2014 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK winter

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
67
Seats and head restraints
69
Seats and head restraints
69
Seat features
71
Transporting and practical equipment
73
Useful equipment
73
Luggage compartment
80
Variable loading floor in the luggage
compartment (Estate)
85
Roof rack
88
Heating and air conditioning
89
Heating, ventilation, cooling
89
Communication and multimedia
94
Universal telephone installation GSM II
94
Voice control
98
Multimedia
99
SmartGate
101
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
104
Starting and turning off the engine
104
Brakes and parking
106Manual gear changing and pedals107Automatic gearbox108
Retraction and economical driving
111
Driving through water and driving off made-
up roads
111
Assist systems
113
Braking and stabilisation systems
113
Parking aid
114
Cruise Control System
115
START-STOP
116
Tyre pressure monitoring
119
Hitch and trailer
120
Hitch
120
Trailer
125
General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
128
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
128
Washing vehicle
131
Cleaning vehicle exterior
132
Interior care
136
Inspecting and replenishing
138
Fuel
138
Engine compartment
141
Engine oil
144
Coolant
146
Brake fluid
147
Vehicle battery
148
Wheels
152
Tyres and wheel rims
152
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
155
Winter operation
1562Table of Contents

WARNING (Continued)■The lock tongue should only be inserted into the lock which is the correct
one for your seat. Wrong use of the safety belt will reduce its capacity to
protect and the risk of injury increases.■
The slot of the belt tongue must not be blocked, otherwise the belt
tongue will not lock in place properly.
■
Many layers of clothing and loose clothing (e. g. a winter coat over a jack-
et) do not allow you to be correctly seated and impairs proper operation of
the seat belts.
■
It is prohibited to use clamps or other objects to adjust seat belts (e. g. for
shortening the belts for smaller persons).
■
The seat belts for the rear seats can only fulfil their function reliably
when the seat backrests are correctly locked into position » page 72.
WARNINGInformation on the care and maintenance of the safety belts■The belt webbing must always be kept clean. Soiled belt webbing may im-
pair proper operation of the inertia reel » page 138.■
The seat belts must not be removed or changed in any way. Do not at-
tempt to repair the seat belts yourself.
■
Check the condition of all the seat belts on a regular basis. If any damage
to the seat belts, seat belt connections, inertia reel or the lock is detected,
the relevant seat belt must be replaced by a specialist garage.
■
Damaged seat belts which have been subjected to stress in an accident
and were therefore stretched, must be replaced – this is best done by a
specialist garage. The anchorage points of the belts must also be inspec-
ted. The anchorage points for the belts should also be checked.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when using seat belts.The physical principle of a frontal collisionFig. 4
Driver without a fastened seat belt/rear seat passenger without a
fastened seat belt
Read and observe
on page 12 first.
As soon as the vehicle is moving, so-called kinetic energy (the energy of mo-
tion) is produced both in terms of the car as well as in terms of the occupants.
The magnitude of this kinetic energy depends essentially on the speed at
which the vehicle is travelling and on the weight of the vehicle including the
occupants. The greater the speed and weight increase, the greater the
amount of energy which has to be absorbed in the event of an accident.
The speed of the vehicle is the most important factor. Doubling the speed of
the vehicle from 25 km/h up to 50 km/hour increases the kinetic energy four
times.
The idea that it is possible to support your body with your hands in a minor ac-
cident is incorrect. Even in a collision at only a low speed, the forces acting on
the body are such that it is no longer possible to support your body.
Even if you only drive at a speed of 30-50 km/h, the forces that your body is
exposed to in the event of an accident can exceed a metric ton (1000 kg).
For example, a person's weight of 80 kg “increases” to 4.8 tons (4,800 kg) at 50 km/h.
In the event of a frontal collision, occupants of the car not wearing a seat belt
are thrown forward and strike parts of the interior of the car, such as the
steering wheel, dash panel, windscreen in ways which cannot be control-
led » Fig. 4 - 
. In certain circumstances you could even be thrown out of the
vehicle, which could cause life threatening or even fatal injuries. 
13Seat belts

