Brakes
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
108
Handbrake
109WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be depressed when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the function of the brake booster may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
The front brakes may overheat, which can have a negative impact on the
functioning of the braking system – there is a risk of an 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!
CAUTION
■ Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 113.■Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not
necessary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer
braking distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 108 first.
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.
Before travelling a long distance down 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
completed intermittently, not continuously.
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 services.
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 and dried by applying the brakes several times.
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.
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 40,
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.108Driving
Each kilogramme of weight increases the fuel consumption. Therefore we rec-
ommend to carry no unnecessary weight.
It is particularly in town traffic, when one is accelerating quite often, that the
vehicle weight will have a significant effect upon the fuel consumption. A rule
of thumb here is that an increase in weight of 100 kilograms will cause an in-
crease in fuel consumption of about 1 litre/100 kilometres.
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.
Regular maintenance
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
A poorly tuned engine uses an unnecessarily high amount of fuel.
By having your vehicle regularly maintained by a specialist garage, you create
the conditions needed for economical driving. The maintenance state of your
vehicle has a positive effect on traffic safety and value retention
A poorly tuned engine can result in a fuel consumption which is 10 % higher than normal.
Check the oil level at regular intervals, e.g. when filling up. Oil consumption is
dependent to a considerable extent on the load and speed of the engine. Oil
consumption could be as high as 0.5 litres/1 000 km depending on your style
of driving.
It is quite normal that a new engine has a higher oil consumption at first, and
reaches its lowest level only after a certain running in time. The oil consump-
tion of a new vehicle can therefore only be correctly assessed after driving
about 5 000 km.
For the sake of the environment
■ Additional improvements to the fuel economy can be made by using synthet-
ic high-lubricity oils.■
Regularly check the ground under the vehicle. Have your vehicle inspected by
a specialist garage if you find any stains caused by oil or other fluids on the
ground.
Note
We recommend that your vehicle be serviced on a regular basis by a ŠKODA
service partner.Saving electrical energy
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
When the engine is running, the alternator generates and supplies electricalpower. If more electrical components of the electrical system are switched on,
more fuel is needed to operate the alternator. We therefore recommend
switching off electrical components if these are no longer required.
Environmental compatibility
Read and observe
on page 114 first.
Environmental protection has played a major role in the design, material selec-
tion and production of your new ŠKODA. Particular emphasis has been placed
on the following points.
Design measures › Joints designed to be easily detached.
› Simplified disassembly due to the modular structure system.
› Improved purity of different classes of materials.
› Identification of all plastic parts in accordance with VDA Recommendation
260.
› Reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission CO
2.
› Minimum fuel leakage during accidents.
› Reduced noise.
Choice of materials
› Extensive use of recyclable material.
› Air conditioning filled with CFC-free refrigerant.
› No cadmium.
› No asbestos.
› Reduction in the “vaporisation” of plastics.
Manufacture
› Solvent-free cavity protection.
› Solvent-free protection of the vehicle for transportation from the production
plant to the customer.
› The use of solvent-free adhesives.
› No CFCs used in the production process.
› Without use of mercury.
› Use of water-soluble paints.
116Driving
Trade-in and recycling of old cars
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 stating the recycling in accordance with environmental regula-
tions.
Note
You can find more detailed information about the trade-in and recycling of old
cars from a specialist garage.
Avoiding damage to your vehicle
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
General information
117
Driving through water on streets
117
General information
Pay attention to low-slung parts of the vehicle, such as the spoiler and ex-
haust, particularly in the following situations.
› When driving on poorly maintained roads and paths.
› When driving over kerbs.
› When driving on steep ramps, etc.
Particular attention is required for vehicles with sport suspension and when
the vehicle is fully laden.
Driving through water on streetsFig. 116
Maximum permissible water lev-
el when driving through water
The following instructions must be observed if vehicle damage is to be avoided when driving through water (e.g. flooded roads).
›
Determine the depth of the water before driving through it.
The water level must not reach above the web of the lower beam » Fig. 116.
›
Do not drive any faster than at a walking speed.
