2016 SKODA FABIA 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

The vehicle can only operate with unleaded petrol that meets standard EN
228 1)
, and contains maximum 10% bioethanol (E10).
Unleaded petrol 95/91 or 92 or 93 RON/ROZ
We recommend using petrol 95 RON.
Optionally, the petrol 91 ,92 or. 93 RON can be used (slight power loss, a slight-
ly increased fuel consumption).
Specified petrol is unleaded, min. 95 RON / ROZ
Use min. 95 ROZ petrol.
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.
CAUTION
Petrol additions (additives)■Unleaded petrol complying with the EN 228 standard 1 )
meets all the condi-
tions for problem-free engine operation. We therefore do not recommend mix-
ing fuel additives into the petrol - risk of engine damage or damage to the ex-
haust system.■
The following additives may not be used - risk of engine damage or damage
to the exhaust system! ■ Additives with metal components (metallic additives), in particular with
manganese and iron content.
■ Fuels with metallic content (e.g. LRP - lead replacement petrol).
Note■Unleaded petrol that has a higher octane number than that required by the
engine can be used without limitations.■
On vehicles with prescribed unleaded petrol 95/91, 92 or 93 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON does not result in a noticea-
ble power increase or a lower fuel consumption.
■
On vehicles using the prescribed unleaded petrol of min. 95 RON, the use of
petrol with a higher octane number than 95 RON can lead to an increase in
power and reduction in fuel consumption.
Diesel fuel
Read and observe
and on page 135 first.
The correct fuel for your vehicle is specified on the inside of the fuel filler
flap » Fig. 165 on page 135 .
The vehicle can only be operated using diesel fuel that complies with the
standard EN 5902)
and contains a maximum 7% biodiesel (B7)3)
.
Operating under different weather conditions
Use only diesel in accordance with the current or expected weather conditions.
Ask the petrol station personnel whether the diesel fuel offered corresponds
to these conditions.
CAUTION
The following instructions must be observed, otherwise there is a risk of dam-
age to the engine and to the exhaust system.■
If a different fuel other than diesel fuel, which complies to the above men-
tioned standards (e.g. petrol) is used, do not start the engine or switch on the
ignition!
■
The biofuel RME must not be used! 
1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95 or 91 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane rating 95.
2)
In Germany DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590: 2004, in India
IS 1460 / Bharat IV or in an emergency IS 1460 / Bharat III.
3)
In Germany complying with standard DIN 52638, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
136General Maintenance

Opening and closing the bonnetFig. 167
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 137 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. 167 .
›
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 the holder.
›
Secure the open flap inserting the end of the post into the opening in the di-
rection 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 overviewFig. 168
Arrangement (example) in the engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 137 first.
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
139
Coolant expansion reservoir
141
Engine oil dipstick
140
Engine oil filler opening
140
Brake fluid reservoir
142
Vehicle battery
142ABCDEF138General Maintenance

Vehicles with fixed service intervalsPetrol enginesSpecification1.0 l/44, 55 kW MPI - EU6
VW 502 00
1.0 l/55 kW MPI - EU41.2 l/66, 81 kW TSI1.6 l/66, 81 kW MPIDiesel enginesSpecification1.4 l/55, 66, 77 kW TDI CRVW 507 00
Engine oil VW 505 01 can optionally be used in diesel engines without a DPF.
CAUTION
■
If no prescribed engine oil is available, then max. 0.5 l oil of the following
specifications can be refilled. ■Petrol engines: ACEA A3/ACEA B4 or API SN, (API SM);
■ Diesel engines: ACEA C3 or API CJ-4.
Check and refill
Fig. 170
Dipstick variants
Read and observe and on page 139 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.
Check the status
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the sump.
›
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. 170 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
D
» Fig. 168 on page 138 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 139.
›
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. 170 there is a risk of dam-
age 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
, 
stop
driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
An engine oil level which is too low is shown in the instrument cluster by the
warning light  illuminating and also indicated by the message. » page 34 Nev-
ertheless, 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
141
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. 
140General Maintenance

Brake fluidFig. 172
Brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is turned off.
Check brake fluid level - The brake fluid level must lie between the markings
“MIN” and “MAX” » Fig. 172.
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 137.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 172mark, 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 which is too low is indicated by the warning light
 being shown on the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corre-
sponding message » page 29. 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:
Check condition
143
Charging
144
Disconnect/reconnect and change
144
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 loads.
▶ By switching off some loads(heated seats, heated rear window) for as long
as necessary.
Warning symbols on the vehicle battery
SymbolMeaning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. 
142General Maintenance