2016 SKODA RAPID light

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 125.■
If the fluid level drops significantly within a short time or if it drops below
the “MIN” » Fig. 150mark, 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.■Too low brake fluid level is indicated by the warning light  being shown on
the display of the instrument cluster as well as the corresponding message
» page 30 . 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
132
Charging
132
Disconnect/reconnect and change
133
The vehicle battery represents a power source for the motor to start and for the supply of electrical consumers in the car.
Depending on the engine, the vehicle battery is either in the engine compart-
ment or the luggage compartment.
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 batterySymbolMeaning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 long 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. 
131Inspecting and replenishing

CAUTIONEnsure that battery acid does not come into contact with the bodywork – risk
of damage to the paintwork.
Note
■ We recommend having all work on the vehicle battery carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
You should replace batteries older than 5 years.
Check condition
Fig. 151
Vehicle battery: Open the cover / acid level indicator
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
The battery condition is checked regularly by a specialist garage as part of the
inspection.
Check the acid level
For car batteries with acid level indicator, acidity can be checked on the basis
of a colour display. In vehicle batteries with the label “AGM” there is no acid
level examination.
Depending on the equipment, the vehicle battery may be provided with a cov-
er, this can be opened in the direction of arrow » Fig. 151 -
 .
Air bubbles can influence the colour of the indicator. Therefore, carefully knock
on the display » Fig. 151 -
 .
Black colour – electrolyte level is correct.
Colourless or light yellow colour – electrolyte level too low, the battery must
be replaced.
Battery discharge
If frequent short journeys are made, the vehicle battery does not recharge suf-
ficiently.
The battery capacity decreases at low temperatures.
If the vehicle is not used for longer than 3 to 4 weeks, disconnect the negative
terminal 
of the battery or charge the battery constantly with a very low
charging current.
Charging
Read and observe
and on page 131 first.
Only charge the battery when the ignition and all consumers are switched off.
Refer to the instructions of the charger manufacturer.
Charging
›
For vehicles with the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the

terminal of the charger on the  pole of the battery, the
 terminal of the
charger on the earth point of the engine » page 145.
›
For vehicles without the START-STOPP system or auxiliary heater, clamp the
terminals of the charger on the associated battery poles (  on
,
 on
).
›
Plug the mains cable of the charger into the power socket and switch on the
device.
›
After charging has been successful: Switch off the charger and remove the
mains cable from the power socket.
›
Disconnect the terminals of the charger from the vehicle battery.
A charging current of 0.1 multiple of the total vehicle battery capacity (or low-
er) must be used until full charging is achieved.
WARNING■ When charging the vehicle battery, hydrogen is released - risk of explo-
sion. An explosion can be caused through sparking while unclamping or
loosening the cable plug.■
So-called“quick-charging” of the vehicle battery is dangerous and re-
quires a special charger and specialist knowledge. Therefore, have “Quick
loading” carried out by a specialist garage.
132General Maintenance

Fitting new tyres
Only fit approved radial tyres of the same type, size (rolling circumference) and
the same tread pattern on one axle on all four wheels.
When mounting new tyres the tyres have to be replaced axle by axle.
Unidirectional tyres
The direction of rotation of the tyres is marked by arrows on the wall of the
tyre .
The specified running direction must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the fol-
lowing tyre characteristics may be degraded. ▶ Driving stability.
▶ Traction.
▶ Tyre noise and tyre wear.WARNING■ Never use tyres if you do not know anything about their condition and
age - risk of accidents.■
Never drive with damaged tyres – there is the risk of an accident occur-
ring.
CAUTION
■ The tyres must be protected from contact with substances (e.g. oil, grease
and fuel) which could damage them. If the tyres come into contact with these
substances, then we recommend you have this checked out in a specialist
workshop.■
Do not use rims with ground or polished surfaces in winter conditions - there
is a risk of rim damage (e.g through salt spreading).
Note
■ We recommend that any work on the wheels or tyres be carried out by a spe-
cialist garage.■
We recommend that you use tyres, snow chains and full wheel trims from
ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Tyre pressureFig. 152
Label with a table of tyre sizes and tyre pressure value / inflate
tyres
The prescribed tyre inflation is on the sticker with pictograms
A
» Fig. 152 (for
some countries, the pictograms are replaced with a text).
Tyre pressure is always to match the load .
Inflation pressure for half load
Inflation pressure for environmentally friendly operation (slightly lower
fuel consumption and emissions)
Inflation pressure for full load
Tyre diameter in inches
This information serves merely as information for the prescribed tyre pres-
sure. This is not a list of shared tyre sizes for your vehicle. These are in the
vehicle's technical documentation, in the declaration of conformity (in so-
called COC document) and listed on the vehicle data » page 160.
Tyre pressure value on the front axle
Tyre pressure value on the rear axle
Check tyre pressures
Check the tyre pressure (including that of the emergency or spare wheel) at
least once a month and also before setting off on a long journey.
Always check the inflation pressure when the tyres are cold. Do not reduce the
higher pressure on warm tyres.
In vehicles with tyre pressure monitoring, tyre pressure values must be saved
each time the pressures are changed » page 106. 
BCDEFG134General Maintenance

