2016 SKODA RAPID SPACEBACK overheating

The wear and tear on the brake pads is dependent on the operating condi-
tions and driving style. In difficult conditions (e.g. urban, sporty driving), the
condition of the brakes should be checked between services by a specialist ga-
rage.
Brake response can be slower if the brakes are covered in moisture or, in win-
ter, have a layer of ice or salt on them . The brakes should be cleaned and
dried by applying the brakes many times over »
.
Corrosion on the brake discs and dirt on the brake pads can occur if the vehicle
has been parked for a long period and if you do not make much use of the
braking system. The brakes are cleaned by applying the brakes several times
over »
.
Before negotiating a long or steep gradient , reduce speed and shift down a
gear. As a result, the braking effect of the engine will be used, reducing the
load on the brakes. If, nevertheless, there is a need for additional braking, it
should be carried out at intervals.
Emergency braking warning - if it is necessary to brake hard, the system may
cause the brake lights to automatically flash, to alert the traffic behind.
New brake pads must first be “run in” because these do not initially have the
best possible braking effect. Drive especially carefully for the first 200 km or
so.
If the brake fluid level is too low, it can cause faults in the braking system ;
the warning light  will light up in the instrument cluster
» page 30,
 Braking
system . If the warning light does not light up, yet the stopping distance is per-
ceived to be longer than before, the driving style should be adapted in view of
the unknown cause of the problem, and braking kept to a minimum - seek the
help of a specialist garage without delay.
The brake booster increases the pressure generated with the brake pedal. The
brake booster only operates when the engine is running.
WARNING■ Greater physical effort is required for braking when the engine is switch-
ed off – risk of accident!■
The clutch pedal must be actuated when braking on a vehicle with man-
ual transmission, when the vehicle is in gear and at low revs. Otherwise,
the functionality of the brake system may be impaired – risk of accident!
WARNING (Continued)■ Do not depress the brake pedal if there is no requirement to slow down.
This causes the brakes to overheat and can also result in a longer braking
distance and excessive wear - risk of accident!■
Only brake for the purpose of drying and cleaning the brake discs if the
traffic conditions permit this. Do not place any other road users in jeopardy.
■
Recommendations for new brake pads should be followed.
■
When stopping and parking, the parking brake should always be applied
firmly, otherwise the vehicle could move off - risk of accident!
■
If a front spoiler, full wheel trim, etc. is mounted retrospectively, it must
be ensured that the air supply to the front wheel brakes is not reduced.
Otherwise, the front brakes could be in danger of overheating – risk of acci-
dent!
Handbrake
Fig. 108
Handbrake
Read and observe on page 90 first.
The handbrake secures the vehicle against unwanted movement when stop-
ping and parking.
Apply
›
Pull the handbrake lever firmly upwards.
Releasing
›
Pull the handbrake lever up slightly and at the same time push in the locking
button » Fig. 108 .
›
Move the lever right down while pressing the lock button.
The handbrake warning light 
lights up when the handbrake is applied, pro-
vided the ignition is on. 
90Driving

A warning signal sounds if the vehicle is inadvertently driven off with the
handbrake applied. The handbrake warning is activated if the vehicle is driven
at a speed of over 5 km/h for more than 3 seconds.WARNINGDisengage the handbrake completely. A handbrake which is only partially
disengaged can result in the rear brakes overheating. This can have a nega-
tive effect on the operation of the brake system – risk of accident!
Parking
Read and observe
on page 90 first.
When stopping and parking, look for a place with a suitable surface » .
Only carry out the activities while parking in the specified order.
›
Bring the vehicle to a stop and depress the brake pedal.
›
Firmly apply the handbrake.
›
On vehicles with automatic transmission , place the selector lever in the P
position.
›
Switch off the engine.
›
For vehicles with manual transmission , select gear 1 or reverse gear R .
›
Release the brake pedal.
WARNING■
The parts of the exhaust system can become very hot. Therefore, never
stop the vehicle in places where the underside of your vehicle could come
into contact with flammable materials (e.g. dry grass, leaves, spilled fuel or
the like). - Risk of fire and serious injury can occur!■
When leaving the vehicle, never leave people unattended in the car who
could, for example, lock the vehicle or release the brake - risk of accidents
and injury!
Manual gear changing and pedals
 Introduction
This chapter contains information on the following subjects:
Manual gear changing
91
Pedals
91Manual gear changingFig. 109
The shift pattern
The gearshift pattern for the individual gear positions is shown on the gear
lever » Fig. 109 .
The gearshift indicator should be observed when changing gear » page 38.
Always depress the clutch pedal all the way down. This prevents uneven wear
to the clutch.
Engaging reverse gear
›
Stop the vehicle.
›
The clutch pedal must be fully depressed.
›
Switch the gear lever to N.
›
Push the shift lever downwards fully to the left and then forward into
R » Fig. 109 .
The reversing lights will come on once the reverse gear is engaged, provided
the ignition is on.
WARNINGNever engage reverse gear when driving – risk of accident!
CAUTION
If not in the process of changing gear, do not leave your hand on the gear shift
lever while driving. The pressure from the hand can cause the gear shift mech-
anism to wear excessively.
Pedals
The operation of the pedals must not be hindered under any circumstances! 
91Starting-off and Driving

WARNING■The following instructions must be followed at all times when working on
the engine compartment » page 128.■
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.
Checking and refilling
Fig. 155
Coolant expansion reservoir
Read and observe and on page 132 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. 155. 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. 155 .
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. 155 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.132General Maintenance