2014 SKODA RAPID inflation pressure

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

WARNINGWhen a fault in the airbag system occurs, there is a risk of the system not
being triggered in the event of an accident. Therefore, this must be
checked immediately by a specialized company.
 Tyre inflation pressure
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light  is illuminated
If the warning light  illuminates while driving, it means one of the tyres has
undergone a pressure change.
An audible signal sounds as a warning signal.
›
Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressure » page 149 .
›
Correct the tyre pressure, if necessary or replace the affected
wheel » page 156 or use the repair kit » page 160.
›
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 115.
The indicator light  flashes for about 1 min. and remains lit
If the warning light  flashes for approximately 1 minute and stays on, there
may be a fault in the tyre pressure monitoring system.
›
Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light  flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The following reasons can explain the warning light  being illuminated.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› A wheel has been changed.
Store the tyre pressure values in the system » page 115.
CAUTIONUnder certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light  in the instrument cluster can be delayed or does
not light up at all.
Note
If the vehicle battery has been disconnected and then reconnected, the warn-
ing light  comes on after switching on the ignition. If the warning light does
not go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in
the system. Seek help from a specialist garage.
 Windscreen washer fluid level
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light 
illumi-
nates .
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 139, Windscreen washer system .
  Turn signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Either the left 
or the right 
warning light flashes depending on the position
of the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
 Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light 
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
40Using the system

Retraction and economical driving
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving in
107
Tips for economical driving
107
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Driving in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1 500 kilometres. During this peri-
od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and to dis-
pense with the trailer.
In the area of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Switch in an energy saving and timely manner Observe the recommended gear » page 43.
Avoid full throttle and high speeds
Fuel consumption will be halved if you drive at only three-quarters of the pos-
sible top speed of your vehicle.
Reducing idling
When the engine is switched off, such as when waiting in a traffic jam, the fuel
economy is already greater after 30 - 40 s than the fuel quantity which is re-
quired for engine re-start.
Avoid short distances
When driving a short distance of less than about 4 km, the engine cannot
reach its operating temperature. As long as the engine has not reached oper-
ating temperature, the fuel consumption is significantly higher than with the
engine hot.
Pay attention to the correct tyre inflation pressure being maintained
Further information » page 149.
Avoid unnecessary ballast
Per 100 kg of weight, consumption increases by about 1 l/100 km. At a speed of
100-120 km/h, a vehicle fitted with a roof rack cross member without a load
will use about 10 % more fuel than normal due to the increased aerodynamic
drag.
Saving electricity
Electrical consumers (e.g. seat heating, air conditioning and the like) only turn
on for as long as necessary.
Driving through water and driving off of made-up roads
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Driving through water
108
Driving off paved roads
108WARNINGImmediately after driving through water, mud, slush and the like, braking
effectiveness will be temporarily impaired » page 102, Information on brak-
ing . For this reason, sudden and violent braking manoeuvres are to be
avoided - there is a risk of accident!107Starting-off and Driving

Tyre pressure monitoring
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Save tyre pressure values
115
The tyre pressure monitoring function (hereinafter referred to only as a sys-
tem) monitors the tyre pressure while driving.
If the rolling circumference of a wheel is changed, the warning light 
in the
instrument cluster illuminates and an audible signal sounds.
Information on the procedure for the notification of change of tyre inflation
pressure » page 40 .
The system can only function properly if the tyres have the prescribed inflation
pressure and this pressure values are stored in the system.
WARNING■ Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly » page 149.■
The system cannot warn in case of very rapid tyre inflation pressure loss,
e.g. in case of sudden tyre damage.
Save tyre pressure values
Fig. 102
Key for storing the pressure val-
ues
Read and observe on page 115 first.
Saving the tyre pressure values is undertaken as follows.
›
Inflate all the tyres to the specified pressure.
›
Switch on the ignition.
›
Press the symbol button 
» Fig. 102 and hold.
The warning light  in the instrument cluster illuminates.
An acoustic signal and the control indicator provide information about the
storage of the tyre pressure values.›
Release the 
symbol button.
The tyre pressure values are always stored in the system, if one of the follow-
ing events occurs.
› Change of tyre inflation pressure.
› Change one or more wheels.
› Change in position of a wheel on the vehicle.
› Illumination of the warning light

in the instrument cluster.
WARNINGBefore storing the pressures, the tyres must be inflated to the specified in-
flation pressure » page 149. When storing incorrect pressure values, the
system could possibly not issue any warnings, even with a too low tyre
pressure.
CAUTION
The tyre pressure values are to be saved every 10,000 km or once annually to
ensure correct system functioning.115Assist systems

