Checking the level›Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion tank » Fig. 170.
If the engine is warm, the test result may be inaccurate. The level can also be
above the mark A
» Fig. 170 .
In the event of an insufficient coolant level, a warning light
is displayed in
the instrument cluster as well as the relevant notification » page 33. We still
recommend inspecting the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to
time.
Loss of coolant
A loss of coolant is first and foremost an indication of a leak in the cooling sys-
tem. Do not merely top up the coolant. Have the cooling system checked by a
specialist garage.
Replenishing
Read and observe
and on page 170 first.
The coolant expansion tank must always contain a small amount of coolant
» page 170, in section Introduction .
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Replenish the coolant.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
Do not use an alternative additive if the specified coolant is not available. In
this case, use just water and have the correct mixing ratio of water and cool-
ant additive restored by a specialist garage as soon as possible.
Only top up with new coolant.
Brake fluid
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the brake fluid level
171
Specification
172
The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment » Fig. 171 on
page 171 .
WARNING■
The 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 165.■
Do not use used brake fluid - the function of the brake system may be im-
paired – risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ Do not continue your journey if the fluid level has dropped below the “MIN”
marking » Fig. 171 on page 171 , do not continue driving - 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 compulsory inspection service.■We recommend using oils from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Checking the brake fluid level
Fig. 171
Brake fluid reservoir
Read and observe and on page 171 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. 171.
The level must be between the “MIN” and “MAX” markings.
171Inspecting and replenishing
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
being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding message
» page 33 ,
Brake system .
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 171 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 using brake fluids from the ŠKODA Original Accessories range.
Vehicle battery
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening the cover
173
Checking the battery electrolyte level
173
Charging
174
Replacing
175
Disconnecting and reconnecting
175
Automatic load deactivation
175
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!
172General Maintenance
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 coverFig. 172
Polyester vehicle battery cover / plastic vehicle battery cover
Read and observe
and on page 172 first.
The battery is located in the engine compartment - in some models, under-
neath a polyester cover » Fig. 172.
›
Open the battery cover in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 172-
or press the
catch on the side of the battery cover in the direction of the arrow » Fig. 172-
.
›
fold the cover up and remove.
The battery cover is installed in reverse order.
Checking the battery electrolyte level
Fig. 173
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 172 first.
On vehicles with a vehicle battery fitted with a colour indicator, the electrolyte
level can be determined by looking at the change in the colour of this display.
173Inspecting and replenishing
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
knock on the indicator before carrying out the check.
Checking
Black colour - electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour - electrolyte level too low, the battery must be
replaced.
For technical reasons, the electrolyte level cannot be checked on vehicles with
the designation “AGM” .
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.
Note
The battery acid level is also checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of
the inspection service.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 172 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.
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.
174General Maintenance
CAUTIONOn vehicles with the START / STOP system or additional heating (auxiliary
heating), do not connect the pole terminal of the charger directly to the nega-
tive terminal of the vehicle battery but only to the engine earth » page 189.
Replacing
Read and observe
and on page 172 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and the
same 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 and reconnecting
Read and observe
and on page 172 first.
Disconnecting
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Disconnect the negative terminal first and then the positive
terminal of
the battery.
Connecting
›
Connect the positive terminal 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 measureElectrical power windows» page 61Panorama sliding/tilting roof» page 62Sun screen» page 63RadioEnter code » Owner's Manual
RadioTime settings» page 30CAUTION■ 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 172 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.
Note
Driving comfort is not impaired by consumers being deactivated. The driver is
often not aware of it having taken place.175Inspecting and replenishing
Wheels
Tyres and wheel rims
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Notes on using wheels
176
Tyre pressure
176
Tyre wear
177
Tyre wear indicator and wheel replacement
178
Tyre damage
178
Unidirectional tyres
178
Spare wheel
178
Spare wheel
179
Tyre label
179
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 176 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, wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Accesso-
ries.WARNINGNever use tyres if you do not know anything about the condition and age.
Tyre pressure
Fig. 174
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
Read and observe
on page 176 first.
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 174 (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
BCD176General Maintenance
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. 178 .
›
Remove the fire extinguisher.
›
Secure the fire extinguisher by placing it back into the holder and fastening
with straps.
Please read the instructions which are attached to the fire extinguisher.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the fire extinguisher. If the fire extin-
guisher is used after the expiration date, its proper function is not assured.
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. 179
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 vehicle configuration, it may not contain all the compo-
nents listed in the on-board tool kit.
Screwdriver
Key for removing and installing the tail light
Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
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:
Preparation
183
Removing/stowing the wheel
183
Full wheel trim
183
Wheel bolts
184
Anti-theft wheel bolts
184
Loosening/tightening wheel bolts
185
Raising the vehicle
185
123456789182Do-it-yourself
Remove the wheel / fix186Follow-up tasks186
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 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 (“SEAL” tyres).
These vehicles are delivered without a puncture repair kit, spare wheel and appropriate hand tools.
If 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 select 1st gear.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission place the selector lever in the P po-
sition.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Removing/stowing the wheelFig. 180
Take out wheel
The spare wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the boot and is
fixed in place with a fastening screw.
Take out wheel
›
Open the boot lid.
›
Raise the floor covering in the boot » page 102.
›
Loosen the belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the fastening screw in direction of arrow » Fig. 180.
›
Remove the wheel.
Store wheel away
›
Place the wheel into the spare wheel well with the wheel rim pointing up-
wards.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
›
Screw on the fastening screw 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, remove the wheel cover.
Extracting
›
Hook the clamp found in the vehicle tool kit » page 182 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.
183Emergency equipment and self-help