2014 SKODA SUPERB lock

Towing a trailer
Towing device
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Description
163
Adjusting the ready position
164
Fitting the ball head
164
Check proper fitting
165
Removing the ball head
165
Use and care
166
If your vehicle has already been factory-fitted with a towing device or is fitted
with a towing device from ŠKODA Original Accessories, then it meets all of the
technical requirements and national legal regulations for towing a trailer.
Your vehicle is fitted with a 13-pin power socket for the electrical connection
between the vehicle and trailer. If the trailer that is to be towed has a 7-pin
connector , you can use a suitable adapter from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
The maximum trailer drawbar load is 80 kg.
WARNING■
Check that the tow bar is seated correctly and is secured in the mounting
recess before the start of every journey.■
Do not use the tow bar if it is not correctly inserted and secured in the
mounting recess.
■
Do not use the towing device if it is damaged or if there are parts missing.
■
Do not modify or adapt the towing device in any way.
■
Never release the tow bar while the trailer is still coupled.
CAUTION
Take care when handling the tow bar so as to avoid damaging the paintwork
on the bumper.DescriptionFig. 153
Carrier for the towing device/tow bar
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
The tow bar can be removed and is kept in the spare wheel compartment or in
a compartment for the spare wheel in the boot » page 201, Vehicle tool kit .
Image description » Fig. 153
13-pin power socket
Safety eyelet
Mounting recess
Cap
Dust cap
Tow ball
Operating lever
Lock cap
Release pin
Key
Locking ball
Note
If you lose the key, please get in touch with a specialist garage.1234567891011163Towing a trailer

Adjusting the ready positionFig. 154
Setting the ready position/ready position
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
Always adjust the ball head in the ready position before fitting.
›
Turn the key
1
so that its red marking is visible » Fig. 154.
›
Grip the tow bar below the protective cap
2
.
›
Press the release pin
3
in the direction of the arrow to the stop, and simul-
taneously push the lever
4
downwards in the direction of the arrow to the
stop.
The lever remains locked in this position.
CAUTION
In the ready position, the key cannot be removed nor turned to a different po-
sition.Fitting the ball headFig. 155
Insert the ball head/lock the lock, and put the lock cover on
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
›
Pull cap
4
» Fig. 153 on page 163 downwards.
›
Put the tow bar in the ready position » page 164.
›
Grip the tow bar from underneath » Fig. 155 and insert into the mounting re-
cess until you hear it click into place » .
The lever
1
automatically turns upwards and the release pin
2
pops out (its
red and green parts are visible) » .
If the lever
1
does not turn automatically, or if the release pin
2
does not
pop out, remove the tow bar from the mounting recess by turning the lever
downwards as far as it can go. Clean the tapered surfaces on the tow bar and
the mounting recess.
›
Lock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key
3
by 180° to the
right (see green marking 3 is visible) and remove the key in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Insert the cap
4
onto the lock in the direction of the arrow » .
›
Check that the tow bar is securely attached » page 165.
WARNING■
Keep your hands outside the lever's range of motion when attaching the
tow bar – risk of finger injuries!■
Never attempt to pull the operating lever upwards forcibly to turn the
key. Doing so would mean the ball head is not attached correctly. 
164Driving

CAUTION■After removing the key, always replace the cap on the lock of the operating
lever – risk of dirt getting into the lock.■
Keep the mounting recess of the towing equipment clean at all times. Such
dirt prevents the ball head from being attached securely.
■
After removing the ball head, always place the cap on the mounting recess.
Check proper fitting
Fig. 156
Check that the tow bar is attach-
ed properly
Read and observe and on page 163 first.
Check that the tow bar is fitted properly before each use.
Check the following points. Lever
1
is up as far as it goes » Fig. 156.
The release pin
2
is completely exposed (both its red and green parts are
visible).
The key is removed.
The cap
3
is on the lock of the operating lever.
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
WARNINGDo not use the towing device unless the tow bar has been properly locked!Removing the ball headFig. 157
Unlock the operating lever of the ball head/removing the ball
head
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
›
Remove the cap
1
» Fig. 157 from the lock on the tow bar in the direction of
the arrow.
›
Unlock the lock on the operating lever by turning the key
2
180° to the left
so that the red marking becomes visible.
›
Grasp the ball head from underneath.
›
Press the release pin
3
in the direction of the arrow to the stop, and simul-
taneously push the lever
4
downwards in the direction of the arrow to the
stop.
The ball head is released in this position and falls freely into the hand. If it
does not fall freely into the hand, use your other hand to push it upwards.
At the same time, the tow bar latches into the ready position and is therefore
ready to be re-inserted into the mounting recess »
.
›
Place the cap
4
» Fig. 153 on page 163 onto the mounting recess.
WARNINGNever allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
boot damage on sudden braking, and could put the safety of the occupants
at risk. 165Towing a trailer

