2016 SKODA RAPID warning

■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 additives (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.■
The use of petrol with an octane rating higher than 95 RON does not result
in either a noticeable increase in power nor lower fuel consumption in vehicles
for which unleaded petrol 95/min 92 or 93 RON is specified.
■
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 123 first.
The correct fuel for your vehicle is specified on the inside of the fuel filler flap
» Fig. 143 on page 123 .
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!
CAUTION
Diesel fuel additives■The diesel fuel in accordance with the prescribed standards meets all the
conditions for a smooth running engine. Therefore, we recommend that you do
not add any fuel additives to the diesel - there is a risk of engine damage or
damage to the exhaust system.
Engine compartment
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Opening and closing the bonnet
126
Engine compartment overview
127
Windscreen washer fluid
127WARNINGNever cover the engine with additional insulation material (e.g. with a cov-
er) – risk of fire! 1)
In Germany also DIN 51626-1 or E10 for unleaded petrol with octane number 91 or 95 or DIN 51626-2 or E5
for unleaded petrol with octane number 95 and 98.
2)
In Germany also DIN 51628, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in Russia GOST R 52368-2005 / EN 590:2004.
3)
In Germany according to the DIN 52638 standard, in Austria ÖNORM C 1590, in France EN 590.
125Inspecting and replenishing

WARNINGWhen working in the engine compartment, the following instructions must
be observed - otherwise risk of injury or fire. The engine compartment of
your car is a hazardous area!WARNINGInstructions before beginning work in the engine compartment■Stop the engine and remove the ignition key, on vehicles with the KESSY
system, open the driver's door.■
Firmly apply the handbrake.
■
For vehicles with manual transmission the lever into the neutral position.
For vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
■
Allow the engine to cool.
■
Never open the bonnet if you can see steam or coolant flowing out of the
engine compartment – risk of scalding! Wait until the steam or coolant has
stopped escaping.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment■Keep everyone away from the engine compartment.■
Do not touch any hot engine parts – risk of burns!
■
Never touch the radiator fan. The radiator fan may still turn suddenly
about 10 minutes after switching off the ignition!
■
Do not smoke in the vicinity of the engine and avoid the use of open
flames or sparks.
■
Do not leave any items (e.g. cloths or tools) in the engine compartment.
This presents a fire hazard and the risk of engine damage.
■
Read and observe the information and warning instructions on the fluid
containers.
WARNINGInformation for working in the engine compartment with the engine run-
ning■
If it is necessary to work on the engine with the engine running, beware
of rotating engine parts and electrical plants - they can be fatal!
■
Never touch the electric wiring on the ignition system.
■
Avoid short circuits in the electrical system, particularly on the vehicle's
battery.
CAUTIONOnly refill using fluids with the proper specification - risk of damage to the ve-
hicle!
Note
■ Fluids with the proper specifications can be purchased from the ŠKODA Origi-
nal Accessories or from the ŠKODA Genuine Parts ranges.■
We recommend you have the operating fluids replaced by a specialist garage.
Opening and closing the bonnet
Fig. 145
Opening the bonnet
Read and observe
and on page 125 first.
Open flap
›
Ensure that the windscreen wipers are not raised away from the windscreen
- risk of damage to the bonnet.
›
Open the driver's door and pull the unlocking lever below the dashboard in
the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 145 .
›
Press the release lever in the direction of arrow
2
and the bonnet will be
unlocked. 
126General Maintenance

›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 overview
Fig. 146
Arrangement (example) in the engine compartment
Read and observe
and on page 125 first.
Coolant expansion reservoir
130
Windscreen washer fluid reservoir
127
Engine oil dipstick
129
Engine oil filler opening
129ABCDBrake fluid reservoir130
Vehicle battery
131
Windscreen washer fluid
Fig. 147
Windscreen washer fluid reser-
voir
Read and observe and on page 125 first.
The windscreen washer fluid reservoir
A
is located in the engine compart-
ment » Fig. 147 .
The capacity of the reservoir is about 3.5 litres or about 5.4 litres on vehicles
that have a headlight cleaning system 1)
.
Use a suitable windscreen washer fluid for the current or expected weather
conditions. We recommend that you use windscreen washer fluid from ŠKODA
Original Accessories.
CAUTION
■ If the vehicle is equipped with a headlight cleaning system, then only use
windscreen washer fluid types that do not attack the polycarbonate coating of
the headlights - otherwise there is a risk of damage to headlights.■
Do not remove the filter from the windscreen washer fluid reservoir when re-
plenishing it with liquid - otherwise the liquid transportation system might be
contaminated, which can cause the windscreen washer system to malfunction.
EF1)
In some countries, 5.4 l. applies for both variants.
127Inspecting and replenishing

