Page 129 of 172

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
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.
Checking the battery condition
Fig. 142
Vehicle battery: Electrolyte level
indicator
Read and observe and on page 126 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the inspection service.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. For this reason carefully
tap on the indicator before carrying out the check » Fig. 142.
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf-
ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, then disconnect the
negative terminal of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very
low charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 126 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles withthe START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heater
, connect the -
terminal of the charger on the battery’s -pole,
the -terminal of the charg-
er to the ground point of the engine » page 140.
›
For vehicles
without the START-STOPsystem or auxiliary heating, connect
the charger terminals to the corresponding battery poles ( to
,
to
).
›
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.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, “Quick load-
ing” must be carried out by a specialist garage.
Disconnect/reconnect and change
Read and observe
and on page 126 first.
The new vehicle battery must have the same capacity, voltage, current and
size as the original battery.
We recommend you have the battery replaced by a specialist garage.
127Inspecting and replenishing
Page 130 of 172

›To
disconnect , switch off the ignition and disconnect the negative terminal
first , then disconnect the positive terminal .›
When reconnecting the battery, reconnect the positive terminal first
, then
connect the negative terminal
.
If the battery is disconnected and reconnected, it is possible that the time dis-
play is reset » page 37.
CAUTION
■
Disconnect the battery only with the ignition and consumers turned off - risk
of damaging the electrical system of the vehicle.■
Before disconnecting the battery, always close the power windows and the
tilt/slide sunroof - otherwise the electrics for these may malfunction.
■
Under no circumstances mix up the charging cables – risk of fire.
Note
After disconnecting and reconnecting the vehicle battery, we recommend hav-
ing the vehicle checked by a specialist to ensure that the full functionality of
the vehicle is guaranteed.Wheels
Wheels and tyres
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
128
Tyre pressure
129
Tyre wear and wheel change
130
Spare wheel
130
Spare wheel
130
Tyre marking
131
Advice on tyre/wheel usage
During the first 500 km, new tyres do not offer optimum grip; appropriate care
should therefore be taken when driving.
Tyres with the deeper profiles should always be fitted to the front wheels.
Rims and wheel bolts are matched to each other in terms of design. We rec-
ommend that you use rims and wheel bolts from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Wheels and tyres should always be stored in a cool, dry and dark place. The
tyres themselves should be stored vertically.
Tyre life
Tyres age and lose their original characteristics, even if they are not being
used. We recommend that you do not use tyres that are more than 6 years old.
The manufacturing date is indicated on the tyre sidewall (possibly on the in-
side ). For example, DOT ... 10 16...means, for example, that the tyre was manu-
factured in the 10. week of 2016.
Tyre damage
We recommend checking your tyres and wheel rims for damage (punctures,
cuts, splits and bulges etc.) on a regular basis.
Remove any foreign objects in the tyre’s profile immediately (e.g. small stones).
Foreign bodies which have penetrated into the tyre (e.g. screws or nails)
should not be removed and help should be sought from a specialist garage.
128General Maintenance
Page 131 of 172

Fitting new tyres
Only fit approved radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread pattern on one axle on all four wheels.
When mounting new tires the tires have to be replaced axle by axle.
Unidirectional tyres
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre .
The specified running direction must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the fol-
lowing tyre characteristics may be degraded. ▶ Driving stability.
▶ Traction.
▶ Tyre noise and tyre wear.WARNING■ Never use tyres if you do not know anything about their condition and
age - risk of accidents.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – risk of accident.
CAUTION
■ The tyres must be protected from contact with substances (e.g. oil, grease
and fuel) which could damage them. If the tyres come into contact with these
substances, then we recommend you have this checked out in a specialist
workshop.■
Do not use rims with ground or polished surfaces in winter conditions - there
is a risk of rim damage (e.g through salt spreading).
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use tyres, snow chains and full wheel trims from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Tyre pressureFig. 143
An example on the position of the sticker / tyre inflation
The specified tyre pressures are shown on label
A
» Fig. 143 .
The sticker can be located at the following locations.
▶ B-pillar on the driver's side.
▶ Inside of the fuel filler flap.
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for cold tyres
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for increased driving comfort at half load (slightly in-
creased fuel consumption and emissions)
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
The approved tyre sizes for your vehicle are listed in the vehicle's technical
documentation and in the declaration of conformity (the so-called COC docu-
ment).
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 must be saved
each time the pressures are changed » page 109.
BCDEFG129Wheels
Page 132 of 172

