CAUTION■Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use only 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
152
Changing
152WARNING■ 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 145.■
Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has fallen below the MIN
marking » Fig. 138 on page 152 - there is a risk of an accident. Seek help
from a specialist garage.
■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
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 levelFig. 138
Engine compartment: Brake fluid
reservoir
Read and observe and on page 152 first.
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 138.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Open the bonnet.
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 138.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear
and the 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.
If the brake fluid level is too low, this is indicated by the indicator light
» page 40 ,
Brake system
lighting up in the instrument cluster.
Changing
Read and observe
and on page 152 first.
Brake fluid absorbs moisture. Over time it therefore absorbs moisture from theenvironment.
Excessive water in the brake fluid may be the cause of corrosion in the brake
system.
The water content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid.
152General Maintenance
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:
Open cover
154
Checking the battery electrolyte level
154
Charging
155
Replacing
155
Disconnecting or reconnecting
155
Automatic load deactivation
156
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways 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.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. It is essential to com-
ply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well as the warning in-
structions outlined below.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings. Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles or a
face shield – risk of blindness!■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
The battery acid is strongly corrosive and must, therefore, be handled
with the greatest of care.
■
Corrosive fumes in the air irritate the air passages and lead to conjunctivi-
tis and inflammation of the air passages in the lungs.
■
Battery acid corrodes dental enamel and, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal. Repeated contact
with diluted acids causes skin diseases (inflammations, ulcers, slin cracks).
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected
eye immediately with clean water for several minutes and consult a doctor
immediately!
■
Splashes of acid on your skin or clothes should be neutralised as soon as
possible using soap suds and then rinsed with plenty of water. If you swal-
low battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
WARNING■ It is prohibited to work with naked flames or lights.■It is prohibited to smoke or carry out any activities that produce sparks.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
chemical burns!
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with insufficient acid levels – risk of
explosion and chemical burns.
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 a metal ob-
ject or cable) creates a short circuit - risk of melting the lead bars, and risk
of explosion, battery fire and acid splashes.
153Inspecting and replenishing
WARNING (Continued)■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 components and disconnect the negative
terminal (-) on the battery.
CAUTION
Improper handling of the battery can lead to damage. We recommend having
all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a specialist garage.
CAUTION
■ The vehicle battery must only be disconnected if the ignition is switched off,
otherwise the vehicle's electrical system (electronic components) can be dam-
aged. When disconnecting the battery from the electrical system, first of all
disconnect the negative terminal (-) of the battery, and then the positive ter-
minal (+).■
When connecting the battery to the electrical system, first of all connect the
positive terminal (+) of the battery, and then the negative terminal (-). Under
no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly – risk of a
cable fire.
■
Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. This is because certain electrical components consume electricity
(e. g. control units) also in idle state. Prevent the battery from discharging by
disconnecting the battery's negative terminal (-) or continuously charging the
battery with a very low charging current.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery
will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
For the sake of the environment
A vehicle battery that has been removed is a special type of hazardous waste.
These must be disposed of in accordance with national legal regulations.
Note
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.Open coverFig. 139
Plastic cover of the vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe and on page 153 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment below a plastic box.
›
Open the cover in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 139.
The installation of the battery cover on the positive terminal side takes place
in the reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 140
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 153 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, » Fig. 140 the
colouring of the display can indicate the acidic level.
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.
154General Maintenance
OperationOperating measureElectrical power window (operational faults)» page 57Enter the radio/navigation system code
number» User manual of the radio
or » user manual of the naviga-
tion systemSetting the clock» page 32Data in the multifunction display are de-
leted.» page 33
Note
We recommend having the vehicle checked by a specialist garage in order to
ensure full functionality of all electrical systems.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 153 first.
The vehicle voltage control unit automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This may be no-
ticed from 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.
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:
Service life of tyres
157
Unidirectional tyres
158
Spare and temporary spare wheel
159
Full wheel trim
159
Wheel bolts
160
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.WARNINGInstructions for the use of tyres■For the first 500 km, new tyres do not yet provide optimum grip, and ap-
propriate care should therefore be taken when driving – risk of accident!■
For reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.
■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
■
An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.
■
Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any doubt that a wheel is damaged, immediately re-
duce your speed and stop! If no external damage is evident, drive slowly
and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle checked.
WARNINGInformation regarding tyre damage or wear■Never use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident occur-
ring.
156General Maintenance
Vehicle tool kitFig. 147
Vehicle tool kit
The vehicle tool kit is housed in a box in the spare wheel or in the compart-
ment for the spare wheel underneath the floor covering in the luggage com-
partment. The box is attached with a strap on the spare wheel.
Depending on the equipment, not all the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Screwdriver
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Depending upon vehicle equipment: Jack with sign / puncture repair kit
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Replacement bulb set
WARNINGThe factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads.12345678CAUTION■ Screw the jack back into the starting position before storing in the box with
the tool kit.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
167
Changing a wheel
167
Follow-up work
167
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
168
Raising the vehicle
168
Anti-theft wheel bolts
169WARNING■ If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system
and set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national le-
gal requirements must be observed.■
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on
as flat and firm a surface as possible.