Engine oil
Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Specification
128
Check and refill
129
The engine has been filled ex-factory with a high-grade oil that can be used
throughout the year (except in extreme climate zones).
We recommend that the oil changes be carried out by a ŠKODA Service Part-
ner.
The engine oil should be changed at specified service intervals » page 117.
The engine uses up some oil, depending on driving style and operating condi-
tions (up to 0.5 l / 1 000 km). Consumption may be slightly higher than this dur-
ing the first 5 000 km.
WARNINGThe following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.
CAUTION
Do not add any additives to the engine oil - risk of engine damage.
Note
We recommend that you use oils from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Specification
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
The specifications (VW standards) stated in the following can be indicated sep-
arately or together with other specifications on the bottle.
Vehicles with variable service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/66, 81 kW TSIVW 504 001.4 l/92 kW TSIDiesel enginesSpecification1.4 l/66 kW TDI CRVW 507 001.6 l/85 kW TDI CR
Vehicles with fixed service intervals
Petrol enginesSpecification1.2 l/66, 81 kW TSI
VW 502 00
1.4 ltr./92 kW TSI1.6 l./81 kW MPIDiesel enginesSpecification1.4 l/66 kW TDI CRVW 507 001.6 l/85 kW TDI CR
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-4.128General Maintenance

Check and refillFig. 148
Dipstick variants
Read and observe
and on page 128 first.
Check and refill oil under the following conditions. The vehicle is standing on a horizontal surface.
The engine operating temperature is reached.
The engine is turned off.
Checking the level
›
Wait a few minutes until the engine oil flows back into the oil trough.
›
Pull the dipstick out and wipe with a clean cloth.
›
Push the dipstick back to the stop and then pull it out again.
›
Read the oil level and push the dipstick back in.
The oil level must lie in range
A
» Fig. 148 . If the oil level is below range
A
, oil
must be added.
Refilling
›
Unscrew the cap of the engine oil filler opening
D
» Fig. 146 on page 127 .
›
Add oil of the correct specification in portions of 0.5 litres » page 128.
›
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. 148 – risk of damage to the
engine as well as to the exhaust system.■
If a top up with oil is not possible or the oil level is above range
A
, 
do not
continue driving! Switch off the engine and seek assistance from a specialist
garage.
NoteToo low engine oil level is shown in the instrument cluster by the warning light
 illuminating and also indicated by the message » page 35. Nevertheless, we
recommend checking the oil level on a regular basis using the dipstick.
Coolant
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Checking and refilling
130
The coolant helps to keep the engine temperature down, and consists of wa- ter and coolant additive (with additives that protect the cooling system against
corrosion and prevent furring).
The proportion of coolant additive in the coolant must be 40 to 60 %.
The correct mix of water and coolant additive should be checked and if neces-
sary corrected by a specialist garage.
WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 125.■
Never open the end cover of the coolant expansion reservoir while the
engine is still warm. The cooling system is pressurised - risk of scalding or
injury from splashes of coolant!
■
To protect against the coolant splashing, cover the cap with a cloth when
opening.
■
Coolant and coolant fumes are harmful - avoid contact with the coolant. If
the coolant comes into contact with the eye or skin, wash the affected area
with plenty of water for several minutes, and where appropriate seek medi-
cal help.
CAUTION
Do not cover the radiator and install any parts (e.g auxiliary lights.) in front of
the air intakes - risk of the engine overheating.129Inspecting and replenishing

Checking and refillingFig. 149
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 129 first.
Check and refill coolant under the following conditions.The vehicle is on a horizontal surface.
The engine is not warm (if the engine is warm the result of the check may
be wrong).
The engine is turned off.
Check the coolant level - the coolant level must lie between the marks
A
and
B
» Fig. 149. If the coolant level is below the mark
B
, top up with coolant.
Refilling
The reservoir must always contain a small amount of coolant »
.
›
Place a cloth over the cap of the coolant expansion tank and unscrew the
cap carefully .
›
Always top up using coolant of the correct specification.
›
Turn the cap until it clicks into place.
The specification for the coolant is shown in the coolant expansion reservoir
» Fig. 149 .
If the specified coolant is not available, then refilling only with distilled or dem-
ineralised water, and get a specialist garage to correct the water-coolant addi-
tive mix as soon as possible.
CAUTION■ If the expansion tank is empty, do not top up with coolant. The system could
aerate - risk of engine damage!  Stop driving! Switch off the engine and seek
assistance from a specialist garage.■
Do not fill the coolant above the mark
A
» Fig. 149 . The coolant could, when
heated, be expelled from the cooling system - risk of damage to the engine
parts.
■
If it is not possible to add coolant, 
do not continue driving! Switch off the
engine and seek assistance from a specialist garage.
■
A coolant additive which does not correspond to the correct specification can
reduce the anti-corrosion effect of the cooling system - risk of damage to the
cooling system and the engine.
■
If non-distilled (non-demineralised) water has been used to top up, the cool-
ant should be replaced by a specialist garage - risk of engine damage.
■
A loss of coolant indicates leaks in the cooling system - risk of engine dam-
age. Top up with coolant and then seek assistance from a specialist garage.
Note
Too low coolant level is indicated in the instrument cluster by the warning
light  and shown by the message » page 35. We still recommend inspecting
the coolant level directly at the reservoir from time to time.
Brake fluid
Fig. 150
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. 150. 
130General Maintenance

Specification - the brake fluid must comply with the standard VW 501 14 (this
standard meets the requirements of FMVSS 116 DOT4).WARNING■ The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 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