WARNINGAlways properly secure the fire extinguisher - there is a risk of injury in the
event of sudden braking or a vehicle collision.
Vehicle tool kit
Fig. 157
Vehicle tool kit
The box with the tool kit is located in the storage compartment for the spare
wheel and may be secured with tape, depending on specification.
Depending on the equipment, not all the components listed in the on-board
tool kit have to be contained in it.
Screwdriver
Spanner for removing and installing the tail light
Top section for the anti-theft wheel bolts
Towing eyelet
Clamps for removing the wheel trims
Jack with sign
Wheel wrench
Extraction pliers for the wheel bolt caps
Breakdown kit
123456789WARNING■ The factory-supplied lifting jack is only intended for your model of vehicle.
Under no circumstances attempt to lift other vehicles or loads with it –
there is a risk of injury.■
Always stow the tool safely in the box and make sure that it is attached
with the belt to the spare wheel - otherwise it could cause injury to the oc-
cupants if breaking suddenly or colliding with another vehicle.
CAUTION
Screw the jack back to its starting position prior to putting it back in its box -
risk of damage to the box.
Note
The declaration of conformity is included with the jack or the log folder.
Changing a wheel
Preliminary work
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
changing a wheel on the road.
›
Park the vehicle as far as possible away from the traffic flow - choose a place
with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear .
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle at the
prescribed distance.
›
Have all the occupants get out . The passengers should not stand on the
road while the wheel is being changed (they should remain behind a crash
barrier, for instance).
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Changing a wheel
›
Take out the emergency or spare wheel » page 140.
›
Remove the full wheel trim » page 141 or caps » page 141 .
›
Loosen the wheel bolts » page 142 » . 
139Emergency equipment and self-help

›Jack up the vehicle
» page 142 until the wheel that needs changing is clear of
the ground.›
Unscrew the wheel bolts and place them on a clean surface (cloth, paper,
etc.).
›
Remove the wheel carefully.
›
Attach the spare wheel and slightly screw on the wheel bolts.
›
Lower the vehicle.
›
Tighten the wheel bolts opposite each other using the wheel wrench (“pull- ing crossways”) » page 142.
›
Replace the wheel trim » page 141 and caps » page 141 .
When fitting unidirectional tyres, ensure that the direction of rotation is cor-
rect » page 134 .
All bolts must be clean and must turn easily. If screws are corroded and diffi-
cult to move, these must be replaced.
WARNING■ Undo the wheel bolts just a little (about one turn), provided the vehicle
has not yet been jacked up. Otherwise the wheel could come loose and fall
off – risk of injury.■
Under no circumstances must the bolts be greased or oiled - could cause
an accident.
Subsequent steps
After changing the wheel, the following work must be carried out.
›
Stow the replaced wheel in the well under the floor covering of the luggage
compartment and secure it with a nut.
›
Stow the tool kit in the space provided and secure using the band.
›
Check tyre pressure on the fitted wheel and adjust if necessary and, with ve-
hicles with tyre pressure monitoring, save the tyre pressure values in the
system » page 106 .
›
Have the tightening torque of the wheel bolts checked as soon as possible.
The prescribed tightening torque is 120 Nm.
Replace the damaged wheel or consult a specialist garage about repair op-
tions.
WARNINGTightening torque which is too high can damage the threads and this can
result in permanent deformation of the contact surfaces on the rim. Where
tightening torque is too low, the wheels may become loose while driving -
risk of accident. Therefore drive cautiously and only at a moderate speed
until the tightening torque has been checked.
Removing/stowing the emergency or spare wheel
Fig. 158
Take out the wheel
The wheel is located in a well under the floor covering in the luggage compart-
ment and is fixed in place with a screw.
Take out the wheel
›
Lift up the floor in the luggage compartment.
›
Loosen the retaining belt and take out the box with the tool kit.
›
Unscrew the nut in the direction of arrow » Fig. 158 and take out the wheel.
Stow the wheel
›
Place the wheel into the wheel well with the wheel rim pointing downward.
On vehicles with the vehicle battery in the boot, lay down the wheel with the
outer face upward.
›
Pull the fixing band through the opposite holes in the wheel rim.
›
Screw the nut in the opposite direction to the arrow until it stops » Fig. 158.
›
Place the box with the tool kit back inside the wheel and secure it with the
tape.
›
Fold back the floor in the luggage compartment.
140Do-it-yourself

