Cleaning vehicle exterior170Interior care174
Inspecting and replenishing
177
Fuel
177
Engine compartment
180
Engine oil
183
Coolant
184
Brake fluid
186
Vehicle battery
187
Wheels
191
Tyres and wheel rims
191
Manufacturer-approved tyre variants
193
Winter operation
195
Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
197
Emergency equipment
197
Reserve and temporary spare
199
Changing a wheel
200
Puncture repair kit
203
Jump-starting
206
Towing the vehicle
207
Remote control and removable light
209
Emergency unlocking/locking
211
Replacing windscreen wiper blades
212
Fuses and light bulbs
214
Fuses
214
Replacing bulbs
217
Technical data
Technical data
222
Vehicle data
222
Index
3Table of Contents
Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
8
Driving safety
8
Safety equipment
8
In this section you will find important information, tips and notes on the sub-
ject of passive safety in your vehicle.
We have combined everything here which you should be familiar with, for ex-
ample, regarding seat belts, airbags, child seats and safety of children.
WARNING■ This chapter contains important information on how to use the vehicle for
the driver and his occupants.■
You can find further information on safety concerning you and those trav-
elling with you in the following chapters of this owner's manual.
■
The complete on-board literature should always be in the vehicle. This
applies in particular, if you rent out or sell the vehicle.
Before setting off
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
Ensure that the lighting and the turn signal system are functioning proper-
ly.
Ensure that the function of the wipers and the condition of the wiper
blades are free of any defects.
Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed.
Ensure that the mirrors are not covered.
Check the tyre inflation pressure.
Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
Secure all items of luggage.
Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of
the vehicle.
Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
Protect children in suitable child seats with correctly fastened seat
belts » page 23 , Transporting children safely .
Adopt the correct seated position » page 9, Correct and safe seated
position . Tell your passengers to assume the correct seated position.
Driving safety
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The driver is fully responsible for himself and his occupants. If your driving
safety is effected, you place yourself and the oncoming traffic at risk.
The following guidelines must therefore be observed. Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, e.g.
by your passengers or mobile phone calls.
Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol or drugs.
Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather condi-
tions.
Take regular breaks on long journeys – at least every two hours.
Safety equipment
Read and observe
on page 8 first.
The following list contains only part of the safety equipment in your vehicle.
› Three-point seat belts for all the seats.
› Belt force limiters for the front seats.
› Belt tensioners for the front seats.
› Seat belt height adjusters for the front seats.
› Front airbag for the driver and the front passenger.
› Driver’s knee airbag.
8Safety
Check engine electronics (petrol engine)39 Diesel particulate filter (diesel engine)39
Fuel reserve
40
Airbag system
40
Tyre pressure
40
Windscreen washer fluid level
41
Turn-signal system
41
Fog lights
41
Cruise control system
41
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
41
OFF ROADmode
41
Main beam
41
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Some warning lights can be accompanied by acoustic signals and messages in
the display of the instrument cluster.
After switching on the ignition, some warning lights light up briefly as a func-
tion test.
If the tested systems are OK, the corresponding warning lights go out a few
seconds after switching on the ignition or after starting the engine.
WARNING■ Ignoring illuminated warning lights and related messages or instructions
in the display of the instrument cluster may lead to serious personal injury
or damage to the vehicle.■
If you have to stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic, switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning lights » page 68. The warning triangle must be set up at the pre-
scribed distance - observe the national legal provisions when doing so.
■
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 180, Engine compartment .
Handbrake
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates if the handbrake is applied.
An acoustic signal will sound if you drive the vehicle above 6 km/h for at least
3 seconds while the handbrake is applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
Brake system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The
indicator light illuminates if the brake fluid level in the braking system is
too low or there is a fault in the ABS.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Brake fluid: Owner's manual!
›
Stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check the level of the brake flu-
id » page 186 .
If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
, there is a
problem with the ABS.
WARNING■ If the warning light lights up together with the warning light
» page 38 , Antilock brake system (ABS) , stop driving! Seek help
from a specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Seat belt warning light
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates as a reminder for the driver and front passen-
ger to fasten seat belts.
The indicator light
goes off after the respective seat belt is fastened.
If the driver or front passenger has not fastened their seat belt and the vehicle
speed is more than 20 km/h, the warning light
flashes and you will hear an
acoustic signal.
The warning signal is switched of and the indicator light is
permanently lit if
the driver and front passenger have not fastened their seat belts within the
next 90 seconds.
35Instruments and Indicator Lights
If the warning light flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
Seek help from a specialist garage.
The following reasons can explain the warning light
being illuminated.
