CAUTION■Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 170 on page 156 , - 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 prescribed inspection service.■We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Level check
Fig. 170
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 155 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.
Check the status
›
Check the level of brake fluid in the reservoir » Fig. 170.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
A slight drop in the fluid level results in operation due to normal wear and tear
and the 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
illuminating in the
instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification being displayed
» page 32 ,
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 155 first.
To ensure the optimal function of the system, only use brake fluid in accord-ance with standard VW 501 14 (this standard meets the requirements of
FMVSS 116 DOT4).
Note
We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Open cover
157
Checking the battery electrolyte level
158
Charging
158
Replacing
159
Disconnecting or reconnecting
159
Automatic load deactivation
159
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
SymbolMeaningAlways wear eye protection.Battery acid is severely caustic. Always wear gloves and eye pro-
tection.Keep 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. 156General Maintenance
WARNINGThere is a risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire
when carrying out any work on the battery and on the electrical system. It
is essential to comply with the generally applicable rules of safety as well
as the warning instructions outlined below.■
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 glasses or a face shield – there is a
risk of being blinded.
■
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 creates deep wounds on contact
with the skin which take a long time to heal.
■
If any battery electrolyte comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the
eyes immediately with clear water for several minutes - 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.
■
Seek immediate medical assistance if you swallow battery acid.
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 – there is a risk of explosion.
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – there is a risk of explo-
sion and caustic burns.
■
Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns.
CAUTION
■ Improper handling of the vehicle battery may cause damage.■Ensure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork –
there is a risk of damage to the paintwork.■ If the vehicle has not been driven for more than 3 to 4 weeks, the battery will
discharge. Prevent the battery from discharging by disconnecting the battery's
negative terminal
or continuously charging the battery with a very low
charging current.■
Do not place the battery in direct daylight in order to protect the vehicle bat-
tery housing from the effects of ultra-violet light.
■
If the vehicle is frequently used for making short trips, the vehicle battery
will not have time to charge up sufficiently and may discharge.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Open cover
Fig. 171
Polyester cover of vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment. For some equipment var- iants, it is located underneath a polyester cover » Fig. 171.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
157Inspecting and replenishing
Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 172
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 157 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the electrolyte
level can be determined by looking at the change in colour of this display.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
Check
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, on vehicles with the description “AGM”, the electrolyte
level cannot be checked.
Vehicles with a START-STOP system are fitted with a system for checking the
energy level for recurring engine start.
We recommend you have the electrolyte level checked by a specialist garage
from time to time, especially in the following cases. ▶ High external temperatures.
▶ Longer day trips.
▶ After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has some of its starting power at low temperatures. A
discharged vehicle battery may freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C .
We therefore recommend that you have the battery checked and, if necessary,
recharged by a specialist garage before the start of the winter.
NoteThe battery electrolyte level is also periodically checked by a specialist garage
as part of the Inspection Service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
A properly charged vehicle battery is essential for reliably starting the engine.A charging operation can be performed if the following conditions are satis-
fied.
The engine is turned off.
The ignition is switched off.
All consumers are turned off.
The bonnet is open.
“Fast charging” with high currents
›
Disconnect both battery cables (first of all “negative”, then “positive”).
›
Attach the terminal clamps of the charger to the battery terminals (red =
“positive”, black = “negative”).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch the
charger on.
›
Once charging is complete: Switch off the charger and remove the mains ca-
ble from the power socket.
›
Only then disconnect the charger's terminal clamps.
›
Reconnect the cables to the battery (first “positive”, then “negative”).
Charging with low voltages
It is not necessary to disconnect the cables from the battery if you recharge
the vehicle battery, for example from a mini-charger.
Refer to the charger manufacturer's instructions .
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
The vent plugs of the vehicle battery should not be opened for charging.
158General Maintenance
WARNING■When you charge a battery, hydrogen is released, and a highly explosive
gas mixture is also produced. An explosion can be caused through sparkling
over during unclamping or loosening of the cable plug while the ignition is
on.■
Creating a bridge between the poles on the battery (e.g. with metal ob-
jects - cables) creates a short circuit - risk of damage to the battery, explo-
sion and burning of the battery, jets of acid spurting out.
■
Avoid creating sparks when working with cables and electrical devices.
Strong sparking represents a risk of injury.
■
Before carrying out any work on the electrical system, switch off the en-
gine, the ignition and all electrical consumers and disconnect the negative
terminal
.
■
“Quick-charging” the vehicle battery is dangerous and requires a special
charger and specialist knowledge.
■
We therefore recommend that vehicle batteries be “rapidly charged” by a
specialist garage.
CAUTION
On vehicles with the START/STOP system or additional heating (auxiliary heat-
ing), the pole terminal of the charger must not be connected directly to the
negative terminal of the vehicle battery, but only to the engine earth
» page 174 .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and thesame size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be pur-
chased from a specialist garage.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Disconnecting or reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
First, disconnect the negative terminal
first, then the positive
terminal
of the battery.
Connecting›First, connect the positive first, then the negative battery terminal.
