2014 SKODA RAPID brake fluid

Table of Contents
Board literature4
Notes
5
Structure and more information about the
Operating Instructions
6
Abbreviations
Safety
Passive Safety
8
General information
8
Correct and safe seated position
9
Seat belts
12
Using seat belts
12
Inertia reels and belt tensioners
15
Airbag system
16
Description of the airbag system
16
Airbag overview
17
Deactivating airbags
20
Transporting children safely
22
Child seat
22
Fastening systems
25
Using the system
Cockpit
29
Overview
28
Instruments and Indicator Lights
30
Instrument cluster
30
Indicator lights
34
Information system
41
Driver information system
41
Multifunction display (MFD)
43MAXI DOT display46Service interval display47
Unlocking and opening
49
Unlocking and locking
49
Anti-theft alarm system
53
Luggage compartment lid
54
Power windows
55
Mechanical windows
57
Lights and visibility
58
Lights
58
Interior lighting
63
Visibility
64
Windscreen wipers and washers
65
Rear mirror
66
Seats and head restraints
69
Seats and head restraints
69
Seat features
71
Transporting and practical equipment
73
Useful equipment
73
Luggage compartment
80
Roof rack
84
Heating and air conditioning
85
Heating, ventilation, cooling
85
Communication and multimedia
90
Universal telephone installation GSM II
90
Voice control
94
Multimedia
96
SmartGate
98
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
100
Starting and turning off the engine
100
Brakes and parking
102
Manual gear changing and pedals
103
Automatic gearbox
104Retraction and economical driving107Driving through water and driving off of
made-up roads107
Assist systems
109
Braking and stabilisation systems
109
Parking aid
110
Cruise Control System
111
START-STOP
112
Tyre pressure monitoring
115
Hitch and trailer
116
Hitch
116
Trailer
121
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
124
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
124
Washing vehicle
127
Cleaning vehicle exterior
128
Interior care
132
Inspecting and replenishing
134
Fuel
134
Engine compartment
137
Engine oil
140
Coolant
142
Brake fluid
143
Vehicle battery
144
Wheels
148
Tyres and wheel rims
148
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
151
Winter operation
1522Table of Contents

Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 22 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Side airbags. 

8Safety

 Tyre inflation pressure40 Windscreen washer fluid level40


Turn signal system
40
 Fog lights
40
 Cruise control system
41
 Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
41

Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated indicator lights and related messages or instructions
in the instrument cluster display may lead to serious personal injury or
damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 62. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
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 137, Engine compartment .
 Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
 Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The indicator light 
illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system
is too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 144 » .
WARNING■
If the warning light  together with the warning light  » page 37 ,
 Antilock brake system (ABS) illuminates,  do not continue to drive!
Seek help from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
 Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The indicator light 
goes off after the respective seat belt has been fastened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light 
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
The warning signal is switched off and the indicator light  is
permanently lit
if the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the
next 90 seconds.
 Generator
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
lights up when the engine is running, the vehicle battery
is not being charged.
Seek assistance from a specialist garage immediately. 
35Instruments and Indicator Lights

Low brake fluid level
An insufficient level of brake fluid may result in problems in the brake system.
The level of the brake fluid is monitored electronically » page 35, 
Brake sys-
tem .
Brake booster
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.WARNINGOnly apply the brakes for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake
discs if the traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users
in jeopardy.
Handbrake
Fig. 92
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 102 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 92 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following instruction is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Release parking brake!
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 6 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGPlease note that the handbrake must be fully released. A handbrake which
is only partially released can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can
have a negative effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of acci-
dent!
Parking
Read and observe
and on page 102 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
On vehicles with manual transmission select the first gear or reverse gear.
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNINGThe parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle at places where the underside of your vehicle can come in-
to contact with flammable materials such as dry grass, undergrowth,
leaves, spilled fuel or such like. - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
104
Pedals
104103Starting-off and Driving

