2015 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK maintenance

The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4 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 anti-freeze 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 anti-freeze is available. The concentration of methylated
spirits must not be more than 15 %. The anti-freeze protection at this concen-
tration is sufficient only to -5 °C.
CAUTION
■ Under no circumstances must radiator anti-freeze or other additives be add-
ed to the windscreen washer fluid.■
If the vehicle is fitted with a headlight cleaning system, only cleaning prod-
ucts which do not attack the polycarbonate coating of the headlights must be
added to the windscreen washer fluid.
■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
filling, as this may cause contamination of the liquid transportation system,
leading in turn to a windscreen washer system malfunction.
Engine oil
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
146
Checking the oil level
147
Replenishing
147
The engine has been factory-filled with a high-grade oil that can be use
throughout the year - except in extreme climate zones.
The engine oils are undergoing continuous further development. Thus the in- formation stated in this Owner's Manual is only correct at the time of publica-
tion.
ŠKODA Service Partners are informed about the latest changes by the manu-
facturer. We therefore recommend that the oil change be completed by a
ŠKODA Service Partner.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
The engine oil should be changed after specified service intervals » page 46.WARNINGThe 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 143.
CAUTION
Do not pour any additives into the engine oil – risk of serious damage to the
engine parts.
Note
■ Before a long drive we recommend that you purchase and carry with you en-
gine oil which complies with the specification for your vehicle.■
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
■
If your skin has come into contact with oil, it must be washed thoroughly.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 146 first.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/66, 81 kW TSIVW 504 001.4 l/92 kW TSIDiesel engines a)Specification1.4 l/66 kW TDI CRVW 507 001.6 l/85 kW TDI CRa)
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines
without a DPF. 
1)
In some countries, 5.4 l. applies for both variants.
146General Maintenance

Coolant
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the coolant level
148
Replenishing
149
The coolant provides cooling for the motor.
It consists of water and coolant additive with additives that protect the cooling
system against corrosion and prevents furring.
The coolant additive in the coolant must be at least 40%.
The coolant additive may be increased to a maximum of 60%.
The correct mixing ratio of water and coolant additive is to be checked if nec-
essary by a specialist garage or is to be restored if necessary.
The description of the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 155 on page 148 .
WARNINGThe 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 143.■
The coolant is harmful to health.
■
Avoid contact with the coolant.
■
Coolant vapours are harmful to health.
■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised!
■
When opening the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir, cover it
with a cloth to protect your face, hands and arms from hot steam or hot
coolant.
■
If any coolant splashes into your eyes, immediately rinse out your eyes
with clear water and contact a doctor as soon as possible.
■
Always keep the coolant in the original container, safe from people who
are not completely independent, especially children - there is a danger of
poisoning!
■
If coolant is swallowed, consult a doctor immediately.
■
Never spill operating fluids over the hot engine - risk of fire.
CAUTION■  Do not continue if for some reason it is not possible to fill with coolant un-
der the current circumstances! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
ventilate - there is a risk of engine damage, 
do not continue driving! Switch
off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
The concentration of coolant additive in the coolant must never be under
40%.
■
Over 60% of coolant additive in the coolant reduces the antifreeze protec-
tion and cooling effect.
■
A coolant additive that does not comply with the correct specification can
significantly reduce the corrosion protection of the cooling system.
■
Any faults resulting from corrosion may cause a loss of coolant and can con-
sequently result in major engine damage.
■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
. » Fig. 155 on page 148
■
If an error occurs, leading to the engine overheating, the help of a professio-
nal garage is to be sought - there is a risk of serious engine damage occurring.
■
Additional headlights and other attached components in front of the air inlet
impair the cooling efficiency of the coolant.
■
Never cover the radiator - there is a risk of the engine overheating.
Checking the coolant level
Fig. 155
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 148 first.
The coolant expansion bottle is located in the engine compartment.
Coolant expansion reservoir » Fig. 155
Mark for the maximum permissible coolant level
Mark for the lowest permissible coolant level 
AB148General Maintenance