Note■If warning messages are displayed, these messages must be verified to ac-
cess the main menu » page 42, Using the information system .■
If the display is not activated at that moment, the menu always shifts to one
of the higher levels after approx. 10 seconds.
■
Using the factory-fitted radio or navigation system » Radio operating in-
structions or» navigation system operating instructions .
Settings
Read and observe
on page 46 first.
You can change certain settings by means of the MAXI DOT display. The cur-
rent menu item is shown in the top of the display under a line.
The following information can be selected (depending on the equipment in- stalled in the vehicle).
Language
You can set the language for the display texts here.
MFD data
Activate or deactivate certain displays of the multifunction display here.
Time
The time, time format (12 or 24 hour indicator) and the changeover between
summer/winter time can be set here.
Winter tyres
Here, the speed and the switching on and off of the acoustic signals when ex-
ceeding this speed can be adjusted. This function is, for example, used for win-
ter tyres where the maximum permissible speed is lower than the maximum
speed of the vehicle » page 152, Tyres and wheel rims .
As soon as the parking procedure is completed, an audible signal sounds and
the following message appears in the information display.
Winter tyres: maximum ... km/h.
Units
The units for the temperature, consumption and distance driven can be set
here.
Alt. speed dis.
Here, the display of the second speed in mph 1)
can be activated.
Further information » page 33, Display of the second speed .
Service
The days and kilometres remaining until the next service can be displayed
here.
Factory setting
The display functions can be restored to their factory settings here.
Compass point display
Read and observe
on page 46 first.
For vehicles with a factory fitted navigation system, an abbreviation for eachpoint of the compass (depending on the current direction of travel) is shown
on the top left-hand corner of the display.
The compass point display only operates when the ignition is switched on.
Service interval display
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Prompt in the MAXI DOT display
48
Prompt in the segment display
48
Resetting the service interval display
49
The service interval display shows the time and mileage to the next service
event.
The service due date is automatically displayed on the display and this infor-
mation can be displayed manually if necessary.
The kilometre indicator or the days indicator reduces in steps of 100 km or,
where applicable, days until the service due date is reached.
The information regarding the service intervals can be found in the service
schedule. 
1)
For models with the speedometer in mph, the second speed is displayed in km/h.
47Information system

WARNING■Properly maintained windscreen wiper blades are essential for clear visi-
bility and safe driving » page 172.■
Replace the windscreen wiper blades once or twice a year for safety rea-
sons. These can be purchased from a ŠKODA Partner.
■
Do not use the windscreen washer system at low temperatures, without
heating the windscreen beforehand. The window washer fluid could other-
wise freeze on the windscreen and restrict the view to the front.
■
Automatic wiping during rain is only a support. The driver is not released
from the responsibility to set the function of the windscreen wipers man-
ually depending on the visibility conditions.
CAUTION
■ If the ignition is switched off while the windscreen wipers are switched on,
the windscreen wipers will continue wiping in the same mode after the igni-
tion is turned back on. The windscreen wipers could freeze up in cold tempera-
tures between the time the ignition was turned off and when it was turned
back on again.■
In cold temperatures and during the winter, check before the journey or be-
fore switching on the ignition that the wiper blades are not frozen to the
windscreen. If the windscreen wipers are switched on when the blades are fro-
zen to the windscreen, this may damage both the blades and windscreen wip-
er motor!
■
Carefully peel frozen wiper blades off the windscreen.
■
Remove snow and ice from the windscreen wipers before driving.
■
Do not switch on the ignition if the front wiper arms are retracted. The wiper
arms could damage the paint of the bonnet.
■
If the windscreen wipers are handled carelessly, there is a risk of damage to
the windscreen.
Note
■ To avoid streaking, the wiper blades must be kept clean » page 136.■The windscreen washer nozzles for the windscreen are heated when the en-
gine is running and the outside temperature is less than approx. +10 °C.Activating the windscreen wipers and washersFig. 49
Operation of the wipers and washer: front and rear
Read and observe
and on page 66 first.
Lever positions
0Wipers off1Periodic windscreen wiping/automatic wiping in rain2Slow windscreen wiping3Rapid windscreen wiping4 Flick windscreen wiping, service position of the wiper
arms » page 172 , (spring-loaded position)5Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen (spring-tensioned position)6Wiping the rear window pane (the windscreen wiper wipes at regu-
lar intervals after a few seconds)7Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window (spring-tensioned posi-
tion)ASwitches for setting: the desired pause between the individual wip-
er strokes / the speed of the wiping in rain (operating lever in the
position 1
)
Interval windscreen wiping 
The wiping intervals are also speed-dependent regulated.
Automatic windscreen wiping in rain 
The wiping intervals are controlled depending on the rain intensity.
Automatic wipe/wash for windscreen 
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wipers wipe some-
what later. 
66Using the system

Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to
stop and the wipers to continue for another 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on
the spraying duration).
Automatic wipe/wash for the rear window 
The wash system operates immediately, the windscreen wiper wipes some-
what later.
Letting go of the operating lever will cause the windscreen wash system to
stop and the wiper to continue for another 1 to 3 wiper strokes (depending on
the spraying duration). The operating lever remains in position 6
.
Note
The rear window is wiped once automatically if the windscreen wipers are on
when reverse gear is selected.
Headlight cleaning system
Read and observe
and on page 66 first.
After the ignition is switched on, the headlights are always cleaned at the first
and after every tenth spray of the windscreen (setting
5
» Fig. 49 on
page 66 ), when the low beam or main beam is switched on.
You should remove stubborn dirt (such as insect residues) from the headlight
lenses at regular intervals, for example when refuelling. The following guide-
lines must be observed » page 134, Headlight glasses .
To ensure the proper operation of the cleaning system during the winter, any
snow should be removed from the washer nozzle fixtures and ice should be
cleared with a de-icing spray.
CAUTION
Never remove the nozzles from the headlight cleaning system by hand – risk of
damage!
Rear mirror
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Interior mirror
67
Exterior mirror
68WARNING■ Make sure that the mirror is not covered by ice, snow, mist or other ob-
jects.■
Convex (curved outward) or aspheric exterior mirrors increase the field of
vision. They do, however, make objects appear smaller in the mirror. These
mirrors are therefore only of limited use for estimating distances to the fol-
lowing vehicles.
■
Whenever possible use the interior mirror for estimating the distances to
the following vehicles.
Interior mirror
Fig. 50
Interior mirror: manual dimming / auto-dimming / light sensor
Read and observe
on page 67 first.
Mirrors with manual dimming » Fig. 50
Basic position of the mirror
Mirror blackout
Mirror with automatic dimming » Fig. 50
Warning light - lights when dimming is activated
Switch for the activation of the automatic mirror dimming
Light sensor
Light sensor on the back of the mirror
Mirror with automatic dimming
If the automatic dimming is enabled, the mirror dims automatically depending
on the light falling on the sensors.
When the interior lights are switched on or the reverse gear is engaged, the
mirror always moves back into the basic position (not dimmed). 
12ABCD67Lights and visibility

Heating and air conditioning
Heating, ventilation, cooling
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Air outlet vents
90
Air distribution control
90
Heating
91
Air conditioning (manual air conditioning)
91
Climatronic (automatic air conditioning)
92
Efficient handling of the cooling system
93
malfunctions
93
The heating and air conditioning ventilate and heat the vehicle interior. The air
conditioning system also cools and dehumidifies the vehicle interior.
The heating effect is dependent upon the coolant temperature, thus full heat
output only occurs when the engine has reached its operating temperature.
The cooling system only operates if the following conditions are met. The cooling system is switched on.
The engine is running.
The outside temperature is above approx. +2 °C.
The blower is switched on.
If the cooling system is switched on, the temperature and air humidity drops in
the vehicle. The cooling system prevents the windows from misting up during
winter months.
It is possible to briefly activate re-circulated air mode to enhance the cooling
effect » page 90 .
WARNING■
For your own safety and that of other road users, ensure that all the win-
dows are free of ice, snow and misting.■
The blower should always be on to prevent the windows from misting up.
WARNING (Continued)■ Under certain circumstances, air at a temperature of about 5 °C can flow
out of the vents when the cooling system is switched on.■
To reduce health risks (e.g. common colds), the following instructions for
the use of the cooling system are to be observed. ■The difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor air
temperature should not be greater than about 5 ° C.
■ The cooling system is to be turned off about 10 minutes before the end
of the journey.
■ Once a year, a disinfection of the air conditioner or the Climatronic is to
be carried out by a specialist company.
CAUTION
■ The air inlet in front of the windscreen must be free from ice, snow or leaves,
for example, to ensure that the heating and cooling system works properly.■
After switching on the cooling Condensation from the evaporator of the air
conditioning may drip down and form a puddle below the vehicle. This is not a
leak!
■
If the coolant temperature is too high, the cooling system is switched off to
ensure that the engine cools down.
Note
The used air streams out through the vents in the luggage compartment.89Heating and air conditioning

CAUTIONDo 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
106
Handbrake
107
Parking
107WARNING■ 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 111, 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 106 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. 
106Driving

Acceptance and recycling of used vehiclesRead and observe
on page 128 first.
ŠKODA meets the requirements of the brand and its products with regard to
protecting the environment and the preserving resources. All new ŠKODAvehi-
cles can be recycled by up to 95 % and can always 1)
be returned free of charge.
In a lot of countries sufficient trade-in networks have been created, where you
can trade-in your vehicle. After you trade-in your vehicle, you will receive a
confirmation documenting the recycling in accordance with environmental reg-
ulations.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Washing vehicle
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
131
Automatic car wash systems
132
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
132
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences
is frequent washing.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, tree sap, road and industrial dust,
tar, soot particles, road salt and other aggressive deposits remain adhering to
the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive effect
can be. High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive sun's rays, ac-
centuate this caustic effect.
It is essential to also thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end
of the winter.
WARNINGWhen washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking sys-
tem can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!
CAUTION
The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk
of damaging the vehicle.
For the sake of the environment
Only wash the vehicle at washing bays intended for this purpose.
Washing by hand
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Soak the dirt with plenty of water and rinse as well as possible.
Clean the vehicle with a soft sponge, a washing glove or a washing brush.
Work from the top to the bottom – starting with the roof.
For stubborn dirt, agents specifically intended for this purpose are to be used. Wash out the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
Clean wheels, door sills and similar parts last. Use a second sponge for such areas.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.
WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
131Care and maintenance