2016 SKODA RAPID Owner's Manual

Check proper fittingFig. 135
Correctly secured ball head
Read and observe on page 108 first.
Correctly secured ball rod » Fig. 135
The tow bar does not come out of the mounting recess even after heavy
“shaking”.
The green marking
A
on the handwheel points to the white marking on
the tow bar.
The handwheel is tight against the ball rod.
The lock is locked and the key is removed.
The cap
B
is on the lock.
Removing the bar ball - Step 1.
Fig. 136
Remove cap from the lock / insert key into the lock
Fig. 137
Unlock lock
Read and observe on page 108 first.
No trailer or other accessory is connected to the tow bar. We recommend put-
ting the protective cover onto the ball head before removing the tow bar.
›
Remove the cover
A
from the lock in the direction of the arrow
1
» Fig. 136 .
›
Insert the key into the lock
B
in the direction of arrow
2,
so that the arrow
on the key symbol  shows.
›
Turn the key
B
in the direction of arrow
3,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol » Fig. 137
shows.
Removing the bar ball - Step 2.
Fig. 138
Release tow bar
Read and observe on page 108 first.
Removal
›
Grasp the ball bar from below » Fig. 138 .
›
Pull the hand wheel
A
in the direction of the arrow
1
.
›
Turn the pulled handwheel in the arrow direction
2
until it stops. Hold it in
this position. 
111Towing device and trailer

›Remove the tow bar from the mounting recess downwards and in the direc-
tion of the arrow 3. At the same time, the ball rod latches into the ready po-
sition and is therefore ready to be re-fitted.
After removing the ball rod, insert the cap for the receiving shaft A
against
the direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 133 on page 110 .
If the hand wheel
A
is not turned all the way to the stop, then it will return to
its initial position when the tow bar is removed and will rest on the tow bar
and not engage into the ready position. The ball head then needs to be
brought into this position before the next time it is fitted » page 109, Adjusting
the ready position .
The ball rod must be cleaned before it is stored in the box with the tool kit.
WARNINGNever allow the tow bar to remain unsecured in the boot. This could cause
damage to the boot upon sudden braking, and could put the safety of the
occupants at risk.
Vertical load with mounted accessories
Fig. 139
Representation of the maximum
length of the mounted accesso-
ries and the permissible total
weight of the accessory depend-
ing on the load centre of gravity
Read and observe on page 108 first.
When using the accessories (e.g. bicycle carrier), the maximum length and the
permissible total weight including load must be considered.
The maximum length of the mounted accessories (from the ball of the towing
device) is 70 cm » Fig. 139 .
The total permitted weight of the accessories including load changes with in-
creasing distance of the load centre of gravity from the ball head of the towing
device.
Distance of the centre of gravity of the load from the ball headPermissible total weight of the ac- cessory, including load0 cm50 kg30 cm50 kg60 cm25 kg70 cm0 kg
CAUTION
Never exceed the permissible total weight of the accessories incl. load and
maximum length of the accessories - risk of damage to the towing device.
Note
We recommend that you use accessories from ŠKODA Original Accessories.
Use the towing device
Trailer (accessory) connect and disconnect
Fig. 140
Swivel out the 13-pin power
socket, safety eyelet
Connect and disconnect
›
Install the ball rod and remove the protective cap
3
» Fig. 129 on page 108 .
›
Place the trailer (the accessory) onto the ball head.
›
Grip the 13-pin socket on the handle
A
and swing out in the direction of the
arrow » Fig. 140 .
›
Insert the connector of the trailer cable into the 13-pin socket. (If the trailer /
accessories have a 7-pin connector, use a corresponding reduction piece
from the ŠKODA Original Accessories).
›
Suspend the breakaway cable of the trailer at the safety eyelet
B
(the
breakaway cable must sag in all trailer settings in view of the vehicle).
Uncoupling takes place in reverse order. 
112Driving

Exterior mirrors
You should have additional exterior mirrors fitted if you are not able to see the
traffic behind the trailer using the standard rear-view mirrors.
Headlights
The front of the vehicle may lift up when a trailer (accessory) is being towed
and the headlights may dazzle other road users. Set the range of the head-
lights » page 54 .
Power supply of the trailer / accessory power system
In the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory), the
trailer (accessories) is supplied with power from the vehicle (with ignition
switched on and off).
With the engine switched off, the vehicle battery is discharged by the connec-
ted consumers.
At low charge state of the vehicle battery, the power supply to the trailer (ac-
cessories) is interrupted.WARNING■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories)
may result in an accident or serious injury from electrical shock.■
Do not make any adjustments to the electrical installation of the vehicle
and the trailer (accessories) - risk of an accident or serious injury from elec-
trical shock.
WARNING (Continued)■ After the electrical connection between the vehicle and trailer (accessory)
the trailer / accessory lights should be checked for function.■
Never use the securing eye to tow - risk of accident!
CAUTION
■ An improperly connected electrical installation of the trailer (accessories) can
lead to the inoperability of the vehicle electronics.■
The total power consumption of all the connected consumers to the trailer
power supply must not exceed 350 watts, otherwise there is a risk of damage
to the electrical system of the vehicle.
Loading a trailer
Correct the tyre inflation pressure on the vehicle for “full load” » page 134.
Distribution of the cargo
Distribute the cargo in the trailer in such a way that heavy items are located as
close to the trailer axle as possible. Secure the load from slipping.
The distribution of the weight is very poor if your vehicle is unladen and the
trailer is laden. Nevertheless, maintain a particularly low speed if you cannot
avoid driving with this combination.
WARNINGA sliding cargo can significantly adversely affect stability and driving safety
- there is a risk of accident!
Trailer load
The permissible trailer load must not be exceeded under any circumstances.Permissible trailer loadEngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8% a)1.2 ltr./66 kW TSIMG9001000580DSG90010005901.2 l./81 kW TSIMG110012005901.4 l./92 kW TSIDSG12001200600DSG (Green tec)12001200610
113Towing device and trailer

