2015 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK light

Checking the battery electrolyte levelFig. 158
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 151 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 the START STOPsystem are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for recurring engine starts.
We recommend that you have the acid level checked regularly by a specialist
garage, especially in the following cases. ▶ High external temperatures.
▶ Longer day trips.
▶ After each charge.
Winter time
The vehicle battery only has a proportion of the starting power in lower tem-
peratures. A discharged vehicle battery may already 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 acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 151 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 on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable 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 instructions of the charger manufacturer .
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. 
152General 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, 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 168, Jump-starting using the battery from
another vehicle .
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 151 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery. Suitable vehicle battery types can be purchased
from a specialist garage.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
Disconnecting and reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 151 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 / deviceCommissioningTime 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 151 first.
The vehicle's electrical system automatically prevents the battery from dis-
charging when the battery is being heavily used. This manifests itself by the
following. ▶ The idling speed is raised to allow the generator to deliver more electricity to
the electrical system.
▶ Where necessary, large convenience consumers such as seat heaters and
rear window heaters have their power limited or are shut off completely in
the event of an emergency.
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 that are supplied via a 12-V power socket can cause the vehicle
battery to discharge when the ignition is switched off. 
153Inspecting and replenishing

Always store wheels or tyres in a cool, dry place that is as dark as possible.
Tyres which are not fixed to a wheel trim should be stored upright.
Tyre age
Tyres age and lose their original characteristics, even if they are not being
used. The service life of the tyres is 6 years. Therefore, we recommend not us-
ing tyres that are older than 6 years.
Wheel bolts
Wheels and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use wheel rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Acces-
sories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 159
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
Read and observe
on page 154 first.
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 159 (for
some countries, the pictograms are replaced with a text).
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for environmentally-friendly operation
As a result of pressure level adaption to this value, the fuel consumption
and pollutant emissions may fall slightly.
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre diameter in inches
These details are intended only as information for the specified tyre pres-
sure and does not list approved tyre sizes for your vehicle.
The approved tyre sizes for your vehicle are listed in the vehicle's technical
documentation (the so called COC document) and this also states the dec-
laration of conformity.
The approved tyre diameter for your vehicle is also provided with the vehi-
cle data » page 183 .
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure, including that of the emergency or spare wheel, at
least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring tyre pressure values are to be stored
every time the tyre pressure changes » page 119.WARNING■
Having the correct tyre inflation pressure is always the driver's responsi-
bility.■
Too low or too high inflation pressure impairs handling.
■
If the inflation pressure is too low, the tyre will have to overcome a higher
rolling resistance. This will cause a significant increase in the temperature
of the tyre, especially at higher speeds. This can result in tread separation
and a tyre blow out.
■
In the event of very fast tyre inflation pressure loss, such as a sudden tyre
failure, an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop
without sudden steering movements and without any hard braking.
For the sake of the environment
Tyres that are insufficiently inflated increase your fuel consumption. BCDEFG155Wheels

The fire extinguisher is attached by two straps in a holder underneath the driv-
er's seat.
Removing/attaching›
Loosen the two straps by pulling the buckles in the direction of the arrow
» Fig. 163 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
›
For mounting, fit 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 kit
Fig. 164
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 the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Screwdriver
Spanner for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eyelet
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Jack with sign
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kitWARNINGThe 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 into the starting position before storing in the box with
the tool kit.■
Ensure that the vehicle tool kit is safely secured in the boot.
■
Ensure that the box is always secured with the strap.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Preliminary work
162
Removing/stowing the wheel
162
Full wheel trim
162
Wheel bolts
163
Anti-theft wheel bolts
163
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
163
Raising the vehicle
164

123456789161Emergency equipment and self-help

Remove the wheel / fix165Follow-up work165
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 warning lights system.
Place the warning triangle at the prescribed distance.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flowing 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.
Preliminary work
Before changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission select gear 1.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple trailer, if attached.
Removing/stowing the wheel
Fig. 165
Take out the wheel
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a special bolt » Fig. 165.
Take out the wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
› Loosen the retaining belt and take out the box with the tool kit.›Unscrew the nut in direction of arrow
» Fig. 165.›
Take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the wheel well with the wheel rim pointing downward.
On vehicles with the vehicle battery in the boot, lay down the wheel with the
outer face upward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
›
Screw on the nut in the opposite direction to the arrow » Fig. 165 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.
›
Close the boot lid.
Full wheel trim
Before removing the wheel bolts, remove the wheel cover.
Removing
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 161 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.
Installing
›
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 locks
correctly in place.
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, an adequate flow of air must be assured in order to
cool the brake system. 
162Do-it-yourself