■
The following instructions must be followed if the vehicle is subsequently
fitted with tyres or rims that differ from the factory-fitted ones » page 160,
Explanation of the tyre labelling .
WARNINGInformation on the wheel bolts■The wheel bolts must be clean and must turn easily. Never treat them
with grease or oil.■
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts for steel and light al-
loy wheels is 120 Nm.
166Do-it-yourself
WARNING (Continued)■If the wheel bolts are tightened to a too low tightening torque, the rim
can come loose when the car is moving. A tightening torque which is too
high can damage the bolts and threads and this can result in permanent
deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim.■
In case of incorrect treatment of the wheel bolts, the wheel can loosen
when the car is moving.
Note
The national legal requirements must be observed when changing a wheel.
Preliminary work
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
Before changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
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.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
Engage the 1st gear or place the selector lever of the automatic transmission
in the P-position .
›
Apply the handbrake firmly.
›
Uncouple a trailer.
›
Remove the vehicle tool kit » page 166 and the spare wheel » page 159 ,
Spare and temporary spare wheel from the boot.
Changing a wheel
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
When changing a wheel, the following instructions must be followed.
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
First of all slacken the anti-theft wheel bolt and then the other wheel bolts.
›
Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing is clear of the
ground.
›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper, etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
› Tighten the opposite wheel bolts alternately (cross-wise) with the wheel
wrench. Tighten the anti-theft wheel bolt last.›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
WARNING■ If it is established when changing a wheel that the wheel bolts are corro-
ded and difficult to move, then these must be replaced.■
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is
correct » page 156 .
Follow-up work
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow and attach the replaced wheel in the spare wheel well using a special
screw » page 159 , Spare and temporary spare wheel .
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the strap.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed spare wheel as soon as possible.
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked with a torque
wrench as soon as possible.
After changing the wheel, the tyre pressure should be adjusted. In vehicles
with tyre pressure monitoring, tyre pressure values are to be stor-
ed » page 125 .
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
WARNINGDrive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque
has been checked.167Emergency equipment and self-help
›There is damage to the tyre wall.
› Driving with very low tyre pressure or with a completely flat tyre.
› If the use-by-date (see inflation bottle) has passed.WARNING■
If you are in flowing traffic, switch on the hazard warning light system
and set up the warning triangle at the prescribed distance! The national le-
gal requirements must be observed.■
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic. Park on
as flat and firm a surface as possible.
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.
■
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.
For the sake of the environment
Used sealant or sealant whose expiry date has passed must be disposed of in
accordance with environmental protection regulations.
Note
■ A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.■Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or
consult a specialist garage about repair options.Components of the puncture repair kitsFig. 152
Principle sketch: Components of the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 170 first.
Components of the set » Fig. 152
Valve remover
Sticker with “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph” speed designation
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
Air release valve
ON and OFF switch
12 volt cable connector
Tyre inflator bottle with sealing agent
Replacement valve core
The valve remover
1
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compart-
ment. This contains a sealing means and an air compressor.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the air compressor or the log
folder.1234567891011170Do-it-yourself
WARNING■Do not clamp the jump-start cable to the negative terminal of the dis-
charged battery. There is the risk of detonating gas seeping out the battery
being ignited by the strong spark which results from the engine being star-
ted.■
The non-insulated parts of the terminal clamps must never touch each
other – there is a risk of short circuit.
■
The jump-start cable connected to the positive terminal of the battery
must not come into contact with electrically conducting parts of the vehicle
– there is a risk of short circuit.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
■
There must not be any contact between the two vehicles otherwise cur-
rent may flow as soon as the negative terminals are connected.
Jump-starting in vehicles with the START-STOP system
Fig. 154
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 172 first.
The jump-start cable must only be connected to the engine earthing point on
vehicles with the START-STOP system » Fig. 154.
Towing the vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
174
Rear towing eye
174
Vehicles with a tow hitch
174The following guidelines must be observed when towing.
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in with a tow bar or a tow
rope or with the front wheels raised. If the vehicle is raised at rear, the auto-
matic gearbox is damaged!
Driver of the tow vehicle›
Engage the clutch gently when starting off or depress the accelerator partic-
ularly gently if the vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Only then, approach correctly when the rope is taut.
The maximum towing speed is 50 km/h.
Driver of the towed vehicle
›
Switch on the ignition so that the steering wheel is not locked and so that
the turn signal lights, windscreen wipers and windscreen washer system can
be used.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
Both drivers should be familiar with the problems which might possibly occur while a vehicle is being towed. Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow in
another vehicle or to be towed in.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
WARNING■ When towing, respect the national legal provisions, especially those
which relate to the identification of the towing vehicle and the vehicle be-
ing towed.■
When towing, exercise increased caution.
■
The tow rope must not be twisted, as this may in certain circumstances
result in the front towing eye being unscrewed on your vehicle.
■
Do not use a one-sided twisted tow rope, because the towing eye could
become unscrewed on the vehicle.
173Emergency equipment and self-help