2016 SKODA RAPID tow

Assembling the bar ball - Step 1Fig. 133
Remove cap for receiving shaft / use ball bar
Read and observe
on page 108 first.
The tow bar must be set to the standby position » page 109, Check the setting
of the standby position . If this is not in the standby position, then it must be
set to the standby position » page 109, Adjusting the ready position .
›
To prepare for the installation , remove the cap for the receiving shaft
A
in
direction of arrow
1
» Fig. 133 .
›
To install , hold the ball rod from underneath » Fig. 133 .
›
Push the ball rod into the receiving shaft in the direction of arrow
2
until it
stops. The ball rod must audibly snap into place » .
The hand wheel
B
rotates back automatically and rests on the ball rod » .
WARNINGDo not hold the handwheel with your hand when attaching the ball bar -
there is a risk of finger injury.Assembling the bar ball - Step 2Fig. 134
Secure the lock and remove key / place cap on lock
Read and observe
on page 108 first.
›
To begin with, follow the first step for the ball rod assembly » page 110.
›
Turn the key
A
in the direction of arrow
1,
so that the arrow on the key
symbol » Fig. 134
shows.
›
Remove the key in the direction of the arrow
2
.
›
Fit the cap
B
on the lock in the direction of the arrow
3
.
›
Check that the ball rod is securely attached » page 111.
WARNINGAfter fitting the tow bar, always secure the lock and remove the key. The
tow bar must not be operated with the key inserted.110Driving

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

The towing device is maintenance-free. Coat the ball head of the towing de-
vice with a suitable grease whenever necessary.
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. Films will age and become brittle – this is entirely normal;
this is not a fault.
Sunlight may also affect the strength of the film colour.
When transporting a load on the roof rack (e.g. roof box or similar), there is an
increased risk of film damage (e.g. of chipping 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 any paint care products 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 lights / lights
■ Do not wipe headlight/lights dry, do not use any sharp objects - risk of
damage to the protective coating and cracks forming on the headlight glass
covers.
■
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. 142
Installation location of the ice
scraper, removing the scraper
Read and observe and on page 119 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. 
121Care and 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