2016 SKODA FABIA Owner's Manual

General Maintenance
Care and maintenance
Service work, adjustments and technical alterations
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
127
Statutory checks
127
ŠKODA service partner
127
ŠKODA Original parts
128
ŠKODA Original accessories
128
Spoiler
128
Component protection
128
Airbags
128
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
129
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. must be observed when
using accessories or carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical altera-
tions to your vehicle.
Compliance with these guidelines and instructions is in the interest of the
roadworthiness and technical condition of your vehicle.
WARNING■ Adjustments, repairs and technical changes to the vehicle should only be
carried out by a specialist. Work carried out incorrectly (including work on
the electronic components and their software) can result in malfunctions -
there is a risk of accident and, potentially, increased wear on parts!■
We recommend that you use only ŠKODA Original Accessories and ŠKODA
Original Parts which have been expressly approved for use on your vehicle.
Reliability, safety and suitability for your vehicle are guaranteed with these.
■
Do not use any products which have not been approved by ŠKODA AUTO,
even though these may be products with a type approval or which have
been approved by a nationally recognised testing laboratory.
Vehicle operating under different weather conditions
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
If you would like you operate your vehicle in countries other than its intended
weather conditions, you should contact a ŠKODA Partner. He or she will advise
you if certain precautions need to be taken to ensure the full functioning of
the vehicle or to prevent damage (e.g. coolant, changing the battery or similar).
Statutory checks
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
Many countries have legislation requiring the operational reliability, safety and,
where applicable, roadworthiness and/or exhaust gas properties of a vehicle
to be tested at regular intervals. These tests can be carried out by workshops
or testing stations that have been legally authorised for this purpose.
The ŠKODA Service partners can prepare your vehicle for the official inspec-
tions, so as to ensure that it passes.
Even if you want to take your vehicle to an officially approved test centre for
prior checking in preparation for a legally required test, we recommend that
you consult your ŠKODA Service Partner beforehand.
ŠKODA service partner
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
All ŠKODA service partners work according to the instructions and guidelines
from ŠKODA AUTO a.s. All service and repair work is therefore carried out on
time and to the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions and guide-
lines helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good technical
condition.
We therefore advise you to have all modifications, repairs and technical altera-
tions to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
127Care and maintenance

ŠKODA Original partsRead and observe
on page 127 first.
We recommend the use of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for your vehicle, as these
parts are approved by ŠKODA AUTO. These parts comply wholly with ŠKODA
AUTO regulations and are identical to the parts used in series production.
ŠKODA AUTO is able to warrant the safety, suitability, and long life of these
products.
ŠKODA service partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA original parts for a
period of 2 years after sale in accordance with materials defect liability under
the law unless otherwise agreed in the purchase agreement.
ŠKODA Original accessories
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
You should note the following if you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle:
We recommend that you use ŠKODA Genuine Accessories in your vehicle.
ŠKODA AUTO has selected these accessories to ensure that they are reliable,
safe and suitable for your particular vehicle. Although we constantly monitor
the market, we are not able to assess or vouch the suitability of other products
for your vehicle, despite the fact that some products may have operational ap-
proval or may have been approved by a nationally recognised testing laborato-
ry.
ŠKODA Service Partners are liable for any defects in ŠKODA Genuine Parts for a
period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with materials de-
fect liability legislation, unless otherwise agreed in the purchase contract or in
any other agreements.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
WARNINGIf your vehicle is equipped with a Genuine Accessories spoiler on the front
bumper in combination with the spoiler on the boot lid, the following in-
structions must be observed - otherwise there is a risk of accidents and se-
rious injuries!■
The vehicle can only be equipped with a spoiler on the front bumper in
combination with the corresponding spoiler on the boot lid.
■
A Genuine Accessories spoiler cannot be fitted to the front bumper either
on its own (without a spoiler on the boot lid) or in combination with an un-
suitable spoiler on the boot lid.
■
We recommend that you consult the ŠKODA Service Partner for any re-
pairs to or replacement, addition or removal of spoilers.
■
Unprofessional work carried out on the spoilers of your vehicle may result
in some functions/vehicle systems malfunctioning.
Component protection
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
Some electronic vehicle components (such as the instrument cluster) are fac-
tory-equipped with component protection. This ensures the functional limita-
tion of these components in a non-legitimate installation in another vehicle
(e.g. after a theft) or operation outside the vehicle.
Airbags
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
WARNING■Adjustments, repairs and modifications which have been carried out un-
professionally can cause damage, operational faults, and can also seriously
impair the effectiveness of airbag system – there is the risk of an accident
and fatal injury.■
A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tire combinations, can impair the functioning of the air-
bag system - risk of accident and fatal injury! 
128General Maintenance