Preparing to use the breakdown kitRead and observe
on page 143 first.
For safety's sake, the following instructions must be observed before
undertaking a wheel repair on a road.
›
Park the vehicle as far as possible away from the traffic flow - choose a place
with a flat and firm surface.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select 1st gear .
›
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
Switch on the hazard warning lights and set up the warning triangle at the
prescribed distance.
›
Have all the occupants get out . While the repair is being carried out, the pas-
sengers should not stand on the road (instead they should remain behind a
crash barrier, for instance).
›
Uncouple any trailers.
Sealing and inflating tyres
Read and observe
on page 143 first.
Sealing
›
Unscrew the valve cap from the damaged tyre.
›
Insert the valve remover
2
» Fig. 164 on page 143 on the valve insert, so that
the valve insert fits into the slot of the valve remover.
›
Unscrew the valve insert and place it on a clean base (rag, paper etc.).
›
Forcefully shake bottle
10
» Fig. 164 on page 143 several times.
›
Firmly screw the inflation hose
3
onto the tyre inflater bottle
10
. The film on
the bottle cap is pierced.
›
Remove the plug from the inflation hose
3
and insert the bottle onto the
tyre valve.
›
Hold the bottle
10
with the bottom facing upwards and fill all of the sealing
agent from the tyre inflator bottle into the tyre.
›
Remove the filler plug from the tyre valve.
›
Screw in the valve insert with the valve remover
2
.
Inflating
›
Screw the tyre inflation hose
7
» Fig. 164 on page 143 firmly onto the tyre
valve.
› For vehicles with
manual transmission , set the lever in the neutral position.›On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.›
Start the engine.
›
Plug the connector
6
into the 12-volt socket » page 70.
›
Switch on the air compressor with the ON and OFF switch
9
.
›
Once tyre inflation pressure of 2.0-2.5 bar has been reached, turn off the air
compressor. Maximum run time of 6 minutes » .
›
If you cannot reach an air pressure of 2.0 - 2.5 bar, unscrew the tyre inflation
hose
7
from the tyre valve.
›
Drive the vehicle 10 metres forwards or backwards to allow the sealing agent
to “distribute” in the tyre.
›
Firmly screw the tyre inflation hose
7
back onto the tyre valve and repeat
the inflation process.
›
Stick the sticker
1
» Fig. 164 on page 143 on the dashboard in the driver's
field of view.
At a tyre inflation pressure of 2.0 – 2.5 bar, the journey can be continued at a maximum speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph.
WARNING■ If the tire does not inflate at least. 2.0 bar, the damage is too great. The
sealing agent cannot be used to seal the tyre.  Do not drive the vehicle.
Seek help from a specialist garage.■
The tyre inflation hose and air compressor may get hot as the tyre is be-
ing inflated – there is a risk of burning.
CAUTION
Switch off the air compressor if it has been running for as long as 6 minutes –
risk of damage to the compressor! Allow the air compressor to cool a few mi-
nutes before switching it on again.
Information on driving with repaired tyres
Read and observe
on page 143 first.
The inflation pressure of the repaired tyre must be checked after driving for 10minutes.
If the tyre pressure is 1.3 bar or less
›
The tyre cannot be properly sealed with the breakdown kit. 
Do not contin-
ue to drive! Seek help from a specialist garage. 
144Do-it-yourself