Checking the brake fluid levelFig. 156
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 149 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. 156.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
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 lighting up in the
instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification being displayed
» page 32 ,
 Brake system
.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 149 first.
To ensure the optimal functioning of the braking system, only use a brake fluid
meeting the standard VW 501 14 (this standard meets the requirements of
FMVSS 116 DOT4).
NoteWe recommend using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Genuine Accessories range.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
151
Checking the battery electrolyte level
152
Charging
152
Replacing
153
Disconnecting and reconnecting
153
Automatic load deactivation
153
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Depending on the engine, the vehicle battery is either in the engine compart-
ment or the luggage compartment.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaningAlways 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! 150General Maintenance

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

NoteDriving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on using wheels
154
Tyre pressure
155
Tyre wear
156
Tyre wear indicator and wheels exchange
156
Tyre damage
157
Unidirectional tyres
157
Spare wheel
157
Spare wheel
157
Tyre label
158
Only use tyres or wheel rims that have been approved by ŠKODA for your mod-
el of vehicle.
WARNINGFor reasons of driving safety, do not replace tyres individually.
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres is carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use wheel rims, tyres, full wheel trims and snow
chains from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Notes on using wheels
Read and observe
on page 154 first.
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip and appropriate
care should therefore be taken when driving.
Always fit the tyres with the deeper tread depth to the front wheels.
Tyre storage
Identify disassembled tyres so that the previous direction of rotation can be
maintained if the tyres are reassembled. 
154General Maintenance

NoteThe declaration of conformity (COC document), can be obtained from a ŠKODA1)
partner.
Tyre wear
Read and observe
on page 154 first.
Tyre wear depends on the pressure, driving style, and other circumstances.
Attention to the following notes may affect tyre wear.
Driving style
Fast cornering, sharp acceleration and braking increase the wear of your tyres.
Wheel balance
The wheels of a new vehicle are balanced. When driving, however, there are a
range of factors that may result in an imbalance. This may become apparent by
a “vibration” in the steering. If this is the case, have the wheels checked by a
specialist garage.
Have the wheels likewise rebalanced after replacing the tyres.
Setting the vehicle geometry
Incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear leads to excess wear on the
tyres and impairs driving safety. With a distinctive tyre wear, we recommend
that you check the setting of the vehicle geometry in a specialist workshop.
WARNING■ An incorrect wheel alignment at the front or rear impairs handling.■Unusual vibrations or pulling of the vehicle to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. If there is any suspicion that a wheel is damaged, immediately
reduce your speed and stop! If no external tyre damage is evident, drive
slowly and carefully to the nearest specialist garage to have the vehicle
checked.Tyre wear indicator and wheels exchangeFig. 160
Principle sketch: Replace tyre tread with wear indicators /
wheels
Read and observe
on page 154 first.
Wear indicators
The base of the tread of the tyres contains has a 1.6 mm high wear indicator » Fig. 160 -
 . In some countries, different tyre wear rates may apply.
Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI”, triangular sym-
bols or other symbols identify the position of the wear indicators.
Exchanging the wheels
For uniform wear on all tyres, we recommend that you change the wheels ev-
ery 10 000 km according to the scheme » Fig. 160-
 . You will then obtain ap-
proximately the same life for all the tyres.
After a wheel has been replaced, the tyre pressure has to be adjusted.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save tyre pressure values » page 120.
WARNING■
You must have your tyres replaced with new ones at the latest when the
wear indicators have been worn down.■
Worn tyres impair necessary adhesion to the road surface, particularly at
high speeds on wet roads. This could lead to “aquaplaning” (uncontrolled vehicle movement – “swimming” on a wet road surface).
1)
Only valid for some countries and some models.
156General Maintenance