WARNING■Do not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and the
maximum permissible total or towed weight of the vehicle and the trailer –
risk of accident and serious injury.■
Slipping loads can significantly impair the stability and safety of the vehi-
cle/trailer combination – risk of accident and serious injury.
Driving with a trailer
Fig. 158
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket
Read and observe on page 166 first.
Before the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing out in the direction of ar-
row » Fig. 158 .
›
Lift off protective cap
5
» Fig. 153 on page 163 .
After the journey
›
Grip the 13-pin socket at point
A
and swing in the opposite direction to the
arrow » Fig. 158 .
›
Place the protective cover
5
» Fig. 153 on page 163 onto the tow bar.
Safety eyelet
The purpose of the safety eyelet
B
» Fig. 158 is to attach the breakaway cable
of the trailer.
When attaching the breakaway cable to the safety eyelet, it must sag freely
against the vehicle in all trailer positions (sharp bends, in reverse etc.).
Exterior mirrors
You have to have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see
the traffic behind the trailer with the standard rear-view mirrors. The national
legal requirements must be observed.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer is being towed and the head-
lights may dazzle other road users.
Adjust the headlights using the headlight beam control » page 66, Parking and
low beam lights .
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
The speed must be reduced immediately if the needle for the coolant tempera-
ture gauge moves into the right-hand area or the red area of the scale.
Stop and switch off the engine if the indicator light  in the instrument cluster
lights up. Wait a few minutes and check the level of coolant » page 188,
Checking the coolant level .
The following guidelines must be observed » page 34,
 Coolant
.
The coolant temperature can be reduced by switching on the heating.WARNING■ Never use the safety eyelet for towing!■Adapt your speed to the conditions of the road surface and to the traffic
situation.■
Improper or incorrectly connected electric cables can energise the trailer
and cause functional faults to the vehicle's entire electrical system as well
as accidents and severe injuries.
■
Work on the electrical system must only be carried out by specialist ga-
rages.
■
Never directly connect the trailer's electrical system with the electrical
connections for the tail lights or other current sources. 
167Towing a trailer

Note■After coupling the trailer and connecting the power socket, check that the
rear lights on the trailer are working correctly.■
If there is an error in the trailer lighting, check the fuses in the fuse box in
the dash panel » page 216.
■
Contact between the breakaway cable and the safety eyelet can result in
mechanical wear on the surface protection of the eyelet. Such wear does not
impair the functioning of the safety eyelet and does not constitute a fault. It is
excluded from the warranty coverage.
■
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected
between service intervals.
■
The handbrake on the towing vehicle must be applied when coupling and un-
coupling the trailer.
Trailer stabilisation (TSA)
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
The trailer stabilisation is an extension of the stabilisation control that works
in conjunction with the counter-steering assistance to reduce the amount the
trailer "sways".
After turning on the ignition, the ESC indicator light  in the instrument clus-
ter lights up for about 2 seconds longer than the ABS indicator light.
Function requirements for trailer stabilisation. The coupling device was factory-fitted or purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories.
The ESC is active. (Warning lights  or
 do
not illuminate in the instru-
ment cluster).
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket.
The speed is higher than approx. 60 km/h.
The trailer has a rigid drawbar.
WARNINGThe increased safety offered by the trailer stabilisation must not tempt you to take greater risks than otherwise.CAUTION■ The trailer stabilisation need not be able to correctly detect all of driving sit-
uations.■
Light trailers that sway are not always detected and therefore stabilised ac-
cordingly by the trailer stabilisation.
■
Release the pressure on the accelerator pedal if the system is being regula-
ted.
■
Avoid abrupt and sudden driving/braking manoeuvres.
Note
The trailer stabilisation works for both braked and unbraked trailers.
Anti-theft alarm system
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
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 54 .
Conditions for including a trailer in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and towing
device.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle via the trailer
socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked with the vehicle key and the anti-theft alarm system
is activated.
Note
For technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.168Driving

