2015 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK brake pads

Manually deactivating/activating the systemFig. 114
Button for the START-STOP sys-
tem
Deactivating/activating
›
Press the symbol » Fig. 114
button.
When system is deactivated, the warning light in the button illuminates.
If the system is deactivated, it will be reactivated automatically after the igni-
tion has been switched off and on.
Note
If the system is deactivated when the engine is turned off automatically, then
the automatic start process takes place.
Information messages
The warning symbols are shown in the instrument cluster display.
Start the engine manually!START MANUALLY
If for example the driver's seat belt is stored, the engine must be started man-
ually.
On vehicles with the starter button the ignition is turned off by the first press
of the start button, only after pressing for the second time is the start process
initiated.
Error: start-stop systemSTART STOP ERROR
A system error is present. Seek help from a specialist garage.
Brakes and parking
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Information on braking
101
Handbrake
102
Parking
103WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
■
When leaving the vehicle never leave persons leave unattended in the
vehicle who could release the brake. The vehicle could then start to move –
risk of accident!
■
Observe the recommendations on the new brake pads » page 106, New
brake pads .
CAUTION
Never let the brakes slip with light pressure on the pedal if braking is not nec-
essary. This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer brak-
ing distance and excessive wear.
Information on braking
Read and observe
and on page 101 first.
Wear-and-tear
The wear of the brake pads is dependent on the operating conditions and driv-
ing style.
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.
Under these severe conditions , the thickness of the brake pads must also be
checked by a specialist garage between service intervals. 
101Starting-off and Driving

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 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 vehicle systems evaluate the situation
as dangerous for the traffic following behind, the brake light flashes automati-
cally.
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 32,
 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. 115
Handbrake
Read and observe and on page 101 first.
The hand brake is used when stopping and parking for securing the vehicle
against unwanted movement.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 115 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
illuminates when the handbrake is applied,
provided 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 information cluster display.
Release the handbrake!RELEASE HANDBRAKE
The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven at a speed of more
than around 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds. 
102Driving

Note■It may be beneficial, for example, when travelling downhill, to use manual
shifting of gears. Shifting to a lower gear reduces the load on the brakes and
hence the wear on the brakes » page 101.■
When accelerating, the gearbox automatically shifts up into the higher gear
just before the maximum permissible engine speed is reached.
■
If a lower gear is selected, the gearbox does not shift down until there is no
risk of the engine over-revving.
Starting-off and driving
Read and observe
and on page 104 first.
Starting off
›
Start the engine.
›
Firmly depress and hold the brake pedal.
›
Press the lock button in the direction of
1
» Fig. 118 on page 105 and hold.
›
Move the selector lever into the desired position » page 104 and then release
the lock button.
›
Release the brake pedal and accelerate.
Stopping (while the car is moving)
›
Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a stop.
›
Keep holding the brake pedal until driving is resumed.
The selector lever position N does not have to be selected when stopping for a
short time, such as at a cross roads.
Kick-down
The kick-down function allows you to achieve the maximum acceleration of
your vehicle while driving.
When the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the kick-down function is acti-
vated in any forward driving mode.
The gearbox shifts down one or more gears depending on the vehicle speed
and engine speed, and the vehicle accelerates.
The gearbox does not shift up into the highest gear until the engine has
reached its maximum revolutions for this gear range.
WARNINGRapid acceleration, particularly on slippery roads, can lead to loss of vehicle
control – risk of accident!Running-in and economical driving
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Running-in
106
Tips for economical driving
106
DriveGreen function
107
The fuel consumption, degree of pollution and vehicle wear depend on driving
style, road condition, weather conditions and the like.
Running-in
Driving in the engine
The engine has to be run in during the first 1,500 kilometres. During this peri-
od, the driving style decides on the quality of the driving-in process.
During the first 1,000 km , we recommend not driving faster than 3/4 of the
maximum permissible engine speed, not to drive at full throttle and not to use
a trailer.
In the range of 1,000 to 1,500 kilometres, the engine load can be increased up
to the maximum permitted engine speed.
New tyres
New tyres must firstly be “run in”, as they do not offer optimal grip at first.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 500 km or so.
New brake pads
New brake pads have to first “grind in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect.
Therefore, drive with special care for the first 200 km or so.
Tips for economical driving
To achieve the lowest possible fuel consumption, the following instructions
must be observed.
Looking ahead when driving
Avoid unnecessary acceleration and braking.
Change gear in an energy saving and timely manner
Observe the recommended gear » page 39. 
106Driving

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