EngineTransmissionPermissible trailer load, braked (kg)Permissible trailer load, unbraked (kg)Gradients of up to 12%Gradients of up to 8%a)1.6 l./66 kW MPIMG100011005701.6 l./81 kW MPIMG10001100580AG100011006001.4 l/66 kW TDI CRMG10001100610DSG100011006201.6 l/85 kW TDI CRMG12001200640a)
Only valid for some countries.
WARNINGThe maximum vertical load and the maximum trailer load must not be ex-
ceeded - there is risk of accident!
Towing a trailer
Driving speed
For safety reasons, do not drive with the trailer any faster than 100 km/h
(when the towing vehicle is a passenger car of category M1) or 80 km/h (when
the towing vehicle is a truck of category N1).
Immediately reduce your speed as soon as even the slightest swaying of the
trailer is detected. Never attempt to stop the trailer from “swaying” by acceler-
ating.
Brakes
Apply the brakes in good time! If the trailer is fitted with a trailer brake, apply
the brakes gently at first, then brake firmly. This will avoid brake jolts resulting
from the trailer wheels locking.
On downhill sections shift down a gear in good time to also use the engine as
a brake.
WARNINGAlways drive particularly carefully with the trailer.
CAUTION
With frequent towing, the vehicle is excessively loaded so this must also be
checked between service intervals.Anti-theft alarm system
The alarm is triggered if, with a vehicle with activated anti-theft alarm (herein-
after only warning system), the electrical connection to the trailer (accessory)
is interrupted.
Always switch off the anti-theft alarm system before a trailer (accessory) is
coupled or uncoupled » page 49.
Conditions for including a trailer (accessory) in the anti-theft alarm system. The vehicle is factory-fitted with an anti-theft alarm system and a towing
device.
The trailer (accessory) is electrically connected to the towing vehicle by
means of the trailer socket.
The electrical system of the vehicle and trailer (accessory) is functional.
The vehicle is locked and the anti-theft alarm system is activated.
The trailer (accessory) is not equipped with LED taillights.114Driving

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
115
Statutory checks
115
ŠKODA Service partner
115
ŠKODA Original parts
116
ŠKODA Original accessories
116
Spoiler
116
Component protection
116
Airbags
116
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
117
The instructions and guidelines from ŠKODA AUTO must be observed when us-
ing accessories or carrying out any modifications, repairs or technical altera-
tions to your vehicle.
Adhering to these instructions and guidelines helps ensure road safety and
helps keep your vehicle in a good technical condition.
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 115 first.
If you would like to operate your vehicle in countries other than those with itsintended 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 func-
tioning of the vehicle or to prevent damage (e.g. coolant, changing the battery
or similar).
Statutory checks
Read and observe
on page 115 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 authorized 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 115 first.
All ŠKODA Service Partners work according to the instructions and guidelines
from ŠKODA AUTO. All service and repair work is therefore carried out on time
and at the appropriate quality. Adhering to these instructions and guidelines
helps ensure road safety and helps keep your vehicle in a good technical con-
dition.
We therefore advise you to have all modifications, repairs and technical altera-
tions to your vehicle carried out by a ŠKODA Service Partner.
115Care and maintenance

ŠKODA Original partsRead and observe
on page 115 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 of ŠKODA Genuine Parts for
a period of 2 years after sale in accordance with the materials defect liability,
unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement.
ŠKODA Original accessories
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
If you wish to fit accessories to your vehicle, you should remember the follow-ing.
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 of ŠKODA Genuine Accesso-
ries for a period of 2 years after installation or delivery in accordance with the
materials defect liability, unless agreed otherwise in the purchase agreement
or any other agreements.
Spoiler
Read and observe
on page 115 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 issues with some functions/vehicle systems.
Component protection
Read and observe
on page 115 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 115 first.
WARNING■Modifications, repairs and technical alterations that have been carried out
unprofessionally can cause damage and operational faults, and can also se-
riously impair the effectiveness of the airbag system – risk of accident and
fatal injury!■
A change to the vehicle's wheel suspension, including the use of non-ap-
proved wheels and tyre combinations, can impair the functioning of the air-
bag system - risk of accident and fatal injury! 
116General 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.
Acceptance and recycling of used vehicles
Read and observe
on page 115 first.
All new ŠKODA vehicles are 95% recyclable.
Service intervals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Overview of service intervals
117
Fixed service intervals QI1 - QI4
118
Variable service interval QI6
118
Digital Service Plan
118
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 42.
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.
Overview of service intervals
Fig. 141
Vehicle data: Service interval
The service interval specified by the manufacturer is indicated on the vehicle
data carrier » Fig. 141 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. 
117Care and maintenance

▶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 128.■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 – risk of accident!NoteFor diesel operation with a high sulphur content, the oil must be changed ev-
ery 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.
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 – 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. 
118General Maintenance