WARNING (Continued)■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
It is important to ensure that the jack is correctly attached to the web of the
lower fork leg, otherwise there is a risk of damage to the vehicle occurring.
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.
›
Alternately tighten wheel bolts opposite (diagonally) 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 157 .
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 grease or oil the wheel bolts!
WARNINGUndo the wheel bolts only a little (about one turn) provided that the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could become loose and
fall off.Follow-up work
After changing the wheel, the following work must 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 band.
›
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 120.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
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.
Puncture set
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Components of the puncture repair kits
166
General information
166
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
167
Sealing and inflating the tyre
167
Notes for driving with tyre repaired
167
Use the breakdown kit to reliably repair tyre damage caused by foreign bodies
or a puncture with diameters up to approx. 4 mm.
A repair made using the breakdown kit is never intended to replace a perma-
nent repair on the tyre. Its purpose is to get you to the nearest specialist ga-
rage. 
165Emergency equipment and self-help

The wheel must not be removed during repair.
Do not remove foreign bodies , which have penetrated the wheel profile from
the tyre (e.g. screws or nails).
Immediately replace the tyre that was repaired using the breakdown kit, or
consult a specialist garage about repair options.WARNING■ The sealant is hazardous to heath. Remove immediately if it comes into
contact with the skin.■
Observe the manufacturer's usage instructions for the breakdown kit.
Note
A new bottle of sealant can be purchased from ŠKODA Original Parts.
Components of the puncture repair kits
Fig. 171
Principle sketch: Components of the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
Kit components » Fig. 171
Sticker with speed designation “max. 80 km/h”/“max. 50 mph”
Valve remover
Inflation hose with plug
Air compressor
Button for releasing the tyre pressure
1234512 volt cable connector
Tyre inflation hose
Tyre inflation pressure indicator
ON and OFF switch
Tyre inflator bottle with sealant
Replacement valve core
The valve remover 2
has a slot at its lower end which fits into the valve core.
The kit is located in a box under the floor covering in the luggage compart-
ment. This contains a sealing means and an air compressor.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the air compressor or the log
folder.
General information
Read and observe
on page 166 first.
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, the following instruc-
tions must be observed before carrying out a wheel repair on the road.
Switch on the hazard warning lights system.
Place the warning triangle at the prescribed distance.
Park the vehicle as far away as possible from the flowing 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.
The breakdown kit must not be used under the following circumstances. ▶ The rim is damaged.
▶ The outside temperature is below -20 ° C.
▶ The cut or puncture is larger than 4 mm.
▶ The tyre wall is damaged.
▶ After the expiration date (see inflation bottle).
67891011166Do-it-yourself

›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.
›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
Please note that the brake servo unit and power steering only operate if the
engine is running. If the engine is not running, significantly more physical force
is required to depress the brake pedal and steer the vehicle.
If using a tow rope, ensure that it is always kept taught.
General information for the towing process
Both drivers should be familiar with the problems which might possibly occur while a vehicle is being towed. Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow an-
other vehicle or to be towed in one.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
If the gearbox no longer contains any oil, your vehicle must only be towed with
the front axle raised clear of the ground or on a breakdown vehicle or trailer.
To protect both vehicles when tow-starting or towing, the tow rope should be
elastic. Thus only plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a similarly elastic ma-
terial should be used.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 170 or
» page 171 to the detachable ball head of the towing equipment » page 121 .
WARNING■
When towing, exercise increased caution.■For towing no spiral tow rope is to be used » Fig. 174-  , the towing eye
may unscrew out of the vehicle - there is a risk of accidents.■
The tow rope should not be twisted - there is a risk of accidents.
CAUTION■ Do not start engine by towing - there is a risk of damaging the engine parts.
The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 168,
Jump-starting .■
There is always a risk of excessive stresses and damage resulting at the
points to which you attach the tow rope or tow bar when you attempt to tow a
vehicle which is not standing on a paved road.
Note
We recommend using a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories, which is
available from a ŠKODA Partner.
Front towing eye
Fig. 175
Removing the cap/installing the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 170 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the cap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 175 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
After unscrewing the cap of the towing eye, insert the cap in the region of
the arrow
1
and then press the opposite side of the cap.
The cap must engage firmly.
Removing/installing the towing eye
›
Manually screw the towing eye as far as it will go in the direction of the ar-
row
3
» Fig. 175 » .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel
wrench, towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed through the eye. 
170Do-it-yourself