Safety
Passive Safety
General information
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Before setting off
12
Driving safety
12
In this section of the instructions you will find important information on the
subject of passive safety. We have combined everything here which you
should be familiar with, for example, regarding seat belts, airbags, safety of children and anything similar.
Other important safety information can also be found in the subsequent sec-
tions of this Owner's Manual. The Owner's Manual should therefore always be
kept in the vehicle.
Before setting off
For your own safety and the safety of the people travelling with you, please
pay attention to the following points before setting off.
▶ Check the lights and turn signal lights are functioning correctly.
▶ Check the wiper function and the wiper blades for wear. Check the wind-
screen washer fluid level.
▶ Ensure that all of the windows offer good visibility to the outside.
▶ Adjust the rear-view mirror so that vision to the rear is guaranteed. Ensure
that the mirrors are not covered.
▶ Check the tyre inflation pressure.
▶ Check the engine oil, brake fluid and coolant level.
▶ Secure all items of luggage.
▶ Do not exceed the permissible axle loads and permissible gross weight of the
vehicle.
▶ Close all doors as well as the bonnet and boot lid.
▶ Ensure that no objects can obstruct the pedals.
▶
Protect children using a suitable child seat » page 21, Transporting children
safely .
▶ Adopt the correct seated position. Tell your passengers to assume the cor-
rect seated position » page 12, Correct and safe seated position .
Driving safety
For safety in traffic, the following precautions must be observed. ▶ Do not become distracted from concentrating on the traffic situation, (e.g. by
your passengers or mobile phone calls).
▶ Never drive when your driving ability is impaired, (e.g. due to medication, al-
cohol, drugs or similar).
▶ Keep to the traffic regulations and the permissible speed limit.
▶ Always adjust the driving speed to the road, traffic and weather conditions.
▶ Take regular breaks on long journeys (at least every two hours).
Correct and safe seated position
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
The correct seating position for the driver
13
Adjusting the steering wheel position
13
Correct seating position for the front passenger
14
Correct seating position for the passengers in the rear seats
14
Always assume the correct seated position before setting off and do not
change this position while driving. Also advise your passengers to adopt the
correct seated position and not to change this position while the car is moving.
The following list contains instructions for the Passenger which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death. ▶ Do not lean against the dash panel.
▶ Do not put your feet on the dash panel.
The following list contains instructions for all Passengers which, if not ob-
served, may cause serious injuries or death.
▶ Do not sit only on the front part of the seat.
▶ Do not sit facing to one side.
▶ Do not lean out of the window.
▶ Do not put your limbs out of the window.
▶ Do not put your feet on the seat cushion.
12Safety
WARNING■The front seats and all head restraints must be adjusted to match the
body size at all times and the seat belt must always be fastened properly to
provide the most effective levels of protection to the passengers.■
Each occupant must correctly fasten the seat belt belonging to the seat.
Children must be fastened » page 21, Transporting children safely with a
suitable restraint system.
■
The seat backrests must not be tilted too far back when driving, as this
will impair the function of the seat belts and of the airbag system – risk of
injury!
WARNINGBy sitting incorrectly, the occupant is risking life-threatening injuries.
The correct seating position for the driver
Fig. 2
Correct seated position for the driver/correct steering wheel posi-
tion
Read and observe
on page 13 first.
For your own safety and to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident,
the following instructions must be observed.
Adjust the driver's seat so that the pedals can be fully depressed with
slightly bent legs and the distance between the steering wheel and your
chest is at least 25 cm » Fig. 2 -
A
.
Adjust the seat backrest so that the highest point of the steering wheel
can be reached with your arms at a slight angle.
Correctly fasten the seat belt » page 16.
WARNING■
A distance of least 25 cm to the steering wheel should be maintained,
otherwise the airbag system will not be able to protect you - hazard!■
When driving, hold the steering wheel with both hands firmly on the out-
er edge in the “9 o'clock” and “3 o'clock” position » Fig. 2. Never hold the
steering wheel in the “12 o'clock” position or in any other way (e.g. in the
middle, inner edge of the steering wheel or similar). Otherwise, you could
sustain serious injury to the arms, hands and head if the airbag is activated.
■
Ensure there are no objects in the driver's footwell as they may get be-
hind the pedals while driving. You would then no longer be able to operate
the clutch, brake or acceleration pedals.
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Fig. 3
Adjusting the steering wheel position
Read and observe
on page 13 first.
The height of the steering wheel can be adjusted.
›
Turn the safety lever beneath the steering wheel towards the arrow
1
» Fig. 3 .