›If it is not possible to start the engine, switch on the ignition so that the
steering wheel does not lock and so that the turn signal lights, windscreen
wipers and windscreen washer system can be used.›
Take the vehicle out of gear or move the selector lever into position N if the
vehicle is fitted with an automatic gearbox.
›
Keep the tow rope taut at all times during the towing procedure.
WARNING■ Spiral tow ropes must not be used for towing » Fig. 167-  , the towing
eye may unscrew out of the vehicle - risk of accident.■
The tow rope should not be twisted - there is a risk of accidents.
CAUTION
■ Do not tow-start the engine – risk of damaging the engine! The battery from
another vehicle can be used as a jump-start aid » page 145, Jump-starting .■
For off-road towing manoeuvres, there is a risk to both vehicles that the fas-
teners may become overloaded and damaged.
Note
We recommend that you use a tow rope from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Front towing eye
Fig. 168
Remove cap / install towing eye
Cap removal/fitting
›
To remove , press down on the cap in the direction of arrow
1
and remove it
in the direction of arrow
2
» Fig. 168 .
›
To fit, insert the cap in arrow range
1
and then press on the opposite edge
of the cap. The cap must engage firmly.
Removing/installing the towing eye›To install , screw in the towing eye by hand in the direction of the arrow3
» Fig. 168 until it clicks into place » .
For tightening purposes, we recommend, for example, using the wheel
wrench, towing eye from another vehicle or a similar object that can be pushed
through the eye.
›
To remove , unscrew the towing eye in the opposite direction to arrow
3
.
WARNINGThe towing eye must always be firmly in place, otherwise the towing eye
could break whilst being towed.
Towing eye rear
Fig. 169
Rear towing eye
The rear towing eye is located below the bumper on the right.
Remove the protective cap before using the towing eye. » Fig. 169. After using
the towing eye, the protective cap can be used again.
Vehicles with a trailer device
For vehicles with a factory-fitted towing device, the pre-installed detachable tow-bar may be used » page 108, Hitch .
147Emergency equipment and self-help

Fuses and light bulbs
Fuses
Introduction
Fig. 178
Blown fuse
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Fuses in the dashboard
151
Fuse arrangement in the dashboard
152
Fuses in the engine compartment
153
Fuse arrangement in the engine compartment
154
Individual electrical circuits are protected by fuses. A blown fuse is recognisa-
ble from the melted-through metal strip » Fig. 178.
WARNINGAlways read and observe the warning notes before completing any work in
the engine compartment » page 125, Engine compartment .
CAUTION
■
Replace the faulty fuse with a new one of the same amperage.■If a newly inserted fuse blows again after a short time, seek assistance from
a specialist garage.■
“Do not repair” the fuses and do not replace them with stronger fuses - dan-
ger of fire and damage to another electrical system.
Note
■ We recommend always carrying replacement fuses in the vehicle.■There can be several power consuming devices for one fuse. Multiple fuses
may exist for a single power consuming device.Fuses in the dashboardFig. 179
Remove the fuse box cover.
Read and observe and on page 151 first.
The fuses are located on the bottom of the dash panel behind a cover.
Replacing fuses
›
Remove the ignition key, turn off the lights and all electrical consumers.
›
Remove the cover of the fuse box » Fig. 179 in the direction of the arrow.
›
Remove the plastic clip from the holder in the fuse box cover.
›
Use the clip to pull the fuse out, then insert a new fuse.
›
Replace the bracket at the original position.
›
Insert the top edge of the cover into the dash panel first.
›
Push the lower edge of the cover in the region
A
.
151Fuses and light bulbs