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
illuminating in the
instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification being displayed
» page 33 .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 212 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).
Note
We recommend the use of brake fluids from the ŠKODA Genuine Accessories
range.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
214
Checking the battery electrolyte level
214
Charging
215
Replacing
215
Disconnecting and reconnecting
215
Automatic load deactivation
216
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 batterySymbolMeaningAlways 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.WARNINGThere is risk of injuries, poisoning, chemical burns, explosions or fire when
working on the battery and on the electrical system. The general applicable
safety rules and the following warnings must be observed without excep-
tion.■
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 goggles or a face shield – risk of
blindness!
■
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, if it comes into contact with the
skin, causes deep wounds that take a long time to heal.
■
If any battery acid comes into contact with your eyes, rinse the affected
eye immediately with clean water for several minutes and 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.
■
If you swallow battery acid, consult a doctor immediately!
213Inspecting and replenishing
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 – risk of explosion!
■
Never charge a frozen or thawed vehicle battery – risk of explosion and
chemical 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 – 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.
Opening the cover
Fig. 233
Polyester cover of vehicle bat-
tery
Read and observe and on page 213 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment. For some equipment var- iants, it is located underneath a polyester cover » Fig. 233.
›
Fold out the cover on the battery in the direction of the arrow.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 234
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 213 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-STOP system are fitted with a battery control unit for
checking the energy level for the 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.
214General Maintenance
Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on using wheels
217
Tyre pressure
217
Tyre wear
218
Tyre wear indicator and wheel replacement
219
Tyre damage
219
Unidirectional tyres
219
Spare wheel
219
Tyre label
220
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 be 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 217 first.
New tyres do not offer optimum grip during the first 500 km 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.
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, tyres and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original
Accessories.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 235
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
Read and observe
on page 217 first.
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 235 (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
BCD217Wheels
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 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:
Preparation
224
Removing/stowing the wheel
224
Full wheel trim
225
Wheel bolts
225
Anti-theft wheel bolts
225
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
226
Raising the vehicle
226
Remove the wheel / fix
227
Follow-up tasks
227
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.
Tyres with increased puncture resistance
Some vehicles may be fitted with tyres at the factory that have increased
puncture resistance (so-called “SEAL” tyres).
These vehicles are delivered without a puncture repair kit, spare wheel and
appropriate hand tools.
If the tyres with increased puncture resistance are replaced with tyres that
have no increased puncture resistance then the vehicle should be equipped
with a puncture repair kit, spare wheel and appropriate hand tools.
Preparation
Before changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission engage 1st gear.
›
On vehicles with
automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
The parking brake switch.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Removing/stowing the wheel
Fig. 242
Take out wheel
The wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is fixed
in place with a special screw.
Take out wheel
›
Open the tailgate.
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Loosen the retaining belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the special screws in the direction of arrow » Fig. 242.
›
Remove the wheel.
224Do-it-yourself
The mounting points are located on the metal bar » Fig. 246.›
Insert the crank
6
into the mount on the jack
5
» page 223 .
›
Support the base plate of the jack with its full area resting on level ground
and ensure that the jack is located in a vertical position at the jacking point
» Fig. 247 -
.
›
Position the lifting jack below the jacking point with the crank and move it up
until its claw encloses the web » Fig. 247 -
.
›
Continue turning up the jack until the wheel is just about lifted off the
ground.
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
It is important to ensure that the jack is correctly attached to the web of the
lower fork leg - 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 wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (alter-
nating crosswise). 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 219 .
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) as long as the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could become loose and
fall off.
Follow-up tasks
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 183.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
The prescribed tightening torque of the wheel bolts is 140 Nm.
227Emergency equipment and self-help
General informationRead and observe
on page 228 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).
Preparations for using the breakdown kit
Read and observe
on page 228 first.
The following preparatory work must be carried out before using the puncturerepair kit.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission engage 1st gear.
›
On vehicles with
automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
The parking brake switch.
›
Check that you can carry out the repairs with the breakdown kit » page 228.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
›
Remove the breakdown kit from the boot.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 248 on page 228 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 228 first.
Sealing
›
Forcefully shake the tyre inflation bottle
10
» Fig. 248 on page 228 back and
forth 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 plug the open end fully onto
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. 248 on page 228 firmly
onto the tyre valve.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
›
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 100.
›
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.
229Emergency equipment and self-help
Vehicles with automatic transmission may be towed in 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.
›
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 occur while a vehicle is being towed. Unskilled drivers should not attempt to tow in another
vehicle or to be towed in.
The vehicle must be transported on a special breakdown vehicle or trailer if it
is not possible to tow in the vehicle in the way described or if the towing dis-
tance is greater than 50 km.
If the gearbox has no oil, your vehicle must 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 one should only use plastic fibre rope or a rope made out of a
similarly elastic material.
Attach the tow rope or the tow bar to the towing eyes » page 232 or
» page 233 to the detachable ball head of the towing device » page 184 .
WARNING■
When towing, exercise increased caution.■Do not use spiral rope for towing » Fig. 251- , the towing eye may un-
screw from the vehicle - risk of accident.■
Ensure tow rope is not twisted - risk of accident.
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 230,
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. 252
Removing the cap / fitting the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 232 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 252 .
›
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.
232Do-it-yourself
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. 252 » .
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.
›
Unscrew the towing eye against the direction of the arrow
3
.
WARNINGThe towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, oth-
erwise the towing eye can tear when towing in or tow-starting.
Rear towing eye
Fig. 253
Removing the cap / fitting the towing eye
Read and observe
and on page 232 first.
Removing/installing the cap
›
Press on the fuel filler flap in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 253 .
›
Remove the cap in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
After unscrewing the towing eye, insert the cap in the area of arrow
1
.
›
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. 253 » .
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.›
Unscrew the towing eye against the direction of the arrow
3
.
WARNINGThe towing eye must always be screwed in fully and firmly tightened, oth-
erwise the towing eye can tear when towing in or tow-starting.
Vehicles with a tow hitch
Read and observe
and on page 232 first.
On vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, there is no mount for the
screw-in towing eye behind and below the cap.
Use the detachable ball rod for towing » page 184, Hitch .
Towing the vehicle using the tow bar device is a viable alternative solution to
using the towing eye.
CAUTION
The ball rod and/or the vehicle can be damaged if an unsuitable tow bar is
used.
Remote control and removable light
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Replacing the battery in the remote control key
234
Replace battery in KESSY key
234
Synchronising the remote control
235
replace battery in the remote control the auxiliary heating (auxiliary
heating)
235
Change batteries of the removable lamps
235
Depending on the equipment the battery can be replaced in the remote con-
trol key or KESSY key.
The key has to be synchronised if the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked
with the key after replacing the battery » page 235.
233Emergency equipment and self-help