›
Adjust the steering wheel to the desired position. The steering wheel can be
adjusted in line with the arrow
2
.
›
Press the safety lever down until it clicks into the direction of the arrow
3
.
WARNING■ Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is moving only when
the vehicle is stationary!■
The safety lever must always be locked so that the steering wheel cannot
accidentally change position – risk of accident!
13Passive Safety
Safety instructionsFig. 8
Safe distance from the steering
wheel and dash panel
WARNINGGeneral information■The seat belts and the airbag system can only offer optimum protection
if the driver and passengers are seated properly » page 12 .■
The airbag unleashes enormous force when triggered, which can lead to
serious injuries or fatalities if the driver and passengers are not seated
properly. This applies in particular to children who are transported without
using a suitable child safety seat » page 23.
■
If there is a fault, have the airbag system checked immediately by a spe-
cialist garage. Otherwise, there is a risk that the airbag will not be deployed
in the event of an accident.
■
If the airbag has been deployed, the airbag system must then be replaced.
■
The surface of the steering wheel and the dash panel should only be
cleaned with a dry or slightly dampened cloth in the area of the front air-
bags.
WARNINGInformation about the front airbags■For the driver and front passenger, it is important to maintain a distance
of at least 25 cm to the steering wheel or the panel » Fig. 8 - A
, If you do
not keep this distance, it means that the airbag system cannot protect you-
There is a risk to life! The front seats must always also be correctly adjus-
ted to match the body size of the occupant.
■
The front passenger airbag must be deactivated if using a rear-facing
child seat on the front passenger seat » page 20, Airbag deactivation . If
this is not done, there is a risk of the child suffering severe or even fatal
injuries if the front passenger airbag is deployed.
WARNING (Continued)■ No other persons, animals or objects should be placed in front of the oc-
cupants in the front seats in the deployment area of the front airbags.■
The steering wheel and the surface of the dash panel on the passenger
side must not be stickered, covered or modified in any way. No parts (e.g.
cup holders, mobile phone mounts and the like) may be mounted near the
airbag installation points and in the airbag deployment area.
■
Never place objects on the surface of the dash panel on the passenger
side.
WARNINGInformation about the side airbags■No objects (e.g. sun visors pivoted towards the windows) should be
placed in the deployment area of the side airbag, and no accessories (e.g.
cup holders and the like) should be mounted on the doors - danger of in-
jury!■
Hang only light clothing on the hooks in the vehicle, do not leave any
heavy or sharp objects in the pockets. Do not use hangers to hang up the
clothes.
■
The airbag system operates using pressure sensors located in the front
doors. For this reason, no adjustments may be carried out to the doors or
door panels (e.g. installation of additional loudspeakers). Further informa-
tion » page 111 .
■
No excessive force, e.g. through blows, kicks etc. should be applied to the
seat backrests - there is a risk of damage to the side airbags. The side air-
bags would not be deployed in such a case!
■
Any seat or protective covers which you fit to the driver or front passen-
ger seats must only be of a type expressly authorised by ŠKODA AUTO. In
view of the fact that the airbag inflates out of the backrest of the seat, use
of non-approved seat or protective covers would considerably impair the
protective function of the side airbag.
■
Any damage to the original seat covers or stitching at the installation
points for the side airbags should be immediately repaired by a specialist
company.
19Airbag system
WARNINGInformation on the use of the airbag system■Any work on the airbag system, including the installation and removal of
system components due to other repair work (e.g. removal of the steering
wheel), must only be carried out by a specialist garage. Further information
» page 111 .■
No changes of any sort should be made to parts of the airbag system, the
front bumper or the bodywork.
■
Do not manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this might re-
sult in the airbag being deployed.
Airbag deactivation
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Deactivating airbags
20
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
20
Deactivating airbags
The front passenger airbag can be switched off with the key-operated switch
» Fig. 9 on page 20 -
.
We recommend that you ask a ŠKODA service partner to deactivate any other
airbags.
A warning light indicates that the airbag has been deactivated
» page 35.
Deactivating an airbag should be considered in cases such as the ones below. ▶ If a child seat must be used on the front passenger seat, where the child is
transported facing towards the rear » page 21.
▶ If it is not possible to maintain a distance of at least 25 cm between the mid-
dle of the steering wheel and chest, despite the driver's seat being correctly
adjusted.
▶ If special attachments are required in the area of the steering wheel because
of a physical disability.
▶ If different seats have been fitted (e.g. orthopaedic seats without side air-
bags).
WARNINGIf an airbag is deactivated at the time of the vehicle being sold, the pur-
chaser must be informed!