At a higher speed, a water wave can form in front of the vehicle, which can
cause water to penetrate into the engine's air intake system or other parts of
the vehicle.
›
Never stop in the water, do not reverse and do not switch the engine off.
WARNING■ Driving through water, mud, sludge etc. can impair the braking power and
extend the braking distance – risk of accident!■
Avoid abrupt and sudden braking immediately after water crossings.
■
After driving through bodies of water, the brakes must be cleaned and
dried as soon as possible by intermittent braking. Only 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.
CAUTION
■ Should water penetrate into the intake system of the engine, there is a
threat of serious damage being incurred by the engine parts!■
When driving through water, some vehicle parts such as chassis, electrics or
transmissions can be severely damaged.
1)
Subject to fulfilment of the national legal requirements.
117Starting-off and Driving
WARNING■The parking aid is not a substitute for the driver paying proper attention
and it is always the driver's responsibility to take care when reversing the
vehicle or carrying out similar manoeuvres. Pay particular attention to small
children and animals as they are not recognised by the parking aid sensors.■
Before reversing, you should make sure that there are no small obstacles,
such as rocks, thin posts, trailer drawbars etc. behind your vehicle. Such ob-
stacles may not be recognised by the parking aid sensors.
■
Under certain circumstances, surfaces of certain objects and types of
clothing cannot reflect the system signals. Thus, these objects or people
who wear such clothing are not recognised by the System sensors.
■
External sound sources can have a detrimental effect on the system. Un-
der adverse conditions, this may cause objects or people to not be recog-
nised by the system.
CAUTION
■ 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. Have
the fault rectified by a specialist garage.■
The sensors must be kept clean (free of ice, etc.) to enable the parking aid to
operate properly.
■
Under adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, water vapour, very low or
high temperatures etc.), the system function may be limited - “incorrect recog-
nition of obstacle”.
■
Additionally fitted modules, such as a bicycle rack, can impair the function of
the parking aid.
Function
Fig. 118
Parking aid: Range of sensors
Read and observe and on page 121 first.
The parking aid (referred to below solely as system) only works when the igni- tion is switched on.
The system supports the driver via audible signals, via the display on the radio
or via the factory-installed navigation system when parking and manoeu-
vring » Radio user guide, Navigation system user guide.
The system uses ultrasound waves to calculate the distance between the
bumper and an obstacle. The ultrasonic sensors are integrated in the rear
bumper.
Range of sensors
The clearance warning begins at a distance of about 160 cm from the obstacle
(area
A
» Fig. 118 ). The interval between the warning signals becomes shorter
as the clearance is reduced.
A continuous tone sounds from a distance of approx. 30 cm (area
B
) - danger
area. You should not reverse any further after this signal sounds!
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the border of the danger area
starts (continuous tone) 5 cm further away from the vehicle. The length of the
vehicle can be increased with an installed detachable towing device.
Activation/deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 121 first.
The system is activated automatically by engaging reverse gear. This is con-
firmed by a brief audible signal.
The system is deactivated by disengaging reverse gear.
Note
The system cannot be activated on vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device
when towing a trailer.
Cruise Control System
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing a speed
122
Changing a stored speed
122
121Assist systems
Running the engine is essential for the following reasons, for example.
› The engine temperature for the proper function of the system has not yet
been reached.
› The charge state of the vehicle battery is too low.
› The current consumption is too high.
› High air-conditioning or heating capacity (high fan speed, big difference be-
tween the desired and actual interior temperature).
Note
■ If the vehicle remains outdoors for a long time in minus temperatures or in
direct sunlight, it can take several hours until the internal temperature of the
vehicle battery reaches a suitable temperature for proper operation of the
START STOP system.■
If the driver's seat belt is removed for more than approx. 30 seconds or the
driver's door is opened during stop mode, the engine will have to be started
manually.
■
After the manual engine start, the automatic engine shutdown can take
place only when a minimum distance required for the system function has
been covered.
Operation
Read and observe
on page 123 first.
In compliance with the operating conditions, automatic engine shutdown / au-
tomatic engine start takes place as described.
