from the variable service inter-
val 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 182.
InspectionQI1 - QI4
After the first 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 5,000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7,000 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. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!NoteFor diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed every
7,500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the countries where die-
sel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 182.
The service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is driven and
the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your vehicle is sub-
jected to different loads when driven over short distances than when driven over
long distances. The service intervals are therefore variable.
InspectionAfter the first 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 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. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause vapour
bubbles to form in the brake system on sharp braking. This can impair the effi- ciency of the brakes – risk of accident!
Information about the ŠKODA service
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 182.
You have access to an extensive servicing network of ŠKODA Service Partners for
the maintenance of your vehicle.
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ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip-
ment. Here, trained specialists have a comprehensive range of ŠKODA Genuine Parts and ŠKODA Genuine Accessories at their disposal.
All ŠKODA Service Partners operate in accordance with the latest manufacturerguidelines and instructions. All service work is therefore carried out on time and
in accordance with the quality standards. Adhering to these instructions and
guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
The ŠKODA Service Partners also offer a wide range of other services. ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicleand to provide quality work. We therefore recommend that you have your vehicle
maintained by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tests required by law
185
ŠKODA Service Partners
185
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
185
ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
186
Spoiler
186
Airbags
186
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps
keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifications,
repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German road trans-
port regulations (StVZO)
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 185 before buying accessories or parts,
or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your
vehicle.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle is not carried out properly, this can lead to operation-
al faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.■
We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.
■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected sys-
tems because of the networking of the electronic components. The operation- al safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to increased
wear of parts.
■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no liability for products that have not been ap-
proved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with an op-
erational approval or that have been approved by a government testing insti-
tute.
WARNING■ We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased
from ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the purchased parts.
For the sake of the environment
Technical documents regarding alterations carried out on the vehicle must be
kept by the vehicle user in order to be handed over to the recyclers at a later
date. This ensures that the vehicle is recycled in an environmentally sound man-
ner.
Note
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of the
manufacturer is excluded from the warranty.
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Tests required by lawFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and roadwor- thiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific inter-
vals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that have
been legally authorized for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and will
prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required, or will
be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can carry out
the specified tests directly if required by the customer if they are authorised to do
so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you consult
the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
Based on their appraisal, the service consultant will tell you which areas you
should focus on in order to ensure that your vehicle will pass the technical test
without any problems. This allows you to avoid additional expenses resulting
from a possible subsequent test.
ŠKODA Service Partners
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
ŠKODA Service Partners feature modern, specially developed tools and equip- ment. Here, trained specialists have access to a comprehensive range of ŠKODA
Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories for carrying out modifications, re- pairs and technical alterations.
All ŠKODA service partners operate according to the most recent guidelines and instructions from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore carried
out on time and at the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions and
guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good techni-
cal condition.
ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicle
and to provide quality work. We therefore advise you to have all modifications, re-
pairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
ŠKODA Genuine Parts
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 184.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, as these parts
are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s.. They correspond precisely to the ŠKODA AUTO
a.s. regulations with regard to design, dimensional accuracy and material, and are
identical to the components used in series production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. is able to vouch for the safety, suitability and long service life ofthese products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine
Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genuine
Parts - not only while the model is still in production but for at least 15 years after the end of series production for wear parts and at least 10 years after the end of
series production for all other vehicle parts.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a
period of 2 years after sale in accordance with the materials defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement. You should keep the approved war-ranty certificate and the invoices for these components for this period of time, so
that the commencement of the term can be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed such that if any damage occurs to the body, it is on- ly necessary to replace those parts that are actually damaged.
However, before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, you shouldfirst of all contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not the parts
can also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.
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ŠKODA Genuine AccessoriesFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
If you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle, you should remember the following:
We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle. ŠKODA
AUTO a.s. has selected these accessories to ensure that they are reliable, safe
and suitable for your particular vehicle. Although we constantly monitor the mar- ket, we are not able to assess or vouch for other products even though in some
instances such parts may have operational approval or may have been approved
by a nationally recognised testing laboratory.
All accessory products are subjected to a challenging process in the areas of tech-
nical development (technical testing) and quality inspection (customer testing), and the product only becomes a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory if all tests are passed.
Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also includes expert advice and profes-
sional fitting if required by the customer.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
for a period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with the materi-
als defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement or any
other agreements. You should keep the approved warranty certificate and the in-
voices for these accessories for this period of time, so that the commencement of
the term can be verified.
ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care products and all
parts that are subject to natural wear-and-tear, such as tyres, batteries, bulbs
and wiper blades.
Note
The accessories authorized by the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered by
the ŠKODA Partners in all countries where the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. has a
sales and after-sales service network. This will usually be in the form of a printed
catalogue of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories, in the form of separate printed bro-
chures or in the form of ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA Partner web-
sites.
Spoiler
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 184.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, the following instructions must
be adhered to.
› For safety reasons, the vehicle must only be fitted with a spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the luggage compart-
ment lid.
› This kind of spoiler cannot be left on the front bumper either on its own, in
combination with another spoiler not on the luggage compartment lid or in combination with an unsuitable spoiler on the luggage compartment lid.
› We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs to or
replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
WARNINGIf work on your vehicle's spoilers is not carried out properly, this can lead to
operational faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.
Airbags
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 184.
The system components of the airbag system can be situated in the front bump-
er, doors, front seats, roof lining or body.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of sys-
tem components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Modifications, repairs and technical alterations that have been carried out
unprofessionally can cause damage and operational faults, and can also seri-
ously impair the effectiveness of the airbag system – risk of accident and fatal
injury!
■
The airbag system will then have to be replaced if the airbag is deployed.
Airbag modules cannot be repaired.
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WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed from
old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never install damaged airbag parts in the vehicle. The airbags may then not
be deployed properly or even at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tire combinations, can alter the functioning of the airbag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or door
panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work on thefront doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist garage. The
following instructions must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the re-
sulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless the
loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional loud-
speakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner door pan-
els.
Washing your car
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
188
Automatic car wash systems
188
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
188
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences is frequent washing.
How often the vehicle should be washed depends on factors such as:
› Frequency of use.
› Parking situation (garage, under trees etc.).
› Season.
› Weather conditions.
› Environmental influences.
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, accentuate this
caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end of
the winter.
WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
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Washing by handFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 187.
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.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
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 leath- er.
CAUTION
■ When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged
metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings
or the wheel trims, etc.) - there is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.
Automatic car wash systems
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 187.
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/tilting
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.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle in
an automatic car wash system.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 187.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for use
of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pressure
used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner, en-
sure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short periods
while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk of
damaging the vehicle.
■
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 190 .
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Taking care of your vehicle exterior
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
189
Plastic parts
190
Rubber seals
190
Chrome parts
190
Decorative films
190
Windows and exterior mirrors
191
Headlight lenses
191
Camera lens
191
Door lock cylinders
191
Cavity protection
192
Wheels
192
Underbody protection
192
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle. It
may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims relat- ing to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the package
must be observed.
WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to
the instructions.■
Always store vehicle care products safely, in particular out of the reach of
children – risk of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk of
cuts!
CAUTION■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
For the sake of the environment
Used vehicle care product cans represent hazardous waste that is harmful to the
environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regula- tions.
Note
Due to the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any potential prob-
lems with the cleaning and care of your vehicle's exterior, we recommend that
the cleaning and care of your vehicle be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 189.
Minor paint damage such as scratches, scuffs or stone chips should be treated im-
mediately if possible, using touch-up pens or sprays .
Preserving the vehicle paintwork
A thorough wax treatment provides the vehicle's paintwork with highly effective
protection against harmful environmental influences.
The vehicle must be treated with a high-quality hard wax polish at the latest,when no more drops form on the clean paintwork.
A new layer of a high-quality hard wax polish can be applied to the clean body- work after it has dried thoroughly.
Even if you use a wax preserver regularly we still recommend that you treat the paintwork of the vehicle at least twice a year with hard wax.
Polishing
Polishing is necessary if the vehicle's paintwork has become unattractive and if it
is no longer possible to achieve a gloss with wax preservatives.
If the polish does not contain any preserving elements, the paint must be treated with a preservative afterwards.
189Vehicle care