
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      

WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal  
.
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is  dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START-STOP system, the pole terminal of the charger
must not be connected directly to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery,
but only to the engine earth  » page 130.
Replace
Read and observe 
 and  on page 114 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend having the battery replaced by a specialist garage, where the
new vehicle battery will be installed properly and the original battery will be
disposed of in accordance with national regulations.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
Read and observe 
 and  on page 114 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›Disconnect the negative terminal 
 first and then the positive  terminal of
the battery.
Connecting›
Connect the positive terminal  
first, then the negative  
battery terminal.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.
Function / deviceOperating measureRadioEnter code  » operating instruc-
tions for the radioTime settings» page 33
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe 
 and  on page 114 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This manifests it-
self by the following.
› The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
› Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency. 
116General Maintenance           

CAUTION■Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on using wheels
117
Tyre pressure
118
Tyre wear
118
Tyre wear indicator and wheel replacement
119
Tyre damage
119
Unidirectional tyres
120
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your mod-
el of vehicle.
WARNINGThe national legal regulations must be observed for the use of tyres.WARNINGFor reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
For the sake of the environment
Old and unserviceable tyres are classified in a special environmentally hazard- ous category. These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal reg-
ulations.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow
chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Notes on using wheels
Read and observe 
 on page 117 first.
New tyres do not offer optimum grip during the first 500 km and appropriate
care should therefore be taken when driving. 
117Wheels        

CAUTIONThe information about load index and speed symbol can be found in the vehi-
cle sales and technical documentation.
Citigo
Engine variantTyre sizeMinimal
Load indexMinimal Speed
symbol
1.0 l/44, 55 kW MPI
165/70 R1481T175/65 R1482T185/55 R1582T185/50 R1681T
Citigo G-TEC
Engine variantTyre sizeMinimal
Load indexMinimal Speed
symbol
1.0 l/50 kW MPI G-TEC
165/70 R1481T175/65 R1482T185/55 R1582T185/50 R1681T
Winter operation
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
121
Snow chains
121
Winter tyres
Summer tyres have less grip on ice, snow and at temperatures below 7 °C.
Fitting winter tyres will significantly improve the handling of your vehicle when
driving in wintry road conditions.
To obtain the best possible handling, winter tyres must be fitted to all four
wheels. The minimum tread depth must be 4 mm.
Winter tyres (marked  M+S and a mountain peak / snowflake symbol) of a lower
speed category can be used provided that the permissible maximum speed of
these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum speed of the vehicle
is higher.
Only use those tyres or wheel rims which have been approved by ŠKODA for
your model of vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling
properties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear
on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C.
The fuel consumption is also lower.
Snow chains
When driving in wintry road conditions, snow chains improve not only traction,
but also the braking performance.
Snow chains must only be mounted on the front wheels.
For technical reasons, it is only permissible to fit snow chains with the follow-
ing wheel/tyre combinations.
Wheel sizeImpression depth DTyre size5J x 1435 mm165 / 70
Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains  » page 124.
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than  15 mm.
The chains must be removed when driving on snow-free paths. They would
otherwise cause loss of performance and damage the tyres.
121Wheels   

›The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle  » page 118.
› Only use this temporary spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage,
since it is not intended for permanent use.WARNING■ Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Only use the temporary spare wheel when absolutely necessary.■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
■
The snow chains cannot be used on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
124
Full wheel trim
124
Wheel bolts
125
Changing a wheel
125
Follow-up work
125
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
126
Raising the vehicle
126
Anti-theft wheel bolts
127
For your own safety and the safety of the passengers, the following instruc-
tions must be observed before changing a wheel on the road.
Switch on the hazard warning lights system.
The warning triangle must be set up at the prescribed distance - observe
the national legal provisions when doing so.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic.
Choose a location with a flat, solid surface.
Have  all the occupants get out.  The passengers should not stand on the
road (instead they should remain behind a crash barrier, for instance) while
the wheel is being changed.
The following instructions must be followed if the vehicle is subsequently fit-
ted with tyres or rims that differ from the factory-fitted ones  » page 120, Ex-
planation of the tyre labelling .
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preliminary work
Before changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Select  first gear  or place the selector lever for automatic gearbox  in the D or
R position .
›
Firmly apply the  handbrake.
›
Remove the  vehicle tool kit  » page 122  and the spare wheel  » page 123  from
the boot.
Full wheel trim
Before removing the wheel bolts, remove the wheel cover.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit  » page 122 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim.
Installing
›
Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve open-
ing  » .
›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference locks
correctly in place.
CAUTION
■ Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the full wheel trim. The
cover could be damaged.■
When using the anti-theft wheel bolt, ensure that it is in the hole in the
valve area.
■
If wheel trims are fitted, an adequate flow of air must be assured in order to
cool the brake system.
Note
We recommend that you use wheel trims from ŠKODA Original Accessories.124Do-it-yourself     