Automatic engine shutdown
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
Shift the gear lever to Neutral.
›
Release the clutch pedal.
Automatic engine shutdown takes place, segment display shows START-STOP
ACTIVE or the MAXI DOT display shows the warning sign
» Fig. 120 on
page 123 .
Automatic engine start
›
Depress the clutch pedal.
The automatic start procedure takes place again.
System related automatic start-up
Read and observe
on page 123 first.
When the engine is off, the system can automatically start the engine beforethe desired journey continues. Some possible reasons for this are:
› The vehicle has begun to roll, e.g. on a slope.
› The brake pedal has been actuated several times.
› The current consumption is too high.
Manually deactivating/activating the system
Fig. 121
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 123 first.
Deactivating/activating
›
Press the button
» Fig. 121 .
When start-stop mode is deactivated, the warning light in the button lights up.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Information messages
Read and observe
on page 123 first.
The messages and information are indicated in the instrument cluster display. Start the engine manually.
START MANUALLY
One of the conditions for automatic engine start is not satisfied or the driver's seat belt is not fastened. The engine must be started manually.
124Driving
General Maintenance
Car care
Services, modifications and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
132
Statutory checks
132
ŠKODA Service Partners
133
ŠKODA Original parts
133
ŠKODA Original accessories
133
Spoiler
134
Airbags
134
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out all modifications, repairs or technical alterations to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and
helps keep your vehicle in a good technical condition. After carrying out modifi-
cations, repairs or technical alterations, the vehicle will comply with German
road transport regulations (StVZO)
Always consult a ŠKODA Partner » page 133before buying accessories or
parts, or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations
to your vehicle.
WARNING■ Works on your vehicle, which have been carried out unprofessionally, can
cause operational faults – risk of accident!■
Interference on the electronic components and their software can lead to
operational faults. This interference can also impair not directly affected
systems because of the networking of the electronic components. The op-
erational safety of the vehicle may be at significant risk and can lead to in-
creased wear of parts.
For the sake of the environmentTechnical documents regarding alterations carried out on the vehicle must be
kept by the vehicle user in order to be handed over to the recyclers at a later
date. This ensures that the vehicle is recycled in an environmentally sound
manner.
Note
■ We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.■
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of
the manufacturer is excluded from the warranty » Service schedule .
■
The ŠKODA Partner does not assume any liability for products that have not
been approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. even though these may be products with
an operational approval or that have been approved by a government testing
institute.
■
We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original
Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reliability,
safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.
■
ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Original Parts can be purchased from
ŠKODA Partners, who will also perform the professional assembly of the pur-
chased parts.
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
Read and observe
on page 132 first.
If you would like to operate your vehicle in countries other than those with itsintended weather conditions, you should contact a ŠKODA Partner.
He will advise you if certain precautions need to be taken to ensure the full
functioning of the vehicle as well as to prevent damage.
This involves, for example, the coolant, battery replacement and the like.
Statutory checks
Read and observe
on page 132 first.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability and roadworthiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle to be tested at specific
intervals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or testing stations that
have been legally authorised for this purpose.
132General Maintenance
The ŠKODA Service Partners are up-to-date on the legally required tests and
will prepare the vehicle for the tests as part of a service operation if required,
or will be responsible for carrying out these tests. The specialist garages can
carry out the specified tests directly, if required by the customer, if they are
authorised to do so. This saves you time and money.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for
prior checking in preparation of a legally required test, we recommend that you
consult the service consultant of your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
Based on their appraisal, the service consultant will tell you which areas you
should focus on in order to ensure that your vehicle will pass the technical test
without any problems. This allows you to avoid additional expenses resulting
from a possible subsequent test.
ŠKODA Service Partners
Read and observe
on page 132 first.
ŠKODA Service Partners are equipped with modern, specially developed tools
and equipment. Here, trained specialists have access to a comprehensive
range of ŠKODA Original Parts and ŠKODA Original Accessories for carrying out
modifications, repairs and technical alterations.
All ŠKODA service partners operate according to the latest guidelines and in-
structions from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore car-
ried out on time and to the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions
and guidelines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good
technical condition.
