Driving off paved roadsRead and observe
on page 83 first.
Only drive on such roads and in such terrain, which match the vehicle parame-ters » page 143 , Technical data as well as your driving skills.
The driver is always responsible for deciding whether the vehicle can handle
travelling in the given terrain.
WARNINGDrive particularly aware and pro-actively outside paved roads.■Always adjust your driving to the current terrain and weather conditions.
Excessive speed or incorrect driving manoeuvres can cause damage to the
vehicle and lead to serious injuries.■
Objects trapped under the floor of the vehicle can damage the fuel lines,
the brake system, the seals and other parts of the chassis. Check the un-
derside of the vehicle and remove the trapped objects.
■
Combustible objects such as dry leaves or twigs caught under the base of
the vehicle could ignite on hot vehicle parts - risk of fire!
CAUTION
■ Pay attention to the ground clearance of the vehicle! When driving over ob-
jects which are larger than the ground clearance, the chassis and its compo-
nents can get damaged.■
Drive slowly in unknown terrain and watch out for unexpected obstacles,
such as potholes, rocks, stumps, etc.
■
Check up on confusing sections of unpaved roads before travelling on them
and consider whether such travelling is possible without risk.
Assist systems
Braking and stabilisation systems
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
84
Antilock Braking System (ABS)
85
Traction Control System (TC)
85
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
85
Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA)
85
Hill Hold Control (HHC)
85
This chapter deals with the functions of the braking and stabilisation systems,
with the error indicator referred to in chapter » page 33, Warning lights .
The braking and stabilisation systems are automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
WARNING■ 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!■
The increased safety provided by the brake assist systems must not
tempt you to take safety risks – risk of accident!
■
Adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weather, road
and traffic conditions.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Read and observe
on page 84 first.
The ESC improves vehicle stability in dynamic driving situations, such as whenthe vehicle starts to skid.
The ESC monitors whether the desired direction of the current vehicle motion
is occurring. In case of any deviation (e.g. oversteer), the ESC automatically
brakes individual wheels to maintain the desired direction.
During an intervention of the system, the warning light flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
84Driving
Interrupt control (sprung position) Activate ACC (control deactivated)BTake control againa)
/ Increase speedCLaunch control / reduce speeda)
If no speed stored, the current speed is adopted.
After starting the system, the current speed is stored and the instrument clus-
ter illuminates the warning light
.
After the interruption in control, the stored speed can be resumed by pressing
the
B
button.
Automatic control interruption
Automatic control interruption occurs if any of the following conditions are
met.
› By pressing the brake or clutch pedal.
› When one of the brake assist systems (e.g. ESC) intervenes.
› Through an airbag deployment.
WARNING■
Always deactivate the cruise control system after use to prevent the sys-
tem being switched on unintentionally.■
Control may only be resumed if the stored speed is not too high for the
current traffic conditions.
Note
During control, speed can be increased by pressing the accelerator pedal. Re-
leasing the accelerator pedal will cause the speed to drop again to the set
speed.
START-STOP
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Operating conditions of the system
88
Operation in vehicles with manual gearboxes
89
Operation in vehicles with automatic gearboxes
89
System related automatic start-up
89
Manually deactivating/activating the system
90The START-STOP system (hereinafter referred to as the system) saves fuel and
reduces polluting emissions and CO 2 emissions by turning the engine off, e.g.
when stopping at traffic lights, and starting the engine again when moving off.WARNING■ Never let the vehicle roll with the engine switched off.■The brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the engine is run-
ning.
Operating conditions of the system
Fig. 87
Above: Engine is automatically
switched off / down: automatic
cut off is not possible
Read and observe on page 88 first.
For system-dependent automatic engine shutdown
to work, the following conditions must be met.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver has fastened the seat belt.
The bonnet is closed.
The driving speed was higher than 4 km/h after the last stop.
Some additional conditions for the system to function correctly cannot be in-
fluenced or recognised by the driver. Therefore, the system can react differ-
ently in situations which are identical from the driver's perspective.
If, after stopping the vehicle, the check icon
» Fig. 87 appears on the display,
then the conditions for automatic engine shutdown are not met.
Running the engine is essential for the following reasons, for example.
› The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
88Driving
CAUTION■The headlights are never to be wiped dry - there is a risk of damaging the
protective lacquer and the headlight glass subsequently developing cracks.■
Do not use sharp objects to clean the glasses - there is a risk of damaging
the protective lacquer and the headlight glasses subsequently developing
cracks.
■
Do not use any aggressive cleaning or chemical solvent products to clean the
headlights – risk of damaging the headlight lenses.
Door closing cylinder
Read and observe
and on page 98 first.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder when
washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
Cavity protection
Read and observe
and on page 98 first.
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected
for life by a layer of protective wax applied in the factory.
This wax protection does not need to be inspected or re-applied.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.
WARNINGSafety regulations should be observed when using petroleum cleaner to re-
move wax – risk of fire!
Jack
Read and observe
and on page 98 first.
The jack is maintenance-free.