Tyre labelRead and observe
on page 154 first.
Only use radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and treadpattern on one axle on all four wheels.
When mounting new tyres the tyres have to be replaced axle by axle.
Explanation of tyre markings
For example, 225/50R 17 91 T means:
225Tyre width in mm50Height/width ratio in %RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial17Diameter of wheel in inches91Load indexTSpeed symbol
The date of manufacture is stated on the tyre wall (possibly on the inside).
For example DOT ... 10 15... means that the tyre was manufactured in the 10th
week of the year 2015.
Load index
The load index indicates the maximum permissible load for each individual
tyre.
Load index838485868788Load
(In kg)487500515530545560
Speed symbol
The maximum speed symbol indicates the maximum permissible vehicle speed
with fitted tyres in each category.
Speed
symbolSTUHVWMaximum speed
(in km/h)180190200210240270
WARNING■ Never exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity of moun-
ted tyres.■
Never exceed the maximum permissible speed for the mounted tyres.
Winter operation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Winter tyres
158
Snow chains
159
Do not use alloy rims with bevelled or polished surfaces during the winter. The
rim surface does not have sufficient corrosion protection and could be perma-
nently damaged (e.g. through grit).
Winter tyres
The handling of your vehicle will be significantly improved when driving on
wintry roads if you fit winter tyres (labelled M+S).
To get best possible handling, winter tyres must be fitted to all four wheels. The minimum tread depth must be 4 mm.
Fit the summer tyres on again in good time as they provide better handling
properties, a shorter braking distance, less tyre noise, and reduced tyre wear
on roads which are free of snow and ice as well as at temperatures above 7 °C.
Speed symbol
Winter tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol
) of a lower
speed category can be used provided that the permissible maximum speed of
these tyres is not exceeded even if the possible maximum speed of the vehicle
is higher.
On vehicles with the infotainment system with key the speed limit can be
set for winter tyres » Owner´s Manual Infotainment , chapter CAR - Adjust ve-
hicle systems .
For other vehicles with the MAXI DOT display there is the possibility to have
the speed limit set for winter tyres in a specialist workshop.
158General Maintenance

Index
A
abroad lead-free petrol
141
Abroad Headlights
63
ABS Operation
110
Warning light33
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles133
Accessories130
Adjusting Exterior mirror
68
head restraints69
Seat69
Steering wheel9
Adjusting the seats8
Adjustment Beam range
59
Advance warning/emergency braking Warning light
38
Air-conditioning system Air outlet vents
94
Airbag14
Deactivating18
Deactivating the front passenger airbag18
Deployment15
Front airbag15
Head airbag17
Modifications and damage to the airbag system 132
Side airbag
16
Warning light34
Airbag system14
Air conditioning90
Air distribution control93
Climatronic92
Manual air conditioning91
Air distribution control93
Air outlet vents94
Alarm Enable/disable
54
Switch off54
Trailer128
Triggering54
Alcantara cleaning
139
Anodized parts Refer to vehicle maintenance
136
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)110
Anti-theft alarm system Enable/disable
54
Trailer128
Anti-theft wheel bolts163
Armrest Front
71
Rear71
artificial leather139
Ashtray75
Assembling the tow bar, Step 1
123
tow bar, Step 2124
Assist systems109
Auto-check control39
Automatic driving lamp control61
Automatic gearbox104
Selector lever-emergency unlocking172
Selector lever lock105
Starting-off and driving106
Tiptronic105
Using the selector lever104
Automatic gearbox modes104
Automatic load deactivation153
automatic transmission selector lever lock defect
105
Automatic transmission Kick-down
106
Malfunctions36
Selector lever lock105
Warning light36
Warning messages36
AUX80
Avoiding damage to your vehicle108
B
Bags on the backs of the front seats
79
Ball head Check fitting
124
Ready position122, 123
Battery In the remote control key
171
Belts11
Belt tensioners13
Bonnet Closing
144
Opening144
Boot Cargo element
85
Class N1 vehicles86
Hooks83
See Boot lid55
Storage compartments85
Boot cover Parking position
84
Boot lid automatic locking
55
Closing55
Opening55
Brake Assist (HBA)111
Brake booster102
brake fluid specification
150
Brake fluid149
Checking150
Information messages32
190Index