
The automatic start procedure takes place again. The warning symbol goes
out.
Further information on automatic transmission Engine shut down takes place when the selector lever is in positions P, D , S and N
and in Tiptronic mode.
When the selector lever is in position P the engine remains shut down after you
release the brake pedal. Start the engine by pressing the gas pedal or by moving
the selector lever into a different mode and releasing the brake pedal.
If the selector lever is moved into position R during the STOP phase , the engine
will re-start.
No automatic engine shutdown takes place when the vehicle is moving at low
speed (e.g. during a traffic jam or when tuning) and remains stationary after pressing the brake pedal lightly. Automatic engine shutdown takes place if you
press the brake pedal down with more force.
Operating conditions of the system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 149.
The START-STOP system is very complex. Some of the procedures are hard to check without servicing.
No engine shut down is carried out
Before each STOP phase, the system checks whether certain conditions have
been met. No engine shut down takes place in the following situations.
› The engine has not reached the minimum temperature for START STOP mode.
› The temperature inside the vehicle has not reached the desired temperature
set in the air-conditioning system/heating.
› The external temperature is very low/high.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic) or windscreen heater/ventilation
is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual air condition-
ing system).
› The parking aid/Park Assist is switched on.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The stationary vehicle is on a steep slope or a steep downhill section.
› The idling speed is too high.
› The steering angle is too large (manoeuvring).
› The selector lever position
R is selected (e.g. when parking).
The warning symbol appears in the instrument cluster display.
The automatic start procedure takes place again
During the STOP phase, the engine fires up without any active driver intervention, e.g. in the following situations.
› The vehicle begins to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The difference between the temperature setting of the air-conditioning sys-
tem/heating and the temperature of the interior is too large.
› The intensive windscreen heater (Climatronic) or windscreen heater/ventilation
is switched on with the maximum air temperature setting (manual air condition-
ing system).
› The brake pedal was pressed several times (the pressure in the braking system
is too low).
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
Manually activating/deactivating the system
Fig. 125
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings on page 149.
Activation/deactivation
›
Press the symbol button
» Fig. 125 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the indicator light in the button lights up.
Note
If the system is deactivated during the STOP phase, the automatic start proce-
dure takes place.
150Driving

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

WARNINGThe increased safety offered by the trailer stabilisation must not tempt you to
take greater risks than otherwise.
CAUTION
■ The trailer stabilisation need not be able to correctly detect all of driving situa-
tions.■
Trailers that sway slightly may not always be detected by the trailer stabilisa-
tion and are thus not stabilised accordingly.
■
Release the pressure on the accelerator pedal if the system is being regulated.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
Note
The trailer stabilisation works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
Anti-theft alarm system
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 156.
If the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connection to
the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or uncou- pled » page 39 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing de-
vice.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer sock-
et.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system is
activated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the an-
ti-theft alarm system.
159Towing a trailer

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

Deactivating the front passenger airbagFig. 148
Key switch for front passenger airbag/warning light for front pas-
senger airbag activation/deactivation
First read and observe the introductory information given on page 175.
Only the front passenger airbag is deactivated with the key switch.
Switching off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
OFF » Fig. 148 -
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Check that the warning light
in the text
» Fig. 148 -
lights up after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›
Fold the key bit out completely with the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
ON » Fig. 148 -
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the storage box on the front passenger's side.
›Check that the warning light
in the text - lights up
after the ignition is switched on.
The warning light goes out 65 seconds after the key switch status has
changed or after the ignition is switched on.WARNING■ The driver is responsible for whether the airbag is switched on or switched
off.■
Only switch off the airbag when the ignition is switched off! Otherwise a
fault can occur in the system for deactivating the airbag.
■
If the warning light is flashing, the front passenger airbag will not be
deployed in an accident. Have the airbag system checked by a specialist ga- rage immediately.
■
The key can not be inserted in the key switch while driving. ■ Shocks can cause the key to turn in the slot and trigger the airbag!
■ The airbag can be triggered unexpectedly in an accident - it may result in
injury or death!
CAUTION
An insufficiently folded out key bit can damage the key switch!
176Safety

Windows and exterior mirrorsFirst read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors.
Regularly clean windows from the inside with clean water. Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for thispurpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leathers
that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in the
window leather can make the window dirty and reduce visibility.
CAUTION
■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direction
to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of dam-
age to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corrosive
and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating elements or
window aerial.
Headlight lenses
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-ings
on page 189.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION■ Never wipe headlights to dry.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, as this may damage
the protective paintwork and consequently cause cracks to form on the headlight lenses.■
Do not use any harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents to clean the head-
lights, as this could damage the headlight lenses.
Camera lens
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
Moisten the lens of the rear view camera first with clean water and then dry with
a dry cloth.
Remove the snow from the lens with a brush and the ice from the lens with a de- icer.
CAUTION
■ Remove snow or ice on the lens with warm or hot water - there is a risk of dam-
aging the lens.■
Never use cleaners containing abrasive effect to clean the lens.
■
Never use pressurized water or steam jet to clean the lens.
Door lock cylinders
First read and observe the introductory information and safety warn-
ings
on page 189.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the lock-
ing cylinders.
191Vehicle care

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