Loading a trailer
The vehicle/trailer combination must be balanced, whereby the maximum per-
missible drawbar load must be utilised. If the drawbar load is too low, it jeop-
ardises the performance of the vehicle/trailer combination.
Distribution of the load
Distribute the load in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the axle as possible. Secure the items from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer 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 149.
Towing capacity and trailer weight
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan-
ces » page 177 , Technical data .
The details given in the vehicle's technical documentation always take prece-
dence over the details in the Owner's Manual.
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
power. Therefore, for every additional 1000 m in height (or part), the maximum
permissible towed weight must be reduced by 10%.
The towed weight is made up of the actual weights of the loaded towing vehi-
cle and the loaded trailer.
The trailer and drawbar load information on the type plate of the towing de-
vice is merely a test value for the towing device. The vehicle-specific values
are detailed in the vehicle documents.WARNING■ The maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the permissible
weight of the trailer must not exceed - this could cause an accident!■
A sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safe-
ty - there is a risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
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
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
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 warning light illuminates or starts to
blink in the instrument cluster.
The following guidelines must be observed » page 36.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Always drive particularly carefully with the trailer.■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
When the vehicle is locked, the alarm is activated when the electrical connec-
tion to the trailer is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer is coupled or un-
coupled » page 53 . 
122Driving

Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
Tyre storage
Identify disassembled tyres so that the previous direction of rotation can be maintained if the tyres are reassembled.
Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry place that is as dark as possible.
Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Tyre age
Tyres age and lose their original characteristics, even if they are not being
used. The service life of the tyres is 6 years. Therefore, we recommend not us-
ing tyres that are older than 6 years.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use wheel rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 125
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressures / inflate tyres
Read and observe
on page 148 first.
Tyre pressure is always to match the load. The specified tyre pressures are on
a label
A
» Fig. 125 .
Sticker with prescribed tyre inflation pressure values » Fig. 125
Position of the CNG label
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for increased driving comfort at half load
Inflation pressure for full load
As a result of adjusting pressure to the value C
for increased driving comfort,
fuel consumption can rise slightly.
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the spare wheel, at least once a
month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring tyre pressure values are to be stored
every time the tyre pressure changes » page 115.
WARNING■
Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre will have to overcome a higher
rolling resistance. This will cause a significant increase in the temperature
of the tyre, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation
and a tyre blowout.
■
In the event of very fast tyre inflation pressure loss, such as a sudden tyre
failure, an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop
without sudden steering movements and without any hard braking.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres that are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption.
Note
In some countries, the vehicles have a sticker without pictograms.
Tyre wear
Read and observe
on page 148 first.
Tyre wear depends on the pressure, driving style, and other circumstances. 
ABCD149Wheels

WARNING■If, in the case of puncture occurring, the spare tyre with a non-bound di-
rection or an opposite direction of rotation must be mounted, then drive
carefully. The best properties of the tyre are no longer present in this situa-
tion.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
■
If the dimensions or design of the temporary spare wheel differ from the
fitted tyres, never drive faster than 80 km/h (or 50 mph).
■
Never use the temporary spare wheel if it is damaged.
Remove / store wheel
Fig. 131
Taking the wheel out
Read and observe on page 156 first.
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 131.
Take out the wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Loosen the belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut in direction of arrow » Fig. 131.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing down-
ward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
› Screw on the nut in the opposite direction to the arrow
» Fig. 131 until the
wheel is safely secured.›
Place the box with the tool kit back into the spare wheel and secure it with
the tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Close the boot lid.
Spare wheel
Read and observe
on page 156 first.
A warning label is displayed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. › The warning label must not be covered after installing the wheel.
› Be particularly observant when driving.
› The temporary spare wheel is inflated to the maximum inflation pressure for
the vehicle » page 149.
› 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
157
Full wheel trim
157
Wheel bolts
157
Changing a wheel
158
Follow-up work
158
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
158

156Do-it-yourself