2016 SKODA CITIGO maintenance

WARNING■Vehicle care products may be harmful to your health if not used according
to the instructions.■
Always keep the vehicle care products safe from people who are not com-
pletely independent, e.g. children - danger of poisoning!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, rough kitchen sponges or similar cleaning
products – risk of damaging the paintwork surface.■
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents or chemical solvents - danger of dam-
aging the surface to be cleaned.
Note
We recommend that the vehicle is cleaned and maintained at a ŠKODA service
partner.
Car washing
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influencesis frequent washing.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, road salt and other aggressive de-
posits remain on the paintwork of your vehicle, the more detrimental their de-
structive effect can be. High temperatures, such as those caused by intensive
sun's rays, accentuate this caustic effect.
It is also essential to thoroughly clean the underside of the vehicle at the end
of the winter.
Washing by hand
Wash the vehicle from top to bottom, with a soft sponge or a wash mitt and
plenty of water, and, if necessary, with the appropriate detergents. Wash out
the sponge or washing glove thoroughly at short intervals.
For wheels, door sills and lower areas of the vehicle use a different sponge.
Give the vehicle a good rinse after washing it and dry it off using a chamois
leather.
Automatic Car Washes
The usual precautionary measures must be taken before washing the vehicle
(e.g. closing the windows and the tilt/slide roof etc.).
If your vehicle is fitted with any particular attached parts (e.g. spoiler, roof rack
system, two-way radio aerial etc.) it is best to consult the operator of the car
wash system beforehand.
After an automatic wash with wax treatment, the wiper blades should be
cleaned with cleaning agents specially designed for the purpose, and then de-
greased.
Pressure Washers
When washing the vehicle with a high-pressure cleaner, the instructions for
use of the equipment must be observed. This particularly applies to instruc-
tions regarding the pressure and spraying distance from the vehicle surface.
Maintain a sufficiently large spraying distance to the parking aid sensors and
soft materials such as rubber hoses or insulation material »
.
WARNING■
When washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the braking
system can affect the braking efficiency – risk of accident!■
Take care when cleaning the underbody or the inside of the wheel wells -
there is a risk of injury from sharp metal parts!
CAUTION
■ Do not wash the vehicle in direct sunlight, do not exert pressure on the body
while washing. The temperature of the washing water should be no more than
60 °C max. - otherwise there is a risk of damaging the vehicle paint.■
Before driving through a car wash fold in the exterior mirrors - risk of dam-
age.
■
For vehicles with roof antenna the antenna rod should be unscrewed before
driving through a car wash - there is a risk of damage.
CAUTION
Washing the vehicle with high-pressure cleaners■Films should not be washed with any high-pressure cleaners - risk of dam-
age.■
Do not aim the water jet directly at the lock cylinders or the door or opening
joints when washing the vehicle in the winter – there is a risk of freezing.
■
The sensors of the parking aid can be sprayed only for a short time and there
must be a minimum distance of 10 cm - there is a risk of damage.
114General Maintenance