›Grasp the bonnet catch and lift in the direction of arrow 3.›Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow 4 from the holder.›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Let the bonnet drop into the lock carrier lock from a height of around 20 cm –
do not push it in .
WARNING■
Check that the bonnet is closed properly.■If you notice that the lock is not properly engaged while driving, stop the
vehicle immediately and close the flap – risk of accident!■
Make sure that when closing the bonnet lid, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
CAUTION
Never open the bonnet by the locking lever » Fig. 117.
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 118
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe and on page 137 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 118
Coolant expansion reservoir
143
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
139
Engine oil dipstick
141
Engine oil filler opening
142
Brake fluid reservoir
144
Vehicle battery
144
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
WARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 119
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 137 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 119 . 

ABCDEF139Inspecting and replenishing

Checking the coolant levelFig. 121
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 142 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 121
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level
The coolant level should be kept between the marks
A
and
B
.
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 coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 121.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark
A
» Fig. 121 .
In case of low coolant level, the warning light  illuminates in the instrument
cluster as well as the relevant notification » page 36 in the instrument cluster.
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.
ABReplenishing
Read and observe
and on page 142 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 142, 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.
Brake fluid
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
144
Specification
144
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 122 on
page 144 .
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 137.■
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. 122 on page 144 ,  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. 
143Inspecting and replenishing

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. 122
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 143 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. 122.
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 
being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding mes-
sage » page 35 , 
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 143 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:
Opening the cover
145
Checking the battery electrolyte level
146
Charging
146
Replacing
147
Disconnecting and reconnecting
147
Automatic load deactivation
147
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep fire, sparks, open flames and lit cigarettes well clear of the
vehicle battery.When charging the vehicle battery, a highly explosive gas mixture
is produced.Keep children away from the vehicle battery. 144General Maintenance

Brakeinformation messages35
warning light35
Brake booster103
brake fluid specification
144
Brake fluid143
Checking144
information messages35
brake pedal (automatic gearbox) indicator light
41
brakes Driving in
107
Brakes Brake booster
103
Brake fluid144
Braking and stabilisation systems109
Handbrake103
Brakes and parking102
Braking Information on braking
102
Buttons in the door Power windows
55
C
Car care Jack
131
Car computer See multifunction display
43
Care and maintenance124
Cargo element83
Car park ticket holder74
Carrier Roof rack
84
Cavity protection131
Central locking49
Problems53
Central locking button52
Change Engine oil140
light bulb in tail light175
Changing bulbs
172
Front turn signal bulb174
Wheels156
Changing a wheel Follow-up work
158
Preliminary work157
Remove and attaching a wheel158
Charging a vehicle battery146
Check Fit ball head properly
119
Checking Battery electrolyte level
146
Brake fluid144
Coolant143
Engine oil141
Oil level141
Windscreen washer fluid139
Checks Statutory checks
124
Children and safety22
Child safety Side airbag
24
Child safety lock53
Child seat Classification
24
ISOFIX25
on the front passenger seat23
TOP TETHER26
Use of child seats24
Use of ISOFIX child seats25
Chrome parts see vehicle care
129
Cigarette lighter75
cleaning chrome parts
129
CleaningAlcantara133
and maintaining belts134
artificial leather133
headlight glasses130
materials133
natural leather132
plastic parts129
seats covers of the electrically heated seats134
wheels131
Cleaning safety belt
134
Cleaning seat covers
134
Cleaning the interior artificial leather
133
Seat covers134
Cleaning the outside of the vehicle Decorative films
130
Cleaning the vehicle exterior Cavity protection
131
Door locking cylinder131
Headlight glasses130
Towing device131
Under-body protection131
wheels131
Windows and external mirrors130
Cleaning vehicle127
Cleaning vehicle exterior128
Plastic parts129
Rubber seals129
Vehicle paint work129
Wiper blades132
Clean interior Safety belt
134
clean outside of vehicle chrome parts
129
Climatronic air distribution control
87
Operating elements88
186Index