WARNINGNotes for vehicle lifting■Choose a flat and firm surface for jacking the vehicle.■
If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpect-
edly rolling away.
■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent
possible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move
the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always nec-
essary to place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable
base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the  surface is smooth,
such as cobbled stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle,
while the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
When the vehicle is raised, never start the engine.
CAUTION
It is important to ensure that the jack is correctly attached to the web of the
lower fork leg - risk of damage to the vehicle.
Anti-theft wheel bolts
Fig. 113 
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
The anti-theft wheel bolts protect the wheels from theft. These can only be
loosened or tightened with the use of adapter 
B
» Fig. 113 .
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
Insert adapter 
B
» Fig. 113 with the toothed side all the way into the inner
teeth in the head of the anti-theft wheel bolts 
A
.
› Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter B up to the stop.›Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt 
» page 126.›
Remove the adapter.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
To be equipped for a possible wheel change, the adapter for the anti-theft
wheel bolts must always be kept in the vehicle.  The adapter is stowed in the
tool kit.
Note
■ Note the code number which is embossed both on the adapter and also on
the end of each anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used to purchase a
replacement adapter from ŠKODA Original Parts if necessary.■
The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA
Partner.
Puncture repair kit
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Components of the puncture repair kits
128
General information
128
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
129
Sealing and inflating the tyre
129
Notes for driving with repaired tyres
129
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies
or a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4 mm.
A repair made using the breakdown kit is  never intended to replace a perma-
nent repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist ga-
rage.
The wheel must not be removed during repair.
Do not remove foreign bodies , e.g. screws or nails, from the tyre.
WARNING■
The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into
contact with the skin.■
Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit. 
127Emergency equipment and self-help     

Preparations for using the breakdown kitRead and observe 
 on page 127 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the puncture
repair kit.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Select  first gear  or place the selector lever for automatic gearbox  in the D or
R position .
›
Firmly apply the  handbrake.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit  » page 127.
›
Remove the  breakdown kit  from the luggage compartment.
›
Stick the sticker 
2
 » Fig. 114  on page 128  on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover 
1
 to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean
surface (rag, paper, etc.).
Sealing and inflating the tyre
Read and observe 
 on page 127 first.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflator bottle 
10
 » Fig. 114  on page 128  several
times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose 
3
 onto the tyre inflator bottle 
10
 clockwise.
The film on the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose 
3
 and plug the open end fully onto
the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle 
10
 with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the empty tyre inflator bottle from the valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover 
1
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose 
5
  » Fig. 114  on page 128  of the air compressor
firmly onto the tyre valve.
›
Check that the air release valve 
7
 is closed.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector 
9
 into 12 Volt socket  » page 62, 12-Volt power outlet .
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch 
8
.
›Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes  » .›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose 
5
 from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose 
5
 back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
If you cannot reach the required tyre inflation pressure here either, this
means the tyre has sustained too much damage. You cannot seal with tyre with the breakdown kit  » 
.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose 
5
 from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar is achieved, continue the journey
at a maximum speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNING■ If you cannot inflate the tyre to at least 2.0 bar, this means the damage
sustained was too serious. The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the
tyre.  
 Do not drive the vehicle! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the latest – there is a
risk of overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before
switching it on again.
Notes for driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe 
 on page 127 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10
minutes.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
  Do not drive the vehicle!  You cannot properly seal with tyre with the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more
›
Set the tyre pressure to the correct value. 
129Emergency equipment and self-help        

›Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).WARNING■ A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a stand-
ard tyre.■
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
Jump-starting
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
130
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat.
WARNING■ Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the en-
gine compartment  » page 107.■
A discharged vehicle battery may already freeze at temperatures just be-
low 0 °C. If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of an-
other vehicle – there is a risk of explosion.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
Note
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicleFig. 115 
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
Fig. 116 
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe  on page 130 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp 
1
 to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
  » Fig. 115  .
›
Attach clamp 
2
 to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power 
B
.
›
Attach clamp 
3
 to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power 
B
.
›
Attach the clamp 
4
 to a solid metal component firmly connected to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
The jump-start cable must be connected to the engine earthing point only on
vehicles with the START-STOP system  » Fig. 116.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery. 
130Do-it-yourself