Exterior car careRead and observe
and on page 114 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Paint
Spilled fuelClear water, cloth, (clean as soon as
possible)No water drop-
lets form on the
paintUse hard wax preserve (at least twice a
year), apply wax to clean and dry bodyPaint has gone
mattUse polish, then wax (if the polish does
not contain any preservative ingredi-
ents)Plastic partsSoilingClear water, cloth / sponge, possibly
cleaners provided for this purposeChrome
and anodised
partsSoilingclear water, cloth, possibly cleaners
provided for this purpose, clean then
polish with a soft dry clothFilmsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Windowpanes
and door mirrorsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeHead / tail lightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)Door lock cylin-
dersSnow/iceDe-icing fluid specifically for that pur-
poseWiper / wiper
bladesSoilingWindscreen cleaner, sponge or clothWheelsSoilingClear water, then apply appropriate
substancea)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
The jack is maintenance-free. If necessary, the moving parts of the jack should
be lubricated with a suitable lubricant.
Protection of cavities
All the cavities of your vehicle which are at risk from corrosion are protected by
a layer of long-lasting protective wax applied in the factory.
If any small amount of wax flow out of the cavities at high temperatures, these
must be removed with a plastic scraper and the stains cleaned using a petrole-
um cleaner.
Underbody
The underside of your vehicle is already permanently protected by the factory
against chemical and mechanical influences.
We recommend having the protective coating — preferably before the begin-
ning of winter and at the end of winter.
Product life of the films
Environmental influences (eg. sunlight, humidity, air pollution, chipping) will af-
fect the life of the films. Films will age and become brittle - this is entirely nor-
mal; this is not a fault.
The sunlight may also affect the strength of the film colour.
When transporting a load on the roof rack (e.g. roof box or similar) there is an
increased risk of film damage (e.g. of chipping from the secured load).
CAUTION
■ Vehicle paint
■ Repair damaged areas as soon as possible.
■ Matt-painted parts should not be treated with polishes or hard waxes.
■ Do not polish in a dusty environment - risk of paint scratches.
■ Do not apply any paint care products to door seals or window guides.■
Plastic parts
■ Do not use paint polish.
■
Chromed and anodised parts
■ Do not polish in a dusty environment - risk of surface scratches.
■
Films
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of film
damage. ■ Do not use dirty cloths or sponges for cleaning.
■ Do not use a scraper or other means to remove ice and snow.
■ Do not polish the films
■ Do not use a high pressure cleaner on the films.
■
Rubber seals
■ Do not treat the door seals and window guides deal with anything - the
protective varnish coating could be damaged. 
115Care and maintenance

■Windows and door mirrors
■ Do not clean the insides of the windows/mirrors with sharp objects - risk of
damage to the filaments or the antenna. ■ Do not use a cloth which has been used to polish the body - this could dirty
the window and impair visibility.■
Head / tail lights
■ Do not wipe head/tail lamps dry, do not use any sharp objects - risk of dam-
age to the protective coating and cracks forming on the headlamp glass cov-
ers.
■
Door lock cylinders ■ Make sure that as little water as possible gets into the locking cylinder
when washing the vehicle - there is a risk of freezing the lock cylinder!
■
Wheels
■ Heavy soiling of the wheels can affect the balance of the wheels - the re-
sult can be a vibration, which can cause premature wear of the steering.
Caring for the interior
Read and observe
and on page 114 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Natural leather /
Artificial leather /
Alcantara ®
/
Material
Dust, surface
soilingVacuum cleanerSoiling (fresh)Water, slightly damp cotton / wool
cloth, if necessary, mild soap solution a)
,
then wipe off with a soft clothStubborn stainsCleaning fluid specifically for this taskCare (natural
leather)Treat the leather periodically with a
leather protecting fluid / use a care
cream with light blocker and impregna-
tion after each cleaningCare (Alcan-
tara ®
/ material)Remove stubborn hair using a “cleaning
glove”.
Remove pills from materials with a
brushPlastic partsSoilingWater, slightly damp cloth or sponge, if
necessary cleaners specifically for this
purposeVehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedyWindowsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeCovers on electri-
cally heated seatsSoilingCleaners specifically for this purposeSeat belts » Soilingsoft cloth and mild soap solution a)a)
Mild soap solution = 2 tablespoons of natural soap to 1 litre of lukewarm water.
WARNING■
Never clean the seat belts chemically as chemical cleaning products could
destroy the fabric.■
Air fresheners and scents can be hazardous to heath when the tempera-
ture inside the vehicle is high.
CAUTION
■ Natural leather / leather / Alcantara ®
/ material
■ Avoid standing for lengthy periods in bright sunlight, and protect the mate-
rials by covering to prevent them from fading.
■ Remove fresh stains (e.g. from pens, lipstick, shoe polish and similar) as
soon as possible.
■ Ensure that no part of the leather is soaked through during cleaning and
that no water gets into the seams - risk of damaging the leather!
■ Do not clean the roof panelling with a brush – risk of damage to the surface
of the panelling.
■ Do not use leather cleaners, floor wax, shoe cream, stain remover or similar
agents on Alcantara ®
seat upholstery.
■ Some clothing fabrics (e.g. dark denim) do not have sufficient colour fast-
ness - this could lead to clearly visible discolouration on the upholstery. This
is not a defect in the fabric.
■ Sharp objects on garments (e.g. zips, rivets, sharp- edged belts) can dam-
age the upholstery fabrics in the vehicle. Such damage will not be recognised
as a justified complaint.■
Plastic parts
■ Do not attach scents or air fresheners to the dash panel – risk of damage to
the dash panel.
■
Windows
■ Do not attach any stickers to the filaments or glass antenna - there is risk
of damage. 
116General Maintenance