WARNING■No changes may be made to airbag system components, the front bump-
er and the bodywork.■
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.
■
Do not manipulate individual parts of the airbag system, as this might re-
sult in the airbag being deployed.
■
If the airbag has been deployed, the airbag system must be replaced.
WARNINGThe 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). Resulting damage
can impair the functioning of the airbag system - risk of accidents and fatal
injuries! The following guidelines must therefore be observed.■
Any work on the front doors and their door panels must be carried out by
a specialist garage.
■
Never drive the vehicle with the inner door panels removed or with open-
ings in the panelling.
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
Read and observe
on page 127 first.
All new ŠKODA vehicles are 95% recyclable.
Service intervals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
130
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
130
Variable service interval QI6
130
Digital Service Plan
131
The service interval display in the display of the instrument cluster will remind
you to carry out every service stipulated by the manufacturer at the right time
in order to prevent you from forgetting any » page 41.
The completion of services can be verified through the printed verification
from the digital service schedule and the respective receipts.
The specified service intervals are tailored to normal operating conditions.
In the case of aggravated operating conditions, it will be necessary to have
some service work carried out before the date of the next regular service or
between the specified service intervals. This applies mainly to the cleaning or
the replacement of the air filter insert in regions with heavy dust pollution as
well as checking and replacing the toothed belt, but also to vehicles with die-
sel particle filters, which can put greater strain on the engine oil.
The following is taken to mean aggravated operating conditions: ▶ Fuel containing sulphur.
▶ Frequent short trips.
▶ Longer periods of engine idling (e.g. taxis).
▶ Operation in areas with heavy dust pollution.
▶ Frequent trailer operation.
▶ Predominantly stop-and-go traffic as is e.g. often the case in city driving.
▶ Operation predominantly during winter.
You will be told at the specialist garage whether the operating conditions of your vehicle may make it necessary for service work to be carried out between
the normal service intervals.
Different service charges may apply according to the particular scope of work
required, the vehicle type and specification, and your vehicle’s condition.
Note
■ The customer is responsible for covering the cost of all services including
changing or replenishing the oil, even during the warranty period, unless sta-
ted otherwise in the ŠKODA AUTO warranty terms or other agreements.■
You will be informed about the service checks and actions at each service by
the specialist garage.
129Care and maintenance

Overview of service intervalsFig. 163
Vehicle data: Service Interval
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle
data carrier » Fig. 163 which can be found both in this Owner's Manual as well
as in the vehicle.
One of the following service intervals applies for your vehicle. ▶ Fixed service interval QI1.
▶ Fixed service interval QI2.
▶ Fixed service interval QI3.
▶ Fixed service interval QI4.
▶ Variable service interval QI6.
In order to operate a vehicle with a variable service interval, it must only be
filled and topped up with the prescribed engine oil.
If this engine oil is not available, the oil change is subject to a fixed service in-
terval. In this case, the vehicle must be changed to the fixed service interval.
Note
■
The corresponding motor oil specifications » page 139.■For vehicles with variable service interval QI6 you can initiate a change to the
fixed service interval or back to the variable service interval to be carried out
by a specialist garage.
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
Oil change serv- ice
QI1Every 5 000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI2Every 7 500 km or every 1 year a)
.QI3Every 10 000 km or every 1 year a)
.QI4Every 15 000 km or every 1 year a)
.Inspection b)
Variant 1
QI1 - QI4
After the first 30 000 km or 2 years a)
, then every
30 000 km or every 1 year a)
.Inspection b)
Variant 2Every 15 000 km or every 1 year a)
.Inspection b)
Variant 3Every 10 000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
changeQI1 - QI4First change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
Depending on which comes first.
b)
For information about the variant that applies to your vehicle, please contact a ŠKODA partner.
WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then ev-
ery 2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause
vapour bubbles to form in the brake system when braking sharply. This can
impair the efficiency of the brakes – There is a risk of accident!
Note
For diesel operation with a high sulphur content, an oil change service must be
carried out every 7 500 km. Ask your specialist garage for information on the
countries where diesel fuel has a high sulphur content.
Variable service interval QI6
The oil change service intervals depend on the intensity at which the vehicle is
driven and the local conditions in which the vehicle is used. For example, your
vehicle is subjected to different demands when driven over short distances
than when driven over long distances. The intervals are therefore variable.
Oil change serv-
iceIn accordance with the service interval display (after 30
000 km or 2 years a)
at the latest).Inspection b)
Variant 1After the first 30 000 km or 2 years a)
, then every 30 000
km or every 1 year a)
.Inspection b)
Variant 2Every 15 000 km or every 1 year a)
.Brake fluid
changeFirst change after 3 years, then every 2 years.a)
Depending on which comes first.
b)
For information about the variant that applies to your vehicle, please contact a ŠKODA partner. 
130General Maintenance

