2014 SKODA RAPID tow

The engine and the ignition are switched off simultaneously.
For vehicles with automatic transmission, the ignition key can only be removed if the selector lever is in position P .
CAUTION
Do not switch the engine off immediately at the end of your journey after the
engine has been operated over a prolonged period at high loads but leave it to
run at an idling speed for about 1 minute. This prevents any possible accumula-
tion of heat when the engine is switched off.
Note
After switching off the ignition, the radiator fan may intermittently continue to
operate for approx. 10 minutes.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
102
Handbrake
103
Parking
103WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave persons who might, for example,
release the handbrake or take the vehicle out of gear unattended in the ve-
hicle. The vehicle could then start to move – risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 107, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 102 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
The brake pads wear more quickly if a lot of journeys are completed in towns
and over short distances or if a very sporty style of driving is adopted.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals.
Wet roads or road salt
The performance of the brakes can be delayed as the brake discs and brake
pads may be moist or have a coating of ice or layer of salt on them in winter.
The brakes are cleaned and dried by applying the brakes several times »
.
Corrosion
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the bake pads occur if the vehicle has
been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the braking
system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times »
.
Long or steep slopes
Before travelling a long distance with a steep gradient, reduce speed and shift
into the next lowest gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be
used, reducing the load on the brakes. Any additional braking should be com-
pleted intermittently, not continuously.
Emergency brake display
If the brakes are applied in full and the control unit for the braking system con-
siders the situation to be dangerous for the following traffic, the brake light
flashes automatically.
After the speed was reduced below around 10 km/h or the vehicle was stop-
ped, the brake light stops flashing and the hazard warning light system
switches on. The hazard warning light system is switched off automatically af- ter accelerating or driving off again.
Faults in the brake surface
If it is found that the braking distance has suddenly become longer and that
the brake pedal can be depressed further, the brake system may be faulty.
Visit a specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropri-
ately, as you will not know the exact extent of the damage. 
102Driving

Just depress the brake pedal, if you would like to change from the mode N to
D .
Defective selector lever lock
If the selector lever lock is defective or its power supply is interrupted (e.g. dis-
charged vehicle battery, faulty fuse), the selector lever can no longer be moved
out of position P in the normal manner and the vehicle can no longer be driven.
The selector lever must be emergency released » page 167.
Note
If you want to move the selector lever from mode P to mode D or vice versa,
move the selector lever quickly. This prevents modes R or N from being acci-
dentally selected.
Manual shifting of gears (Tiptronic)
Fig. 95
Selector lever
Read and observe and on page 104 first.
Tiptronic mode makes it possible to manually shift gears on the selector lever. This mode can be selected both while stopping and while driving.
The currently selected gear is indicated in the display » Fig. 94 on page 105 .
The gearshift indicator must be observed when changing gear » page 43.
Switching to manual shifting
›
Push the gear selector from mode D towards the right, or left in a right-hand
drive vehicle.
Shifting up gears
›
Push the selector lever forwards
+
» Fig. 95 .
Shifting down gears
›
Push the selector lever backwards
-
» Fig. 95 .
Note■
It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear on the brakes » page 102, Information on braking .■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine over revving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 104 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 94 on page 105 and hold.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 105 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kickdown
The kickdown function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kickdown function is activa-
ted in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!106Driving

FunctionFig. 98
Location of the sensors / range of the sensors
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
Approximate range of sensors
Area » Fig. 98Distance behind the vehicle (in cm)A160B60
Acoustic signals and display
The interval between the acoustic signals becomes shorter as the clearance is
reduced. A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm - danger
area. From this moment on do not continue reversing!
Description of the indications in the radio or navigation system display, » the
radio instruction manual, navigation system user guide.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 110 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging the reverse gear. This is
confirmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Displaying an error
If a warning signal sounds for about 3 seconds after activating the system and
there is no obstacle close to your car, this indicates a system fault. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
NoteFor vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the system cannot be activa-
ted when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Functioning
111
Operating Description
112
The Cruise Control System (CCS) maintains a set speed without you having to
actuate the accelerator pedal.
The state where the GRA maintains the speed is referred to hereinafter as the
control .
WARNING■
The GRA only serves to support and does not relieve the driver of the re-
sponsibility for the vehicle operation.■
Always adjust the speed and driving style to the current visibility, weath-
er, road and traffic conditions.
Functioning
Read and observe
on page 111 first.
Basic requirements for start of control The GRA is activated.
On vehicles with a manual transmission , the second gear or higher must
be engaged.
On vehicles with an automatic transmission , the selector lever must be in
the D, S position or in the Tiptronic position.
The current speed must be higher than 20 km/hr.
This is only possible within the range which is permitted by the power output
and braking power of the engine. 
111Assist systems

Hitch and trailer
Hitch
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
116
Adjusting the ready position
117
A correctly set ready position
117
Assembling the bar ball - Step 1
118
Assembling the bar ball - Step 2
118
Check proper fitting
119
Removing the bar ball - Step 1.
119
Removing the bar ball - Step 2.
119
Accessories
120
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 50 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the ball head, if it is not correctly inserted into the mounting
recess and secured.
■
Do not use the towing equipment if it is damaged or incomplete.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times.
Such dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
CAUTION
■ Take care with the ball bar - there is a risk of paint damage to the bumper.■When the tow bar is removed always place the cover onto the mounting re-
cess - there is a danger of soiling the mounting recess.
Note
■ Operation and maintenance of hitch » page 131.■The towing vehicle by means of the detachable ball rod » page 165.DescriptionFig. 103
Carrier for the towing device/tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
The ball head can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel well or in a com-
partment for the spare wheel in the luggage compartment.
Support for the towing device and tow bar » Fig. 103
Cap
Mounting recess
Dust cap
locking ball
Centering
Handwheel
Key
Lock cap
Red marking on the handwheel
Tow ball
Green marking on the handwheel
White marking on ball bar
Note
On the bottom of the key is a code number. If you lose a key, please contact a
specialist garage, who will be able to use this code number to provide you with
a new one.123456789101112116Driving