Automatic car wash systemsRead and observe
and on page 172 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows and the sliding/tilt-
ing roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system, two-way radio aerial etc., it is best to consult the operator of
the car wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the lips of the wipers should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
WARNINGFold in the exterior mirrors to prevent damage before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system. Never manually fold in electric exterior
mirrors - always use the electric controls.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
Read and observe
and on page 172 first.
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This applies in particular to the pres-
sure used and to the spraying distance .
Maintain a sufficiently large distance to the parking aid sensors and soft mate-
rials such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
WARNINGNever use circular spray nozzles or dirt cutters!
CAUTION
■ If washing the vehicle in the winter using a hose or high-pressure cleaner,
ensure that the jet of water is not aimed directly at the locking cylinders or the
door/panel joints – risk of freezing!■
To avoid damaging the parking aid sensors while cleaning with high-pressure
cleaners or steam jets, the sensors must only be directly sprayed for short pe-
riods while a minimum distance of 10 cm must be observed.
■ The temperature of the water used for cleaning must not exceed 60 °C – risk
of damaging the vehicle.■
See also Washing cars with decorative films using a high-pressure clean-
er » page 175 .
Taking care of your vehicle exterior
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Taking care of your vehicle's paintwork
174
Plastic parts
174
Rubber seals
174
Chrome parts
174
Decorative films
175
Windows and exterior mirrors
175
Headlight lenses
175
Door lock cylinders
175
Cavity protection
176
Wheels
176
Underbody protection
176
Regular and proper care help to retain the efficiency and value of your vehicle.
It may also be one of the requirements for the acceptance of warranty claims
relating to corrosion damage and paint defects on the bodywork.
We recommend using vehicle care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
These are available from ŠKODA Partners. The usage instructions on the pack-
age must be observed.
WARNING■ Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according
to the instructions.■
Always keep the vehicle care products safe from people who are not com-
pletely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Protect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when clean-
ing the underfloor, the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims –
risk of cuts! 
173Car care

CAUTIONDo not polish the chrome parts in a dusty environment - risk of surface
scratches.
Decorative films
Read and observe
and on page 173 first.
Wash the films with a mild soap solution and clean, warm water. Never use
harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents, as this could damage the films.
The following instructions must be followed when washing the vehicle with a
high-pressure cleaner:
› The minimum distance between the nozzle and the vehicle body should be
50 cm.
› Keep jet perpendicular to the film surface.
› The maximum water temperature is 50 °C.
› The maximum water pressure is 80 bar.
CAUTION
In the winter months, do not use an ice scraper to remove ice and snow from
the areas with films. Do not use any other objects to remove frozen layers of
snow or ice – risk of film damage.
Windows and exterior mirrors
Read and observe
and on page 173 first.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors.
Regularly clean windows from the inside with clean water.
Dry the glass surfaces with a clean chamois leather or a cloth intended for this
purpose.
When drying the windows after washing the vehicle, do not use window leath-
ers that have been used to polish the bodywork. Residues of preservatives in
the window leather can make the window dirty and reduce visibility.
CAUTION■ The ice scraper should not be moved forward and backward but in one direc-
tion to avoid any damage to the surface of the glass.■
Snow or ice that is contaminated with coarse dirt such as fine gravel, sand or
salt must not be removed from the windows and mirrors – there is a risk of
damage to the surface of the windows and mirrors.
■
Do not remove snow or ice from glass parts using warm or hot water – risk of
cracks forming in the glass.
■
When removing snow or ice from windows and mirror lenses ensure that the
paintwork of the vehicle is not to damage.
■
Do not clean the inside of the windows with sharp-edged objects or corro-
sive and acidic cleaning agents – there is a risk of damaging the heating ele-
ments or window aerial.
Headlight lenses
Read and observe
and on page 173 first.
Clean plastic front headlight lenses using clean, warm water and soap.
CAUTION
■Never wipe headlights with a dry cloth.■Do not use any sharp objects to clean the plastic lenses, as this may damage
the protective paintwork and consequently cause cracks to form on the head-
light lenses.■
Do not use any harsh cleaning products or chemical solvents to clean the
headlights, as this could damage the headlight lenses.
Door lock cylinders
Read and observe
and on page 173 first.
Specific products must be used for de-icing door lock cylinders.
CAUTION
When washing your vehicle, ensure as little water as possible gets into the
locking cylinders.175Car care