Deactivating the front passenger airbag
Fig. 9
Key-operated switch for the front passenger airbag / warning light
for front passenger airbag
Switch positions » Fig. 9 -
The front passenger airbag is activated - the warning light does not light
up when the ignition is turned on
» Fig. 9 -
The front passenger airbag has been deactivated - the warning light lights
up after switching on the ignition
Switch off
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the passenger door.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
.
›
Pull the key out of the slot in the key switch » .
›
Close the passenger door.
›
Check that the warning light
lights up after the ignition is switched on.
Switching on
›
Switch off the ignition.
›
Open the passenger door.
›
Fold the key bit out completely for the radio key » .
›
Carefully insert the key into the key slot in the key switch as far as the stop.
›
Use the key to turn the slot of the key switch carefully into the position
.
20Safety
Using the system
cockpit
OverviewElectric windows
47
Door opening lever
45
Electric exterior mirror adjustment
55
Central locking system
44
Air outlet nozzles
74
Parking ticket holder
60
Operating lever (depending on equipment):
▶ Direction and high beam
50
▶Speed regulating system
106
Steering wheel with horn / with driver's front airbag
17
Instrument cluster
30
Operating lever (depending on equipment):
▶ Windscreen wipers and washers
53
▶Multifunction display
39
Buttons (depending on the specification):
▶ START STOP
96
▶
Rear window heater
53
▶
Seat heater on the front left seat
58
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Controls for heating / air conditioning
72
Radio
75
Interior mirror
55
Buttons / warning lights (depending on the specification):
▶ Hazard lights
52
▶
Warning light for the front seat passenger
airbag
20
▶ Seat heating for the front right seat
58
Fold-down hooks
65
Front passenger airbag
17
Storage compartment on the front passenger side
64
Electric window in the front passenger door
47
Storage compartment
601234567891011121314151617181920Light switch49
Bonnet release lever
120
Regulator for headlight beam adjustment
49
Steering wheel locking lever
13
Ignition lock
96
Cup holder
61
Buttons (depending on the specification):
▶ City Safe Drive
107
▶
Tyre pressure monitoring
108
Handbrake lever
98
Depending on equipment fitted:
▶ Gear shift lever (manual gearbox)
99
▶Selector lever (automated gearbox)
100
Depending on specification:
▶ 12 volt power socket
63
▶Cigarette lighter
62
▶USB input
87
Storage compartment
61
Note
The layout of the controls on right-hand drive vehicles differs partially from
that shown in this layout » Fig. 15.212223242526272829303129cockpit
▶Switch off the ignition, start the engine again and travel a short distance.
▶ If the warning light does not go out, obtain assistance from an authorised
dealer.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the
ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after the motor is restarted and a short drive, the indicator light does not go
out, there is a system error.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
Stability control (ESC) / Traction control (TCS)
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
flashes – the ESC or TCS is currently active.
lights up – there is an ESC or TCS fault.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
As the ESC operates in conjunction with the ABS, the ESC warning light will al-
so come on if the ABS system fails.
If the warning light comes on after starting the engine, the ESC or TCS may
have been switched off for technical reasons. ▶ Switch the ignition off and on again.
If the warning light does not illuminate after you switch the engine back on,
the ASR is fully functional again.
Disconnecting the vehicle battery
If the vehicle's battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning
light comes on after switching on the ignition.
The warning light should go out after driving a short distance.
If, after a short drive, the indicator light does not go out, there is a system er-
ror.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
More information about the ESC system » page 104, Stability Control (ESC) or
TCS system » page 104, Traction control (TCS) .
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Read and observe
on page 32 first.
lights up – there is an ABS fault.
The vehicle will only be braked by the normal brake system without the ABS.
▶ Seek help from a specialist garage.
In the event of an ABS fault, the other braking and stabilization systems are
turned off » page 103 , Braking and stabilisation systems .
WARNING■
If the ABS warning light together with the indicator light » page 32 ,
Braking system lights up, do not continue to drive! Seek help from a
specialist garage.■
A fault to the ABS system or the braking system can increase the vehi-
cle's braking distance – risk of accident!
Read and observe on page 32 first.
Change of tyre pressure values
lights up - there was a pressure change in one of the tyres.
An audible signal sounds as a warning. ▶ Immediately reduce speed and avoid sudden steering and braking manoeu-
vres.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and check the tyres and their inflation
pressures » page 129 .
▶ Correct the tyre pressure if necessary or replace the affected wheel
» page 134 or use the repair kit » page 137.
▶ Save the tyre pressure values in the system » page 109.
