
Assist systems
Brake assist systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
136
Antilock brake system (ABS)
137
Traction Control System (TCS)
137
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
137
Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
137
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
137
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
138WARNING■ A lack of fuel can cause irregular engine running or cause the engine to shut
down. The brake assist systems would then fail to function – risk of accident!■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road and
traffic conditions. The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems
must not tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
In the event of an ABS fault, visit a specialist garage immediately. Adjust
your style of driving according to the damage to the ABS, as you will not know
the exact extent of the damage or the extent to which this is limiting the
braking efficiency.
CAUTION
■ All four wheels must be fitted with the same tyres approved by the manufactur-
er to ensure the brake assist systems operate correctly.■
Changes to the vehicle (e.g. to the engine, brakes, chassis) can influence the
functionality of the brake assist systems » page 184, Service work, adjustments
and technical alterations .
■
If a fault occurs in the ABS system, the ESC, ASR and EDL will also not work. An
ABS fault is indicated by the warning light » page 19 .
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Fig. 116
ESC system: TCS button
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 136.
The ESC system helps improve control of the vehicle in situations where it is be-
ing operated at its dynamic limits, such as a sudden change to the direction of
travel. The risk of skidding is reduced and your car thus offers greater driving sta-
bility depending on the conditions of the road surface.
The ESC system is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.The direction which the driver wishes to take is determined based on the steering angle and the speed of the vehicle and is constantly compared with the actual
behaviour of the vehicle. In the event of deviations, such as the car beginning to
skid, the ESC system will automatically brake the appropriate wheel.
During an intervention of the system, the indicator light
flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The following systems are integrated into the Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
› Antilock Brake System (ABS)
» page 137.
› Traction control (TCS)
» page 137.
› Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
» page 137.
› Driver Steering Recommendation (DSR)
» page 137.
› Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
» page 137.
› Hill Hold Control (HHC)
» page 138.
› Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
» page 158.
The ESC system cannot be deactivated. The
» Fig. 116 symbol button can only
be used to deactivate the ASR.
The warning light lights up in the instrument cluster when the TCR is deactiva-
ted.
136Driving

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 213,
Service life of tyres .
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 244 , Technical data .
The trailer loads specified apply only to altitudes up to 1,000 metres above mean sea level.
The engine output falls as altitude increases, as does the vehicle's climbing pow- er. Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum per-
missible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehicle
and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing device is merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehicle/
trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury.
Driving with a trailerFig. 134
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 156.
Before the journey
›
Swing the 13-pin socket in the direction of arrow
A
» Fig. 134 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 126 on page 152.
After the journey
›
Swivel the 13-pin power socket
A
» Fig. 134 back in in the opposite direction to
the arrow.
›
Place the protective cover
5
» Fig. 126 on page 152 onto the tow bar.
Safety eyelet
The purpose of the safety eyelet
B
» Fig. 134 is to attach the breakaway cable of
the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eye, it must sag freely in all
trailer positions in relation to the vehicle (sharp bends, in reverse, etc.)
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national legal
requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
157Towing a trailer

Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 48, Headlight
beam control 1)
.
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive faster than 80 km/h when towing a trailer.
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the trail-
er is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by accelerating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply the
brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting from
the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as a
brake.
Engine overheating
If the needle for the coolant temperature gauge moves into the right-hand area
or the red area of the scale, the speed must be reduced immediately.
Stop and switch off the engine if the indicator light
in the instrument cluster
starts to flash. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 205,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 16,
Coolant .
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Never use the safety eyelet for towing!■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic sit-
uation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer and
cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well as acci-
dents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist garages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical con-
nections for the tail lights or other current sources.
Note■ After coupling the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that the rear
lights on the trailer are working correctly.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in the
dash panel » page 236.
■
Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in me-
chanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not impair
the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is excluded from the warranty coverage.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 156.
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works in
conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the trail-
er "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC indicator light
in the instrument cluster
lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS indicator light.
Function requirements for trailer stabilisation. The trailer was shipped from the factory or purchased from the ŠKODA genu-
ine accessories range.
The ESC system is active (in the instrument cluster, the warning lights illumi-
nates
or
) » page 18 does not .
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer sock-
et.
The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
The trailer has a rigid drawbar.
1)
Applies to vehicles with bi-xenon headlights.
158Driving

