2015 SKODA FABIA tow

WARNINGDo not exceed the maximum permissible axle and drawbar load and weight
of the trailer - risk of accident and serious injuries!
Towing a trailer
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.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
If you tow a trailer frequently, you should also have your vehicle inspected be-
tween service intervals.
Anti-theft alarm system
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
equipment.
The trailer is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by means of the
trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
CAUTIONFor technical reasons, trailers with rear LED lights cannot be connected to the
anti-theft alarm system.135Hitch and trailer

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.WARNINGProtect your hands and arms from sharp-edged metal parts when cleaning
the underfloor or the inside of the wheel housings or the wheel trims – risk
of cuts!
CAUTION
■ Only apply slight pressure when cleaning the vehicle's paintwork.■Do not wash your vehicle in bright sunlight – there is a risk of paint damage.
Automatic car wash systems
Read and observe
and on page 139 first.
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
in an automatic car wash system (e.g. closing the windows including the slid-
ing/tilting roof, etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts, such as a spoiler,
roof rack system etc., it is best to consult the operator of the car wash system
beforehand.
The lips of the windscreen wiper rubbers must be cleaned and degreased with
cleaning agents especially formulated for the task after an automatic wash
with wax.
CAUTION
■ Before driving through a car wash fold in the exterior mirrors - there is a risk
of damage.■
For vehicles with roof antenna the antenna rod should be unscrewed before
driving through a car wash - there is a risk of damage.
Washing with a high-pressure cleaner
Read and observe
and on page 139 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.
CAUTION
■ The films may not be washed with any high-pressure cleaners - there is risk
of damage » page 141.■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
Cleaning vehicle exterior
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle paint work
141
Foils
141
Plastic parts
142
Rubber seals
142
Chrome and anodized parts
142
Windows and external mirrors
142
Headlight glasses
143
Door closing cylinder
143
Cavity protection
143
Jack
143
Wheels
143
Towing device and mounting recess
144
Under-body protection
144
Wiper blades
144
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must
be observed. 
140General Maintenance

Towing device and mounting recessRead and observe
and on page 141 first.
Close the mounting recess with the cap to prevent any ingress of dirt.
In the event of dirt, clean the inner surfaces of the mounting recess and treat with a suitable preservative.
Before hitching a trailer check the ball head and apply a suitable grease where
necessary.
Fit the protective cap when stowing away the ball head to protect the luggage
compartment against dirt.
CAUTION
Apply grease to the inner part of the mounting recess. Make sure you do not
remove any grease.
Under-body protection
Read and observe
and on page 141 first.
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
It is not possible to guarantee that the protective coating will not suffer any
damage as the vehicle is driven.
We recommend that you have the protective coating under the body and on
the chassis inspected - preferably before the beginning and at the end of the
cold season.
WARNINGNever use additional underbody protection or anti-corrosion agents for ex-
haust pipes, catalytic converters, diesel particle filters or heat shields.
These substances could ignite when the engine reaches its operating tem-
perature - there is a risk of fire.Wiper blades
Read and observe
and on page 141 first.
Clean the wiper blades regularly with a glass cleaner. The wiper blades shouldbe cleaned with a sponge or cloth if they are heavily soiled by insect residues,
for example.
The wiper blades can become soiled with wax residues after washing in auto-
matic vehicle wash systems for example.
Interior care
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Natural leather
145
Artificial leather, materials and Alcantara ®
145
Seat covers
146
Safety belts
146
We recommend using care products from ŠKODA Original Accessories that are
available from ŠKODA Partners. The instructions for use on the package must
be observed.
WARNING■ Care products may be harmful to your health if not used according to the
instructions.■
Always keep the automobile care products safe from people who are not
completely independent, e.g. children - there is a danger of poisoning!
■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high.
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.
■
Do not attach scents and air fresheners to the dashboard – risk of damage to
the dash panel. 
144General Maintenance