CAUTION■Be sure to check clothing for colourfastness to avoid any damage or visible
stains on the material (leather), panels and textiles.■
Remove fresh stains such as those from ball-point pens, ink, lipstick, shoe
polish, etc., from the material (leather), panels and textiles as quickly as possi-
ble.
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the temperature
inside the vehicle is high.
■
Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – there is a risk of
damage to the dash panel.
■
Do not stick any stickers on the inside of the rear windows, the rear side win-
dows and in the vicinity of the heating elements on the windscreen or near the
window aerial. These may get damaged.
■
Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface
of the panelling.
■
Cleaner that contain solvents can damage the material being cleaned.
■
Apply only a small amount of the cleaning and care product.
For the sake of the environment
Used cans of vehicle care product represent hazardous waste that is harmful
to the environment. These must be disposed of in accordance with national
legislation.
Note
Because of the special tools and knowledge required, and to avoid any poten-
tial problems with the cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle, we rec-
ommend that cleaning and care of the interior of your vehicle be carried out by
a ŠKODA Service Partner.
Natural leather
Read and observe
and on page 176 first.
Leather is a natural material with specific properties, and requires regular
cleaning and maintenance.
The leather should be cleaned on a regular basis depending on the amount of
wear-and-tear.
Dust and dirt in the pores and folds act as abrasive materials. This leads to se-
vere corrosion and the premature brittleness of the leather surface.
We recommend that you remove dust regularly and at short intervals using a
cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Clean soiled leather surfaces with a water-dampened cotton or woollen cloth
and then dry with a clean, dry cloth »
.
Clean severely soiled areas with a cloth soaked in a mild soap solution (2 ta-
blespoons of neutral soap to 1 litre of water).
To remove stains , use a cleaning agent specially designed for this purpose.
Treat the leather regularly and at suitable intervals using a suitable leather
care product.
CAUTION
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and that
no water gets into the seams. Otherwise, the leather could become brittle or
cracked.■
Avoid leaving the vehicle for lengthy periods in bright sunlight to avoid the
leather from bleaching. If the vehicle is parked in the open for lengthy periods,
protect the leather from direct sunlight by covering it.
■
Sharp-edged objects on items of clothing such as zip fasteners, rivets, sharp-
edged belts, jewellery and pendants may leave permanent scratches or signs
of rubbing on the surface. Such damage cannot be subsequently recognised as
a justified complaint.
■
The use of a mechanical steering wheel lock may damage the leather surface
of the steering wheel.
■
Use a care cream with light blocker and impregnation effect on a regular ba-
sis and each time after cleaning. The cream nourishes the leather, allows it to
breathe and keeps it supple and also provides moisture. It also creates surface
protection.
■
Some clothing materials, e.g. dark denim, do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness. This can cause damage or clearly visible discolouration to seat covers,
even when used correctly. This applies particularly to light-coloured seat cov-
ers. This does not relate to a fault in the seat cover, but rather to poor colour
fastness of the clothing textiles.
Note
When using the vehicle, minor visible changes may occur to the leather parts
of the covers (e.g. wrinkles or creases) as a result of the stress applied to the
covers.177Car care