› The vehicle is loaded on one side. Distribute loads as evenly as possible.
› The wheels of one axle are loaded more heavily (e.g. when towing a trailer or
when driving uphill or downhill).
› Snow chains are mounted.
› A wheel has been changed.
Save the tyre pressure values in the system » page 158.
CAUTION
Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition. If the indicator light does not
go out after moving a short distance, this means that there is an error in the
system. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Windscreen washer fluid level
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the windscreen washer fluid level is too low, the warning light
illumi-
nates .
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display.
Top up wash fluid!
Top up with liquid » page 182, Windscreen washer system .
Turn-signal system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
Either the left
or right
warning light flashes depending on the position of
the turn signal lever.
If there is a fault in the turn signal system, the warning light flashes at twice
its normal rate. This does not apply when towing a trailer.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of
the turn signal lights as well as both warning lights to flash.
Fog lights
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the fog lights are operating.
Cruise control system
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the cruise control is active » page 154.
Brake pedal (automatic gearbox)
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
If the warning light
illuminates , operate the brake pedal.
OFF ROADmode
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
When the indicator light is
lit, then the conditions for the engagement of
OFF ROAD mode are met » page 144 .
When the indicator
flashes, it indicates the hill descent assistant is current-
ly engaged.
Further information » page 144, OFF ROAD-mode .
Main beam
Read and observe
on page 35 first.
The warning light
illuminates when the main beam or the headlight flasher
is operated.
41Instruments and Indicator Lights
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.
If operated under severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must be
checked by a specialist garage between service appointments as well.
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 »
.
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.
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 35,
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.WARNINGOnly 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.
Handbrake
Fig. 128
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 135 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Release
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the lock
button » Fig. 128 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake indicator light
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on.
A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied.
The following message is shown in the MAXI DOT display. Release parking brake!
136Driving
Engine compartment overviewFig. 159
Principle sketch: Engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 180 first.
Arrangement in the engine compartment » Fig. 159
Coolant expansion reservoir
185
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
182
Engine oil dipstick
184
Engine oil filler opening
184
Brake fluid reservoir
186
Battery (below a cover)
187
Note
The location of the inspection points in the engine compartment of petrol and
diesel engines is practically identical.
Radiator fan
Read and observe
and on page 180 first.
The radiator fan is powered by an electric motor. Operation is controlled ac-
cording to the temperature of the coolant.
ABCDEFWARNINGAfter switching off the ignition, the fan may intermittently continue to op-
erate for approx. 10 minutes.
Windscreen washer system
Fig. 160
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 180 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 160 .
The cleaning fluid is provided for the cleaning of the front and rear window as
well as the headlight.
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3 litres or about 5.5 litres on vehicles that
have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Clear water is not sufficient to intensively clean the windscreen and head-
lights. We recommend using clean water together with a screen cleaner from
the range of ŠKODA Original Accessories (with antifreeze in winter), which will
remove any stubborn dirt.
In Winter, the washing water should always be mixed with antifreeze even if
the vehicle has heated windscreen washer nozzles.
Under exceptional circumstances, methylated spirits can also be used if no
screen cleaner with antifreeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The freeze protection at this concentration
is sufficient only to -5 °C.
1)
In some countries, 5.5 ltr. applies for both variants.
182General Maintenance
Checking the level›Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 162.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark A
» Fig. 162 .
In case of low coolant level, the indicator symbol
is displayed in the instru-
ment cluster along with the relevant message » page 36. We still recommend
inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 185 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of cool-
ant » page 185, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
CAUTION
■
Only top up with new coolant.■Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just 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
186
Specification
187
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 163 on
page 186 .
WARNING■
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 180.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 163 on page 186 , do not continue driving - there is a risk of
an accident! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
Brake fluid damages the paintwork of the vehicle.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 163
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 186 first.
The fluid can be checked if the following conditions are met.
The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
The bonnet is open.
Checking the level
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 163.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
186General Maintenance
A slight drop in the fluid level results when driving due to normal wear-and-
tear and 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.
Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light
being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding mes-
sage » page 35 ,
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 186 first.
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:
Opening the cover
188
Checking the battery electrolyte level
188
Charging
189
Replacing
190
Disconnecting and reconnecting
190
Automatic load deactivation
190
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolImportanceAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.SymbolImportanceKeep 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. The general applicable
safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without excep-
tion.■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent, especially children.
■
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.
■
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 swallow battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
WARNING■ The use of open flames and light should be avoided.■Smoking and radio triggering activities should be avoided.■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery – risk of explosion!
187Inspecting and replenishing