The reflective vest can be stowed in the storage compartment inside the stor-
age compartment of the door A» Fig. 177 .
Fire extinguisher
Fig. 178
Fire extinguisher
The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a bracket under the front
passenger's seat.
Removing/attaching
›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 178 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
›
For mounting re-sit the fire extinguisher back into the holder and secure it
with straps.
Please read the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguisher.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. Proper function-
ing of the fire extinguisher is not assured once it has passed its expiry date.
WARNINGThe fire extinguisher must always be secured safely so that they do not
come loose when making an emergency braking or in a vehicle collision
which could cause injuries to occupants.
Note
The fire extinguisher is part of the scope of delivery in certain countries only.Vehicle tool kitFig. 179
Vehicle tool kit
The tool kit is housed in a box in the spare or emergency wheel compartment
or in this storage space.
Depending on the equipment, not all of the following components 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
Jack with sign
Wheel brace
Tool for removing wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kit
WARNINGThe factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift heavier vehicles or other loads.
CAUTION
■ Screw the jack back to the starting position before storing in the box with
the tool kit screws.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap. 
12345678167Emergency equipment, and self-help

NoteThe declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preparation
168
Remove/stow the wheel
168
Full wheel trim
168
Wheel bolts
169
Anti-theft wheel bolts
169
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
170
Raising the vehicle
170
Remove the wheel / fix
171
Subsequent steps
171
For your own safety and the safety of the passengers, the following instruc-
tions must be observed before changing a wheel on the road.
Switch on the hazard lights.
Place the warning triangle at the prescribed distance.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flow of traffic.
Choose a location with a flat, solid surface.
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.
Preparation
Before changing the wheel, the following work should be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with Manual transmission , select 1st gear .
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple trailer, if attached.
Remove/stow the wheelFig. 180
Taking the wheel out
The wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is fixed
in place with a special bolt » Fig. 180.
Taking the wheel out
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Loosen the belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut in direction of arrow » Fig. 180.
›
Take out the wheel.
Stowing the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the wheel well with the wheel rim pointing downward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
›
Screw on the nut in the opposite direction to the arrow » Fig. 180 until the
wheel is safely secured.
›
Replace the box with the tool kit into the emergency or spare wheel and se-
cure it with the tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Shut the boot lid.
Full wheel trim
Before removing the wheel bolts the wheel trim should be removed.
Pulling off
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 167 into the reinforced
edge of the wheel trim.
›
Push the wheel wrench through the clamp, support on the tyre and pull off
the wheel trim. 
168Do-it-yourself

Fitting›Press the wheel trim onto the wheel rim at the designated valve opening.›
Then press the trim into the wheel rim until its entire circumference latches
correctly into position.
Notes from the factory or from the ŠKODA Original accessory delivered trim. ▶ When using an anti-theft wheel bolt, make sure that this has been fitted ac-
cording to the position marked on the back of the wheel cover position.
▶ On the back of the wheel cover, the position for the anti-theft wheel bolt is
marked by means of a symbol. If the wheel cover is set outside the position
marked for the anti-theft wheel bolt, there is a risk of damaging the wheel
cover.
If wheel trims are fitted, it must be ensured that an adequate flow of air is as-
sured to cool the brake system.
CAUTION
Use the pressure of your hand only, do not strike the trim. The cover could be
damaged.
Note
We recommend that you use hub caps from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheel bolts
Fig. 181
Remove the cap
Before removing the wheel bolts the caps are to be removed.
Pulling off
›
Push the extraction pliers » page 167 sufficiently far onto the cap until the
inner catches of the pliers are positioned at the collar of the cap.
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 181.
Fitting
›
Push the cap onto the wheel bolt up to the stop.
Anti-theft wheel boltsFig. 182
Principle sketch: Anti-theft
wheel bolt with adapter
The anti-theft wheel bolts protect wheels from being stolen. These can only
be removed/tightened with the aid of the adapter
B
» Fig. 182 .
›
Remove the full wheel trim or the caps of the wheel bolts.
›
The adapter
B
» Fig. 182 with the toothed side all the way into the inner
teeth in the head of the anti-theft wheel bolts
A
stuck.
›
Push the wheel wrench onto the adapter
B
up to the stop.
›
Loosen or tighten the wheel bolt » page 170.
›
Remove the adapter.
›
Replace the wheel trim or the caps.
For a possible wheel change the adapter for the anti-theft wheel bolts
should always be kept in the vehicle. The adapter is stowed in the tool kit.
The position of the anti-theft wheel bolt is marked on the back of the wheel
cover with every ŠKODA supplied original equipment hub cap or directly at the
factors.
When using an anti-theft wheel bolt, make sure that this has been fitted ac-
cording to the position marked on the back of the wheel cover position.
Note
■ Note the embarked code number on both the adapter and at the end of each
anti-theft wheel bolt. This number can be used to purchase a ŠKODA Original
Parts replacement adapter, if necessary.■
The anti-theft wheel bolt set and adapter can be purchased from a ŠKODA
Partner.
169Emergency equipment, and self-help