System fault
flashes for approximately 1 minute and remains lit – there may be a fault in
the tyre pressure monitoring system.
▶ Stop the vehicle, turn the ignition off and start the engine again.
If the warning light flashes again after the engine has started, there is a
system error.
34Using the system
Driving
Starting-off and Driving
Starting and stopping the engine
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
95
Ignition on / off
96
Starting / Stopping the engine
96
It is possible, with the key in the ignition, to switch the ignition off and on and
start/stop the engine.
WARNING■ Never switch off the engine before the vehicle is stationary – risk of acci-
dent!■
While driving with the engine stopped the ignition must always be
switched on. Otherwise, the steering may lock - danger of an accident!
■
Do not withdraw the ignition key from the ignition lock until the vehicle
has come to a stop » page 99, Parking . Otherwise, the steering may lock -
danger of an accident!
■
Never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running - risk of acci-
dent, theft or similar.
■
Never (e.g. in garages) run the engine in a closed place - there is the dan-
ger of poisoning and death!
CAUTION
■ Only start the engine when the engine and the vehicle are stationary - there
is a danger of starter and engine damage!■
Do not push-start the engine – risk of damaging the engine and the catalytic
converter. The battery from another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid.
Note
Do not warm up the engine while the vehicle is stationary. If possible, start
your journey as soon as the engine has started. Through this, the engine rea-
ches its operating temperature faster.Electronic immobiliser and steering lock
Read and observe
and on page 95 first.
The electronic immobiliser (hereinafter referred to as immobiliser) makes thetheft or unauthorised use of your vehicle more difficult.
Immobiliser
The immobiliser allows the engine to start provided an original vehicle key only
is used.
Malfunction of the immobiliser
It is not possible to start the engine if there is a failure of the components in
the immobiliser key.
Use the other vehicle key to start the engine; if necessary, seek help from a
specialist garage.
Steering lock - lock
›
Remove the key and turn the steering wheel until the steering lock engages.
Steering lock - unlock
›
Insert the key into the ignition and turn on the ignition. If this is not possible,
then move the steering wheel slightly back and forth, as a result of which
the steering lock should unlock.
WARNINGNever let the vehicle roll with locked steering lock - danger of accident!95Starting-off and Driving
The system can, for example, be affected in the following situations or not
be available. ▶ When visibility is poor, (e.g. fog, heavy rain, thick snowfall).
▶ Driving around “sharp” bends.
▶ When fully pressing down the accelerator pedal.
▶ When the laser sensor is dirty or obscured.
▶ When the vehicles are very dirty and have a low level of reflection.
If the system is not available or there is a system malfunction, the message
and the warning light appears on the display of the instrument cluster
flashes in a slow sequence.WARNINGDo not cover the windscreen in the area of the laser sensor. This can lead
to impaired function of the sensor - risk of accidents!WARNINGThe laser beam from the laser sensor can cause serious eye injuries. The la-
ser beam is not visible to the human eye.■
Never use optical devices, e.g. a range-finder camera or magnifying glass
to look into the laser sensor.
■
The laser beam can also be active when the system is disabled or is not
available.
CAUTION
■ Remove any snow from the windscreen in the area of the laser sensor using
a hand brush and any ice with a solvent-free de-icing spray.■
If the laser sensor range on the windscreen has scratches, cracks, etc., re-
place the windscreen.
Note
■ If an automatic brake intervention is triggered by the system, the pressure in
the brake system increases and the brake pedal cannot be operated with the
normal pedal stroke.■
Automatic braking interventions by the emergency brake function can be ter-
minated by pressing the clutch or the accelerator or by moving the steering
wheel.
Disable / EnableFig. 129
Button for the City Safe Drive
system
Read and observe and on page 107 first.
The function is automatically activated each time the ignition is switched on.
›
to deactivate hold the button » Fig. 129 until a beep sounds.
The appropriate message and the indicator light appears
flashes several
times in a quicker sequence (the
lights up at a speed of 5-30 km / h).
›
To
activate hold the button » Fig. 129until a beep sounds.
The appropriate message and the warning light appears
in the display of
the instrument cluster.
WARNINGFor safety reasons, deactivate the system in the following situations.■When the vehicle is being towed away.■
When the vehicle is driven though an automatic car wash.
■
If the laser sensor is damaged or faulty.
■
When the vehicle is on a rolling test bench.
■
When the windscreen is damaged in the region of the laser sensor.
■
For example, if the charge extends to the roof rack over the front edge of
the roof.
Tyre pressure monitoring
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Storing the tyre pressure values.
109
108Driving