After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, the following func-
tions or devices are partially or completely inoperative.Function / deviceOperating measureElectric windows» page 59Time settings» page 31
CAUTION
■ Disconnect the vehicle battery only with the ignition turned off - there is a
risk of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Under no circumstances must the battery cables be connected incorrectly –
risk of a cable fire.
Note
■ After disconnecting and re-connecting the vehicle battery, we recommend
having the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality
of all electrical systems is guaranteed.■
The data of the multi-function display will be reset.
Automatic load deactivation
Read and observe
and on page 157 first.
The vehicle voltage system automatically prevents the battery from discharg-ing when the battery is put under high levels of strain. This may be noticed
from the following.
▶ The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
▶ Where appropriate large convenience consumers, e.g. seat heaters, rear win-
dow heaters, have their power limited or shut off completely if necessary.
CAUTION
■ Despite such intervention by the vehicle electric system management, the
vehicle battery may be drained. For example, when the ignition is switched on
a long time with the engine turned off or the side or parking lights are turned
on during longer parking.■
Consumers which are supplied via a 12 V socket can cause the vehicle battery
to discharge when the ignition is switched off.
159Inspecting and replenishing
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
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
▶The cut or puncture is larger than 4 mm.
▶ The tyre wall is damaged.
▶ After the expiration date (see inflation bottle).
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the break-
down kit.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
On 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.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 172,
General information .
›
Uncouple trailer, if attached.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the corresponding sticker
1
» Fig. 186 on page 172 on the dashboard in
the driver's field of view.
›
Unscrew the valve cap.
›
Use the valve remover
2
to unscrew the valve core and place it on a clean
surface (rag, paper, etc.).
Sealing and inflating the tyre
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
Sealing
›
Shake the tyre inflator bottle
10
» Fig. 186 on page 172 vigorously several
times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
. The film on
the cap is pierced automatically.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and push the open end fully on-
to the tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the filler plug from the tyre valve.
›
Screw the valve core back into the tyre valve using the valve remover
2
.
Inflating›Screw the air compressor tyre inflation hose 7 » Fig. 186 on page 172 firmly
onto the tyre valve.›
On vehicles with manual transmission , move the lever to the neutral posi-
tion.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Start the engine and run it in idle.
›
Plug the connector
6
into 12 volt socket » page 77.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Allow the air compressor to run until a pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved.
Maximum run time of 8 minutes » .
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Switch off the air compressor.
›
Remove the tyre inflation hose
7
from the tyre valve.
Once a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar is achieved, you can continue the journey.
WARNING■ If the tyre does not inflate to at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great.
The sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre. Do not drive the vehi-
cle! Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot while the tyre is
being inflated – there is a risk of injury.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor after running 8 minutes at the most – risk of
overheating. Allow the air compressor to cool a few minutes before switching
it on again.
Notes for driving with tyre repaired
Read and observe
on page 172 first.
The filling pressure of the repaired tyre is a 10-minute test drive.
173Emergency equipment, and self-help
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less› Do not continue to drive! You cannot properly seal the tyre using the
breakdown kit.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or more›
Correct the tyre pressure back to the correct value.
›
Continue driving carefully to the nearest specialist garage at a maximum
speed of 80 km/h (50 mph).
WARNING■ A tyre filled with sealant has the same driving characteristics as a stand-
ard tyre.■
Do not drive faster than 80 km/h (50 mph).
■
Avoid accelerating at full throttle, sharp braking and fast cornering.
Jump-starting
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicle
174
The battery of another vehicle can be used to jump-start your vehicle if the en-
gine will not start because the battery is flat.
WARNING■ Pay attention to the warning instructions relating to working in the en-
gine compartment » page 149.■
A discharged vehicle battery can freeze at temperatures just below 0 °C.
If the battery is frozen, do not jump start with the battery of another vehi-
cle – risk of explosion.
■
Keep any sources of ignition (naked flame, smouldering cigarettes, etc.)
away from the battery – risk of explosion!
■
Never jump-start vehicle batteries with an electrolyte level that is too low
– risk of explosion and caustic burns.
■
The vent screws of the battery cells must be tightened firmly.
Note
We recommend you buy jump-start cables from a car battery specialist.Jump-starting using the battery from another vehicleFig. 187
Jump-starting: A – flat battery, B
– battery providing current
Fig. 188
Engine earth: START-STOP sys-
tem
Read and observe on page 174 first.
The starting process using the battery of another vehicle requires the use of
jumper cables.
The jump-start cables must be attached in the following sequence.
›
Attach clamp
1
to the positive terminal of the discharged battery
A
» Fig. 187 .
›
Attach clamp
2
to the positive terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach clamp
3
to the negative terminal of the battery supplying power
B
.
›
Attach the clamp
4
to a solid metal component firmly connected to the en-
gine block or to the engine block itself.
The jump-start cable must only be connected to the engine earthing point on
vehicles with the START-STOP system » Fig. 188.
Starting engine
›
Start the engine on the vehicle providing the power and allow it to idle.
›
Start the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery.
174Do-it-yourself