WARNING■Do not drive with incorrect tyre pressure - risk of accident.■In the event of very rapid pressure loss (e.g. in the event of tyre damage)
an attempt should be made to bring the vehicle carefully to a stop without
sudden steering movements and without any hard braking - risk of acci-
dent.
Note
The declaration of conformity (the so-called COC document), can be obtained
from a ŠKODA 1)
partner.
Tyre wear and wheel change
Fig. 144
Tyre wear indicator / wheel change
Tyre wear increases in the following circumstances.
▶ Incorrect tyre pressures.
▶ Driving style (e.g. fast cornering, rapid acceleration / braking).
▶ Incorrect wheel balancing (you should have the wheels balanced after
changing/repair tyres or if the steering “is drifting”).
▶ Wheel alignment errors.
There are wear indicator markers in the tyre profiles, indicating whether the
minimum permissible tread depth has been reached » Fig. 144 -
. A tyre
should be regarded as worn out when this indicator is flush with the tread.
Markings on the walls of the tyres through the letters “TWI” and/or other sym- bols (e.g. ), identify the position of the wear indicators.
To ensure uniform wear on all tyres, we recommend that you change the
wheels every 10 000 km, in line with the schedule » Fig. 144 -
.
WARNING■
Change the tyres at the latest when they are worn down to the wear indi-
cators - risk of accident.■
Faulty wheel alignment affects handling - risk of accident.
■
Unusual vibrations or the vehicle “pulling ” to one side could be a sign of
tyre damage. Reduce speed and stop! If there are no external signs of tyre
damage, seek the help of a specialist garage.
Spare wheel
The size of the spare wheel is identical to that of the vehicle factory installed
wheels.
After changing the spare wheel, the tyre pressure should be adjusted.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save tyre pressure values
» page 109 .
WARNING■
If, you get a puncture and a spare tyre has to be mounted with opposite
direction of rotation, then drive carefully. The best properties of the tyre
are no longer present in this situation.■
If the dimensions or design of the spare wheel differ from the tyres fitted
to the vehicle (e.g. winter tyres or low-profile tyres), it must only be used
briefly in the event of a puncture and if an appropriately cautious style of
driving is adopted.
Spare wheel
Only use this emergency spare wheel to reach the nearest specialist garage, as
it is not intended for permanent use .
A warning label is always placed on the rim of the temporary spare wheel.
Please note the following if you intend to use the temporary spare wheel. ▶ Do not cover the warning sign.
▶ Be particularly observant when driving.
▶ Inflate the emergency spare to the maximum inflation pressure for the vehi-
cle » page 129 .
1)
Only valid for some countries and some models.
130General Maintenance
Page 133 of 172