WARNINGIf the seat belt does not lock when pulling sharply on it, have it inspected im-
mediately by a specialist garage.
Belt tensioners
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 167.
Safety for the driver and front passenger wearing their seat belts is enhanced by
the belt tensioners fitted to the inertia reels of the front three-point seat belts.
The three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal
collision of a certain severity. The belt tensioners can also be deployed if the seat
belts are not fastened.
The fastened three-point seat belts are automatically tensioned in the event of a frontal or side collision of a certain severity.
Belt tensioners are not activated in the event of minor frontal collisions, side andrear-end collisions, in the case of a rollover and also not in accidents in which no
major forces are produced from the front.
WARNING■ Any work on the belt tensioner system including removal and installation of
system components because of other repair work, must only be carried out by
a specialist garage.■
The protective function of the system is only adequate for a single accident.
If the belt tensioners have been deployed, it is then necessary to replace the
entire system.
Note
■ Smoke is generated when the belt tensioners are deployed. This is not an indi-
cation of a fire in the vehicle.■
When disposing of the vehicle or parts of the belt tensioner system, it is impor-
tant to comply with national legal requirements. ŠKODA service partners are fa-
miliar with these regulations and will be able to provide you with detailed infor-
mation.
168Safety

Side airbagsFig. 145
Position of the airbag in the front seat / back
Fig. 146
Inflated airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 170.
In the event of severe side collisions, the side airbag system provides additional
protection for the upper body (chest, stomach and pelvis) of passengers in the ve- hicle.
The front side airbags are housed in the upholstery of the seat backrests of the front seats » Fig. 145 -
.
The rear side airbags are located between the entrance area and the seat back-
rest » Fig. 145 -
.
When the side airbags are deployed, the head airbag and belt tensioner are also automatically deployed on the relevant side.
The load of the occupants is cushioned when plunging into the fully inflated air-
bag » Fig. 146 and the risk of injury to the entire upper body (chest, stomach and
pelvis) is reduced on the side facing the door.WARNINGInformation on correct seating position■Your head should never be positioned in the deployment area of the side
airbag. You might suffer severe injuries in the event of an accident. This ap- plies in particular to children who are transported without using a suitablechild safety seat » page 179, Child safety and side airbag .■
There must not be any further persons, animals as well as objects posi-
tioned between the occupants and the deployment area of the airbag. No ac-
cessories, such as cup holders, should be attached to the doors.
■
If children adopt an incorrect seated position when travelling, they may be
exposed to an increased risk of injury in the event of an accident. This can re-
sult in serious injuries » page 177, Child seat .
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.
■
Always have work carried out by a ŠKODA service partner or a professional
specialist garage.
173Airbag system

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.
■
Always have work carried out by a ŠKODA service partner or a professional
specialist garage.
Note
In vehicles with head airbags, the word AIRBAG can be seen on the B and C col-
umn cladding.
Deactivating airbags
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
175
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
176
Deactivating airbags
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 175.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below.› If using a rear-facing child seat on the front passenger seat (due to different le-
gal regulations, the airbag must be deactivated if using a forwards-facing child
seat in some countries) » page 177, Transporting children safely .
› If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the middle
of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly adjus-
ted.
› If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because of
a physical disability.
› If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side airbags).
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated
switch » page 176 , Deactivating the front passenger airbag .
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other air-
bags.
Monitoring the airbag system
The operational capability of the airbag system is monitored electronically, includ-
ing when one of the airbags is switched off.
Airbag deactivated using diagnostic equipment
› The
warning light lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on and then flashes again for approximately 12 seconds.
Front passenger airbag deactivated using the key switch in the storage com-
partment
› The
warning light lights up for approximately 4 seconds after the ignition is
switched on.
› The
warning light
3
» Fig. 148 on page 176 lights up after the ignition is
switched on.
Note
■ The national regulations for switching off airbags must be observed.■A ŠKODA service partner will be able to inform you which, if any, of your vehi-
cle's airbags can or must be deactivated.
175Airbag system

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.
182General Maintenance

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.
183Vehicle care