Adjusting the ready positionFig. 104
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 105
Setting the ready position
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
The tow bar must be set prior to installation to the standby posi-
tion » page 117 , A correctly set ready position .
If this is not in the ready position, then this must be set to the standby posi-
tion as follows.
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 104 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol 
shows.
›
Turn the key
B
to the stop in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on
the key symbol 
» Fig. 105 shows.
›
Pull the hand wheel
C
in the direction of the arrow
4
and turn in the direc-
tion of the arrow
5
to the stop.
The hand wheel C remains locked in this position.WARNINGIf the tow bar cannot be correctly placed in the ready position, then it must
not be used.
A correctly set ready position
Fig. 106
Ready position
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
Correctly adjusted standby position » Fig. 106
The key
A
is in the unlocked position - the arrow on the key points to the
symbol 
.
The locking ball
B
can be pushed fully into the tow bar.
The red marking
C
on the hand wheel points to the white marking on the
ball bar.
There is a clear gap of approx. 4 mm
D
between the hand wheel and the
tow bar.
The ball bar is thus set ready for installation.
CAUTION
When in the ready position, the key cannot be removed from the lock.117Hitch and trailer

Assembling the bar ball - Step 1Fig. 107
Remove cap for receiving shaft / use ball bar
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
Preliminary work
Before installing the tow bar the following work must be carried out.
›
Remove the end cap for receiving shaft
A
in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 107 .
The tow bar must be set to the standby position » page 117, A correctly set
ready position . If this is not in the standby position, then it must be set to the
standby position » page 117, Adjusting the ready position .
Fitting
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 107 and insert into the mounting re-
cess in arrow direction
2
until you hear it click into place » .
The hand wheel
B
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
WARNING■
Do not hold the handwheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.■
If the tow bar is not in the ready position, it cannot be fitted in the
mounting recess.
Note
Store the cover of the mounting recess in a suitable place in the luggage com-
partment store after removal.Assembling the bar ball - Step 2Fig. 108
Secure the lock and remove key / place cap on lock
Read and observe
and on page 116 first.
›
First, perform step 1 of the ball rod assembly » page 118.
›
Turn the key
A
in the direction of arrow
1,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol » Fig. 108
shows.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
B
on the lock in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 119.
WARNING■
After fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key.■The tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.
CAUTION
After removing the key, always replace the cover on the lock – there is a risk of
the lock getting dirty.118Driving

Check proper fittingFig. 109
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe and on page 116 first.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Correctly secured ball head » Fig. 109
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the handwheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The handwheel lies flush with the tow bar - there is no gap.
The lock is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the lock.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!
Removing the bar ball - Step 1.
Fig. 110
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 111
Unlock lock
Read and observe and on page 116 first.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 110 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol  shows.
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol » Fig. 111
shows.
WARNINGNever remove the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
Note
We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before remov-
ing the tow bar.
Removing the bar ball - Step 2.
Fig. 112
Release ball bar
Read and observe and on page 116 first.
Removal
›
First, perform step 1 of the ball bar end assembly » page 119. 
119Hitch and trailer

›Grasp the ball bar from
below » Fig. 112 .›Pull the hand wheel A in the direction of the arrow 1.›
Turn the hand wheel in the direction of the arrow
2
to the stop, and hold in
this position.
›
Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direc-
tion of the arrow
3
.
At the same time, the ball head latches into the ready position and is thus
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
Subsequent steps
After removing the tow bar the following work must be carried out.
›
Fit the cover for the mounting recess
A
in the opposite direction to arrow
1
» Fig. 107 on page 118 .
WARNINGNever allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage on sudden braking, and could put the safety of the occupants at
risk!
CAUTION
■ If the hand wheel A is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return
to its initial position when the tow bar is removed and will rest on the tow bar
and not engage into the ready position. The ball head then needs to be
brought into this position before the next time it is fitted » page 117, Adjusting
the ready position .■
The mounting recess must be closed with the cover following removal. This
prevents foreign bodies from getting into the mounting recess.
Note
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the ve-
hicle tool kit.AccessoriesFig. 113
Representation of the maximum
permissible level of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the per-
missible total weight of the ac-
cessories including the load de-
pending on the load center of
gravity
Read and observe and on page 116 first.
An accessory can mounted on the ball head of the towing hitch (e.g. bike carri-
ers).
If this accessory is used, the maximum permissible overhang of the ball head
of the towing hitch and the permissible gross vehicle weight of the accesso-
ries including load are to be checked.
The maximum permissible overhang of the ball head of the towing hitch is 70
cm » Fig. 113 .
The total permitted weight of the accessory including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the centre of gravity of the load from the ball head of the
towing hitch.
Distance of the centre of gravity of the load from the ball headPermissible total weight of the ac- cessory, including load0 cm50 kg30 cm50 kg60 cm25 kg70 cm0 kgWARNING■Never exceed the permissible gross weight of the accessory including
load - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch.■
Never exceed the permissible overhang of the ball head of the towing
hitch - there is a risk of damaging the ball head of the towing hitch. 
120Driving