In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 109 .WARNING■
Never drive with more than one temporary spare wheel mounted!■Avoid full throttle acceleration, sharp braking and fast cornering when
driving with the temporary spare wheel.■
Do not use snow chains on the temporary spare wheel.
■
Observe the instructions on the warning sign of the temporary spare
wheel.
Tyre marking
Explanation of tyre markings - e.g. 175/65 R 14 82 T
175Tyre width in mm65Height/width ratio in %RCode letter for the type of tyre – Radial14Diameter of wheel in inches82Load indexTSpeed symbol
Load index - indicates the maximum permissible load for each individual tyre
load index80818283Load
(In kg)450462475487
Speed symbol - indicates the maximum permissible speed for a vehicle fitted
with tyres in a given category
speed
symbolSTUHMaximum speed
(in km/h)180190200210WARNINGNever exceed the maximum permissible load bearing capacity and speed
for the tyres fitted – risk of accident.
Operating in winter conditions
All-year (or “winter”) tyres
All-year or “winter”tyres (indicated by an M+S or a mountain peak/snowflake
symbol ) to improve the performance of the vehicle in winter conditions.
To get the best possible driving characteristics, all-year or “winter”tyres, with a
minimum tread depth of 4 mm on all four wheels, should be fitted.
If “winter” tyres are mounted, summer tyres should be fitted 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
All-year or “winter”tyres (marked with M+S and a peak/snowflake symbol
) of
a lower speed category than listed in the vehicle’s technical documentation
can be used provided that the maximum permissible speed for these tyres is
not exceeded even if the maximum possible speed of the vehicle is higher.
If the vehicle has all-season or “winter”tires of a lower speed category, as the
specified maximum speed of the vehicle is (does not apply to factory-supplied
tire), a warning sign with the maximum value provided for the mounted tire
speed rating must be affixed inside the vehicle and at a place in the driver's
field of vision which is constantly visible. This specification determines the
maximum vehicle speed with mounted all-season or “winter”tires, that may
not be exceeded 1)
.
Snow chains
The snow chains improve handling in wintry road conditions.
Only fit snow chains with links and locks not larger than 15 mm. Remove the full wheel trims before installing the snow chains » page 135.
Snow chains must only be fitted on the front wheels and are applicable only to
the following wheel / tyre combinations.
1)
Valid in certain countries.
131Wheels
Page 134 of 172
Rim sizeImpression depth DTyre size5J x 1435 mm165/705J x 1435 mm175/65WARNINGDo not use chains on snow and ice-free routes - the handling would be im-
paired and there is a risk of damage to the tyres.132General Maintenance
Page 135 of 172

Do-it-yourself
Emergency equipment and self-help
Emergency equipment
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Positioning of the warning triangle
133
Location of reflective vest
133
Vehicle tool kit
133
Positioning of the warning triangle
Fig. 145
Positioning of the warning trian-
gle - natural gas vehicles
The following information applies to the warning triangle from the ŠKODA
Original Accessories.
For natural gas vehicles, the warning triangle can be stowed in a box under the
floor covering in the luggage compartment » Fig. 145.
Location of reflective vestFig. 146
Storage compartment for the re-
flective vest
The reflective vest can be stored in a holder under the driver's seat » Fig. 146.
Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 147
Vehicle tool kit
The box with the tool kit is located in the storage compartment for the spare
wheel and may be secured with tape, depending on specification.
Depending on the vehicle configuration, it may not contain all the compo-
nents listed in the on-board tool kit.
Screwdriver
Top section for the anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eye
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Jack with instruction card
12345133Emergency equipment and self-help
Page 136 of 172

Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for the wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kitWARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift other vehicles or loads with it –
there is a risk of injury.■
Always stow the tool safely in the box and make sure that it is attached
with the belt to the spare wheel - otherwise it could cause injury to the oc-
cupants if breaking suddenly or colliding with another vehicle.
CAUTION
Screw the jack back to its starting position prior to putting it back in its box -
risk of damage to the box.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
changing a wheel on the road.
›
As far as possible park the vehicle as far as possible away from the traffic
flow - choose a place with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission select 1st gear .
›
For vehicles with
automated transmission shift the lever to position D or R.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle at the
prescribed distance.
›
Have all the occupants get out . The passengers should not stand on the
road while the wheel is being changed (they should remain behind a crash
barrier, for instance).
Changing a wheel
›
Take out the emergency or spare wheel » page 135.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 135 or caps » page 135 .
678›Loosen the wheel bolts
» page 136 » .›Jack up the vehicle until the wheel that needs changing, is clear of the
ground » page 136 .›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (“pull- ing crossways”) » page 136.
›
Replace the wheel trim » page 135 and caps » page 135 .
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 129 .
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily. If screws are corroded and diffi-
cult to move, these must be replaced.
WARNING■ Undo the wheel bolts just a little (about one turn), provided the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come loose and fall
off – risk of injury.■
Under no circumstances must the bolts be greased or oiled - cause an ac-
cident.
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the well under the floor covering of the luggage
compartment and secure it with a nut.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check tyre pressure on the mounted wheel and adjust if necessary and, with
vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 109 .
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possible.
The prescribed tightening torque is 110 Nm.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
134Do-it-yourself