If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should be lubricated with a suitable
lubricant.
Wheels
Read and observe
and on page 98 first.
Wheel rims
Also thoroughly wash the wheel rims when washing the vehicle on a regular
basis.
Regularly remove salt and brake abrasion, otherwise the rim material will be
corroded.
Light alloy wheels
After washing thoroughly and treat the wheel rims with a protective product
for light alloy wheels.
For the treatment of wheel rims do not use products which may cause damage
to the paint on the rims.
CAUTION
■ Damage to the paint layer on the wheel rims must be touched up immediate-
ly.■
Severe layers of dirt on the wheels can also result in wheel imbalance. This
may show itself in the form of a wheel vibration which is transmitted to the
steering wheel which, in certain circumstances, can cause premature wear of
the steering. This means it is necessary to remove the dirt.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 98 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
When driving, it cannot be guaranteed that no damage to the protective layer
will occur.
We recommend having the protective layer underneath the vehicle and the
chassis checked — preferably before the beginning of winter and at the end of
winter.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters or heat shields. When the engine reaches
its operating temperature, these substances may ignite - risk of fire!100General Maintenance
The oil can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are satisfied.The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull out the dipstick.
›
Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth and insert it again to the stop.
›
Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level.
›
Re-insert the dipstick.
The engine consumes a little oil. The oil consumption may be as much as 0.5 l/
1 000 km depending on your style of driving and the conditions under which
you operate your vehicle. Consumption may be slightly higher than this during
the first 5 000 km.
The oil level must be checked at regular intervals.
In case of the oil level being too low, the display of the instrument cluster
shows the control symbol
» page 35 . Check the oil level using the dipstick as
soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
■ The oil level must never be above the A range » Fig. 100 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system!■
Stop driving if for some reason it is not possible to top up the engine oil
under the current conditions. Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a
specialist garage.
■
If the oil level is above the range
A
,
stop driving! Switch off the engine
and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 98 on page 109 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 110 .
›
Check the oil level » page 110.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
›
Pull the dipstick out as far as the stop.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
112
Replenishing
112
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive level in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec- essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reser-
voir » Fig. 101 on page 112 .
WARNINGThe 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 107.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine 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
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
111Inspecting and replenishing
CAUTION■ Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
fill with air - risk of engine damage,
stop driving! Switch off the engine and
seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
» Fig. 101 on page 112 .
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 101
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 111 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 101
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks “MAX” and “MIN”.
The coolant can be checked and topped up, if the following conditions are sat-isfied.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The engine is not heated.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level›
Check the level of coolant in the coolant expansion bottle » Fig. 101.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark “MAX” » Fig. 101.
In case of low coolant level in the instrument cluster a check mark
» page 35 . 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 cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 111 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 112, in section Introduction .
›
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.
CAUTION
■
Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.112General Maintenance
Brake fluid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
113
Specification
113
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 102 on
page 113 .
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 107.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 102 on page 113 , do not continue driving - there is a risk of an
accident! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories
range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 102
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 113 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 102.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
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
level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below the “MIN” mark-
ing.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light illuminating in the
display of the instrument cluster » page 34,
Braking system
.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 113 first.
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:
Checking the battery electrolyte level
115
Charging
115
Replace
116
Disconnecting and reconnecting
116
Automatic load deactivation
116
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
113Inspecting and replenishing
Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 103
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 114 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator » Fig. 103, the
electrolyte level can be determined by looking at the change in colour of this
display.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
› Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
› Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the recurring engine start.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist
garage, especially in the following cases.
› High external temperatures.
› Longer day trips.
› After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures
just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
Note■ The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part
of the inspection service.■
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
115Inspecting and replenishing
Replacing the rear window wiper bladeFig. 123
Rear window wiper blade
Read and observe and on page 134 first.
Removing the wiper blade
›
Raise the windscreen wiper arm from the rear window and slightly tilt the
windscreen wiper blade towards the wiper arm, arrow
1
» Fig. 123 .
›
Hold the windscreen wiper arm at the top end.
›
Press the locking button
A
and remove the wiper blade in the direction of
arrow
2
.
Attaching the wiper blade
›
Push the windscreen wiper blade until the stop and it locks in place.
›
Check that the wiper blade is correctly attached.
›
Fold the wiper arm back to the windscreen.
Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses on the underside of the dash panel
136
Assignment of fuses on the underside of the dash panel
136
Fuses in the engine compartment
137
Assignment of fuses in the engine compartment
137
Fuses in the dash panel
138
Assignment of the fuses in the dash panel
138
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses.
Switch off the ignition and the corresponding power consuming device before
replacing a fuse.
Find out which fuse belongs to the component that is not operat-
ing » page 136 , Fuses on the underside of the dash panel , » page 137 , Fuses
in the engine compartment , or » page 138 , Fuses in the dash panel .
Fuse colourMaximum amperagepurple3light brown5brown7.5red10blue15yellow20white25green30orange40WARNINGAlways read and observe the warnings before completing any work in the
engine compartment » page 107. 135Fuses and light bulbs