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
CAUTION■If the lever is held firm and not pushed downwards as far as it can go, it will
go back up after the ball head is removed and will not latch into the ready po-
sition. The tow bar will then need to be brought into this position before the
next time it is fitted.■
Stow the ball head in the ready position with the key inserted in the box.
When doing so, make the side opposite to the inserted key face downwards –
there is a risk of damaging the key.
■
Do not use excessive force when handling the operating lever (e.g. do not
step on it).
Note
■ We recommend putting the protective cover onto the ball head before re-
moving the tow bar.■
Clean any dirt from the tow bar before stowing it away in the box with the
vehicle tool kit.
Use and care
Read and observe
and on page 163 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cover to prevent any dirt from getting in.
Always check the tow bar before hitching a trailer. Apply suitable grease
where necessary.
Use the protective cover when stowing away the tow bar, in order to stop the
boot from getting dirty.
In the event of dirt, clean the surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a
suitable preservative.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the upper part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Trailer
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Loading a trailer
166
Driving with a trailer
167Trailer stabilisation (TSA)168Anti-theft alarm system168WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
Loading a trailer
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
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 194,
Service life of tyres .
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstan- ces » page 224 , Technical data .
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.
166Driving
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
General Maintenance
Car care
Services, modifications, and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Tests required by law
169
ŠKODA Service Partners
170
ŠKODA Original Parts
170
ŠKODA Original Accessories
170
Spoiler
171
Airbags
171
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
carrying out any 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 170 before buying accessories or
parts, or before carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical alterations
to your vehicle.
WARNING■ If work on your vehicle is not carried out properly, this can lead to opera-
tional faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.■
We recommend only having these modifications and technical alterations
carried out by a specialist garage.
WARNING (Continued)■ 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.■
The ŠKODA Partner accepts no 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.
WARNING■ We advise you only to use ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA Origi-
nal Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle. Reli-
ability, 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 purchased parts.
For the sake of the environment
Technical 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
Any damage caused by technical alterations made without the approval of the
manufacturer is excluded from the warranty » Service schedule .
Tests required by law
Read and observe
on page 169 first.
Many countries have legislation which require that the reliability and roadwor-
thiness and/or exhaust gas composition of a vehicle must be tested at specific
intervals. These tests can be carried out by workshops or checking stations
that have been legally authorized for this purpose.
169Car care
ŠKODA service partners are liable for any ŠKODA Genuine Part defects for aperiod of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with the materials
defect liability, provided that nothing else was agreed in the purchase contract
or in any other agreements. You should keep the approved warranty certificate
and the bill for these components for this period of time, so that commence-
ment of the term may be verified.
In addition, ŠKODA Service Partners also stock a range of suitable car care
products as well as those parts which are subject to natural wear-and-tear,
such as tyres, batteries, bulbs and wiper blades.
Note
The accessories authorized by the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s. will be offered
by the ŠKODA partners in all countries where the company ŠKODA AUTO a.s.
has a sales and service network. This will usually be in the form of a printed
catalogue of Original ŠKODA Accessories, in the form of separate printed bro-
chures or in the form of offers for ŠKODA Genuine Accessories on the ŠKODA
partner web pages.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 169 first.
If your new vehicle is fitted with a spoiler on the front bumper in combination
with the spoiler on the luggage compartment lid, the following instructions
must be adhered to.
› For safety reasons, the vehicle must only be fitted with a spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the associated spoiler on the luggage compart-
ment lid.
› This kind of spoiler cannot be left on the front bumper either on its own, in
combination with another spoiler not on the luggage compartment lid or in
combination with an unsuitable spoiler on the luggage compartment lid.
› We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any repairs
to or replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
WARNINGIf work on your vehicle's spoilers is not carried out properly, this can lead to
operational faults - risk of accident and serious injuries.Airbags
Read and observe
on page 169 first.
The system components of the airbag system can be situated in the front
bumper, doors, front seats, roof lining or body.
WARNINGAny work on the airbag system including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel) must only be carried out by a specialist garage.■
Modifications, repairs and technical alterations that have been carried out
unprofessionally can cause damage and operational faults, and can also se-
riously impair the effectiveness of the airbag system – risk of accident and
fatal injury!
■
The airbag system must then be replaced if the airbag has been deployed.
Airbag modules cannot be repaired.
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■It is prohibited to manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this
might result in the airbag being deployed.■
Never install any airbag parts into the vehicle that have been removed
from old cars or have been recycled.
■
Never install damaged airbag parts in the vehicle. The airbags may then
not be deployed properly or even at all in the event of an accident.
■
No modifications of any kind must be made to parts of the airbag system.
WARNING■ A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tire combinations, can alter the functioning of the air-
bag system - risk of accident and fatal injury!■
Never make any changes to the front bumper or the bodywork.
171Car care
WARNINGThe airbag control unit operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or
door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Resulting damage
can have a negative impact on the function of the airbag system. Any work
on the front doors and door panels must be carried out by a specialist ga-
rage. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Never drive with inner door panels removed.
■
Never drive if parts of the inner door panel have been removed and the
resulting openings have not been properly sealed.
■
Never drive if the loudspeakers in the doors have been removed, unless
the loudspeaker openings have been properly sealed.
■
Always make sure that the openings are covered or filled if additional
loudspeakers or other equipment parts have been installed in the inner
door panels.
Washing your car
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Washing by hand
172
Automatic car wash systems
173
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
173
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences
is frequent washing.
How often the vehicle should be washed depends on factors such as:
› Frequency of use.
› Parking situation (garage, under trees etc.).
› Season.
› Weather conditions.
› Environmental influences.
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.WARNING■ When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking
system can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Only wash the vehicle when the ignition is switched off – risk of accident!
CAUTION
Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – risk of paint damage.
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 172 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.
Only use a car shampoo for stubborn dirt.
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.
CAUTION
■ When washing the car by hand, protect your hands and arms from sharp-
edged metal parts (e.g. when cleaning the under floor, the inside of the wheel
housings or the wheel trims, etc.). - There is a risk of cuts!■
Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.
172General Maintenance