ŠKODA Service Partners are therefore properly prepared to service your vehicle
and to provide quality work. We therefore advise you to have all modifications,
repairs and technical alterations to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service
Partner.
ŠKODA Original parts
Read and observe
on page 132 first.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, since these
parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO a.s. They correspond exactly to ŠKODA
AUTO a.s. specifications in respect of design, dimensional accuracy and materi-
al and are identical to the components used in the batch production.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. can guarantee the safety, suitability, and long life of these
products. We therefore recommend that you only use ŠKODA Genuine Parts.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. supplies the market with a complete range of ŠKODA Genu-
ine Parts not only while the model is still in production but with wear-and-tear parts for at least 15 years after the end of series production and with all other
vehicle parts for at least 10 years.
ŠKODA service partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA original parts for a
period of 2 years after sale in accordance with materials defect liability under
the law unless otherwise agreed in the purchase agreement. You should keep
the confirmed warranty certificate and the receipt for these components for
this period, so that the commencement of the warranty term may be verified.
Body repairs
ŠKODA vehicles are designed so that if the body suffers damage, it is only nec-
essary to replace those parts which are in fact damaged.
Before you decide to have damaged body parts replaced, however, you should first contact your specialist garage to determine whether or not such parts can
also be repaired. Repairs to body parts are usually cheaper.
ŠKODA Original accessories
Read and observe
on page 132 first.
You should note the following if you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle:
We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle.
ŠKODA AUTO a.s. offers a warranty on the reliability, safety and suitability for
your particular vehicle of these accessories. Although we constantly monitor
the market, we are not able to assess or offer a warranty on other products
even though in some instances such products may have a type approval or
may have been approved by a nationally recognised approval authority.
All accessory products go through a fastidious process of technical develop-
ment (technical tests) and quality inspection (customer tests), and only if all
tests are positive does the product become a ŠKODA Genuine Accessory.
Our ŠKODA Genuine Accessories service also provides expert advice and pro-
fessional fitting if requested by the customer.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with materials de-
fect liability legislation, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract or in
133Car care
We recommend maintaining the oil level within the range A, but not above , if
the engine has been operating at high loads, for example, during a lengthy
motorway trip during the summer months, towing a trailer or negotiating a
high mountain pass.
The warning light in the instrument cluster will indicate whether the oil level is
too low » page 40 ,
Engine oil . Check the oil level using the dipstick as
soon as possible. Add oil accordingly.
CAUTION
The oil level must never be above the A range » Fig. 136 – there is a risk of
damaging the exhaust system!
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 148 first.
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening » Fig. 134 on page 147 .
›
Replenish the oil in portions of 0.5 litres in accordance with the correct speci-
fications » page 148 , Specifications and capacity .
›
Check the oil level » page 149.
›
Carefully screw on the oil filler opening cap and push the dipstick in fully.
Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Capacity
151
Checking the coolant level
151
Replenishing
151
The coolant consists of water with coolant additive. This mixture guarantees
antifreeze protection, protects the cooling/heater system against corrosion
and prevents lime formation.
Vehicles exported to countries with a mild climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -25 ℃. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 40%.
Vehicles exported to countries with a cold climate are already factory-filled
with a coolant which offers antifreeze protection down to about -35 °C. In
these countries, the concentration of coolant additive should be at least 50%.
If a higher concentration of antifreeze is required for climatic reasons, the con-
centration of coolant additive can be increased up to a maximum of 60% (anti-
freeze protection down to approx. -40 °C).
When refilling, only use the same antifreeze identified on the coolant expan-
sion vessel » Fig. 137 on page 151 .WARNINGThe 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.
CAUTION
■
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible to top up
the coolant under the prevailing conditions! Switch off the engine and seek as-
sistance from a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
ventilate - there is a risk of engine damage,
do not continue driving! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specifications can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage!
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 137 on page 151 .
■
If a fault causes the engine to overheat, we recommend visiting a specialist
garage, as otherwise serious engine damage may occur.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
150General Maintenance