WARNING■If the wheel has to be changed on a slope, first of all block the opposite
wheel with a stone or similar object to prevent the vehicle from unexpect-
edly rolling away.■
Secure the base plate of the lifting jack with suitable means to prevent
possible moving. A soft and slippery ground under the base plate may move
the lifting jack, causing the vehicle to fall down. It is therefore always nec-
essary to place the lifting jack on a solid surface or use a wide and stable
base. Use a non-slip base (e.g. a rubber foot mat) if the surface is smooth,
such as cobbled stones, tiled floor, etc.
■
Only attach the lifting jack to the attachment points provided for this pur-
pose.
■
Always raise the vehicle with the doors closed.
■
Never position any body parts, such as arms or legs under the vehicle,
while the vehicle is raised with a lifting jack.
■
When the vehicle is raised, never start the engine.
CAUTION
Make sure that the jack is attached correctly to the web on the lower sil, oth-
erwise there is a risk of damage to the vehicle.
Remove the wheel / fix
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 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.
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 163 .
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily.
If it is established when changing a wheel that the wheel bolts are corroded and difficult to move, then these must be replaced.
Under no circumstances should you grease or oil the wheel bolts!WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) until the vehicle has
been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could become loose and fall off.
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, the following work should be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the wheel well and secure it with a special screw.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the strap.
›
Check the tyre pressure on the installed 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, save tyre pressure values » page 126.
Change the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair possi-
bilities.
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts is 120 Nm.
WARNING■
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.■
Drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed until the tightening torque
has been checked.
Breakdown kit
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Components of the puncture repair kit
172
General information
172
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
173

171Emergency equipment, and self-help

›If the engine does not start, halt the attempt to start the engine after 10 sec-
onds and wait for 30 seconds before repeating the process.›
Detach the jumper cables in the exact reverse order that they were attached.
Both batteries must have a rated voltage of 12 V. The capacity (Ah) of the bat-
tery supplying the power must not be significantly less than the capacity of
the discharged battery in your vehicle.
Jump-start cables
Only use jump-start cables which have an adequately large cross-section and
insulated terminal clamps. Obey the instructions of the jump start cable manu-
facturer.
Positive cable - colour coding in the majority of cases is red.
Negative cable - colour coding in the majority of cases is black.
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 – 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
– risk of short circuit.
■
Route the jump-start cables so that they cannot be caught by any rotat-
ing parts in the engine compartment.
Towing vehicle
 Introduction
Fig. 189
Braided tow ropes/spiral tow rope
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Front towing eye
176
Rear towing eye
177
Vehicles with a tow hitch
177
A braided tow rope must be used for towing » Fig. 189 -
 .
The following guidelines must be observed when towing.
Vehicles with manual transmission may be towed with a tow bar or a tow rope
or with the front or rear wheels raised.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed 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! If possible, the vehicle should be towed with the
engine running or at least with the ignition on.
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. 
175Emergency equipment, and self-help