CAUTION■Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty! Irregular supply of fuel
can cause misfiring, which can result in damage to parts of the engine and the
exhaust system.■
Immediately remove any fuel that has spilled onto the vehicle's paintwork –
risk of paint damage.
■
If you would like to operate your vehicle in a country other than the one for
which it was intended, please talk to a ŠKODA Partner. They will tell you
whether the fuel specified by the manufacturer is offered in that country
and/or whether the manufacturer will sanction operating the vehicle with
another fuel.
Petrol Refuelling
Fig. 133
Opening the fuel filler flap / unscrewing the tank cap / placing
the tank cap on the fuel filler flap
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open out the fuel filler flap in the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 133 .
›
Hold the fuel tank cap firmly and unlock with the key counter-clockwise.
›
Unscrew the tank cap in the direction of arrow
2
.
›
Remove the tank cap and place on top of the filler flap in direction of arrow
3
.
›
Insert the pump nozzle into the fuel filler tube as far as it will go.
The fuel tank is full as soon as the pump nozzle switches off for the first time.
Not continue refuelling.
› Remove the pump nozzle from the fuel filler tube and put it back in the
pump.›
Screw in the tank cap in the opposite direction to the arrow
2
until it audi-
bly locks into place.
›
Hold the fuel cap hold firmly, lock with the key clockwise and remove the
key.
›
Close the fuel filler flap until it clicks into place.
Unleaded petrol
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
The correct fuel for your vehicle is specified on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 132 on page 117 .
The vehicle can only operate with unleaded petrol that meets standard EN
228 1)
, and contains maximum 10% bioethanol (E10).
Specified petrol is 95 RON / ROZ
The petrol min. 95 Use ROZ.
In an emergency , 91 . 92 or 93 ROZ petrol can be used (slight loss of power,
slightly increased fuel consumption) »
.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust system.■
When petrol with a lower than the prescribed octane is used, only continue
driving at mid-range engine speeds and with minimal strain on the engine. Re-
fuel using petrol of the prescribed octane number as soon as possible.
■
Lower than 91 octane petrol should not be used, even in an emergency!
■
If a fuel other than unleaded fuel which complies to the above mentioned
standards (e.g. leaded petrol) is put in the tank by mistake, do not start the en-
gine or switch on the ignition. 
1)
In Germany, DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded gasoline with octane number 95 and 91.
118General Maintenance

CNGFig. 135
Position of the CNG label(s).
Read and observe
and on page 117 first.
A G-TEC-vehicle may be operated with CNG and petrol.
Positioning of the CNG sticker in natural gas vehicles » Fig. 135.
Automatic switching from natural gas to petrol operation - Automatic switch-
ing from natural gas to petrol operation takes place in the following situations
(examples). ▶ With an empty gas tank or not enough pressure in the tank.
▶ After refuelling with natural gas.
▶ At very low surrounding temperatures.
To ensure the correct functioning of the fuel system, every 6 months the fuel tank for petrol should be run down until the warning light  comes on.
Gas leak
If a gas leak is suspected (noticeable odour), proceed as follows. ▶ Stop the vehicle.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Extinguish cigarettes, switch off spark-producing or incendiary items and re-
move them from the vehicle.
▶ Open doors and the boot lid to ventilate the vehicle sufficiently.
▶ Do not continue if the odour persists.
▶ If it is not possible to drive a vehicle with a gas leak out of an enclosed area
(e.g. tunnel, underpass, garage, ferry etc.), call the emergency services imme-
diately.
Seek help from a specialist garage to correct the gas system fault.
In a traffic accident
If a gas leak is suspected in a traffic accident, proceed as follows.
▶ Switch off the ignition.
▶ Extinguish cigarettes, switch off spark-producing or incendiary items and re-
move them from the vehicle.
▶ Have all the occupants get out.
▶ Keep all persons away from the vehicle. We recommend standing at least 10
metres from the vehicle.
▶ Inform the emergency services that it is a natural gas vehicle.
Regular gas system checks
Regular gas system checks on natural gas-powered vehicles must be carried
out in a specialist workshops. The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring
tests are carried out in accordance with regulations.
Every 2 years ▶ check the filler cap.
▶ Check the condition of the filler necks and sealing ring in the filler necks, and
clean the sealing ring if necessary.
▶ Check the gas system for leaks.
Every 4 years ▶ inspect the gas tank.
Every 20 years
▶ replace the gas tank.WARNING■ Do not underestimate the smell of gas in the car or when refuelling - it
may result in fire, explosion and injury.■
The natural gas tanks in the vehicle must not be exposed to unwanted
heat sources.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
122
Engine compartment overview
122
Windscreen washer fluid
123