WARNINGThe brake fluid must always be changed after the first 3 years and then ev-
ery 2 years. Longer intervals between changing the brake fluid can cause
vapour bubbles to form in the brake system when braking sharply. This can
impair the efficiency of the brakes –There is a risk of accident!
Digital Service Plan
A specialist garage will not record the work carried out in a service evidence in
this Owner's Manual, but in the service information system called Digital Serv-
ice Plan.
We therefore recommend that you always have the record of work carried out
in a service printed out for you.
Benefits of the Digital Service Plan
▶ High level of security preventing manipulation of the entries.
▶ Transparent documentation of service work carried out.
▶ Protection against loss or damage of the entries – you receive a complete
service record of the work carried out, if required.
▶ Option to receive the record in electronic form.
▶ The vehicle can be serviced in any specialist garage (also abroad) – the data-
base is accessible worldwide.
▶ Increased transparency when purchasing a used vehicle due to entries being
stored centrally.
▶ The system entries support you in making a claim on the ŠKODA extended
warranty and mobility guarantees.
Cleaning and care
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Car washing
131
Exterior car care
132
Removing ice and snow from the windows
133
Caring for the interior
134
Regular and thorough care helps to retain the value of your vehicle.
The instructions for use on the packaging must be observed when using care
products. We recommend that you use ŠKODA Original Accessories care prod-
ucts.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 - There is a danger of poisoning!
CAUTION
■ Do not use any insect sponges, kitchen scrubbers or similar cleaning prod-
ucts – there is a risk of damaging the paintwork finish.■
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 131 first.
The best way to protect your vehicle against harmful environmental influences
is frequent washing.
The longer insect residues, bird droppings, road salt and other aggressive de-
posits remain adhering to your vehicle, the more detrimental their destructive
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. 
131Care and maintenance

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.WARNING■
Washing your vehicle in the winter: Water and ice in the brake system can
affect the braking efficiency – there is the risk of an 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 - There is a risk
of damage.
■
For vehicles with a roof antenna, the antenna rod should be unscrewed be-
fore 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.
■
Hold a large spraying distance to the rear camera lens, to plastic parts (e.g.
Roof racks, spoilers, protective strips and the like), as well as soft materials
such as rubber hoses or insulation material.
■
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.
Exterior car care
Read and observe
and on page 131 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)Windows
and door mirrorsSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
wipe specifically for that purposeHead / tail lightsSoilingSoft sponge and mild soap solution a)
Reversing cameraSoilingWash with clean water and dry with a
soft clothSnow/iceHand brush / de-icerDoor lock cylin-
dersSnow/iceDe-icing fluid specifically for that pur-
poseWipers / 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.
The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary. 
132General Maintenance

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 (e.g. sunlight, humidity, air pollution, rockfall) affect
the life of the films. The films age and become brittle, which is normal; this
shall not be considered a fault.
The sunlight may also affect the depth of the film colour.
When transporting a load on the roof rack (e.g. roof box, etc.), there is an in- creased risk of film damage (e.g. due to rockfall 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 polish 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.
■ 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.
■
Reversing camera
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of
camera damage.
■ Do not remove snow / ice with warm / hot water.
■ To wash, never use a pressure washer or steam jet.
■ For cleaning, do not use abrasive cleaners.
■
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.
Removing ice and snow from the windows
Fig. 164
Installation location of the ice
scraper, removing the scraper
Read and observe and on page 131 first.
Use a plastic ice scraper for removing snow and ice from the windows and mir-
rors. This can be on the inside of the fuel filler flap.
›
Open the fuel filler flap and slide the scraper in the direction of arrow
» Fig. 164 . 
133Care and maintenance

CAUTION■Move the scraper in one direction only, otherwise there is a risk of damage to
the glass surface.■
Do not remove snow / ice on the surface that is soiled (e.g. pea gravel, sand,
road salt) - there is a risk of damaging the surface.
■
Remove snow / ice carefully, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the labels
that have been fitted to the vehicle by the factory.
Caring for the interior
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Vehicle compo- nentsCircumstancesRemedy
Natural leather /
Faux 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
purposeWindowsSoilingWash 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 /Faux 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.
■
Covers on electrically heated seats ■ Do not clean either with water or with other liquids - risk of damage to the
heating system. ■ Do not dry by switching on the heating.
■
Seat belts
■ After cleaning the belts, allow them to dry before retracting them.
Note
During vehicle use, some minor changes may become visible on the leather
and Alcantara ®
(due to e.g. folds, discolouration).134General Maintenance