120General Maintenance

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 136
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 121 first.
Open flap
›
Ensure that the windscreen wipers are not raised away from the windscreen
- risk of damage to the bonnet.
›
Open the front door and pull the release lever below the dash panel in the
direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 136 .
›
Press the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
and the bonnet will be
unlocked.
›
Raise the bonnet in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Remove the lid prop in the direction of arrow
4
from its fixture
A
.
›
Secure the open bonnet lid by inserting the end of the support into the
opening in the direction of arrow
5
.
Close the flap
›
Lift the bonnet.
›
Decouple the bonnet support and press into the holder designed to hold it.
›
Drop down the bonnet lid from a height of about 20 cm applying light pres-
sure until it clicks safely into place.
WARNING■ Never drive with the bonnet lid not properly closed - risk of accident!■Make sure that when closing the bonnet, no body parts are crushed -
there is danger of injury!
Engine compartment overview
Fig. 137
Arrangement (example) in the engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 121 first.
Engine oil dipstick
124
Brake fluid reservoir
125
Vehicle battery
126
Engine oil filler opening
124
Coolant expansion reservoir
125
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
123ABCDEF122General Maintenance

Check and refillFig. 139
Dipstick
Read and observe and on page 123 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions.The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 139 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
D
» Fig. 137 on page 122 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres
» page 123.
›
Check the oil level.
›
Screw the lid of the engine oil filler closed carefully.
CAUTION
■
The oil level must never be below range A » Fig. 139 – risk of damage to the
engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
do not
continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
NoteIf the engine oil level is too low, a warning light lights up in the instrument
cluster  » page 33 . Nevertheless, we recommend checking the oil level on a
regular basis using the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
125
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa-
ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 120.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.124General Maintenance

Specification - The brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 120.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 141mark, this may be an indication of a leak in the brake
system. 
Stop driving - There is a risk of an accident! Seek help from a
specialist garage.
Note
■ The brake fluid is changed as part of a compulsory inspection service.■A low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light  in the instrument
cluster » page 32 , 
Braking system . We still recommend inspecting the brake
fluid level in the reservoir from time to time.
Vehicle battery
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking the battery condition
127
Charging
127
Disconnect/reconnect and change
127
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for
the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Automatic shutdown of consumers - vehicle battery discharge protection
The on-board power supply system tries to prevent the vehicle battery from
discharging in the following ways when it is subject to heavy loading. ▶ By increasing the engine idle speed.
▶ Through the power limitation of certain consumers.
▶ By switching off some consumers (heated seats, heated rear window) for as
long as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle batterySymbolImportance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.WARNINGBattery acid is highly corrosive - it can cause injury, chemical burns or poi-
soning! Corrosive vapours in the air irritate and damage the respiratory
tract and the eyes. The following guidelines must be observed.■
Always wear protective gloves, eye and skin protection when handling
the vehicle battery.
■
If your eyes or skin come into contact with the electrolytic fluid, immedi-
ately wash the affected area for a few minutes with a lot of water. Get
medical assistance without delay.
■
Keep the vehicle battery away from people who are not completely inde-
pendent (e.g. children).
■
Do not tilt the battery otherwise battery electrolyte may flow out of the
battery vent openings.
WARNINGWorking on the car battery may cause explosion, fire, injury or chemical
burn! The following guidelines must be observed.■
Do not smoke, use open flames or light or transmitting devices.
■
A discharged vehicle battery may freeze slightly. Never charge up a fro-
zen or thawed vehicle battery. Replace a frozen vehicle battery.
■
Never use a damaged vehicle battery.
■
Do not connect the battery terminals, bridging the two poles will cause a
short circuit. 
126General Maintenance